Become a Social Worker in Ohio

To practice social work in the Buckeye State, you must obtain a license after earning any one of three social work degrees—a bachelor’s (BSW), master’s (MSW) or doctorate in social work—from a Council on Social Work Education (CSWE) accredited program. You will be joining almost 34,000 social workers in Ohio. That number includes professionals working in child and family services, schools, healthcare, mental health and substance use settings, and other community roles. In addition to earning a degree, you must follow state guidelines set forth by the Ohio Counselor, Social Worker and Marriage and Family Therapist Board (CSWMFT) to practice in the state. Continue reading to learn what steps and guidelines you must follow to become a social worker in Ohio.

Steps to Become an Ohio Social Worker

Unlike other states that may require a minimum of a master’s in social work, Ohio permits social work professionals to practice with a BSW. Here’s an overview of common steps needed to obtain licensure and become a social worker in Ohio.

How to Become a Licensed Social Worker (LSW) in Ohio

The steps to become an LSW in Ohio were retrieved from the LSW License Instructions from the CSWMFT as of November 2025.

1. Complete a degree in social work from a CSWE-accredited program.

In order to pursue licensure as a licensed social worker (LSW) in Ohio, you must complete, at minimum, a Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) that is accredited by the CSWE.

2. Complete the licensed social worker (LSW) application.

Complete the LSW application and submit the $80 application fee and a processing fee. You may need to provide your driver’s license and a copy of your degree (or letter of good standing along with anticipated degree and graduation date if you are a current student) with your application.

Part of your application is to request approval to take the licensure examination from the Association of Social Work Boards (ASWB).

3. Pass the relevant ASWB exam. 

Depending on your degree level, you may have to pass the ASWB Bachelors or Masters exam. You may receive authorization from the state to take the ASWB after you submit your LSW application.

4. Familiarize yourself with the CSWMFT laws and rules.

View the CSWMFT Laws and Rules video to help you understand the Board’s rules and ethics requirements of a licensee.

5. Complete criminal background checks.

Complete the Ohio Bureau of Criminal Identification (BCI) and FBI background checks. 

6. Submit your official transcripts.

Have your school submit official transcripts, indicating the degree granted, directly to the Board. Request your transcript to be emailed to socialwork@cswb.ohio.gov or mailed to the address below: 

Counselor Social Worker & Marriage and Family Therapist Board
77 S High St 24th Floor, Room 2468
Columbus, OH 43215

For general questions, the Board directs applicants to use cswmft.info@cswb.ohio.gov

Degree Pathways to Become a Social Worker in OH

There are several licenses for social workers and assistants in Ohio. Three of these require enrollment or graduation from an accredited Master of Social Work (MSW) program. However, licenses are available for associate- and bachelor-level applicants. Learn more about MSW programs in Ohio.

  • Associate Degree in Social Work: To be qualified for the Social Work Assistant (SWA) license in Ohio,  you generally need at least an associate degree in social service technology or a closely aligned program that meets Board curriculum requirements.
  • Bachelor of Social Work (BSW): Earning your BSW is a minimum education requirement for the LSW license in Ohio. This degree may prepare you to provide interventions without supervision as an LSW.
  • Online Master’s in Social Work (MSW): In Ohio, there are a few universities that offer an online MSW program. However, these programs are also offered throughout the country, accredited by the CSWE.
  • Advanced Standing MSW Program: If you already have earned your BSW and wish to pursue licensure as an LISW in Ohio, you may be able to enroll in an advanced standing program that builds on the social work foundation coursework from your bachelor’s degree.
  • Online Clinical Social Work (LCSW) Program: Although Ohio does not have a “clinical” title designation for social workers, an online clinical MSW program may help with completing and passing the clinical exam for the LISW license.
  • Online MSW with No GRE: Some universities offer admissions without requiring the GRE but may still have GPA and other requirements.
  • Doctorate of Social Work (DSW): Although not required for social work licensure in Ohio, a DSW program may help prepare you to pursue advanced career opportunities such as professor of social work, administrator, or director of social services.

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

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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Social Work Licenses in Ohio 

In addition to the previously mentioned BSW- and MSW-level licenses, there are two other social work designations in Ohio: one for master’s-level students pursuing internship/practicum hours and another for those who have received an associate degree in social service technology.

  • The social work trainee (SWT) license is for MSW students who are currently enrolled in an internship or field education course. This allows the MSW student to act as a social worker during their internship.
  • If you have earned an associate-level degree in social service technology, you may be eligible for the social work assistant (SWA) license. The SWA license may permit individuals, under appropriate supervision, to provide services such as intake assessments, referrals, screening, and crisis intervention.

For other applicants with a BSW or MSW, the following licenses are available from the Ohio CSWMFT Board as of October 2020:

Licensed Social Worker (LSW)

As an LSW in Ohio, you can provide counseling and psychosocial interventions without supervision and practice social psychotherapy under appropriate supervision.

