How to Become a Social Worker: Steps and Requirements

In a world where complex social challenges affect countless individuals and families, social workers serve as the vital bridge, offering support and ensuring access to resources for those who need it most.

These professionals provide essential services such as counseling, case management, and advocacy across various settings, including schools, hospitals, government agencies, and nonprofit organizations.

If you're passionate about advocating for social justice, supporting vulnerable populations, and addressing issues like mental health, poverty, or child welfare, learning how to become a social worker can set you on a fulfilling and impactful career path.

Key Takeaways

• To become a social worker, you must first earn a bachelor's degree in Social Work (B.S.S.W.), followed by a master's degree in Social Work (M.S.W.) if you wish to pursue clinical or advanced roles.
• A social work license is necessary, typically requiring an M.S.W., supervised clinical experience, and passing the ASWB exam.
• Social work offers various career paths, such as clinical social work, school social work, healthcare, and child/family services. Each path allows you to specialize in areas like mental health, education, or child welfare, depending on your interests and goals.

Steps to Become a Social Worker

Becoming a social worker involves a structured educational approach that aims to equip students with the skills and knowledge needed to make a positive impact on the lives of others. The academic path encompasses undergraduate and graduate degrees paired with hands-on learning and licensure.

1. Earn a bachelor’s degree in social work (B.S.S.W.).

The first crucial step in becoming a social worker is earning a Bachelor of Science in Social Work. However, an alternative entry point into this career is through a related field, such as a Social Science degree, Psychology degree or Sociology degree. This flexibility broadens the pathways for individuals who may discover their passion for social work later in their academic journey.

Numerous universities offer programs specifically tailored to meet the educational requirements of aspiring social workers. These comprehensive programs encompass foundational courses and electives through which students can explore critical topics such as human behavior, social policy and cultural differences. This interdisciplinary approach equips students with a well-rounded understanding of the factors influencing individuals and communities.

2. Decide on your career path.

Social work is a multifaceted field, offering a wide array of social work career paths, each allowing social workers to specialize in the populations or issues they are most passionate about.

Here’s an overview of some key areas in social work:

• Clinical social work: Clinical social workers provide therapy and counseling to individuals, families, and groups, helping clients manage mental health and life challenges.
• School social work: School social workers assist students with academic, emotional, and social issues, collaborating with educators and families to support the student's overall well-being.
• Healthcare and mental health services: Social workers in healthcare settings help patients cope with health conditions, while in mental health services, they diagnose, treat, and support recovery for individuals and families.
• Child and family services: Social workers in child and family services focus on child safety and family support, intervening in cases of abuse, and assisting with foster care, adoption, and family counseling.

3. Gain practical experience through fieldwork.

In addition to the robust foundation of knowledge gained through a bachelor’s degree, acquiring hands-on experience is equally indispensable for grasping the intricacies of the social work field. Aspiring social workers are encouraged to pursue internships, volunteer opportunities or entry-level positions in various settings, such as social service agencies or community organizations. This practical engagement allows individuals to apply theoretical knowledge in real-world scenarios, fostering a deeper understanding of the challenges individuals and communities face.

Some higher education institutions integrate these hands-on opportunities into their curricula, recognizing their significance in shaping well-rounded social work professionals. By providing internships or field placements, they aim to enhance students’ comprehension of social work in action. These experiences align with academic goals and offer students a chance to directly contribute to community well-being.

4. Consider pursuing a master’s degree in social work (M.S.W.).

For those looking to advance their careers and take on more specialized roles, pursuing a Master’s in Social Work (M.S.W.) is often the next logical step. Though advanced degrees are not among the qualifications needed to be a social worker, many positions, especially those in clinical or supervisory roles, may require or prefer candidates with an M.S.W.

Advanced coursework in areas such as clinical practice, policy analysis, research methods and program evaluation, available in master’s degree programs, help refine the skills of aspiring social workers. Additionally, such programs typically include a supervised field placement, allowing students to apply advanced concepts in a specific area of social work. Therefore, M.S.W. degrees not only broaden career opportunities but also deepen the impact social workers can have on the lives of those they serve.

5. Obtain licensure and certification.

To obtain a social work license, you need to earn a master's degree in Social Work, pass the ASWB exam, and meet any additional state-specific requirements for licensure. 

You can choose to become a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) or pursue advanced certifications such as the Certified Clinical Social Worker (CCSW) or the Academy of Certified Social Workers (ACSW). These certifications are granted by the National Association of Social Workers (NASW), fit for social workers specializing in clinical practice.

State-Specific Licensing

Each state establishes its own criteria for licensure, including education, experience, examinations, and sometimes additional qualifications. Navigating these requirements can be complex, but it is necessary to ensure you meet all necessary legal standards to practice legally within your state. Being aware of these state-specific licensing requirements will help you effectively plan your career path and ensure compliance with local regulations.

Skills of a Social Worker

Social workers require a mix of soft and hard skills to effectively navigate the complexities of their roles and positively impact the lives of their clients. Key skills vital for social work include:

• Attentive listening and understanding clients’ perspectives and experiences.
• Cultural sensitivity and respect for diverse backgrounds.
• Problem-solving and critical thinking proficiency.
• Competence in managing and supporting clients in challenging situations.
• Strong collaboration and communication skills.
• Consistent adherence to ethical standards and practices.
• Ability to handle morally complex situations.
• Commitment to advocating for clients’ rights and well-being.
• Adaptability and flexibility to meet changing conditions and client needs.
• Dedication to continuous learning and professional development.

Salary of a Social Worker

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), social workers in the United States earn a median annual wage of $58,380. The lowest 10% of social workers made less than $38,400, while the highest 10% earned more than $94,910.

Moreover, BLS data shows that median annual wages for social workers varied across different industries. Here’s the breakdown:

• Local government, excluding education and hospitals: $64,550
• Educational services; state, local, and private: $62,980
• State government, excluding education and hospitals: $54,600
• Individual and family services: $48,550
• Community food and housing, emergency and other relief services, and vocational rehabilitation services: $46,650

Why Choosing an Accredited Program Matters

Choosing an accredited program for your career as a social worker is crucial for ensuring a high-quality education and meeting licensing requirements. Accreditation guarantees that the program adheres to rigorous academic standards, making it recognized by employers and licensing boards. Without it, you may face challenges in securing a license or finding employment. 

The University of North Dakota (UND) offers accredited social work programs such as the Bachelor of Social Work (B.S.S.W.) and Master of Social Work (M.S.W.), which provide you with the best opportunities for career advancement, as they are aligned with industry standards and provide relevant skills for real-world practice. Additionally, these programs connect you with a network of professionals and provide access to internships and job opportunities that will help you grow in the field. 

By choosing UND, you’re not just earning a degree; you’re joining a community of professionals committed to improving lives, enhancing social justice, and building stronger communities.

The Bottom Line

To become a social worker, you start by acquiring a bachelor’s degree, gaining practical experience, progressing to a master’s degree for specialized roles and ultimately securing licensure. This career is not just fulfilling; it is vital, given the pivotal role social workers play in championing societal well-being and driving positive change.

Begin your venture into social work by exploring our bachelor's in Social Work or elevate your skills with our master’s degree in Social Work. Together, we can shape a future filled with compassion, impact and positive transformation.

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