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Become a Social Worker in Utah
Start your social work career alongside the rocks of Arches National Park, the Olympic trails in Park City, and a statewide network of over 6,090 social workers, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS).
This guide for how to become a social worker in Utah explains educational and licensing requirements, social work organizations to join and more. Once you complete the steps to become a social worker in Utah, you can embark on a meaningful, fulfilling career helping others in the Beehive State.
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 you can practice as a social worker in Utah, you must meet the education requirements for the license level you’re pursuing and apply through the Utah Division of Professional Licensing (DOPL). Utah offers multiple credentials, most commonly Social Service Worker (SSW), Certified Social Worker (CSW), and Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) (with CSW Intern status for some applicants), and requirements may include supervised experience and additional documentation, depending on the license.
Utah licensure requirements depend on the credential you’re pursuing. Many applicants complete a CSWE-accredited BSW or MSW, but Utah’s Social Service Worker (SSW) license also allows other approved education pathways (including certain related degrees or specific coursework paired with qualifying experience).
Utah has three levels of social workers, according to the state’s licensing board, with increasing requirements:
Social service worker (SSW): Qualify through one of Utah DOPL’s approved education pathways; Utah does not require an exam for SSW licensure. If you’re applying for the SSW license using a bachelor’s degree in another field (instead of a BSW or other qualifying option), Utah requires documentation of 2,000 hours of qualifying experience and a supervisor-completed experience form.
Certified social worker (CSW): Requires a master’s or doctoral degree in social work; Utah does not require an exam for CSW licensure.
Licensed clinical social worker (LCSW): Requires a master’s or doctoral degree in social work, passing the ASWB Clinical exam, submission of Utah’s required clinical supervision hour documentation, and proof of 2 hours in suicide prevention continuing education. To become an LCSW in Utah, you must document 3,000 hours of clinical practice (including required direct client care and supervision hours) and meet Utah’s supervision documentation requirements.
Once you’ve completed your hours and experience, you may apply to become a licensed social worker in Utah.
Learn more on how to become a social worker.
Social Work Degree Programs in Utah
There are many accredited BSW and MSW degree programs in Utah. A bachelor’s degree in social work online or on campus can enable a student to enter an advanced standing program in an MSW program, where you may be able to complete an MSW in about one year. A BSW also prepares students for entry-level social work positions. There are four universities offering accredited BSW programs in Utah:
To obtain higher-level licenses in Utah, however, a minimum of an MSW is required. Some people advance their education and experience in social work by pursuing a Doctor of Social Work (DSW) degree.
Master of Social Work (MSW) Programs in Utah
MSW programs in Utah 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. Below are fully accredited MSW programs in Utah.
| Institution & Program | Location | Study Length | Enrollment |
|---|---|---|---|
Brigham State UniversityMaster of Social Work | Framingham, MA | 2+ years | Full-Time, Part-Time |
University of UtahMaster of Social Work | Salt Lake City, UT | 2 years | Full-Time |
Utah State UniversityMaster of Social Work | Logan, UT | 2+ years | Full-Time, Part-Time |
Online MSW Programs in Utah
Utah has one CSWE-accredited MSW program with fully online options, the University of Utah. The University offers multiple online tracks, and students complete required field education/practicum as part of the program.
Social Work Licenses in Utah
Utah’s social work credentials include Social Service Worker (SSW), Certified Social Worker (CSW), and Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW), and Utah DOPL also offers a Certified Social Worker Intern (CSWI) credential for certain applicants. In Utah, you must hold the appropriate DOPL credential to practice within the licensed scopes; a BSW is one common pathway to the SSW credential, while the CSW requires a master’s or doctorate in social work. The LCSW is the clinical license and requires passing the ASWB Clinical exam and meeting Utah’s supervised clinical practice requirements.
Social Service Work in Utah
Becoming an SSW allows you to work in entry-level, non-clinical/generalist social service roles consistent with Utah’s licensing laws and your employer’s policies.
- Education Requirement: Meet one approved pathway (e.g., BSW; master’s in psychology/MFT/mental counseling; bachelor’s in another field + required coursework + 2,000 hours qualifying experience; or completion of the first academic year of a CSWE-approved MSW curriculum and practicum).
