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Become a Social Worker in North Dakota
The decision to become a social worker in North Dakota can be financially rewarding and personally gratifying. Social workers in North Dakota have the privilege of earning a living while making a difference, connecting clients with resources to help them overcome challenges such as poverty. With such an important role to play in society, it’s no wonder there are already more than 1,400 social workers in North Dakota, according to May 2024 data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS).
Below, we review the steps to become a North Dakota social worker, Master of Social Work degree programs in North Dakota, social work licenses in North Dakota and more.
Information below was retrieved February 2026 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.
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 social worker in North Dakota, you’ll need a social work degree and a state license that matches the type of work you want to do. North Dakota offers licensure at multiple levels, starting with a baccalaureate-level license (LBSW) for generalist practice and advancing to master’s/doctoral-level licensure (LMSW) and independent clinical licensure (LCSW/LICSW) for those pursuing clinical practice. Depending on your license level and goals, additional requirements may include passing the appropriate ASWB exam and, for independent clinical practice, completing supervised clinical experience.
To become a licensed social worker in North Dakota, you will have to complete at least a bachelor’s degree program in social work accredited by the Council of Social Work Education (CSWE). (LMSW and LCSW applicants must complete a CSWE-accredited master’s degree or doctoral degree program in social work.) You can pursue these degrees in North Dakota full-time, part-time, or online.
North Dakota has three levels of licensed social workers, according to the state’s licensing board, with increasing exam requirements:
Licensed baccalaureate social worker (LBSW): person with an accredited bachelor’s degree in social work who has passed the Association of Social Work Boards (ASWB) bachelor’s exam.
Licensed master social worker (LMSW): person with an accredited master’s degree in social work who has passed the ASWB master’s exam.
Licensed clinical social worker (LCSW): person with an accredited master’s or doctoral degree in social work who has passed the ASWB clinical exam. Those pursuing this license must also complete at least 3,000 hours of supervised clinical social work practice, including a minimum of 150 hours of face-to-face clinical supervision with a supervisor approved by the board. Not more than 50 hours of supervision may be group supervision.
Once you’ve met the education and exam requirements (and, if pursuing LCSW, completed the required supervised clinical hours), you may apply for licensure through the North Dakota Board of Social Work Examiners. New applicants must also complete required background checks, including state and nationwide criminal history checks and a child abuse/neglect background inquiry.
Learn more on how to become a social worker.
Social Work Degree Programs in North Dakota
The Council on Social Work Education (CSWE) is the primary accrediting body for social work education in the United States, and students can confirm a program’s status using the CSWE Directory of Accredited Programs.
Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) Programs in North Dakota
A bachelor’s degree in social work can qualify graduates for advanced standing MSW options, which may allow them to complete the MSW in fewer credits than a traditional pathway (program length varies by school). North Dakota has multiple social work bachelor’s programs; students should confirm current CSWE accreditation/candidacy status using the CSWE Directory of Accredited Programs.
Master of Social Work (MSW) Programs in North Dakota
MSW programs build advanced social work knowledge and skills through graduate coursework and supervised field education. Common topics include human behavior and development, social welfare policy, research methods, and evidence-informed practice and interventions. In North Dakota, the University of North Dakota (UND) offers the state’s CSWE-accredited MSW program in on-campus and online formats. The University of Mary also offers an MSW program that is currently in CSWE candidacy status (part of the accreditation process, but not the same as full accreditation).
| Institution & Program | Location | Study Length | Enrollment |
|---|---|---|---|
University of North DakotaMaster of Social Work | Grand Forks, ND | 1+ years | Full-Time, Part-Time |
Online MSW Programs in North Dakota
Online MSW options based in North Dakota are limited. The University of North Dakota (UND) offers the state’s CSWE-accredited MSW with an online option, and UND’s bachelor’s-level social work program also includes online course options. The University of Mary offers an online MSW that is currently in CSWE candidacy status (part of the accreditation process, but not the same as full accreditation).
Advanced standing option: Some programs offer advanced standing for applicants who have earned a CSWE-accredited BSW, which can reduce the number of required credits and time to completion (details vary by school).
*for applicants with advanced standing
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.
| Institution & Program | Location | Study Length | Enrollment |
|---|---|---|---|
University of North DakotaMaster of Social Work (MSW) | Grand Forks, ND | 1+ years | Full-Time, Part-Time |
Social Work Licenses in North Dakota
In North Dakota, social work licenses are issued by the North Dakota Board of Social Work Examiners. The board offers three types of social work licenses: Licensed Baccalaureate Social Worker (LBSW), Licensed Master Social Worker (LMSW) and Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW).
