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Become a Social Worker in Minnesota
Begin your career as a social worker alongside the waters of Minnehaha Falls, the nation’s second-largest state fair, and a statewide network of approximately 19,630 social workers, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS).
This guide for how to become a social worker in Minnesota explains educational requirements, how to get licensed, social work organizations to join and more. Once you complete the steps to become a social worker in Minnesota, you can embark on a meaningful, fulfilling career helping others in the Land of 10,000 Lakes.
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.
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
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
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
Howard University • Washington, DC
Master of Social Work (MSW)
Enrollment Type
Full-Time and Part-Time
Length of Program
As few as 12 months
Credits
45+
Concentrations
Direct Practice, Community, Administration and Policy (CAP) Practice
Admission Requirements
- Three (3) letters of recommendation
- College transcripts
- A personal statement
- An application essay
- A resume
- Bachelor of Social Work from a CSWE-accredited institution, award within four years of first term start date
- Minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 in all social work foundation and undergraduate coursework
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
Common Steps to Become a Minnesota Social Worker
Before becoming a social worker in Minnesota, you must obtain a bachelor’s degree or higher in social work and a social work license applicable to the career path you choose. Minnesota offers four types of social work licenses that vary depending on education and experience. There may be additional requirements, such as a background check and clinical supervision, based on your goals.
Below are the steps for obtaining licenses in Minnesota, summarized from the Minnesota State Board of Social Work.
To become a licensed social worker in Minnesota, you must complete a CSWE-accredited social work degree that matches the license you’re pursuing, typically a BSW for the LSW and an MSW (or doctoral social work degree) for the LGSW, LISW, and LICSW.
Minnesota has four levels of social workers, according to the state’s licensing board, with increasing requirements:
Licensed social worker (LSW): A person with a CSWE-accredited BSW who has passed the ASWB Bachelors exam (plus the Board’s standard application requirements).
Licensed graduate social worker (LGSW): A person with a CSWE-accredited MSW (or doctorate in social work) who has passed the ASWB Masters exam (plus the Board’s standard application requirements).
Licensed independent social worker (LISW): A person with a qualifying graduate social work degree who has passed the ASWB Advanced Generalist exam and completed the Board’s required 4,000 hours of supervised nonclinical practice (documented per Board supervision requirements).
Licensed independent clinical social worker (LICSW): A person with a qualifying graduate social work degree who has passed the ASWB Clinical exam and completed the Board’s clinical supervised practice requirements (including required supervision and direct clinical client contact hours) plus 360 clinical clock hours in the six knowledge areas required by the Minnesota Board of Social Work.
Once you meet the requirements for your intended license type, you can apply through the Minnesota Board of Social Work, LSW/LGSW applicants typically apply by exam after completing the required degree, while LISW/LICSW applicants also submit documentation of required supervised practice (and LICSW clinical clock hours) as part of the application.
Learn more on how to become a social worker.
Social Work Degree Programs in Minnesota
Minnesota is home to 18 CSWE-accredited BSW programs and 14 CSWE-accredited MSW programs (with one additional MSW program in candidacy), and program counts can change, so it’s smart to confirm current listings in the CSWE Accreditation Directory. With a CSWE-accredited BSW, you may qualify for an advanced standing MSW track, which at some schools can be completed in as little as about one year, depending on the program structure and whether you attend full-time.
To obtain other licenses in Minnesota, a minimum of an MSW is required. Some individuals bolster their education and experience in social work by pursuing Doctor of Social Work (DSW) degrees.
