Become a Social Worker in Alabama

In Alabama, becoming a social worker can be a rewarding career path, with the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) estimating that social workers nationally earn an average of $61,330 a year. But social workers also have the additional satisfaction of earning their living while making a difference in their communities by connecting clients with the resources they need to overcome challenges. Thus, it’s no wonder that there are approximately 8,490 social work professionals in Alabama who already call themselves social workers.

This career guide explains how to become a social worker in Alabama, the social work degree programs available, Alabama social work licenses, and more.

Information below was retrieved February 2026 and is only meant to be a high-level overview. Requirements may change, always check with the state licensing board for complete and up to date information.

Common Steps to Become an Alabama Social Worker

Wondering how to become a social worker in Alabama? Education, field experience, and licensure can help you achieve your social worker career goals. To become a licensed social worker in Alabama, follow these steps based on the Alabama State Board of Social Work Examiners licensing requirements. Exact requirements vary by license level.

Steps to Become a Licensed Bachelor Social Worker (LBSW)

Those looking to pursue an LBSW may apply through the state board, provided they have a minimum of a Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) degree from a college or university accredited by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE).

Complete the application

For the LBSW application, you must fill out the form provided by the board. You should also include official transcripts from an accredited university. You must also submit the Board’s Supervision Statement of Understanding for LBSWs (required for LBSW licensure). This acknowledgement notes that, once licensed, LBSWs must complete at least 4 hours of supervision per month for 24 months (96 hours total), completed within 36 months of beginning employment, under an LMSW or LICSW, with a supervision contract subject to Board approval.

Pass the ASWB exam

After you submit a complete application and pass the ASWB Bachelor’s exam, the Alabama State Board of Social Work Examiners will issue your LBSW license.

Receive your license

Once you’ve completed the above steps, you will receive your LBSW license in Alabama.

Steps to Become a Licensed Master Social Worker (LMSW)

1. Earn a graduate social work degree (typically an MSW; the Board also recognizes doctoral-level social work education).
2. Apply to the ABSWE and submit required documentation (including official transcripts).
3. Receive Board approval and pass the ASWB Master’s exam.
4. Once your application is complete and you pass the exam, the ABSWE issues your LMSW license.

Steps to Become a Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker (LICSW)

1. Completion of a CSWE-accredited (or CSWE candidacy) MSW or DSW program.
2. At least two years (24 months) of post-master/doctoral supervised social work practice, completed at a minimum of 4 hours of supervision per month for 24 months within a 36-month period, under an LICSW supervisor (per Board supervision rules).
3. Passing the ASWB Clinical exam.
4. Submission of the LICSW application to the Board (and if applying as a candidate for the clinical exam, you must hold a current, active Master-level license).

Learn more about how to become a social worker.

Social Work Degree Programs in Alabama

A CSWE-accredited Bachelor of Social Work (BSW), whether earned on campus or in an approved online format, may qualify you for advanced standing in some Master of Social Work (MSW) programs. Advanced standing can shorten the MSW timeline, sometimes allowing students to finish in about one year of full-time study, depending on the school’s structure and eligibility rules. A BSW also prepares graduates for entry-level, generalist social work roles.

The following are some schools in Alabama that offer BSW programs:

• University of South Alabama
• Alabama A&M University
• Alabama State University
• Auburn University
• Auburn University at Montgomery
• Jacksonville State University
• Miles College
• Oakwood University
• Talladega College
• Troy University
• Tuskegee University
• The University of Alabama
• The University of Alabama at Birmingham
• University of Montevallo
• University of North Alabama
• University of South Alabama

Online MSW Programs in Alabama

Online and hybrid MSW options in Alabama can offer flexibility through full-time or part-time plans, and some programs provide specialization options, but formats and concentrations vary by school, so it’s important to confirm each program’s delivery method (fully online vs. hybrid/primarily online) before applying. For example, Troy describes online MSW pathways, UA offers a primarily online MSW format, and Samford offers online and in-person courses.

Learn more about advanced standing online Master of Social Work programs, online MSW programs for aspiring clinical social workers, and online master’s in social work programs.

Social Work Salaries for Alabama

Information on the above social work salaries in Alabama was retrieved from the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Estimates Alabama in February 2026.

Learn more about social work salaries.

Alabama Social Work Scholarships

If you’re interested in going to social work school in Alabama, scholarships can help reduce the cost of your degree. Start by checking scholarship pages for your preferred university, then look at professional associations and national programs that support social work and related helping professions.

Examples to explore include:

• National Association of Junior Auxiliaries (NAJA) Scholarship Program (national graduate scholarships focused on fields serving children and youth).
• University of Alabama School of Social Work – Financial Aid & Endowed Scholarships (UA lists multiple named endowed scholarships for eligible social work students).
• NASW–Alabama Torchbearer Scholarship (state chapter scholarship for students in social work degree programs).

Learn more about social work scholarships.

Alabama Social Work Organizations

There are a variety of state-based and national social work organizations in Alabama, including:

• Alabama Society for Health Care Social Workers (ASHCSW): The Alabama Society for Clinical Social Work (ASCSW) is a professional organization for clinical social workers in Alabama.
• National Association of Social Workers (NASW), Alabama Chapter: The NASW is one of the largest social worker organizations in the world. The Alabama chapter looks to advance the organization’s mission to encourage and facilitate advocacy, education and growth for its members.
• Professional Association of Social Workers in HIV & AIDS (PASWHA): This organization supports the professional development of HIV social workers, promotes evidence-based practices within the profession, and advocates for policies to address the HIV and AIDS epidemic.