How long does it take to become a social worker?

It usually takes between four to six years to become a social worker. Aspiring social workers must earn their bachelor’s degree, and many continue on to earn a master’s degree as well.

What degree do you need to be a licensed social worker?

In the United States and Canada, the requirements to become a licensed social worker vary by state, province, and territory. However, a common prerequisite is obtaining a degree in social work from an accredited institution. Typically, a Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) is the minimum requirement for entry-level positions, while a Master of Social Work (MSW) is often necessary for advanced clinical roles.According to the Association of Social Work Boards (ASWB), licensure requirements can differ significantly depending on your location. You can find specific licensing requirements by state or province on their website: ASWB Licensing Requirements.For further insight into the requirements and pathways to becoming a social worker, you can refer to the article: Social Worker Requirements: What You Will Need. This article may provide additional details and considerations for individuals pursuing a career in social work.

How do I become a licensed social worker?

Social worker licensure requirements vary by state. Typically, obtaining your licensure includes achieving a minimum level of education, reaching a required amount of supervised practice time and completing an application. There are also optional and advanced licensures for specific social worker careers. You can learn more about requirements here.

What is military social work?

Social workers can help military clients address difficulties such as PTSD, depression or anxiety, unemployment, financial hardship and more through individual or family counseling. Social workers support military personnel and their loved ones by developing community programs and initiatives that can improve their lives. Learn more about military social work.

Edcor

Advance your career with education benefits

Take advantage of EdCor's education partnership with UMass Global to earn a degree without piling up student debt. Eligible EdCor members receive assistance to continue their education. Use this advantage to enhance their skills and career prospects.

Why UMass Global?

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Made for busy lives

Education that fits into your busy life with two fully online/mobile accessible learning options
Self-paced online (MyPath) — work at your pace, on your schedule, start any time
Term-based online — instructor-led schedule, eight-week courses, six starts per year

Education for the Real World

Education tailored for your development
Over 55 degree, credential, and certificate choices
Learn from industry experts
Gain real-world skills you can start using immediately

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Support when you need it

Support you need to succeed
Receive one-on-one dedicated support every step of the way
Free math and English tutoring, along with technology support
Lifelong connections, resources, and networking

How will a degree help me?

Check out some fast facts on why going back to school is a good option.

$1.2M

in additional lifetime earnings — that’s the average boost for bachelor’s degree holders compared to those with only a high school diploma

21%

more pay for having a master’s (or higher) instead of just a bachelor’s

60%

of workers will require training before 2027

I thought going into my MBA it would reinforce things I had already learned, but it also opened up new ways of thinking.

Alice C.

Business Administration, MBA

I did this for my son and the mothers of children with special needs. Someone who could truly understand them needed to sit on the other end at those IEP meetings; UMass Global made it possible.

Andrea M.

Education, Leadership in Early Childhood Education, MAE

For an individual that was returning to college after a long break, this was an excellent experience! I learned so much through this program that I could apply in today’s working world. I highly recommend this program to anyone who wants to obtain their higher education!

Marsha S.

Business Administration, BBA

I'm over the moon that their staff made it so easy, and I learned so much that I could apply to my work right now. I improved myself in leadership competencies and it’s made me a much better leader for the Department of the Navy.

Michele R.

Organizational Leadership, BA

WASC Senior College and University Commission

University of Massachusetts Global is accredited by the WASC Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC)

California Commission on Teaching Credentialing

University of Massachusetts Global's School of Education is accredited by the California Commission on Teaching Credentialing (CTC).

Association for Advancing Quality in Educator Preparation

University of Massachusetts Global is a member in good standing of the Association for Advancing Quality in Educator Preparation (AAQEP), a national accrediting organization recognized by the Council for Higher Education Accreditation

Council on Social Work Education (CSWE)

UMass Global's Bachelor and Master of Social Work programs are accredited by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE)

Ways to Get Started

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Start the next chapter in your life

Follow these simple steps:

Speak with your employer's benefits department about your education benefits amount, eligibility requirements, and process.
Speak with an Enrollment Coach — Fill out the Request for Information Form to answer degree, application, and transcript questions (please answer any unknown calls if even to tell them a better time to call you back).
Complete your UMass Global application. It's free and easy! — Click here to apply!
Complete the scholarship verification form — Click here to fill out the form and submit your verification.
Receive your acceptance letter — Congratulations 🎉 !
Get financially cleared — Make an appointment with our helpful OneStop Specialists.
Enroll in classes — Work with an assigned Academic Advisor to come up with a schedule that works for you.
Provide any necessary documents to your benefits department.

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