Master of Social Work (MSW) Programs in Minnesota
Minnesota is home to 14 CSWE-accredited MSW programs and one additional MSW program in candidacy (program counts may change; confirm the most current list in the CSWE Accreditation Directory).
| Institution & Program | Location | Study Length | Enrollment |
|---|---|---|---|
Augsburg UniversityMaster of Social Work | Minneapolis, MN | 1.5+ years | Full-Time, Part-Time |
Capella UniversityMaster of Social Work | Minneapolis, MN | 2+ years | Full-Time, Part-Time |
University of Minnesota - Twin CitiesMaster of Social Work | Minneapolis, MN | 2+ years | Full-Time, Part-Time |
St. Cloud UniversityMaster of Social Work | St. Cloud, MN | 2+ years | Full-Time, Part-Time |
St Catherine UniversityMaster of Social Work | Saint Paul, MN | 2+ years | Full-Time, Part-Time |
The College of Saint ScholasticaMaster of Social Work | Duluth, MN | 2 years | Full-Time |
University of Minnesota, DuluthMaster of Social Work | Duluth, MN | — | Full-Time, Part-Time |
University of St. ThomasMaster of Social Work | St. Paul, MN | 2+ years | Full-Time, Part-Time |
Online MSW Programs in Minnesota
Minnesota students have multiple options for earning a CSWE-accredited MSW, either online or in a hybrid format, through Minnesota-based universities and fully online institutions. CSWE accreditation applies to the degree program (including approved delivery methods), and online/hybrid MSW programs still require supervised field education (fieldwork), typically arranged in the student’s local area. Because online availability and delivery formats can change from year to year, the most reliable way to confirm current options is the CSWE Accreditation Directory.
| Institution & Program | Study Length | Enrollment |
|---|---|---|
Walden UniversityMaster of Social Work (MSW) | 2+ years | Full-Time, Part-Time |
Social Work Licenses in Minnesota
Minnesota has four types of social work licenses: licensed social worker (LSW), licensed graduate social worker (LGSW), licensed independent social worker (LISW), and licensed independent clinical social worker (LICSW). The LSW is the bachelor’s-level license, while LGSW, LISW, and LICSW are graduate-level licenses that require a CSWE-accredited MSW (or a qualifying doctoral social work degree). Clinical and independent practice pathways also have specific supervision and eligibility requirements defined by Minnesota law and administered by the Minnesota Board of Social Work.
Licensed Social Worker (LSW) in Minnesota
The Minnesota LSW credential authorizes you to practice social work, but LSWs must not engage in clinical social work practice under Minnesota law.
- Education Requirement: CSWE-accredited Bachelor of Social Work degree
- Field Requirements: None for initial LSW licensure by exam, but licensing supervision is required in many nonclinical practice settings after licensure (often during the first 4,000 hours of practice).
- Exams: ASWB Bachelor’s exam
- License Renewal: 40 hours of continuing education every two years, including 2 hours in ethics and 4 hours in cultural responsiveness (with additional CE topic requirements for some licensees, such as LICSWs and approved licensing supervisors).40 hours of professional development in continuing education.
Licensed Graduate Social Worker (LGSW) in Minnesota
Becoming an LGSW allows you to practice social work in Minnesota. Clinical social work practice is allowed only under the supervision of an LICSW (or a Board-approved licensing supervisor), and Minnesota law also requires licensing supervision after licensure in certain settings (including for LGSWs in nonclinical practice during required supervised practice hours).
- Education Requirement: CSWE-accredited Master of Social Work degree (or a doctoral degree in social work, as accepted by the Board).
- Field Requirements: None for initial LGSW licensure by exam; after licensure, for LGSWs in nonclinical practice, supervision is required for at least the first 4,000 hours of practice; for LGSWs in clinical practice, ongoing supervision must be maintained until an LICSW is issued.
- Exams: ASWB Master’s exam
- License Renewal: Renew every two years and complete 40 hours of continuing education, including 2 hours in ethics and 4 hours in cultural responsiveness (up to 50% may be completed via independent learning).
Licensed Independent Social Worker (LISW) in Minnesota
Becoming an LISW allows you to practice independent, nonclinical social work in Minnesota. If an LISW engages in clinical social work practice, Minnesota law requires ongoing licensing supervision until the LISW is issued an LICSW.
- Education Requirement: CSWE-accredited Master or Doctorate of Social Work degree
- Field Requirements: 4,000 hours of postgraduate, nonclinical supervised practice, including at least 100 hours of supervision during those 4,000 hours (per Minnesota statute and Board requirements).
