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 3,700 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 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.

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

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.

  •  Traditional and advanced standing online MSW options are available.
  • There are four areas of focus: Individuals and Families, Organizations and Community, Evaluation, and Policy Practice and Advocacy.
  • Pursue the degree on a full-time or part-time track.

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. 

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

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

Case Western Reserve University

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Master of Social Work (MSW)

In as few as a year and a half, you can prepare for social work leadership by earning your Master of Social Work online from Case Western Reserve University’s school of social work.

  • CSWE-accredited
  • No GRE requirement
  • Complete in as few as one and a half years

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Common Steps to Become a Utah Social Worker

Before becoming a social worker in Utah, you must obtain a bachelor’s degree in social work and one of three types of social work licenses, depending on what career path you choose. There may be additional requirements, such as a background check and clinical supervision, based on your goals. Below are the steps on how to obtain licenses in Utah, summarized from the Utah Department of Occupations and Professional Licensing.

1. Earn a CSWE-Accredited Social Work Degree

To become a licensed social worker in Utah, you must complete a Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) or Master of Social Work (MSW) degree program accredited by the Council of Social Work Education (CSWE). You can pursue these degrees in Utah through full-time, part-time and online formats. 

2. Fulfill your social work supervised experience requirement and pass your national/state exams

Utah has three levels of social workers, according to the state’s licensing board, with increasing requirements:

Social service worker (SSW): A person with an accredited bachelor’s degree in social work or related field who has passed the Association of Social Work Boards (ASWB) bachelor’s exam. For applicants who do not have a BSW, a minimum of 2,000 hours of social work experience is required. 

Certified social worker (CSW): A person with an accredited master’s degree in social work who has passed the ASWB master’s exam. 

Licensed clinical social worker (LCSW): A person with an accredited master’s or doctoral degree in social work who has passed the ASWB clinical exam. Those looking to attain this license must have also earned 4,000 hours of supervised social work experience.

3. Get Licensed

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 eight 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. There are three fully accredited MSW programs in Utah.

Online MSW Programs in Utah

There are two online MSW programs in Utah that are fully accredited. This online MSW program offers the same curriculum and coursework as traditional on-campus Utah programs. Students are taught by the same professors and also complete fieldwork as part of the program. 

Social Work Licenses in Utah 

Utah has three types of licenses for social workers: social service work (SSW), certified social worker (CSW), and licensed clinical social worker (LCSW). While you may practice entry-level social work with a bachelor’s degree in social work, the Utah Department requires an MSW or DSW to practice more specialized social work. All information on SSW, CSW and LCSW licenses below was retrieved from the Utah Department of Occupations and Professional Licensing.

Social Service Work in Utah

Becoming an SSW allows you to practice basic generalist social work services under the supervision of a licensed social worker.

  • Education Requirement: Bachelor of Social Work degree (or related)
  • Field Requirements: 2,000 hours of social work (if non-BSW)
  • Exams: ASWB bachelor’s exam
  • License Renewal: 20 hours of professional development in continuing education

Certified Social Worker (CSW) in Utah

Becoming a CSW allows you to practice graduate-level, non-clinical social work under the supervision of an LCSW.

  • Education Requirement: Master or Doctor of Social Work Degree
  • Field Requirements: None
  • Exams: ASWB master’s exam
  • License Renewal: 40 hours of professional development in continuing education

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: 4,000 hours of supervised clinical social work
  • Exams: ASWB clinical exam
  • License Renewal: 40 hours of professional development in continuing education

Social Work Salaries in Utah

Utah Social Work CareersNumber of Social Workers in UtahAnnual Mean Social Work Salary
Child, Family and School Social Workers
1,490
$51,650
Healthcare Social Workers
1,270
$67,880
Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workers
820
$47,410
Social Workers, All Other
460
$54,320

Information on the above social work salaries in Utah was retrieved from the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Estimates: Utah in May 2022.

Utah Social Work Scholarships 

For those just starting on their path to social work, there are statewide scholarships and programs to assist you. While each state has different offerings, below are some grants and loans to help you become an SSW, CSW or LCSW in Utah.

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: The NASW is the only collective voice on behalf of professional social work, including wages, safety, loan forgiveness, licensing regulations and professional standards, ethics and employment. Membership in NASW empowers social workers.
  • Society for Social Work Leadership in Health Care Utah Chapter: The premier national organization for social workers in health care. This Society empowers members by providing access to evidence-based standards of practice, enhanced partnerships and collaboration.
  • Utah Social Work Association: A statewide organization that values and strives to promote and support the development of social workers at all levels and in all settings. The association emphasizes the vital contribution social workers make in this community through many career paths and specialties.

Utah Social Work FAQs

Does Utah offer social work license reciprocity?

Utah allows licensure by endorsement. Out-of-state applicants must have an equivalent social work license in another state, meet the educational prerequisites for the equivalent Utah social work license, provide their official ASWB exam scores, and pay an application fee at the Utah Department of Social Work site.

What are the social work continuing education requirements in Utah?

Social workers must renew their license every year. SSWs must earn 20 hours of continuing education, while CSWs and LCSWs must earn 40 hours, including three hours in ethics and two in suicide prevention. To renew, complete the online renewal form and pay the associated fee.

What is the best way to look up my Social Work license in Utah? 

Search for your social work license at the Utah Department of Social Work site. Search your name and find your license number, status and your professional information.

Last updated May 2022.