How to 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 in the state earn an average of $69,050 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 to overcome challenges. Thus, it’s no wonder why there are more than 7,300 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 in Alabama, Alabama social work licenses, and more.

Information below was retrieved May 2022 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

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.

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.

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.

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.

University of Southern California

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Master of Social Work (MSW)

The MSW@USC is the online Master of Social Work from top-ranked USC Suzanne Dworak-Peck School of Social Work. USC offers virtual and in-person field education, and students focus on adults, youth or social change.

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.

Case Western Reserve University

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Master of Social Work (MSW)

In as few as a year and a half, you can prepare for social work leadership by earning your Master of Social Work online from Case Western Reserve University’s school of social work.

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Common Steps to Become a 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. For how to become a licensed social worker in Alabama, follow these steps, summarized by the Alabama State Board of Social Work Examiners.

Steps to Become a Licensed Bachelor Social Worker (LBSW)

Those looking to pursue an LBSW may apply through the state board as long as they have a minimum of a Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) degree from a college or university accredited by the Council of 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 a supervised statement of understanding, which explains that LBSWs are required to complete at least four hours per month of supervision for 24 months, totaling 96 hours of required supervision.

Pass the ASWB exam

A passing score on the bachelor’s examination administered by the Association of Social Work Boards (ASWB) is needed to pursue an LBSW in Alabama.

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)

To receive an LMSW, a Master of Social Work (MSW) or Doctor of Social Work (DSW) is required.

Completion of 24 months of supervision, at a minimum of four hours per month.
Passing score on the Masters Social Work Licensing Examination from the Association of Social Work Boards.
Application to the board.

To become a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in Alabama, the Alabama State Board of Social Work Examiners requires:

Completion of an approved Master of Social Work degree program.
Completion of 24 months of supervision, at a minimum of four hours per month.
Passing score on the Clinical Social Work Licensing Examination from the Association of Social Work Boards.
Application to the board.

Learn more about how to become a social worker.

Social Work Degree Programs in Alabama

Social work degree programs across the United States are accredited by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE). In Alabama, CSWE has 14 accredited Bachelor of Social Work degree programs and eight Master of Social Work programs.

An on-campus or online bachelor’s degree in social work can enable a student to enter an advanced standing program in an MSW can qualify a student for advanced standing in an MSW program, where you may be able to complete an MSW in around one year. A BSW also prepares students for entry-level social work positions. The following are some schools in Alabama that offer BSW programs:

Master of Social Work (MSW) Programs in Alabama

Master of Social Work programs in Alabama offer various concentration options, such as Clinical or Direct Practice, Management or Administration, and Children, Youth and Families.

University	Location	Study Length	Enrollment Type
Alabama A&M University	Huntsville, Alabama	1+ years	Full-Time and Part-Time
Alabama State University	Montgomery, Alabama	2+ years	Full-Time Part-Time
Auburn University	Auburn, Alabama	2+ years	Full-Time
Jacksonville State University	Jacksonville, Alabama	2+ years	Full-Time and Part-Time
Samford University	Birmingham, Alabama	2+ years	Full-Time and Part-Time
The University of Alabama	Tuscaloosa, Alabama	2+ years	Full-Time and Part-Time
The University of Alabama at Birmingham	Birmingham, Alabama	3+ years	Full-Time and Part-Time
The University of Alabama	Tuscaloosa, Alabama	2 years	Full-Time

Online MSW Programs in Alabama

Online MSW programs in Alabama also offer various concentrations, such as Advanced Clinical Practice, and other options, such as full-time or part-time study.

University	Location	Study Length	Enrollment Type
Alabama A&M University	Huntsville, Alabama	2+ years	Full-Time and Part-Time
Samford University	Birmingham, Alabama	1+ years	Full-Time and Part-Time
Troy University	Troy, Alabama	2 years	Full-Time
The University of Alabama	Tuscaloosa, Alabama	2 years	Full-Time and Part-Time

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

Alabama Social Work Careers	Number of Social Workers in Alabama	Annual Mean Social Work Salary
Child, Family and School Social Workers	3,150	$45,200
Healthcare Social Workers	2,360	$50,450
Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workers	850	$36,680
Social Workers, All Other	390	$69,050
Social Work Teachers, Postsecondary	220	$71,430

Information on the above social work salaries in Alabama was retrieved from the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Estimates Alabama in May 2022.

Learn more about social work salaries.

Alabama Social Work Scholarships

If you’re interested in going to social work school in Alabama, there are social work scholarships that can help you pay for your degree. Be sure to check with your preferred university for other financial aid options.

There are a variety of state and local social work scholarships available in Alabama, including:

Learn more about social work scholarships.

Alabama Social Work Organizations

There are a variety of state and local social work organizations in Alabama, including:

Alabama Society for Clinical Social Workers (ASCSW): Founded in 1973, the ASCSW is a nonprofit professional organization of licensed social workers who provide direct clinical services to individuals with mental and emotional disorders.
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 informed practices within the profession, and advocates for policies addressing the HIV and AIDS epidemic.

FAQs

Does Alabama have social work reciprocity?

The Alabama State Board of Social Work Examiners offers reciprocity for licensed bachelor social workers, lLicensed master social workers and licensed clinical social workers.

What are the social work continuing education (CE) requirements in Alabama?

According to the Alabama State Board of Social Work Examiners, the social work continuing education requirements in Alabama are 30 hours of CE over two years. At least 10 hours must be in a classroom, and three hours must be about ethics. For licensed clinical social workers, three hours must also be in clinical social work education.

Learn more about continuing education for social workers.

What is the best way to look up my social work license in Alabama?

Social work license verification in Alabama can be obtained through the Alabama State Board of Social Work Examiners. Users must enter their county, last name and licensee number.

Last updated March 2022.