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.
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
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.
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.
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).
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.
| Institution & Program | Location | Study Length | Enrollment |
|---|---|---|---|
University of New HampshireMaster of Social Work | Concord, NH | 2+ years | Full-Time, Part-Time |
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.
| Institution & Program | Location | Study Length | Enrollment |
|---|---|---|---|
University of New HampshireMaster of Social Work | Concord, NH | 2.5 years | Part-Time |
Learn more about:
- Advanced standing online Master of Social Work programs
- Online MSW programs for aspiring clinical social workers
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 Careers | Number of Social Workers in New Hampshire | Annual 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:
- UNH College of Health and Human Services (CHHS) Social Work scholarships and awards (varies by year).
- Dr. Linda Rene Bergeron ’73 Scholarship (UNH Social Work).
- Robert Jolley Scholarship Fund (UNH Social Work)
- Sharyn Zunz Scholarship for Social Work Majors (study/travel support through UNH)
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:
- National Association of Social Workers (NASW) New Hampshire Chapter: The New Hampshire-based section of the NASW supports local social workers.
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