Begin your career in social work alongside the rolling prairies of South Dakota, which boasts a statewide network of almost 2,600 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

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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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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Fordham University

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Master of Social Work (MSW)

Fordham’s skills-based, online MSW program integrates advanced relevant social work competencies, preparing students to serve individuals and communities while moving the profession forward. This program includes advanced standing and traditional MSW options.

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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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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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Common Steps to Become a South Dakota Social Worker

Before becoming a social worker in South Dakota, you must earn a bachelor’s degree in social work and a social work license depending on what career path you choose. South Dakota offers four types of social work licenses. Based on your goals, there may also be additional requirements such as a background check and clinical supervision. Below are the steps on how to obtain social work licenses in South Dakota, which were retrieved from the South Dakota Department of Social Services. 

Information below was retrieved May 2022 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.

1. Earn a CSWE-Accredited Social Work Degree

To become a licensed social worker in South Dakota, you will have to complete a CSWE-accredited Master of Social Work (MSW) program. All three licenses offered in South Dakota require an MSW degree: certified master social worker, registered clinical social worker intern, and licensed clinical social worker.

2. Complete Post-Graduate Field Hours 

Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) and MSW programs will include social work field experience, but you’ll need to meet certain field experience requirements for social work licensure in South Dakota. To become fully licensed as an LCSW, you must have two years of post-master’s supervised experience under the supervision of a licensed clinical social worker. 

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 a licensed social worker in South Dakota, you will have to complete a Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) or Master of Social Work (MSW) program accredited by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE). You can pursue these degrees in South Dakota through various formats, including full time, part time and online. 

There are three accredited BSW and MSW degree programs in South Dakota. A bachelor’s degree in social work online or on campus can enable you to enter an advanced standing MSW program, which you may be able to complete in about one year. A BSW also prepares students for entry-level social work positions. 

In order to obtain higher-level licenses in South Dakota, however, 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. 

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 in South Dakota also complete a social work practicum where they’re able to get real social work practice under the supervision of a licensed South Dakota social worker. There are full-time, part-time and advanced-standing MSW programs available in South Dakota. The following are CSWE accredited or in candidacy MSW programs in South Dakota.

MSW programs teach students advanced social work theories and practical knowledge. MSW programs may include coursework on topics such as human development, social work policy and intervention. There is one fully accredited MSW program in South Dakota.

South Dakota law recognizes four classes of social workers: certified social worker in private or independent practice (CSW-PIP), licensed certified social worker (LCSW), licensed social worker (LSW) and licensed social work associate (LSWA). The requirements are as follows:

An associate’s degree in a human services-related field usually takes two years to complete; both in-person and online options are available. Although the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE) does not accredit associate degree programs, you must earn your degree from a school that is accredited by a nationally recognized body. 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 May 2022.

Learn more about different social work salaries.

Learn more about South Dakota Social Work Scholarships

No, there is no social work license reciprocity in South Dakota. However, social workers who want to obtain licensure in South Dakota may apply for licensure by endorsement. 

According to South Dakota Department of Social Services, all licensees applying for renewal of license must include certification of completion of 30 contact hours of continuing education within the previous two-year license period. All contact hours may now be obtained through online courses. 

To look up social work license verification in South Dakota, visit the Board of Social Work Examiners verification website. 

Last updated in May 2022