- Experience Requirements: 2,000 hours of qualifying experience is required only if you’re applying with a bachelor’s degree in another field (plus the required coursework) and a supervisor-completed experience form.
- Exams: No exam required for the SSW credential in Utah.
- License Renewal (CE): 20 hours of CE per renewal cycle, including at least 6 hours in professional ethics, law, or technology and 2 hours in suicide prevention.
Certified Social Worker (CSW) in Utah
Becoming a CSW allows you to practice graduate-level, non-clinical social work consistent with Utah law, your training, and your employer’s policies.
- Education Requirement: Master or Doctor of Social Work Degree
- Field Requirements: None
- Exams: No exam required for CSW licensure in Utah.
- License Renewal (CE): 40 hours per renewal cycle, including at least 6 hours in ethics, law, or technology and 2 hours in suicide prevention.
Licensed Clinical Social Worker in Utah
Becoming an LCSW allows you to practice clinical social work services independently, including diagnosis, counseling and psychotherapy.
- Education Requirement: Master or Doctor of Social Work degree
- Field Requirements: 3,000 hours of required clinical practice/supervision (including Utah’s minimum direct client care and supervision components).
- Exams: ASWB clinical exam
- License Renewal (CE): 40 hours per renewal cycle, including 6 hours in ethics/law/technology and 2 hours in suicide prevention.
Social Work Salaries in Utah
Utah Social Work Careers | Number of Social Workers in Utah | Annual Mean Social Work Salary |
|---|---|---|
Child, Family and School Social Workers | 1,830 | $56,410 |
Healthcare Social Workers | 1,930 | $56,410 |
Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workers | 1,680 | Estimate not released |
Social Workers, All Other | 650 | $70,120 |
Information on the above social work salaries in Utah was retrieved from the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Estimates: Utah in February 2026.
Utah Social Work Scholarships
If you’re pursuing a social work degree in Utah, funding is typically available through university scholarships and workforce-based programs (especially child welfare Title IV-E). Availability and eligibility vary by school and program, so students should also check each university’s scholarship portal and social work department listings.
Examples of Utah-based opportunities include:
- Child Welfare Title IV-E Career Path (University of Utah – BSW)
- Child Welfare Title IV-E MSW Program (University of Utah)
- Title IV-E Child Welfare Program (Utah State University)
- Burt Annin Child Welfare Scholarship (University of Utah – College of Social Work)
- E. Daniel and Margie Egbert Edwards American Indian Scholarship (University of Utah – College of Social Work)
National options: The NASW Foundation also offers scholarships/fellowships that Utah students may be eligible for, depending on the program and criteria.
Utah Social Worker Organizations
There are countless local and national associations and organizations that promote, develop and protect the practice of social work and social workers. Better social work means better solutions for welfare, child welfare, elderly welfare, health care reform and other issues affecting disadvantaged people in Utah and beyond.
- National Association of Social Workers, Utah Chapter: NASW is the largest membership organization of professional social workers and supports members through advocacy, professional development, practice resources, and ethical standards.
- Utah Social Work Association: A statewide professional association that supports social workers across settings through networking, advocacy, and continuing education opportunities (formerly USSWLHC).
Utah Social Work FAQs
Does Utah offer social work license reciprocity?
Utah offers licensure by endorsement for out-of-state social workers who hold a license in good standing and meet Utah’s requirements for the equivalent credential (SSW, CSW, or LCSW). Requirements vary by license level. For example, the LCSW pathway includes the ASWB Clinical exam, and applications are submitted through the Utah Division of Professional Licensing (DOPL) with the required documentation and fees.
What are the social work continuing education requirements in Utah?
Utah social work licenses renew every two years (licenses expire on September 30 of even-numbered years). SSWs must complete 20 hours of continuing education each renewal cycle, while CSWs and LCSWs must complete 40 hours; for all license types, at least 6 hours must be in professional ethics, law, or technology, and 2 hours must be in suicide prevention. To renew, submit your renewal through Utah DOPL’s online portal and pay the required fee.
What is the best way to look up my Social Work license in Utah?
Use the Utah Division of Professional Licensing (DOPL) Licensee Lookup & Verification tool. Search by your name (and, if needed, filter by profession) to view your license number, current status, and publicly available license details.
Information last updated: February 2026