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.

Get the Benefit of a Degree

Learn how this partnership with University of Massachusetts Global provides access to benefits, scholarships, and grants for working adults just like you!

The education you seek made more affordable.

Finding the time and money to go back to school while still working is a challenge. But thanks to your employer partnering with UMass Global, you can get the degree or certificate you seek, upgrading your skills and improving your career outlook. And you can do so at significant savings. Plus, our online coursework fits into the busiest of lives!

Your Discounts at a Glance

Because your employer is a Premier Partner with UMass Global, these are the scholarships available to employees and their spouses and dependents:

20% Scholarship

Master of Arts in Educational Leadership and Administration
Organizational Custom Off-site Cohorts (as approved by University)

15% Scholarship

Master of Arts in Teaching
Teaching Credentials (Single Subject, Multiple Subject, and Special Education)
Master of Arts in Marriage and Family Therapy

10% Scholarship

Associate degrees
Bachelor's degrees
Master's degree programs and graduate certificates (except as specifically noted)
Ed.D. in Organizational Leadership
UMass Global MyPath programs

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

20%

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

60%

of workers will require training before 2027

I now have the skill set to go forth and be the leader to really help my community and make it better.

Anna M.

Education, Educational Administration, MAE

My academic advisor was a great support system. He was my advisor throughout my program and he took the time to learn about me personally so we could make the best schedule to accommodate my life.

Steve L.

Education, Teaching and Learning, MAE

Not all doctoral programs are alike. I loved the cohort model becuase I not only earned my doctorate I also gained lifelong friends and a network of professionals I can rely on. The Ed.D. program taught me to be confident and thoughtful in my leadership decisions.

Linda C.

Organizational Leadership, Ed.D.

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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Get started in 6 simple steps

Speak with an Enrollment Coach — Call 800.746.0082 or fill out a request for information form.
Complete your application, it’s free and easy! — Click here to apply!
Receive your acceptance letter — Congratulations 🎉 !
Complete the scholarship verification form — Click here to fill out the form and submit your verification.
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.

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Disclaimers:

Student must be an employee/member, spouse/dependent of employee/member of a participating Scholarship Partner.
Student must be admitted to the University, start during the term of the partnership agreement, and attend during the current academic year.
Continuing student will maintain the scholarship level that was awarded at the time of the agreement.
Interrupted enrollment will not affect a continuing student’s scholarship unless the student is required to re-apply to the university. Students who must re-apply to the university will need to also re-apply to any scholarship awarded through an updated partnership agreement. The reapplying student would be subject to whichever scholarships and agreements are available to them in their specific situation at the time of the re-admit.
Student must remain in good academic and financial standing in accordance with the University's existing catalog.
Student must submit the scholarship application no later than one session immediately following the start of the student's eligibility of the qualified academic program. In addition, once the scholarship application is submitted, the scholarship will not be retroactive beyond one session.
Scholarships will be applied to the current active session/trimester based on date of receipt of the complete scholarship application packet and cannot be applied retroactively.
Student may not combine any scholarships or discounts to tuition, including military rates.

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The education you seek made more affordable.

Your Discounts at a Glance

How will a degree help me?

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Programs Offered

Social Work, DSW