Become a Social Worker in Washington, D.C.
Washington, D.C., may be recognized as our nation’s capital, but it is also home to over 4,000 social workers. This career guide to becoming a social worker in Washington explains educational requirements, how to get licensed, social work organizations to join in Washington, and more. Once you complete the steps to become a social worker, you can embark on a meaningful, fulfilling career helping others.
This career guide for how to become a social worker in Washington D.C. explains educational requirements, how to get licensed, Washington D.C social work organizations to join and more. Once you complete the steps to become a Washington D.C social worker, you can embark on a meaningful, fulfilling career helping others.
The information below was retrieved in January 2026 and is intended only as a high-level overview. Requirements may change; always check with the state licensing board for the most current information.
Master of Social Work (MSW)
Earn your Master of Social Work (MSW) from the #2-ranked HBCU (U.S. News & World Report, 2025) and the #12- ranked social work school (U.S. News & World Report, 2024). The Howard University School of Social Work offers an online MSW for aspiring advanced-practice social workers. Attend live, online classes and complete field education in your community. No GRE required. Choose the Traditional MSW track, designed for students who are new to the field of social work, or the Advanced Standing MSW track, designed for students who hold a Bachelor of Social Work. Community, Administration and Policy (CAP) and Direct Practice concentrations are available.
- Traditional MSW (60 credits): Complete part-time in as few as 36 months. Complete full-time in as few as 16 months.
- Advanced Standing MSW (45 credits): Complete part-time in as few as 24 months. Complete full-time in as few as 12 months.
- 777–1,000 field education hours.
- Two start dates (January and September).
Common Steps to Become a Washington, D.C. Social Worker
Before becoming a social worker in Washington, D.C., you must earn at least a bachelor’s degree in social work and a social work license, depending on what career path you choose. Education, field experience and licensure can help you achieve your social worker career goals. For how to become an LCSW in Washington and advance your career, follow these steps, summarized by the DC Board of Social Work as of January 2026.
Steps to Become a Licensed Social Work Associate (LSWA) or Licensed Graduate Social Worker (LGSW) in Washington, D.C.
The application process to become an LSWA or LGSW in D.C. is essentially the same. However, applicants looking to become an LSWA may apply with a Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) while becoming an LGSW requires a minimum of a Master of Social Work (MSW) degree. These degrees must be accredited by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE). Becoming an LSWA allows you to practice general social work under the supervision of a licensed independent social worker (LISW) or a licensed independent clinical social worker (LICSW), while being an LGSW allows you to practice both clinical and non-clinical social work under supervision.
Submit your application
DC Health requires applicants to complete the online application and upload/submit the supporting documents listed on the Board’s New License by Examination checklist (Revised Oct 2024), including identification, a passport-type photo, a work experience form, references, and official transcripts. Additional information may be required if you plan to apply for licensure through endorsement.
Criminal background check
DC Health requires a criminal background check (CBC). Fingerprints are submitted electronically through Fieldprint, and Fieldprint forwards the FBI report to DC Health and the Board. Mailing materials to Fieldprint generally applies only in special situations (for example, certain out-of-country card-based submissions).
Pass the ASWB exam
Applicants must pass the ASWB exam at the required level for the license they’re seeking, and submit validated exam results to the Board. ASWB lists the exam registration fee as $230 for the Associate, Bachelors, and Masters exams.
Receive your LSWA/LGSW license
You will receive your license once you have completed all of the above steps.
Steps to Become a Licensed Independent Social Worker (LISW) or a Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker (LICSW) in Washington, D.C.
The application process to become an LSWA or LGSW in D.C. is essentially the same. However, applicants looking to become an LSWA may apply with a Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) while becoming an LGSW requires a minimum of a Master of Social Work (MSW) degree. These degrees must be accredited by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE). Becoming an LSWA allows you to practice general social work under the supervision of a licensed independent social worker (LISW) or a licensed independent clinical social worker (LICSW), while being an LGSW allows you to practice both clinical and non-clinical social work under supervision.
Submit your application
DC Health requires applicants to complete the online application and upload/submit the supporting documents listed on the Board’s New License by Examination checklist (Revised Oct 2024), including identification, a passport-type photo, a work experience form, references, and official transcripts. Additional information may be required if you plan to apply for licensure through endorsement.
Criminal background check
DC Health requires a criminal background check (CBC). Fingerprints are submitted electronically through Fieldprint, and Fieldprint forwards the FBI report to DC Health and the Board. Mailing materials to Fieldprint generally applies only in special situations (for example, certain out-of-country card-based submissions).
