Start your social work career amidst the winding Appalachian Trail, the 165-feet deep Seneca Caverns and a statewide network of approximately 4,340 social workers, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). Nationally, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects overall employment of social workers to grow 6% from 2024 to 2034.

This guide for how to become a social worker in West Virginia 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 West Virginia, you can embark on a meaningful, fulfilling career helping others in the Mountain 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.

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.

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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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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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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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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 West Virginia Social Worker

Before becoming a social worker in West Virginia, you must earn a CSWE-accredited bachelor’s degree in social work and a social work license, depending on what career path you choose. West Virginia issues a Regular License in four levels, LSW, LGSW, LCSW, and LICSW, and also offers other credential options such as a Temporary Permit and Provisional License in certain situations. There may also be additional requirements, such as a background check and clinical supervision, such as a Temporary Permit and Provisional License, based on your goals. Below are the steps for obtaining each type of license in West Virginia; this information was gathered from the West Virginia Board of Social Work Examiners website.

1. Earn a CSWE-accredited social work degree

To become a licensed social worker in West Virginia, you will have to complete a bachelor’s degree program in social work accredited by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE). You can pursue these degrees in West Virginia through various formats, including full time, part time and online.

2. Pass the required ASWB exam and complete any experience/supervision required for your license level

West Virginia has four levels of social workers, according to the state’s licensing board, with increasing requirements:

• Licensed social worker (LSW): A person with an accredited bachelor’s degree in social work who has passed the Association of Social Work Boards (ASWB) bachelor’s exam. 
• Licensed graduate social worker (LGSW): A person with an accredited master’s degree in social work who has passed the ASWB Intermediate exam. 
• Licensed certified social worker (LCSW): A person with an accredited master’s or doctoral degree in social work who has passed the ASWB Advanced Generalist exam. Those seeking this license must also have 2 years of postgraduate social work practice.
• Licensed independent clinical social worker (LICSW): A person with an accredited master’s or doctoral degree in social work who has passed the ASWB clinical exam. Those looking to pursue this license must also verify at least 3,000 hours of employment and 100 hours of direct supervision.

3. Get licensed

Once you’ve completed your hours and experience, you may apply to become a licensed social worker in West Virginia.

Learn more on how to become a social worker.

Across the United States, social work degree programs are accredited by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE). In West Virginia, there are many accredited bachelor’s and master’s programs in social work. A CSWE-accredited BSW can qualify you for advanced standing in some MSW programs, which typically means you skip the foundational MSW curriculum and may be able to finish more quickly, sometimes in about one calendar year with full-time study. As of 2026, the following schools offer CSWE-accredited BSW programs in West Virginia:

In West Virginia, the LSW can be earned with a CSWE-accredited BSW, but the state’s advanced licenses (LGSW, LCSW, and LICSW) generally require a CSWE-accredited MSW plus additional exam and/or experience requirements. Some individuals further their education and experience in social work by pursuing a Doctor of Social Work (DSW) degree.

MSW programs in West Virginia 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 CSWE-accredited MSW programs in West Virginia: 

West Virginia schools offering online MSW programs typically offer full- and part-time pathways, and some also offer advanced standing for students with a CSWE-accredited BSW.

West Virginia’s Regular License consists of four levels: Level A (LSW), Level B (LGSW), Level C (LCSW), and Level D (LICSW). In West Virginia, the LSW (Level A) is available to applicants with a CSWE-accredited BSW, while the advanced license levels generally require a CSWE-accredited MSW, the appropriate ASWB exam, and (for higher levels) postgraduate experience.  The details below are based on the West Virginia Board of Social Work licensure descriptions for Levels A–D.

An LSW may provide generalist social work services such as assessment, planning, intervention, counseling, evaluation, case management, and work in areas like social advocacy, community organization, and administration/program development (within the LSW scope of practice).

An LGSW may provide generalist social work services and may conduct clinical or psychotherapeutic services only under the clinical supervision of an experienced, credentialed behavioral health professional.

A Licensed Certified Social Worker (LCSW) may perform all duties within the scope of an LSW and LGSW and may apply social work theory and methods to diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of psychological dysfunction, including emotional and mental disorders and developmental disabilities, and may determine behavioral health diagnoses using commonly accepted diagnostic taxonomies.

An LICSW may perform all duties within the scope of lower license levels and may practice independent clinical social work within the LICSW scope of practice.

Social worker salaries in Florida will depend on your role, environment and location. However, the BLS reports that, generally, the higher the educational attainment, the greater the earning potential.

Information on the above social work salaries in West Virginia was retrieved from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Estimates: West Virginia in February 2026.

West Virginia offers several state and school-based funding options that may help reduce the cost of earning a BSW/MSW or repaying qualifying education loans. Because eligibility varies widely, always confirm current requirements and deadlines with the program sponsor. 

West Virginia social workers can connect with a mix of statewide professional associations and service-provider networks that support the profession through advocacy, continuing education, and workforce development. Better social work means better solutions for welfare, child welfare, elderly welfare, healthcare reform and other issues affecting the disadvantaged populations in West Virginia and beyond.

Yes. West Virginia offers an out-of-state pathway through a reciprocal license established under the Universal Professional and Occupational Licensing Act of 2025 (WV Code §30-1-27) for social workers who hold an equivalent license in another state and intend to relocate to West Virginia or have recently relocated. The Board requires proof of WV residency and verification of good standing from each state where the applicant holds (or has ever held) a social work license, and it instructs applicants to email the Executive Director regarding the reciprocal license application process. 

Social workers in West Virginia renew their licenses every two years. For each renewal cycle, regular licensees (LSW, LGSW, LCSW, LICSW) must complete 30 hours of WV Board-approved continuing social work education, including at least 2 hours on mental health conditions specific to veterans and their family members and at least 1 hour in social work ethics. Renewal requires submitting the renewal application and CE documentation, and paying the required fee (the Board accepts online payments, but payment alone does not renew a license). 

The best way to look up (verify) a West Virginia social work license is to use the West Virginia Board of Social Work’s License Verification search. The database is updated weekly, and you can search by license number, first name, last name, or a combination to view a licensee’s license status and other public details.

Last updated in February 2026.