05-02-2022, 10:06 AM
I've been a social worker (MSW) for over 6 years now. My degree came from a local state school. All states require graduation from a CSWE accredited program to be eligible for a license. studyingfortests, is right, that it's pretty useless to try and contact a state board right now as you'll never hear back. Like everywhere else they are way behind processing applications/licenses and short staffed. Each state does have a website for their board of social work and their license requirements are published there.
Also like studyingfortests said, a couple of states have additional requirements in terms of coursework, but none have less strict than that imposed by the CSWE. Most states use the same exams (ASWB) to qualify for a license, although again, a couple of states have their own test or require additional tests (CA is one of them).
The upside of a BSW is that a lot of younger people like to go to college in person and live on or close to campus. It's not just about getting the classes done, but the experience of college. A BSW does make sense in those instances to later save time on the MSW and money on your MSW. Going through a BSW and completing the field placements can also really show someone if they are likely to stay in the field or if they should pursue something else before committing to an MSW.
If you are interested in alternative credits and trying to get things done quickly/cheaply like a lot of people here on this board then a BSW doesn't really make sense. I'm glad to see another BSW program that offers online classes, though. Like someone else said, I think for someone in CT or the surrounding region the COSC program could be a good option for them.
General side notes about social work: I always warn people to look at the salaries in your area before undertaking any debt for such a profession. This is a low paying profession including at the master's level. Be aware that your field placements will require you pay the school for the "classes", but you will work at these agencies for free. Many schools will try to sell you and say things like "2 years post-MSW and you'll have your independent license and can open your private practice" when the reality is it takes most much longer than 2 years to meet the requirements for independent licensure and many end up paying $100/hr for 2-3000 hours out of pocket for the required supervision. Each state has different requirements for a license and so social work licenses are not very portable like RNs tend to be.
Also like studyingfortests said, a couple of states have additional requirements in terms of coursework, but none have less strict than that imposed by the CSWE. Most states use the same exams (ASWB) to qualify for a license, although again, a couple of states have their own test or require additional tests (CA is one of them).
The upside of a BSW is that a lot of younger people like to go to college in person and live on or close to campus. It's not just about getting the classes done, but the experience of college. A BSW does make sense in those instances to later save time on the MSW and money on your MSW. Going through a BSW and completing the field placements can also really show someone if they are likely to stay in the field or if they should pursue something else before committing to an MSW.
If you are interested in alternative credits and trying to get things done quickly/cheaply like a lot of people here on this board then a BSW doesn't really make sense. I'm glad to see another BSW program that offers online classes, though. Like someone else said, I think for someone in CT or the surrounding region the COSC program could be a good option for them.
General side notes about social work: I always warn people to look at the salaries in your area before undertaking any debt for such a profession. This is a low paying profession including at the master's level. Be aware that your field placements will require you pay the school for the "classes", but you will work at these agencies for free. Many schools will try to sell you and say things like "2 years post-MSW and you'll have your independent license and can open your private practice" when the reality is it takes most much longer than 2 years to meet the requirements for independent licensure and many end up paying $100/hr for 2-3000 hours out of pocket for the required supervision. Each state has different requirements for a license and so social work licenses are not very portable like RNs tend to be.
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