Pass the ASWB exam
Applicants must pass the ASWB exam at the required level for the license they’re seeking, and submit validated exam results to the Board. ASWB lists the exam registration fee as $230 for the Associate, Bachelors, and Masters exams.
Receive your LSWA/LGSW license
You will receive your license once you have completed all of the above steps.
Steps to Become a Licensed Independent Social Worker (LISW) or a Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker (LICSW) in Washington, D.C.
LISW/LICSW applicants use the same online application pathway as other DC social work licenses, but must also submit supervision verification documentation as required by the Board. DC Health publishes a current ‘New License by Examination’ checklist (Revised Oct 2024) that outlines what must be submitted and how. Those looking to pursue either license must have completed an accredited MSW or Doctor of Social Work (DSW) degree program. Becoming an LISW allows you to practice non-clinical social work without supervision and clinical social work under supervision if working toward an LICSW license, whereas being an LICSW allows you to practice both clinical and non-clinical social work with no supervision required after licensure.
Earn valid supervised social work experience
LISW and LICSW applicants must document 3,000 hours of supervised practice, including at least 100 hours under immediate face-to-face supervision by a qualified supervisor.
Submit your application
The documentation to be included is the same as for the LSWA and LGSW; however, an additional supervision verification form is required to report social work experience hours. Additional information may be required if you plan to apply for licensure through endorsement.
Criminal background check
DC Health requires a criminal background check. Fingerprints are submitted electronically through Fieldprint, and Fieldprint forwards the FBI report directly to DC Health and the Board.
Pass the ASWB exam
After Board approval, LISW applicants take the ASWB Advanced Generalist exam and LICSW applicants take the ASWB Clinical exam. ASWB lists the exam fee as $260 for the Advanced Generalist and Clinical exams.
Receive your LISW/LICSW license
Once you have completed all of the above steps, you will receive your license.
License Renewal
According to the DC Board of Social Work, licenses have historically expired July 31 of odd-numbered years, but DC Health has also moved to a birth-month-based expiration schedule for applicable licenses issued on or after June 16, 2024 (expiring the last day of the licensee’s birth month). You are required to complete 40 hours of approved continuing education to renew, and current guidance specifies that at least 28 hours must be completed in person or via a live interactive webinar (meaning up to 12 hours may be in non-live/independent formats).
Social Work Degree Programs in Washington, D.C.
Washington, D.C. offers several social work degrees to choose from. An associate degree in a related field (such as human services or social services) can help students complete foundational coursework for entry-level support roles and may transfer toward a future BSW, depending on the school.
A BSW is the minimum degree for DC’s entry-level social work license (LSWA), while higher license levels, such as the LGSW, require a master’s degree (or doctorate) from a CSWE-accredited social work program. A BSW can also enable a student to enter an advanced standing MSW program, where they may be able to complete an MSW in about one year. A BSW also prepares students for entry-level social work positions. Here are some universities in Washington that are offering fully accredited BSW programs:
Master of Social Work (MSW) Programs in Washington, D.C.
MSW programs in Washington teach students advanced social work theories and practical knowledge. These degree programs include coursework on topics such as human development, social work policy, intervention and social work practice for poverty, oppression and trauma.
There are full-time, part-time and advanced-standing MSW programs available in D.C. The following are all fully CSWE-accredited MSW programs based in Washington, D.C.:
| Institution & Program | Location | Study Length | Enrollment |
|---|---|---|---|
Gallaudet UniversityMaster of Social Work | Washington, DC | 2 years | Full-Time |
The Catholic University of AmericaMaster of Social Work | Washington, DC | 2+ years | Full-Time, Part-Time |
Online MSW Programs in Washington, D.C.
Washington, D.C. has multiple CSWE-accredited MSW programs that offer online study options, including The Catholic University of America, Gallaudet University, and Howard University.
