Become a Social Worker in Georgia

In Georgia and beyond, social workers can have the satisfaction of making a difference in their communities by connecting clients with services, resources and other professionals to overcome challenges like intergenerational poverty, mental health conditions and domestic abuse.

So, it’s no wonder more than 13,000 professionals in Georgia already serve their communities as social workers, the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reports as of May 2021.

Keep reading to learn about how to become a social worker in Georgia, Master of Social Work (MSW) programs in Georgia, different Georgia social work licenses, and more.

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.

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 Steps to Become a Georgia Social Worker

Before becoming a social worker in Georgia, you must obtain a master’s-level education in social work and a social work license, depending on what career path you choose. Georgia offers two types of social work license: LMSW and 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 Georgia, retrieved from the Georgia Board of Professional Counselors, Social Workers, and Marriage and Family Therapists

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.

To become a licensed master social worker (LMSW) in Georgia, you must:

Complete an approved MSW degree program.
Pass the master’s social work licensing examination.
Submit your application to the board with a $100 application fee.

To become a licensed clinical social worker (LCSW) in Georgia, you must:

Complete an approved MSW degree program.
Complete three years of full-time, supervised professional experience, the first two under the direction of an employer or supervisor.
Pass the clinical social work licensing examination.
Submit your application to the board with a $100 application fee.

Learn more on how to become a social worker.

Social Work Degree Programs in Georgia

Across the United States, undergraduate and graduate social work degree programs are accredited by the Council on Social Work Education. There are nine CSWE-accredited Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) programs and six Master of Social Work (MSW) programs.

Master of Social Work (MSW) Programs in Georgia

In Georgia, MSW programs may offer various concentration options, such as clinical or direct practice, children, youth, and families, or health and mental health.

University	Location	Study Length	Enrollment Type
Albany State University	Albany, Georgia	2+ years	Full-Time and Part-Time
Clark Atlanta University	Atlanta, Georgia	1+ years	Full-Time and Part-Time
Georgia State University	Atlanta, Georgia	2+ years	Full-Time and Part-Time
Kennesaw State University	Kennesaw, Georgia	2 years	Full-Time and Part-Time
Savannah State University	Savannah, Georgia	2 years	N/A
University of Georgia	Athens, Georgia	2+ years	Full-Time and Part-Time
Valdosta State University	Valdosta, Georgia	2+ years	Full-Time and Part-Time

Online MSW Programs in Georgia

Online MSW programs offer the same curriculum and coursework that traditional on-campus programs do. Students are taught by the same professors who teach on campus, and they complete fieldwork as part of the program.

University	Location	Study Length	Enrollment Type
Albany State University	Albany, Georgia	1+ years	Full-Time and Part-Time
Capella University	Atlanta and Augusta, Georgia	N/A	Full-Time and Part-Time
Georgia State University	Atlanta, Georgia	2+ years	Full-Time and Part-Time
University of Georgia	Athens, Georgia	3 years	Full-Time

Learn more about MSW Programs:

Social Work Licenses in Georgia

In Georgia, social work licenses are issued by the Georgia Board of Professional Counselors, Social Workers, and Marriage & Family Therapists. The board issues two types of social work licenses: licensed master of social work and licensed clinical social worker.

Licensed Master Social Worker (LMSW) in Georgia

Education Requirement: Approved Master of Social Work degree.
Field Requirements: None.
Exam: Master’s social work licensing exam.
License Renewal: 35 hours of continuing education, with a minimum of five related to social work ethics.

Learn more about a LMSW License.

Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) in Georgia

Education Requirement: Approved Master of Social Work degree.
Field Requirements: Three years of full-time supervised professional experience, with the first two years under the direction of an employer or supervisor.
Exam: Clinical social work licensing exam.
License Renewal: 35 hours of continuing education with a minimum of five related to social work ethics.

Social Work Salaries for Georgia

Georgia Social Work Careers	Number of Social Workers in Georgia	Annual Mean Social Work Salary
Child, Family, and School Social Workers	5,420	$48,200
Healthcare Social Workers	4,570	$54,710
Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workers	970	$46,720
Social Workers, All Other	1,130	$75,410
Social Work Teachers, Postsecondary	150	$56,750

Information on the above social work salaries in Georgia was retrieved from the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Estimates Georgia in May 2021.

Learn more about different social work salaries.

Georgia Social Work Scholarships

The University of Georgia (UGA) offers scholarships to its School of Social Work students. BSW, MSW and MSW dual degree students are eligible to apply, but preference is given to those without any other university-sponsored financial assistance. UGA has scholarship offerings for social work specialties, such as those aiming to work with the homeless population or those interested in family-centered social work practice.

There are many other social work scholarships you may be eligible for.

Georgia Social Work Organizations

In Georgia, there are a variety of state and local social work organizations, including:

Georgia Society for Clinical Social Work: Established in 1980, this statewide organization for professional social workers focuses on advancing clinical social work practice.
National Association of Social Workers (NASW) Georgia Chapter: The Georgia chapter of the NASW promotes the interests of GA social workers in all settings by providing continuing education opportunities, professional growth, networking and more.
School Social Workers Association (SSWA) of Georgia: The SSWA of Georgia supports school social workers in removing barriers to learning by seeking to improve the quality of service to students.

FAQs

Does Georgia have social work reciprocity?

No, Georgia does not have licensure by reciprocity or endorsement, as per the Georgia Board of Professional Counselors, Social Workers, and Marriage & Family Therapists.

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

In Georgia, the social work continuing education requirements are 35 hours of CE during each biennial renewal period, according to the Georgia Board of Professional Counselors, Social Workers, and Marriage & Family Therapists. At least five hours must be dedicated to professional ethics.

Learn more about continuing education for social workers.

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

In Georgia, social work license verification can be obtained through the State of Georgia – Licensing Search. Users must enter their profession, license type, license number, first and last name.

Last updated in May 2021.