Become a Social Worker in New Hampshire

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), there are more than 1,800 social workers in New Hampshire, and their annual mean wages range from $55,650 to $77,630 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.

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

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.

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. 

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

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

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Common Steps to Become a New Hampshire Social Worker

Before becoming a social worker in New Hampshire, you must earn a master’s degree in social work and a social work license depending on what career path you choose. 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. Fulfill your social work supervised experience requirement, and pass your national/state exams

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

Licensed independent clinical social worker (LICSW): A person with an approved and accredited master’s or doctoral degree in social work who has passed the Association of Social Work Boards (ASWB) clinical exam. Those looking to pursue this license must also complete at least 3,000 hours of supervised clinical experience and 100 hours of individual supervision over two years.

3. Get licensed

Once you’ve completed your hours and experience, you may apply to become a licensed social worker in New Hampshire. 
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 social work degree programs throughout the United States. In New Hampshire, CSWE has accredited two bachelor’s level social work degree programs and one master’s level program. The following are the two universities offering fully accredited Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) degrees:

In order to obtain licensure in New Hampshire, a minimum of an on-campus or online Bachelor of Social Work (MSW) is required. Some individuals further their education and experience in social work by pursuing a Doctor of Social Work (DSW) degree.

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 by the New Hampshire Board of Mental Health Practice. The board offers only one type of license for social workers.

Licensed independent clinical social worker (LICSW) in New Hampshire

  • Education Requirement: Master or Doctor of Social Work degree
  • Field Requirements: Two years of supervised clinical experience, with at least 3,000 hours of experience and 100 hours of individual supervision
  • Exams: ASWB clinical exam
  • License Renewal: Every two years, with 40 hours of continuing education, six of which must be in ethics

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
850
$55,650
Healthcare social workers
530
$68,240
Mental health and substance abuse social workers
370
$60,950
Social workers, all other
100
$77,630

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 May 2022.

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?

No, New Hampshire does not have social work reciprocity, as per the New Hampshire Board of Mental Health Practice. 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?

The social work continuing education (CE) requirements in New Hampshire are 40 units of CE, six hours of which must be in ethics, during each two-year renewal period, as per the New Hampshire Board of Mental Health Practice.

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 your social work license in New Hampshire is via New Hampshire’s online license application/renewal service. Users must enter their profession, license type, first name, last name and license number.

Last updated May 2022.