Become a Social Worker in New Hampshire

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), there are more than 1,900 social workers in New Hampshire, and their annual mean wages range from $60,810 to $93,910 depending on the type of position. Licensing standards established by the New Hampshire Board of Mental Health Practice mean that every social worker in the state began their career with a graduate degree in social work, such as a Master of Social Work (MSW). You can similarly join the ranks of social workers in New Hampshire by pursuing your MSW.

Below, we review the steps to become a social worker in New Hampshire, Master of Social Work degree programs in New Hampshire, New Hampshire social work licenses and more.

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.

Sponsored Online MSW 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

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

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

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

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. 

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Common Steps to Become a New Hampshire Social Worker

Before becoming a licensed social worker in New Hampshire, you must meet the education requirements for the specific license you’re pursuing (New Hampshire licenses include bachelor-level and clinical pathways).”There may also be additional requirements, including clinical supervision, based on your goals. The steps to become a New Hampshire social worker are outlined below; this information was gathered from the New Hampshire Board of Mental Health Practice website. 

1. Earn a CSWE-accredited social work degree

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

2. Complete any required supervised experience and pass the required exam(s) for your license

New Hampshire licenses multiple social work credential levels, including Licensed Social Work Associate (LSWA), Licensed Social Worker (LSW), and Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker (LICSW). For LICSW, New Hampshire rules require at least 3,000 hours of supervised clinical work experience completed over at least 2 years, including 100 hours of individual face-to-face supervision (at least 1 hour per week).

3. Get licensed

Once you’ve completed the requirements for your pathway, you can apply to OPLC for the specific license you’re seeking (e.g., LSWA, LSW, or LICSW).To become licensed at the independent clinical level (LICSW) in New Hampshire, you must hold an approved master’s or doctoral degree in social work. (Other licenses, such as LSWA/LSW, may have different education requirements.)

Learn more about how to become a social worker.

Social Work Degree Programs in New Hampshire

Social work degree programs in New Hampshire are accredited by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE), which accredits programs across the United States. In New Hampshire, CSWE-accredited social work programs are offered at Plymouth State University and the University of New Hampshire (UNH).

New Hampshire’s education requirements depend on the license you’re pursuing. For example, Licensed Social Worker (LSW) licensure requires a CSWE-approved bachelor’s degree in social work, while LICSW licensure requires a CSWE-approved master’s or doctoral degree in social work. Some social workers further their education by pursuing a doctoral degree (such as a DSW or PhD in social work), depending on their career goals (e.g., leadership, advanced practice, teaching, or research).

Master of Social Work (MSW) programs in New Hampshire

Master’s degree programs in social work in New Hampshire 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.

Online MSW programs in New Hampshire

An online MSW program in New Hampshire may offer concentrations, such as advanced generalist, and other options, such as full-time or part-time study.

Learn more about:

Social Work Licenses in New Hampshire

In New Hampshire, social work licenses are issued through the New Hampshire Office of Professional Licensure and Certification (OPLC) and the Board of Mental Health Practice. New Hampshire regulates multiple social work-related credentials, including Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker (LICSW), Licensed Social Worker (LSW), and Social Work Associate.

Licensed independent clinical social worker (LICSW) in New Hampshire

  • Education Requirement: A 2-year master’s degree or doctorate degree in social work from a school approved by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE) (plus an undergraduate degree).
  • Field Requirements: At least 2 years of post-master’s supervised clinical work experience totaling 3,000 hours, including 100 hours of individual face-to-face supervision (minimum 1 hour/week), completed within the required timeframe.
  • Exams: ASWB Clinical exam
  • License Renewal: Renewed every 2 years with 40 hours of approved continuing education, including at least 6 hours in ethics and 3 hours in suicide prevention.

Licensed Social Worker (LSW) in New Hampshire

  • Education Requirement: Bachelor’s degree in social work from a CSWE-approved college or university plus 300 hours of social work or mental health education (within the degree program or separately).
  • Field Requirements: 4,000 hours of supervised work experience.
  • Exams: ASWB Bachelor’s exam (NH application materials note proof of passing the ASWB Clinical or Bachelor’s exam, depending on license level).
  • License Renewal: Every 2 years, with 30 hours of approved continuing education, including 3 hours in ethics (Category A) and 3 hours in suicide prevention (Category A). 

Social Work Associate in New Hampshire

  • Education Requirement: Either
    • Bachelor’s degree in clinical mental health, social work, psychology, behavioral health counseling, a human services discipline, or an equivalent program + 300 hours of social work or mental health education (within the degree program or separately), or
    • Associate’s degree in those fields (or equivalent) + 300 hours of social work or mental health education.
  • Field Requirements:
    • If qualifying with a bachelor’s degree: 4,000 hours of supervised work experience
    • If qualifying with an associate’s degree: 6,000 hours of supervised work experience
  • Exams: ASWB Bachelor’s level examination (passing score sent directly from ASWB to the Board).
  • License Renewal: Every 2 years, with 10 hours of approved continuing education (CE), including at least 6 hours Category A, 3 hours in ethics (Category A), and 3 hours in suicide prevention (Category A).

Learn more about online clinical MSW programs.

Social Work Salaries for New Hampshire

New Hampshire Social Work CareersNumber of Social Workers in New HampshireAnnual Mean Social Work Salary
Child, family and school social workers
1,130
$65,880
Healthcare social workers
530
$79,400
Mental health and substance abuse social workers
460
$71,030
Social workers, all other
80
$102,090

Information on the above social work salaries in New Hampshire was retrieved from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Estimates–New Hampshire in January 2026.

Learn more about social work salaries.

New Hampshire Social Work Scholarships

New Hampshire social work scholarships are available both statewide and locally, including: 

Learn more about social work scholarships.

New Hampshire Social Work Organizations

New Hampshire social work organizations serve social workers on statewide and local levels, including:

New Hampshire Social Work FAQ

Does New Hampshire have social work reciprocity?

Yes, according to the New Hampshire Board of Mental Health Practice, New Hampshire offers licensure by endorsement (also referred to as reciprocity) for qualified applicants licensed in other jurisdictions, when that jurisdiction’s requirements are substantially similar to New Hampshire’s. Social workers with active licenses in other states must apply for licensure in New Hampshire via the same process as all new applicants. 

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

New Hampshire CE requirements depend on license type. LICSWs must complete 40 hours every 2 years, including at least 6 hours in ethics (Category A) and at least 3 hours in suicide prevention (Category A) (with additional Category A/B limits).

  • LICSW: 40 hours / 2 years; ≥6 ethics (Category A); ≥3 suicide prevention (Category A); ≥30 Category A; ≤10 Category B.
  • LSW: 30 hours / 2 years; ≥3 ethics (Category A); ≥3 suicide prevention (Category A); ≥24 Category A; ≤6 Category B.
  • Social Work Associate (LSWA): 10 hours / 2 years; ≥3 ethics (Category A); ≥3 suicide prevention (Category A); ≥6 Category A; ≤4 Category B. 

Learn more about continuing education for social workers.

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

The best way to look up a New Hampshire social work license is to use the NH Office of Professional Licensure and Certification (OPLC) online License Lookup/Verification (License Search) tool. Search under the relevant profession/board (e.g., Mental Health Practice) and look up a licensee by name and/or license number to view their current status.

Information last updated: January 2026