  • Education Requirement: A CSWE-accredited Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) is the minimum degree; applicants with an MSW or higher may also qualify.
  • Field Requirement: None beyond the supervised field education built into your accredited program.
  • Exams: ASWB Bachelors or Masters Exam depending on your degree level.
  • Fees: $80 application fee plus a $3.50 processing fee, paid online through Ohio’s eLicense system.
  • License Renewal: Renew every two years on license issuance date. You must complete 30 hours of continuing education, including at least 3 hours in ethics; all 30 hours may be completed by approved distance learning or home study.

Licensed Independent Social Worker (LISW)

The LISW in Ohio license allows you to practice independently in Ohio, including opening your own practice, and to diagnose and treat mental and emotional disorders within the scope of social work.

  • Education Requirement: A CSWE-accredited Master of Social Work (MSW) or higher.
  • Field Requirement: At least 3,000 hours of post-MSW supervised social work experience, typically completed over a minimum of two years under a Board-approved LISW supervisor.
  • Exams: ASWB Clinical or ASWB Advanced Generalist Exam
  • Fees: $100 application fee plus a $3.50  processing fee via the eLicense system.

Licensed Independent Social Worker with Supervision Designation (LISW-S)

The LISW-S designation allows you to supervise other social workers who are gaining supervised experience toward independent licensure.

  • Education Requirement: A CSWE-accredited MSW and at least one year of experience as an Ohio LISW or an equivalent independent license in another state.
  • Supervision Training: Completion of at least 9 hours of Board-approved supervision continuing education after your independent license is issued, or a master’s-level social work supervision course completed within the last three years. 
  • Exams: No additional ASWB exam beyond the LISW exam.
  • Application Fee: The “S” is an endorsement on your LISW license, requested via the eLicense system; any applicable fees are set by the Board. 
  • License Renewal: Renew on the same two-year schedule as your LISW. You must still complete 30 total CE hours, including at least 3 hours in ethics and at least 3 hours in supervision-focused CE each renewal period; distance learning/home study can cover all required hours.

Social Work Salaries for Ohio

Average social work salaries in Ohio will vary by location, role and work environment.

Social Work CareersNumber of Social Workers in OhioMean Social Work Salary
Child, family and school Social Workers
15,240
$54,550
Health care social workers
8,700
$66,380
Mental health and substance abuse social workers
6,870
$51,470
Social workers, all other
2,960
$67,090
Social work teachers, postsecondary
770
$63,810

Information on the above social work salaries in Ohio was retrieved from Bureau of Labor Statistics – State Occupational Employment and Wage Estimates Ohio as of November 2025.

Learn more about different social work salaries.

Ohio Social Work Scholarships

There are several social work scholarships in Ohio and as well as other forms of financial aid to help aspiring social work students cover school costs, such as tuition and supplies. Be sure to check with your preferred university for other financial aid options available. Some Ohio scholarships we have found for social workers include:

Ohio Social Work Organizations 

While there are some social work organizations in Ohio, universities may also offer opportunities for students to join associations or groups. 

  • NASW, Ohio Chapter – The world’s largest membership organization of social workers with more than 130,000 members has 3,800 in Ohio. This group focuses on client advocacy and addressing the needs of social work professionals.
  • Ohio School Social Work Association – Ohio is one of 11 states in the Midwest School Social Work Council. The Ohio chapter promotes programs and research in school systems to improve the quality of life for students. The organization further advocates social service work throughout the state.

Sponsored online social work programs

University of Denver

infoAD

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

infoAD

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

infoAD

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

infoAD

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

infoAD

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. 

infoAD

FAQs

Does Ohio have social work reciprocity?

Ohio does not have traditional one-to-one reciprocity agreements where a license from another state automatically converts to an Ohio license. The CSWMFT Board confirms that “Ohio has no licensing reciprocity agreements with other states,” and there is no way to simply “transfer” a license.

However, if you are already licensed in another state, you can apply as an out-of-state social worker. Ohio will consider your existing ASWB exam scores and supervised experience when you apply for an Ohio LSW or LISW. You still submit an application through the eLicense system and must meet Ohio’s education, exam, and background-check requirements.

Ohio has also joined the Social Work Licensure Compact, which creates a multistate social work license that will eventually allow eligible social workers in compact states to practice across member states more easily. Implementation is still in progress: the compact commission is developing rules and infrastructure, and multistate licenses are expected but not yet fully live as of late 2025.

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

As an LSW or LISW in Ohio, you must renew your license every two years. Before renewal, you must complete 30 CE hours, all of which may be achieved by home study. A minimum of three of the 30 hours must be in ethics every two-year licensing period. LISWs require three hours in supervision every two-year licensing period.

Learn more about continuing education in social work options.

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

The primary social work license verification in Ohio provided by the CSWMFT Board is the eLicense Look-Up. The information you enter must match the information in the system exactly.

Information on this page was last retrieved and updated in November 2025.