Begin your career in social work alongside the rolling prairies of South Dakota, which boasts a statewide network of approximately 2,910 social workers, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). 

This guide for how to become a social worker in South Dakota outlines educational requirements, how to get licensed, social work organizations to join, and more. Once you complete the steps to become a social worker in South Dakota, you can embark on a meaningful and fulfilling career.

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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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. 

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Common Steps to Become a South Dakota Social Worker

Before becoming a social worker in South Dakota, you must meet the education requirements for the license level you choose.  South Dakota offers four social work license types: Social Work Associate (SWA), Social Worker (SW), Certified Social Worker (CSW), and Certified Social Worker–Private/Independent Practice (CSW-PIP).  The steps below are based on guidance from the South Dakota Board of Social Work Examiners.

The information below was retrieved in March 2026 and is intended only as a high-level overview. Requirements may change; always check with the state licensing board for complete and up-to-date information.

1. Earn a CSWE-Accredited Social Work Degree

To become licensed in South Dakota, you must meet the education requirements for the license level you’re pursuing. South Dakota licenses social workers at multiple levels, including baccalaureate-level and above. South Dakota offers four social work license types: Social Work Associate, Social Worker, Certified Social Worker, and Certified Social Worker in Private or Independent Practice (CSW-PIP).

2. Complete Post-Graduate Field Hours 

Some license levels require additional supervised professional experience. In South Dakota, the advanced license for private/independent practice (CSW-PIP) requires supervised experience beyond the degree. Once you meet the requirements for your chosen license level, you can submit your application, transcripts, supporting materials, and fees to the Board and register for the appropriate ASWB exam. If approved and the Board receives passing exam scores, the Board will issue your license.

3. Get Licensed

Once you’ve completed all requirements according to the board, you may apply to become an LCSW in South Dakota. 

Learn more on how to become a social worker.

To become licensed in South Dakota, you must meet the education requirements for the specific license level you’re pursuing. Some licenses require a CSWE-accredited social work degree, while others do not. You can pursue these degrees in South Dakota through various formats, including full-time, part-time, part time and online. 

South Dakota has a small number of CSWE-accredited BSW programs and at least one in-state MSW program. The most reliable way to confirm current accreditation status is CSWE’s Directory of Accredited Programs. With a CSWE-accredited BSW, you may qualify for an advanced-standing MSW track, which some schools offer in as little as 12 months full-time (timelines vary). A BSW also prepares students for entry-level social work positions. 

However, to obtain higher-level licenses in South Dakota, a minimum of an MSW is required. Some individuals further their education and experience in social work by pursuing a Doctor of Social Work (DSW) degree. For a current list of CSWE-accredited BSW/MSW programs available in South Dakota, use CSWE’s Directory of Accredited Programs.

MSW programs in South Dakota teach students advanced social work theories and practical knowledge. MSW programs include coursework on human development, social work policy, intervention and social work practice for poverty, oppression and trauma.

MSW students complete a supervised practicum (field education) in which they apply skills in real-world settings under the guidance of qualified field instructors.  At the University of South Dakota, MSW students can choose full-time or part-time enrollment, including an advanced-standing track for eligible BSW graduates, and the program is also available online.  The University of South Dakota’s MSW is CSWE-accredited. For the most current list of accredited or candidacy programs, consult CSWE’s Directory of Accredited Programs. 

MSW programs build advanced social work skills in areas such as human development, social welfare policy, and evidence-informed intervention, along with supervised field education. In South Dakota, the University of South Dakota offers the only CSWE-accredited MSW program in the state, available 100% online (with full-time and part-time options). 

South Dakota’s Board of Social Work Examiners issues four social work license types: Social Work Associate (SWA), Social Worker (SW), Certified Social Worker (CSW), and Certified Social Worker in Private or Independent Practice (CSW-PIP). The requirements are as follows: 

South Dakota SWA (social work associate)

An associate’s degree in a human services-related field. Because CSWE does not accredit associate-degree programs, SWA applicants should ensure the Associate of Arts in human services program is Board-approved (and that the institution/program meets the Board’s requirements). If you’re unsure, contact the Board before enrolling.  You can contact the state board to ask if a program you are considering would be accepted for licensure.

Information on the above social work salaries in South Dakota was retrieved from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics – State Occupational Employment and Wage Estimates – South Dakota as of March 2026.

Learn more about different social work salaries.

Learn more about South Dakota Social Work Scholarships

South Dakota does not have a simple “reciprocity” license transfer process, but social workers who are licensed in another state can apply for a South Dakota license through licensure by endorsement (often used interchangeably with “reciprocity” in other states). Endorsement typically requires submitting the appropriate South Dakota application, providing verification of your out-of-state license, and submitting any additional documents required for your license level (such as experience verification for CSW-PIP). 

According to the South Dakota Board of Social Work Examiners, licensees renewing a South Dakota social work license must complete 30 contact hours of continuing education within the previous two-year license period. At least 6 of the 30 hours must be in social work ethics. The Board also notes that all contact hours may be obtained through online courses.

The best way to verify a South Dakota social work license is to use the South Dakota Board of Social Work Examiners’ online verification page, where you can search by license number and/or name to confirm current license status.

Last updated in: March 2026