- Exams: ASWB Advanced Generalist exam
- License Renewal: Renew every two years and complete 40 CE hours, including 2 hours in ethics and 4 hours in cultural responsiveness (up to 50% may be completed via independent learning).
Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker (LICSW) in Minnesota
Becoming an LICSW enables you to practice both clinical and non-clinical social work with independently in Minnesota
- Education Requirement: CSWE-accredited Master or Doctorate of Social Work degree
- Field Requirements: 360 clinical clock hours (in Board-required content areas) and documentation of 200 hours of supervision over 4,000 to 8,000 hours of postgraduate clinical practice, including 1,800 direct clinical client contact hours.
- Exams: ASWB Clinical exam
- License Renewal: Renew every two years and complete 40 CE hours, including 2 hours in ethics and 4 hours in cultural responsiveness; LICSWs must include 12 hours of clinical content within the 40.
Social Work Salaries in Minnesota
Minnesota Social Work Careers | Number of Social Workers in Minnesota | Annual Mean Social Work Salary |
|---|---|---|
Child, Family, and School Social Workers | 6,430 | $68,580 |
Healthcare Social Workers | 2,530 | $73,400 |
Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workers | 3,430 | $77,190 |
Social Workers, All Other | 7,240 | $78,900 |
Information on the above social work salaries in Minnesota was retrieved from the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Estimates: Minnesota in February 2026.
Minnesota Social Work Scholarships
If you’re starting your path to social work in Minnesota, you can find financial support through university-based scholarships and (for some eligible professionals) state loan repayment/forgiveness programs. Scholarship availability and criteria vary by school and may change year to year, so always confirm details on the official program page before applying.
Examples of Minnesota-based scholarship opportunities (University of Minnesota Duluth – Social Work):
- Eleanor Kraker Family and Home Scholarship
- Don and Sylvia Schmid American Indian Child Welfare Leaders Scholarship
Minnesota Social Worker Organizations
There are countless local and national associations and organizations that promote, develop and protect the practice of social work and social workers. Better social work means better solutions for welfare, child welfare, elderly welfare, health care reform, and other issues affecting disadvantaged people in Minnesota and beyond.
- National Association of Social Workers (NASW), Minnesota Chapter: NASW-MN has a membership base of nearly 2,000 social workers and students and hosts training and advocacy events, including the Annual Conference, Social Work Summit, and Social Work Day at the Capitol.
- Minnesota Association of Black Social Workers (MNABSW): MNABSW supports and develops Black social workers and allied professionals in Minnesota through community engagement, collaboration, and professional development. MNABSW’s mission is to strengthen the Black family and Black community through partnerships, collaboration, and professional development.
- The Minnesota Society for Clinical Social Work: This group advances clinical social work through professional development, endorsing ethical practice standards and community advocacy on behalf of clients.
Minnesota Social Work FAQs
Does Minnesota offer social work license reciprocity?
Minnesota does not have blanket “reciprocity” agreements; instead, the Minnesota Board of Social Work offers licensure by endorsement for social workers who hold a current, active license in another state or jurisdiction. To apply, you generally must submit an application and fee, complete a fingerprint-based criminal background check (for initial Minnesota licensure), and have your license verification (sent directly from the other licensing board) and an official transcript sent to the Minnesota Board. Endorsement applicants must apply for the Minnesota license type comparable to the license they currently hold.
What are the social work continuing education requirements in Minnesota?
Minnesota social workers renew their licenses every two years. For each two-year renewal term, licensees must complete 40 hours of continuing education, including at least 2 hours in social work ethics and 4 hours in cultural responsiveness. Up to 50% of the 40 hours may be completed through independent learning. (Additional topic requirements apply for some licensees, e.g., LICSWs must include 12 hours of clinical content, and licensees providing licensing supervision must include 6 hours in supervision content.) To renew, complete the Board’s online renewal process and pay the required renewal fee.
What is the best way to look up my social work license in Minnesota?
The best way to verify a Minnesota social work license is to use the Minnesota Board of Social Work’s Public License Lookup tool. You can search by name (or license number) to view the licensee’s license type, license number, status, expiration date, and any public actions listed on the record.
Information last updated: February 2026