Start your career with farmers markets, covered bridges, picturesque Lake Champlain and a state-wide network of social workers about 1,330 strong, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), including roles in schools and family services, healthcare settings, and mental health and substance use treatment.   

Whether your strengths are in counseling, case management, advocacy, or community-based support, social work in the Green Mountain State offers meaningful ways to connect people with the public and private resources they need.

The information below was retrieved in January 2026 and is intended only as a high-level overview. Requirements may change; always check with the state licensing board for the most current 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.

Request more info from the University of Denver.

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.

Request more info from Syracuse 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.

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.

Request more info from Howard University.

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. 

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Common Steps to Become a Vermont Social Worker

Vermont’s licensed social worker credentials (LMSW and LICSW) require an MSW (or DSW) from an accredited social work program. A BSW may be helpful for entry-level roles, but it is not a Vermont social work licensure requirement. More advanced social work requires a license, depending on what career path you choose. Vermont offers two types of social work licensure options: LMSW and LICSW. There may also be additional requirements, such as a background check and clinical supervision, based on your goals. Below are the steps on how to obtain both licenses in Vermont. This information was retrieved from the Vermont Office of Professional Regulation in January 2026.

To become a Licensed Master Social Worker (LMSW) in Vermont, you must:

1. Complete an approved Master of Social Work (MSW) degree program.
2. Submit your application to the State Office.
3. Pass the Master’s Social Work Licensing Examination.
4. Pass the Vermont Social Worker Jurisprudence Exam.

To become a Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker (LICSW) in Vermont, you must:

1. Complete an approved and accredited MSW or Doctor of Social Work (DSW) degree program.
2. In Vermont, anyone practicing psychotherapy while accruing supervised hours must be properly registered—either:
   • Entered on the “Roster of Non-Licensed, Non-Certified Psychotherapists” (if not already an LMSW), or
   • Registered for supervised practice with OPR (if already licensed as an LMSW). Hours earned while not properly registered/rostered won’t count.
3. Earn 3,000 hours of supervised practice (including 2,000 direct service hours of psychotherapy). Supervised practice may be completed in no less than two years, and Vermont caps credit at no more than 1,500 hours per year.
4. Submit your application to the State Office.
5. Pass the Clinical Social Work Licensing Examination.
6. Pass the Vermont Social Worker Jurisprudence Exam.

MSW programs in Vermont 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 Vermont also complete a social work practicum, gaining real-world social work experience under the supervision of a licensed Vermont social worker. There are full-time, part-time and advanced-standing MSW programs available in Vermont. The following are CSWE accredited or in candidacy MSW programs in Vermont.

Unfortunately, there are no online MSW programs in Vermont.

Learn more about MSW Programs:

Vermont has two types of social work licenses: Licensed Master Social Worker (LMSW) and Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker (LICSW). In Vermont, the title ‘social worker’ may be restricted in certain settings (including state agencies/contractors) to individuals with a BSW/MSW/doctoral degree from an accredited social work program. Vermont requires an MSW or doctoral degree from an accredited social work education program to qualify for licensure as an LMSW or LICSW, and you must be licensed to practice licensed master’s social work or licensed independent clinical social work. All information below is based on the Vermont Office of Professional Regulation (OPR) and Vermont statutes/rules as of January 2026.

Becoming an LMSW allows you to practice licensed master’s social work, but psychotherapy is not within the LMSW scope of practice in Vermont.

Becoming an LICSW allows you to practice clinical social work, including psychotherapy and mor,e without supervision after licensure.

Information on the above social work salaries in Vermont was retrieved from the Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Estimates: Vermont, in January 2026

For those just starting on their path to social work, there are state-wide scholarships and programs in place to assist you. While each state has different offerings, the following scholarships and financial aid resources may help Vermont students pursuing social work education (some are undergraduate-only and not tied to LMSW/LICSW specifically).

There are countless local and national associations and organizations with goals to promote, develop and protect the practice of social work and social workers. Better social work means better solutions for issues such as welfare, child welfare, elderly welfare, health care reform and other issues affecting the disadvantaged populations in Vermont and beyond.

Vermont has two reciprocity options for out-of-state applicants. Applicants with an equivalent social work license who meet the educational prerequisites for the equivalent Vermont license and provide their official ASWB exam scores are eligible for endorsement. Applicants with a license less than Vermont’s requirements may apply the “Five-Year Rule” if they’ve practiced 1,200+ hours per year for five years and have no disciplinary actions against them. The application fee is $180 for Vermont social work licenses (renewal is $120).

Social workers in Vermont must renew their license every two years through the Vermont Office of Professional Regulation (OPR). The renewal fee is $120, and the renewal deadline is January 31 of even-numbered years. Continuing education requirements depend on your license type: LMSWs must complete 10 hours of continuing education in a formal setting, while LICSWs must complete 20 hours (with at least 15 hours in a formal/live setting and up to 5 hours allowed as informal/self-directed learning). For both licenses, at least 1.5 hours must be in ethics. Beginning with the January 2026 renewal, OPR also requires 1 hour of continuing education on systemic oppression and anti-oppressive practice (or related topics). To renew, submit the online renewal application and pay the required fee.

Search for your social work license at the Vermont Office of Professional Regulation site search. The site’s options will allow you to search your name and find your license number, license status and details surrounding your professional information.

Information last updated: January 2026