Online MSW programs typically cover the same core competencies as campus programs and still require supervised field education; course delivery and faculty assignments may vary by school.
| Institution & Program | Location | Study Length | Enrollment |
|---|---|---|---|
Howard University[SWLM Sponsored Page] Master of Social Work (MSW) | Washington, DC | As few as 12 months | Full-Time, Part-Time |
The Catholic University of AmericaMaster of Social Work | Washington, DC | 2+ years | Full-Time, Part-Time |
Syracuse University • Syracuse, NY
Master of Social Work (MSW)
Enrollment Type
Full-Time and Part-Time
Length of Program
As few as 24 months
Credits
36-60
Concentrations
Advanced Integrated Practice, Advanced Clinical Practice
Admission Requirements
- Minimum 3.0 GPA is preferred
- Transcripts
- Resume
- Essays
- Prerequisite coursework
- Letters of recommendation
University of Denver • Denver, CO
Master of Social Work (MSW)
Enrollment Type
Full-Time and Part-Time
Length of Program
As few as 12 months
Credits
54-81 graduate-level credits
Concentrations
Mental Health and Trauma, Health, Equity and Wellness
Admission Requirements
- Bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited institution to be considered for admission
- Minimum undergraduate GPA is a cumulative 2.5 on a 4.0 scale or a 2.5 on a 4.0 scale for the last 60 semester credits or 90 quarter credits (approximately two years of work) for the baccalaureate degree
- Official transcripts
- Letters of recommendation
- Resume
- Career goals statement
Simmons University • Boston, MA
Master of Social Work (MSW)
Enrollment Type
Accelerated and Full-Time and Part-Time
Length of Program
As few as 9 months
Credits
37-65
Concentrations
Mental Health Practice Optional Certificate, Trauma Practice Optional Certificate, Clinical Practice with Active Service Members, Veterans, and Families
Admission Requirements
- Resume
- Transcripts
- Recommendation forms
- Statement of professional and educational intent
Hawaii Pacific University • Honolulu, HI
Master of Social Work
Enrollment Type
Full-Time and Part-Time
Length of Program
12-36 months
Credits
30-57
Concentrations
Military and Veterans Affairs, Child or Adult Protective Services, Health Care, Mental Health, Individual and Families, Social Agency Administration
Admission Requirements
- Bachelor’s degree with at least 30 credits in Liberal Arts from an accredited four-year institution
- Minimum 3.0 GPA, but applicants below that will be considered for provisional admission
- Completed courses in Statistics and Research Methods
- Applicants must have completed each course with a grade of a "C" or higher
- Bachelor’s degree in social work from an accredited program within the past five years
- Minimum 3.25 GPA on a 4.0 scale in social work courses
- Online application
Learn more about MSW Programs:
Social Work Salaries in Washington, D.C.
The average salary earned by social workers in Washington depends on the role, environment and location. However, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reports that, in general, higher educational attainment is associated with higher earning potential.
Washington Social Work Careers | Number of Social Workers in Washington | Annual Mean Social Work Salary |
|---|---|---|
Child, family and school social workers | 2,800 | $80,040 |
Healthcare social workers | 490 | $92,240 |
Mental health and substance abuse social workers | 640 | $81,300 |
Social Workers, all other | 300 | $106,090 |
Information on the above social work salaries in Washington, D.C., was retrieved from the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Estimates: District of Columbia in January 2026.
Learn more about different social work salaries.
Washington, D.C. Social Work Scholarships
For those just starting on their path to social work, there are social work scholarships available to pursue a social work degree in D.C.. Be sure to check with your preferred university for other available financial aid options.
- DC Health Professional Loan Repayment Program
- National Catholic School of Social Service (NCSSS) scholarships
- William Randolph Hearst Endowed Fellowship for Minority Students
- Howard University School of Social Work (HUSSW) Statement of Financial Support
Washington, D.C. Social Worker Organizations
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, healthcare reform and other issues affecting the disadvantaged populations in Washington and beyond.
- National Association of Social Workers (NASW), Metro DC Chapter: This chapter of NASW works to unite social workers for professional development and to advocate for local and national issues related to professional service delivery and practice. As a local chapter, the Metro DC Chapter seeks to address public policy issues in collaboration with the NASW.
- Greater Washington Society for Clinical Social Work: This membership-driven, nonprofit organization supports licensed and pre-licensed clinical social workers practicing across the District of Columbia, Maryland, and Northern Virginia.
FAQ
Washington, D.C. allows licensure by endorsement for out-of-state applicants, although the District does not have an automatic reciprocity agreement with other jurisdictions. Out-of-state applicants must hold an equivalent license, meet DC’s education requirements, submit official license verifications from every jurisdiction where they’ve ever been licensed, request an ASWB score transfer sent directly from ASWB, complete a criminal background check and NPDB self-query, and submit the online application with the $230 application and license fee.
Information last updated: January 2026