If you get excited about helping people and want to positively impact younger generations, a career as a school social worker may interest you. Use this guide to learn more about this fulfilling career, including how to become a school social worker, what they do and how much money they make.

The first step is to look into your state’s social work license requirements. You can usually find regulation information at the website of your state education department or local board of education. Another useful resource may be the school social worker association in your state.

A bachelor’s degree in social work may help you begin a career as a school social worker. However, the National Association of Social Work (NASW) Standards for School Social Work Services (PDF, 113 KB) recommends entry-level school social workers earn a Master of Social Work (MSW) degree. If a state employs BSW-level school social workers, in the NASW Standards for School Social Work Services, the association recommends they be supervised by a MSW-level social worker.

The Council on Social Work Education’s (CSWE) directory of accredited schools currently doesn’t list bachelor’s in school social work programs. Generally, you should check with your state’s social work licensing board for more information.

Sponsored online social work programs

University of Denver

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Master of Social Work (MSW)

The University of Denver’s Online MSW Program is delivered by its top-ranked school of social work and offers two programs. Students can earn their degree in as few as 12 months for the Online Advanced-Standing MSW or 27 months for the Online MSW.

• Complete the Online Advanced-Standing MSW in as few as 12 months if you have a BSW; if you do not have a BSW, the Online MSW Program may be completed in as few as 27 months.
• No GRE Required
• Customizable pathway options include Mental Health and Trauma or Health, Equity and Wellness concentrations

Request more info from the University of Denver.

Fordham University

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Master of Social Work (MSW)

Fordham’s skills-based, online MSW program integrates advanced relevant social work competencies, preparing students to serve individuals and communities while moving the profession forward. This program includes advanced standing and traditional MSW options.

•  Traditional and advanced standing online MSW options are available.
• There are four areas of focus: Individuals and Families, Organizations and Community, Evaluation, and Policy Practice and Advocacy.
• Pursue the degree on a full-time or part-time track.

Request more info from Fordham University.

Hawaii Pacific University

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Master of Social Work

The online Master of Social Work prepares aspiring social work leaders to develop a multicultural social work practice, advocate for social and economic justice, and empower diverse communities affected by systemic inequities within civilian and military-focused areas. 

• Learn how to develop a multicultural social work practice.  
• Pending accreditation by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE).
• Complete in 18 months full time, or in 36 months part time on the traditional track.
• Complete in 12 months full time or 24 months part time on the Advanced Standing Track. 

Request more info from Hawaii Pacific University.

Simmons University

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Master of Social Work (MSW)

Aspiring direct practitioners can earn their MSW online from Simmons University in as few as 9 months. GRE scores are not required, and the program offers full-time, part-time, accelerated, and advanced standing tracks.

• Prepares students to pursue licensure, including LCSW 
• Full-time, part-time, and accelerated tracks 
• Minimum completion time: 9 months

Request more info from Simmons University.

Howard University

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Master of Social Work (MSW)

The online Master of Social Work program from Howard University School of Social Work prepares students for advanced direct or macro practice in culturally diverse communities. Two concentrations available: Direct Practice and Community, Administration, and Policy Practice. No GRE. Complete in as few as 12 months.

• Concentrations: Direct Practice and Community, Administration, and Policy Practice
• Complete at least 777-1,000 hours of agency-based field education
• Earn your degree in as few as 12 months

Request more info from Howard University.

Syracuse University

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Master of Social Work (MSW)

Syracuse University’s online Master of Social Work program does not require GRE scores to apply and is focused on preparing social workers who embrace technology as an important part of the future of the profession. Traditional and Advanced Standing tracks are available.

• Traditional and Advanced Standing tracks
• No GRE required
• Concentrate your degree in integrated practice or clinical practice

Request more info from Syracuse University.

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Learn more about social work degrees:

• Online MSW Program
• Online LCSW Programs
• Online Advanced Standing MSW Programs
• Doctorate of Social Work Programs

Some school social worker roles may require additional credentials, such as a Certified School Social Work Specialist (C-SSWS) credential. This credential, offered by the NASW, designates experienced professionals who are qualified to work in diverse school settings.

Different states have different credential requirements and recommendations. California has Pupil Personnel Services Credentials (PPSC), which are issued by the State of California Commission on Teacher Credentialing (CTC). Additional credentials may help you get jobs in public schools.

What is a School Social Worker?

A school social worker is a social worker who advocates on behalf of students. They work directly with students, parents and teachers to set students up for success in the classroom and at home. Their ultimate goal is to provide services that help students and families thrive and contribute to communities.

They are the link between school families and community resources. For example, they might collaborate with administrators to work on school policies that develop mental health intervention, support services and crisis management. They may also facilitate community involvement in schools.

School social workers help students, educators, families and others identify issues that are inhibiting student learning. They work with the school community and students to resolve social, emotional and behavioral problems so students can have a successful education. They may also act as a community liaison for the school.

According to the School Social Work Association of America (SSWAA), school social workers provide a variety of services to students, families, staff, school districts and the community. Here are examples of the services provided to each of these groups:

Student Services

• Help children develop social interaction skills.
• Develop positive behavioral intervention strategies.
• Assist with anger management and conflict resolution.
• Provide mediation therapy for students in conflict with other students or teachers.
• Prepare social or developmental histories for children with special needs.
• Develop educational programs for exceptional children and alternative programs for challenged kids.
• Participate in special education assessment and Individualized Education Program (IEP) meetings.

While most work in schools, some may not. They can also work in offices or private practices to help students and families referred by schools. In schools, social workers focus on bridging the gap between students, families and school workers. Some may choose to work outside the school setting to make broader, policy-level change to affect many students instead of individuals.

In schools, social workers may work in offices and counsel students, families and teachers. Students may be referred for therapeutic services because of school-related problems like frequent absences, tardiness, underachievement, bullying or aggressive behavior.

In a school setting, social workers can help students cope with issues like:

Sometimes they will have to refer a student or family to an outside agency.

Outside of school, school social workers may research issues and develop policies to help local, state and national education systems. They may work with lobbyists or for state and local governments.

They can also be hired by school districts to help a district achieve an academic mission. These social workers often make recommendations for district policies regarding home-school-community collaboration.

Experienced professionals may also open up their own private practices, focusing on issues affecting the academic performance of kids and teens. They may be contracted by schools to provide their services.

The 2020 mean annual wage for child, family and school social workers was $52,370, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). Child, family and school social workers in the 90th percentile earned $80,290.

The top-paying employers, based on 2020 annual mean wage data from the BLS, were:

Employment of social workers is projected to grow 13% between 2019 and 2029, according to the BLS, which is much faster than the average for all occupations.