Connecticut has a statewide network of about 9,250 social workers, according to the BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) May 2024 estimates. Nationally, the BLS projects social worker employment to grow about 6% from 2024 to 2034 (faster than average), reflecting continued demand across healthcare, schools, and behavioral health settings.

This guide to becoming a social worker in Connecticut outlines educational requirements, licensing, social work organizations to join, and more. Once you complete the steps to become a social worker in Connecticut, you can embark on a meaningful, fulfilling career helping others in the Constitution State.

Information below was retrieved January 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.

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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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. 

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Common Steps to Become a Connecticut Social Worker

Before pursuing licensure in Connecticut, it helps to know the state’s social work licenses are master’s-level. A BSW can prepare you for entry-level social services roles, but Connecticut licensure requires a CSWE-accredited MSW (and clinical licensure may also accept a doctorate). Connecticut’s Department of Public Health (DPH) regulates two main social work licenses: Licensed Master Social Worker (LMSW) and Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW). There may also be additional requirements, such as a background check and clinical supervision, based on your goals. Below are the steps to obtain both licenses in Connecticut, summarized from the Connecticut State Department of Public Health.

1. Earn a CSWE-accredited social work degree

To become a licensed social worker in Connecticut, you will have to complete a BSW or Master of Social Work (MSW) program accredited by the Council of Social Work Education (CSWE). You can pursue these degrees in Connecticut through various formats, including full time, part time and online.

2. Fulfill your social work supervised experience requirement and pass your national/state exams

Connecticut has two levels of social workers, according to the state’s licensing board, with increasing requirements:

Licensed master social worker (LMSW): A person with a CSWE-accredited MSW who meets Connecticut DPH’s exam requirements. DPH notes the ASWB Master’s exam requirement is suspended until January 1, 2026, and it is required for applicants who earned the MSW on or after January 1, 2026. A person with an accredited master’s degree in social work who has passed the Association of Social Work Boards (ASWB) master’s exam. 

Licensed clinical social worker (LCSW): A person with an accredited master’s or doctorate degree in social work who has passed the ASWB clinical exam. Those seeking this license must also have earned 3,000 hours of supervised social work experience.

3. Get licensed

Once you’ve completed your hours and experience, you may apply to become a licensed social worker in Connecticut.

Learn more on how to become a social worker.

Connecticut has multiple CSWE-accredited BSW and MSW programs. According to the most recent program listings and school accreditation statements, the state has at least seven CSWE-accredited BSW programs and six CSWE-accredited MSW programs. With a BSW from a CSWE-accredited program, you may qualify for an advanced standing MSW track, which can allow some students to finish in as little as one year (or about one to two years, depending on the program and course load).

In order to obtain higher-level licenses in Connecticut, however, a minimum of an MSW is required. Some individuals further their education and experience in social work by pursuing a Doctor of Social Work (DSW) degree.

MSW programs in Connecticut teach students advanced social work theories and practical knowledge. MSW programs may include coursework on topics such as human development, social work policy and intervention. There are multiple CSWE-accredited MSW programs based in Connecticut.

Connecticut offers multiple CSWE-accredited MSW programs with online formats. Options include fully online programs (e.g., Sacred Heart University, the University of Connecticut, and Quinnipiac University) and online low-residency programs (e.g., Fairfield University).

Connecticut’s Department of Public Health (DPH) issues two primary social work licenses: Licensed Master Social Worker (LMSW) and Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW). You may be able to work in entry-level social services roles with an associate degree or a BSW, but Connecticut social work licensure requires graduate-level education. Connecticut DPH requires a CSWE-accredited MSW for the LMSW license, and a CSWE-accredited master’s degree (or doctorate) plus supervised experience and the ASWB Clinical exam for LCSW licensure. The licensing details below are summarized from Connecticut DPH’s official social work licensure guidance. 

Becoming an LMSW allows you to practice master-level social work as an advanced generalist social worker.

Becoming an LCSW allows you to practice clinical social work, including psychotherapy and mor,e without supervision after licensure.

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

For those just starting on their path to social work, there are state-wide scholarships and programs in place to assist you. Below are a few scholarship and loan-repayment options that can help fund your social work education (BSW/MSW) and reduce student debt as you work toward Connecticut licensure. Availability and eligibility vary by program and year. Award amounts and eligibility criteria vary each cycle. For example, UConn School of Social Work scholarship listings have included awards ranging from $500 to $2,000 (amounts vary by scholarship and year).

There are countless local and national associations and organizations with goals to promote, develop and protect the practice of social work and social workers. Better social work means better solutions for issues such as welfare, child welfare, elderly welfare, health care reform and other issues affecting the disadvantaged populations in Connecticut and beyond.

Does Connecticut offer social work license reciprocity?

Connecticut does not offer automatic “reciprocity,” but it does allow licensure by endorsement for out-of-state social workers. To qualify, you must apply through the Connecticut Department of Public Health (DPH) for the equivalent credential (LMSW or LCSW) and submit required documentation, typically including verification of your current/previous licenses, an official transcript from a CSWE-accredited program, and ASWB exam verification when applicable. Connecticut DPH also notes that there is no initial application fee for social work licensure. 

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

Connecticut social work licenses are renewed annually during the licensee’s birth month, and (after the first renewal, which is exempt) licensees must complete 15 hours of CE each 12-month registration period, including at least 5 hours in-person or synchronous live online and no more than 10 hours asynchronous/home study. Each period must include 1 hour of cultural competency, and licensees must complete 2 hours on veterans’ mental health in the first renewal period when CE is required and at least once every 6 years thereafter. Renew online and pay the annual fee. 

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

The best way to look up (verify) a Connecticut social work license is through the Connecticut eLicense “License Lookup” tool, which is the state’s primary-source verification database and is updated in real time. Search by name and credential type (or license number) to view your license number, status, issue/expiration information, and other public credential details.

Last updated in January 2026.