Licensed Baccalaureate Social Worker (LBSW) in North Dakota
In North Dakota, an LBSW may practice baccalaureate-level (generalist) social work within the scope of the license, but may not engage in private practice, North Dakota law limits private practice to licensed clinical social workers (LCSWs).
- Education Requirement: Bachelor of Social Work degree
- Field Requirements: None
- Exams: ASWB bachelor’s exam
- License Renewal: Every two years (January 1 of the even-numbered year through December 31 of the odd-numbered year), with 30 approved continuing education hours, including at least 2 hours in social work ethics (and no more than 10 hours may be completed through independent learning/self-study).
Licensed Master Social Worker (LMSW) in North Dakota
In North Dakota, an LMSW may practice social work within the scope of the license, but may not practice privately (only an LCSW may practice social work in private practice in North Dakota). Supervision is not required for LMSW practice by law or administrative code, but supervised clinical practice is required for LMSWs who are working toward LCSW licensure through the Board’s supervision plan process.
- Education Requirement: CSWE-accredited Master of Social Work degree
- Field Requirements: None
- Exams: ASWB master’s exam
- License Renewal: Every two years (January 1 of the even-numbered year through December 31 of the odd-numbered year) with 30 approved CE contact hours, including at least 2 hours in social work ethics; no more than 10 hours may be completed via self-study/distance learning.
Learn more about online MSW programs.
Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) in North Dakota
In North Dakota, an LCSW may practice clinical social work independently and is the only social work license level authorized to practice privately under North Dakota law.
- Education Requirement: CSWE-accredited Master or Doctor of Social Work degree
- Field Requirements: 3,000 hours of supervised clinical social work practice completed within a four-year post-master’s period, including at least 150 hours of face-to-face clinical supervision by a board-approved supervisor (with limits on group supervision).
- Exams: ASWB clinical exam
License Renewal: Every two years (January 1 of the even-numbered year through December 31 of the odd-numbered year) with 30 approved CE contact hours, including at least 2 hours in social work ethics; no more than 10 hours may be completed via independent learning/self-study.
Learn more about online clinical MSW programs.
Social Work Salaries in North Dakota
North Dakota Social Work Career | Number of Social Workers in North Dakota | Average Mean Social Worker Salary (May 2024) |
|---|---|---|
Child, Family and School Social Workers | 780 | $67,350 |
Healthcare Social Workers | 310 | $63,810 |
Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workers | 230 | $65,800 |
Social Workers, All Other | 140 | $76,760 |
Social Work Teachers, Postsecondary | 30 | $77,580 |
Information on the above social work salaries in North Dakota was retrieved from the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Estimates – North Dakota in February 2026.
Learn more about different social work salaries.
North Dakota Social Work Scholarships
If you’re starting your path in social work, funding may be available through university-based scholarships and, in some cases, broader workforce funding programs, depending on your eligibility. Below are examples of scholarships specifically connected to North Dakota universities, but make sure to always confirm current requirements, deadlines, and application steps through each school’s official scholarship portal.
- Anderson Family Scholarship (North Dakota State University)
- Don Schmid Child Welfare Leadership Scholarship (University of North Dakota)
- Ken Dawes Social Work Scholarship (University of North Dakota)
Learn more about social work scholarships.
North Dakota Social Work Organizations
Social workers in North Dakota can connect with state and national professional organizations that support the profession through advocacy, continuing education, networking, and professional resources. These organizations often focus on strengthening practice and improving systems that impact communities—such as child welfare, behavioral health, healthcare, aging services, and social policy.
The National Association of Social Workers (NASW), North Dakota Chapter, is the state chapter of NASW and offers resources such as continuing education opportunities, advocacy information, and professional support for social workers in North Dakota.
North Dakota Social Work FAQs
Does North Dakota have social work reciprocity?
Yes, North Dakota offers license reciprocity for applicants who hold an active, in-good-standing social work license in another jurisdiction, as long as that jurisdiction’s requirements are similar to or more stringent than North Dakota’s for the equivalent license.
What are the social work continuing education (CE) requirements in North Dakota?
North Dakota social workers must complete 30 approved continuing education (CE) contact hours during each two-year licensing period (January 1 of the even-numbered year through December 31 of the odd-numbered year). At least two hours must be in social work ethics, and no more than 10 hours may be completed through independent learning/self-study (such as non-interactive online study). Newly licensed social workers may have a reduced CE requirement depending on when they were first licensed in the current cycle.
Learn more about continuing education for social workers.
What is the best way to look up my social work license in North Dakota?
The best way to look up your social work license in North Dakota is through the North Dakota Board of Social Work Examiners’ Online Verification search. You can search using details such as a license number or a name (and, if needed, narrow results with optional information like first name or city).
Information last updated: February 2026