1. Complete a bachelor’s degree program.
Before pursuing a master’s degree in social work, you must complete a bachelor’s degree to meet admission requirements for graduate programs. Your earned bachelor’s degree can be in most topics, although graduate social work admissions may have a preference for those focused in social work or a related subject. If you complete a Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) program, you may be qualified for advanced standing MSW programs.
2. Complete a master of social work (MSW) degree.
Both licenses for social workers in New York require a minimum completed MSW degree that offers at least 900 internship hours in the curriculum. The MSW degree program must also be accredited by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE). For both licenses, MSW curriculum must offer coursework in social work values and ethics, diversity, social justice, at-risk populations, human behavior in the social environment and other focus areas. However, for LCSW license applications, New York also requires at least 12 credits focused on clinical social work.
3. Complete child abuse identification and reporting training.
New York state also requires LMSW and LCSW applicants to complete training related to the identification and reporting of child abuse from an approved training provider.
4. Apply for your social work license.
Once you meet the above requirements, you may then apply for a social work license in New York. New York authorizes social workers for Association of Social Work Boards (ASWB) examination post-application. For LMSWs, you must pass the master’s level exam; for LCSWs, you must pass the clinical level exam.
5. For LCSWs, gain three years of supervised experience.
As a LMSW, you may work toward your LCSW license only after you are able to submit proof of 36 months of supervised social work practice in diagnosis, psychotherapy and assessment-based treatment planning.