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Become a Social Worker in South Dakota
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.
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 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.
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).
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.
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.
Social Work Degree Programs in South Dakota
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.
Master of Social Work (MSW) Programs in South Dakota
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.
| Institution & Program | Location | Study Length | Enrollment |
|---|---|---|---|
University of South DakotaMaster of Social Work | Vermillion, SD | 2 years | Full-Time |
Online MSW Programs in South Dakota
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).
| Institution & Program | Location | Study Length | Enrollment |
|---|---|---|---|
University of South DakotaMaster of Social Work | Vermillion, SD | 2 years | Full-Time |
Social Work Licenses in South Dakota
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.
- South Dakota SWA education requirement: Baccalaureate degree in a non-social work field or discipline or an Associate of Arts degree in the human services field approved by the board
- South Dakota SWA exam: An ASWB-administered exam (the same exam used for the Social Worker license level, with a lower passing score allowed for SWA). Applicants must be Board-approved to sit for the exam
- Field requirement: No additional post-degree field hours are listed for SWA licensure, but SWA practice requires supervision documentation (see the Board’s SWA supervision validation forms)
- License renewal: Every two years. Renewal requires 30 contact hours of continuing education completed within the prior two-year period, including 6 hours in social work ethics, plus the $90 SWA renewal fee
South Dakota CSW-PIP (certified social worker in private or independent practice)
- South Dakota CSW-PIP education requirement: A doctoral or master’s degree from a CSWE-accredited social work program
- South Dakota CSW-PIP exam: An examination prepared by the South Dakota Board of Social Work Examiners and scheduled through ASWB (the Board uses separate tests for different licensure levels). Applicants must be Board-approved to sit for the exam
- Field requirement: Licensed as a Certified Social Worker (CSW) for at least two years, plus two years of experience under appropriate supervision in the field of specialization in which the applicant will practice (e.g., psychotherapy, community organization, or planning)
- License renewal: Every two years; 30 contact hours of CE within the prior two-year license period, including 6 hours in social work ethics, plus the required renewal fee
Social Work Salaries in South Dakota
South Dakota Social Work Careers | Number of Social Workers in South Dakota | Average Mean Social Work Salary |
|---|---|---|
Child, family and school social workers | 1,850 | $53,780 |
Healthcare social workers | 680 | $56,520 |
Mental health and substance abuse social workers | 240 | $51,560 |
Social workers, all other | 140 | $86,180 |
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.
South Dakota Social Work Scholarships
- BSW Scholarship: $500
- MSW Scholarship: $500
- Fern Chamberlain Scholarships (two awards): $1,000 each
Learn more about South Dakota Social Work Scholarships
South Dakota Social Work Organizations
- NASW South Dakota Chapter: Founded in 1955, the National Association of Social Workers (NASW) is the largest membership organization of professional social workers in the world, with more than 120,000 members (per NASW). The NASW South Dakota Chapter supports and unifies the profession in South Dakota through professional development, advocacy, and the promotion of sound and equitable social policy.
FAQ
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).
Last updated in: March 2026
Information last updated: July 2026