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

Request more info from the University of Denver.

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. 

Request more info from Hawaii Pacific University.

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

Request more info from Simmons University.

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

Request more info from Howard University.

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

Request more info from Syracuse University.

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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.

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. 

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.

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. 

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.

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

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

Becoming an LCSW allows you to practice clinical social work services independently including diagnosis, counseling and psychotherapy.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.