Montana has one of the country’s highest concentration of jobs for social workers (excluding those working in healthcare, mental health and substance abuse, and child, family and school specializations), according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS).  

To become a social worker in Montana, you must first complete an approved Master of Social Work (MSW) degree program. Upon completion of an MSW program and meeting other licensure criteria established by the Montana Board of Behavioral Health, you may work in child, family, and school social work, healthcare social work, mental health and substance abuse social work, or other fields of social work. 

Learn more about how to become a social worker in Montana, Master of Social Work degree programs available in Montana, Montana social work licenses, and more below.

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

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.

• Complete the Online Advanced-Standing MSW in as few as 12 months if you have a BSW; if you do not have a BSW, the Online MSW Program may be completed in as few as 27 months.
• No GRE Required
• Customizable pathway options include Mental Health and Trauma or Health, Equity and Wellness concentrations

Request more info from the University of Denver.

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.

•  Traditional and advanced standing online MSW options are available.
• There are four areas of focus: Individuals and Families, Organizations and Community, Evaluation, and Policy Practice and Advocacy.
• Pursue the degree on a full-time or part-time track.

Request more info from Fordham University.

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. 

• Learn how to develop a multicultural social work practice.  
• Pending accreditation by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE).
• Complete in 18 months full time, or in 36 months part time on the traditional track.
• Complete in 12 months full time or 24 months part time on the Advanced Standing Track. 

Request more info from Hawaii Pacific University.

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.

• Prepares students to pursue licensure, including LCSW 
• Full-time, part-time, and accelerated tracks 
• Minimum completion time: 9 months

Request more info from Simmons University.

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.

• Concentrations: Direct Practice and Community, Administration, and Policy Practice
• Complete at least 777-1,000 hours of agency-based field education
• Earn your degree in as few as 12 months

Request more info from Howard University.

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.

• Traditional and Advanced Standing tracks
• No GRE required
• Concentrate your degree in integrated practice or clinical practice

Request more info from Syracuse University.

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Common Steps to Become a Montana Social Worker

Before becoming a social worker in Montana, you must obtain a master’s degree in social work and a social work license. Montana offers one type of social work license. There may be additional requirements based on your goals, such as a background check and clinical supervision. Below are the steps to obtain licensure in Montana, summarized by the Montana Board of Behavioral Health. 

1. Earn a CSWE-Accredited Social Work Degree

To become a licensed social worker in Montana, you will have to complete a master’s degree program in social work accredited by the Council of Social Work Education (CSWE). You can pursue these degrees in Montana through full-time, part-time and online formats.

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

Montana has one level of social worker, according to the state’s licensing board:

licensed clinical social worker (LCSW). To be licensed, you must  have an accredited master’s in social work degree, pass the Association of Social Work Boards’ (ASWB) clinical exam, complete at least 3,000 hours of supervised professional experience and collect three letters of recommendation.

3. Get Licensed

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

Learn more about how to become a social worker.

Social Work Degree Programs in Montana

Social work degree programs are accredited by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE) throughout the United States. In Montana, there are three accredited bachelor’s and master’s social work degree programs. 

A bachelor’s degree in social work online or on-campus can enable a student to enter an advanced standing program 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. There are two universities offering accredited BSW programs in Montana:

• Salish Kootenai College
• University of Montana

To obtain licensure in Montana, however, a minimum of a Master of Social Work (MSW) degree is required. Some individuals advance their education and experience in social work by pursuing Doctor of Social Work (DSW) degrees.

MSW programs in Montana 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 is one fully accredited MSW program in Montana.

While there is one online  MSW program in Montana that is accredited by the Council on Social Work Education, students in Montana can still pursue online MSW programs offered by schools in other states.

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. 

In Montana, social work licenses are issued by the Montana Board of Behavioral Health. The board issues only one type of license.

Learn more about online clinical MSW programs.

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

Learn more about social work salaries.

For those just starting on their path to social work, there are statewide scholarships and programs to assist you. While each state has different offerings, below are some grants and loans to help you become an LCSW in Montana: 

Learn more about social work scholarships.

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 Montana and beyond.

No, Montana does not have social work reciprocity, which would allow social workers to apply for a license in Montana based on their active license in another state. As per the Montana Board of Behavioral Health, social workers with licenses from other states must apply for licensure the same as all other social workers.

Social work continuing education requirements in Montana are 20 hours for licensed clinical social workers, according to the Montana Board of Behavioral Health.

Learn more about continuing education for social workers.

The best way to look up your social work license in Montana is via the Montana Department of Labor and Industry. Users must enter their licensing board, license type, license number, first name, last name, business name, city, state, zip code and country.

Last updated May 2022.