Start your social work career amidst the winding Appalachian Trail, the 165-feet deep Seneca Caverns and a statewide network of over 3,500 social workers, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). In fact, all areas of social work in West Virginia are expected to grow by 4.2% by 2028. 

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 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

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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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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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.

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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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University of Southern California

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Master of Social Work (MSW)

The MSW@USC is the online Master of Social Work from top-ranked USC Suzanne Dworak-Peck School of Social Work. USC offers virtual and in-person field education, and students focus on adults, youth or social change.

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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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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.

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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 bachelor’s degree in social work and a social work license depending on what career path you choose. West Virginia offers four types of social work licenses. 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 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. Fulfill your social work supervised experience requirement, and pass your national/state exams

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 master’s 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 looking to pursue this license must also have two years of post-graduate social work experience.

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), which accredits social work degree programs throughout the United States. In West Virginia, there are 10 accredited bachelor’s and master’s social work degree programs. 

A bachelor’s degree in social work online or on-campus allows you to enter an advanced standing MSW program, which you may be able to complete in about one year. A BSW also prepares students for entry-level social work positions. There are seven universities offering accredited BSW programs in West Virginia:

In order to obtain higher level licenses in West Virginia, however, a minimum of a Master of Social Work (MSW) is required. 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 two fully accredited MSW programs in West Virginia.

Online MSW programs in West Virginia also offer program options, such as full-time or part-time study.

West Virginia has four types of licenses for social workers: licensed social worker (LSW), licensed graduate social worker (LGSW), licensed certified social worker (LCSW) and licensed independent clinical social worker (LICSW). While you may practice entry-level social work with a bachelor’s degree in social work, the West Virginia Board requires an MSW or DSW to practice more specialized social work. All information below on LSW, LGSW, LCSW and LICSW credentials was retrieved from the West Virginia Board of Social Work Examiners.

Becoming an LSW allows you to practice general, non-clinical services including advocacy, administration, case management and more.

Becoming an LGSW allows you to practice clinical services under supervision and provide general social work services.

Becoming an LCSW allows you to practice clinical social work under supervision and advanced non-clinical social work independently after licensure.

Becoming an LICSW allows you to practice clinical social work including case management, counseling, prevention, intervention, treatment and more independently after licensure.

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 May 2022.

There are statewide scholarships and programs in place to assist those just starting on their path to social work. While each state has different offerings, below are some grants and loans to help you become an LSW, LGSW, LCSW or LICSW in the state of West Virginia.

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 welfare, child welfare, elderly welfare, healthcare reform and other issues affecting the disadvantaged populations in West Virginia and beyond.

West Virginia allows out-of-state licensing by credentials; applicants must have an equivalent social work license in another state, meet the educational prerequisites for the equivalent West Virginia social work license, provide their official ASWB exam scores and pay a fee on the State’s Board of Social Work site.

Social workers must renew their license every two years. Additionally, social workers must complete 40 hours of continuing education including two hours on the mental health of veterans and their family members and one hour related to ethics. To renew, complete the online renewal form and pay fees.

Search for your social work license at the West Virginia’s Board of Social Work 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.

Last updated in May 2022.