How Long Does It Take to Become a Social Worker?
Updated on: March 11, 2025 | 7 minutes read
By: David Stewart
Social workers help vulnerable individuals and families advocate for social justice. If you want to become a social worker, one of the first questions you will likely ask is: How long does it take to become a social worker?
For most people, the journey takes between four and eight years, depending on your career goals, course schedule, and educational background. The exact timeline varies by the path you choose. For example, becoming a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) typically takes about six to eight years if you begin with a Bachelor of Social Work (BSW), or seven to nine years if you first earn a bachelor’s degree in another field before pursuing a Master of Social Work (MSW).
Below, we will break down each step of the process so you know what to expect on your path to becoming a social worker. While every path looks different, understanding how long it takes to become a social worker in your state can help you plan ahead.
How Long Does It Take to Complete Your Social Work Education?
Before you can become a licensed social worker, you will need to earn a social work degree. Depending on your career goals, that may mean completing a Bachelor of Social Work (BSW), a Master of Social Work (MSW), or both.
Bachelor’s Degree in Social Work
The first step is earning a bachelor’s degree, ideally a BSW from a program accredited by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE). A BSW qualifies graduates for many entry-level social work positions in schools, hospitals, or community agencies, although some roles also require Licensed Bachelor of Social Work (LBSW) licensure and additional state-specific requirements.
For most students, BSW programs take about four years of full-time study to complete.[1] However, students who enter with college credits, take heavier course loads, or enroll in summer classes may finish sooner. Along the way, you will also complete approximately 400 hours of supervised fieldwork, typically during your final year. This supervised experience also gives students real-world practice before graduation.
Master’s Degree in Social Work
An MSW prepares social workers for advanced practice and opens the door to social work careers in areas such as healthcare, medical, and clinical social work. It also qualifies graduates to pursue Licensed Master Social Worker (LMSW) licensure, subject to state requirements.
Most MSW programs accept students with any bachelor’s degree, with common fields including sociology, psychology, and political science. Earning a CSWE-accredited BSW can shorten the path to a master’s through an advanced standing track.
- A traditional MSW program, when pursued full-time, typically takes two years to complete, while part-time and online social work programs often take about 2.5 to 4 years.
- The number of credits required generally ranges from 60 to 65, regardless of format, and at least 900 hours of supervised field education.[2]
If you have already earned a CSWE-accredited BSW, an Advanced Standing MSW (such as the one Alliant offers) can often be completed in as little as one year. This path lets MSW students who already hold a BSW finish their degree faster without repeating foundational coursework.
How to Complete Your MSW Program Faster
If you are looking to enter the workforce sooner, two pathways can shorten the time it takes to earn an MSW:
- An accelerated MSW covers the same curriculum and fieldwork requirements as a traditional program but condenses them into as little as 16 months through heavier course loads and summer study.
- An Advanced Standing MSW is designed for students who already hold a CSWE-accredited BSW. Because foundational coursework and some field experience have already been completed, these programs can often be finished in about one year of full-time study.
Many MSW programs (including Alliant’s) no longer require GRE scores for admission, making them more accessible whether you study full-time or part-time.
How Long Does It Take to Obtain Your Social Work License?
After earning your degree, the next step is applying for social work licensure in your state. To become a Licensed Baccalaureate Social Worker (LBSW) or Licensed Master Social Worker (LMSW), you typically need to pass the appropriate Association of Social Work Boards (ASWB) licensing exam. No matter which license you pursue, you’ll need to take the ASWB exam that matches your degree level. State licensing boards may have additional requirements, so review your state’s specific rules before applying.
While your degree program prepares you for the exam, dedicated preparation using ASWB study guides and practice tests is still recommended. Beginning August 3, 2026, the ASWB introduced updated licensing exams designed to better reflect current social work practice, so review the latest exam specifications before you begin preparing.[3]
How Long Does It Take to Become a Licensed Clinical Social Worker?
A Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) is an advanced-practice social worker qualified to provide mental health therapy. Becoming an LCSW takes longer than becoming an LMSW because you will need to complete supervised clinical experience after earning your MSW. This additional supervision ensures clinicians are ready for independent practice.
Most states require approximately 3,000 hours of supervised clinical practice, which typically takes two to three years, before you can apply for clinical licensure.[4]
How Long Does It Take to Earn a Doctoral Degree in Social Work?
For social workers interested in leadership, advanced practice, research, or teaching within the social work field, a doctoral degree is the next step. There are two primary options: the Doctor of Social Work (DSW) and the PhD in Social Work.
- A DSW is designed for experienced practitioners who want to advance their clinical expertise or move into leadership roles. Full-time programs typically take two to three years of full-time study to complete.
- A PhD in Social Work focuses on research, social welfare policy, and academic careers. Most full-time programs take three to five years and require students to complete original research and a dissertation.
While a doctoral degree is not a requirement, it may be the right choice if your long-term goals include shaping the future of social work practice.
Types of Social Work
Social work offers a wide range of career paths, each focused on serving a different population or addressing a specific need. Different types of social work may include:
- Mental Health Social Worker: Helps people understand and manage mental health conditions so they can function more confidently in everyday life.
- Healthcare Social Worker: Coordinates care transitions as patients move from a hospital back home or to a care facility, working alongside physicians and the broader medical team.
- Substance Abuse Social Worker: Supports people as they recover from addiction and work toward lasting sobriety.
- Child Welfare Social Worker: Protects children by supporting families and intervening when a child’s safety is at risk.
- School Social Worker: Works within K–12 schools to help students overcome barriers to learning and emotional well-being.
- Geriatric Social Worker: Helps older adults maintain their independence while navigating aging-related challenges.
- Medical Social Worker: Provides emotional support while helping patients and families cope with the demands of a diagnosis, including guidance on managing chronic conditions.
- Family Social Worker: Works with families to strengthen relationships and overcome challenges at home.
Earn Your Master of Social Work at Alliant University
All in all, the timeline to become a social worker depends on the types of social work degrees, licensures, and positions you hope to obtain. If you want to embark on a clinical social work practice or attend your social work program part-time, it may take a little longer. Considering all these factors can help you plan your personal and professional goals accordingly.
When you feel ready to pursue a rewarding career as a licensed social worker, explore the CSWE-accredited online MSW and Advanced Standing MSW programs offered through the California School of Professional Psychology (CSPP) at Alliant University.
Sources:
[1] Jacob, Anupama, and Kia J. Bentley. “Teaching BSW Students to Apply the Grand Challenges in Social Work Through Field-Based Research Projects.” Journal of Teaching in Social Work 43, no. 2 (2023): 239–252. https://doi.org/10.1080/08841233.2023.2182039. Accessed July 31, 2026.
[2] Council on Social Work Education. “Social Work at a Glance.” https://www.cswe.org/students/prepare-for-your-education/social-work-at-a-glance/. Accessed July 31, 2026.
[3] Association of Social Work Boards. “2026 Changes to the Social Work Licensing Exams.” https://www.aswb.org/2026exams/. Accessed July 31, 2026.
[4] Kim, Joy, and Jiyoon Park. “Regulations for Clinical Supervision in Social Work: Analysis of State Statutes and Clinical License Applicants.” Clinical Social Work Journal. January 7, 2026. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10615-025-01025-5. Accessed July 31, 2026.