Start your social work career with the iconic Field of Dreams, the prehistoric formations of Effigy Mounds National Monument and a statewide network of approximately 6,140 social workers, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). 

This guide for how to become a social worker in Iowa explains educational requirements, how to get licensed, social work organizations to join and more. Once you complete the steps to become a social worker in Iowa, you can embark on a meaningful, fulfilling career helping others in the Hawkeye State.

Information below was retrieved February 2026 and is only meant to be a high-level overview. Requirements may change, always check with the state licensing board for complete and up to date information.

Sponsored Online Social Work Programs

University of Denver

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Master of Social Work (MSW)

The University of Denver’s Online MSW Program is delivered by its top-ranked school of social work and offers two programs. Students can earn their degree in as few as 12 months for the Online Advanced-Standing MSW or 27 months for the Online MSW.

Request more info from the University of Denver.

Syracuse University

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Master of Social Work (MSW)

Syracuse University’s online Master of Social Work program does not require GRE scores to apply and is focused on preparing social workers who embrace technology as an important part of the future of the profession. Traditional and Advanced Standing tracks are available.

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Simmons University

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Master of Social Work (MSW)

Aspiring direct practitioners can earn their MSW online from Simmons University in as few as 9 months. GRE scores are not required, and the program offers full-time, part-time, accelerated, and advanced standing tracks.

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Howard University

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Master of Social Work (MSW)

The online Master of Social Work program from Howard University School of Social Work prepares students for advanced direct or macro practice in culturally diverse communities. Two concentrations available: Direct Practice and Community, Administration, and Policy Practice. No GRE. Complete in as few as 12 months.

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Hawaii Pacific University

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Master of Social Work

The online Master of Social Work prepares aspiring social work leaders to develop a multicultural social work practice, advocate for social and economic justice, and empower diverse communities affected by systemic inequities within civilian and military-focused areas. 

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Common Steps to Become an Iowa Social Worker

Before becoming a social worker in Iowa, you must earn the degree required for the license level you’re pursuing (a BSW for LBSW, and an MSW or higher for LMSW and LISW). Iowa offers three types of social work licenses, and each may have additional requirements, such as passing the appropriate ASWB exam and completing supervised experience for independent licensure. Below are the steps for obtaining each type of license in Iowa, retrieved and summarized from the Iowa Board of Social Work’s current guidance (via Iowa’s Department of Inspections, Appeals, & Licensing).

1. Earn a CSWE-accredited social work degree

To become a licensed social worker in Iowa, you’ll need to complete a CSWE-accredited social work degree at the level required for the license you want (BSW for LBSW; MSW or doctoral degree for LMSW/LISW). You can pursue these degrees in Iowa through various formats, including full time, part time and online.

2. Fulfill your social work supervised experience requirement, and pass your national/state exams

Iowa has three levels of social workers according to the state’s licensing board, with increasing requirements:

Licensed bachelor social worker (LBSW): A person with an accredited bachelor’s degree in social work who has passed the Association of Social Work Boards (ASWB) bachelor’s exam. 

Licensed master social worker (LMSW): A person with an accredited master’s degree in social work who has passed the ASWB master’s exam. 

Licensed independent social worker (LISW): A person with an accredited master’s or doctoral degree in social work who has passed the ASWB clinical exam. Those pursuing the LISW must complete a supervised clinical experience after becoming licensed at the master’s level. Iowa requires at least 3,000 hours of supervised practice completed over a minimum of two years, including at least 1,500 hours of direct client contact and 110 hours of direct supervision.

3. Get licensed

Once you’ve met the requirements for your license level, submitted the application and fee, provided official transcripts, and passed the required ASWB exam, you can apply for Iowa licensure. If you’re pursuing the LISW, you’ll also submit supervision documentation required by the board.

Learn more on how to become a social worker.

As of February 2026, Iowa has 19 CSWE-accredited BSW and MSW programs. Because program availability and accreditation status can change, the most accurate way to confirm current options is to use CSWE’s Directory of Accredited Programs. A bachelor’s degree in social work, earned online or on campus, allows you to enter an advanced standing MSW program, which is often completed in about 12–16 months (timelines vary by school). A BSW also prepares students for entry-level social work positions. You can find the current list of CSWE-accredited BSW programs in Iowa in CSWE’s Directory of Accredited Programs.

In order to obtain higher-level licenses in Iowa, however, a graduate social work degree (typically an MSW) is required. Some individuals further their education and experience in social work by pursuing a Doctor of Social Work (DSW) degree.

MSW programs in Iowa teach students advanced social work theories and practical knowledge. MSW programs may include coursework on topics such as human development, social work policy and intervention. Iowa has multiple CSWE-accredited MSW programs. Because accreditation status and program availability can change, it’s best to confirm the most current list in CSWE’s Directory of Accredited Programs.

Iowa has multiple CSWE-accredited MSW programs that offer online or distance learning options. Because delivery formats can change, it’s best to confirm the current format on each school’s program page. Online MSW programs are designed to meet CSWE accreditation standards and cover core social work competencies, but course structure and delivery (synchronous vs. asynchronous, sequencing, electives) can vary by school. Students complete required field education as part of the program, and faculty instruction may include a mix of full-time and adjunct instructors, depending on the school and format.

Iowa has three types of licenses for social workers: licensed bachelor social worker (LBSW), licensed master social worker (LMSW), and licensed independent social worker (LISW). Some entry-level roles use ‘social worker’ as a job title, but Iowa regulates the practice of social work and the LBSW/LMSW/LISW credentials. If you want to practice as a licensed social worker in Iowa, you must meet the Board’s licensure requirements. For advanced practice and higher-level licensure (LMSW and LISW), Iowa requires graduate-level social work education and passage of the appropriate ASWB exam. The LISW pathway also includes required documentation of supervision.  The information below is based on current Iowa Board of Social Work guidance published by Iowa’s Department of Inspections, Appeals, & Licensing (DIAL).

An LBSW is the bachelor-level social work license in Iowa and allows you to practice within your education, training, and competence. Some roles may include supervised practice depending on your setting and responsibilities.

An LMSW is Iowa’s master-level social work license. LMSWs may provide clinical social work services, such as assessment, diagnosis, and treatment interventions, consistent with their education, training, and applicable supervision or workplace requirements.

Becoming an LISW allows you to provide independent clinical services to clients in Iowa.

Information on the above social work salaries in Iowa was retrieved from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Estimates: Iowa in February 2026.

Iowa students may be able to find financial help through a mix of university-based scholarships and state or federal loan repayment programs (which typically apply after you’re licensed and working in eligible settings).  Below are a few examples of Iowa-related scholarships and loan repayment programs that may help reduce the cost of earning a social work degree or repaying education loans once you’re licensed.

There are many local and national associations and organizations with goals to promote, develop and protect the practice of social work and social workers. These organizations help strengthen practice and policy in areas like child welfare, behavioral health, aging services, school systems, and community-based care across Iowa.

Iowa typically licenses out-of-state social workers through licensure by endorsement (often called reciprocity). To apply, you’ll submit the Iowa application and $123 fee, provide an official transcript showing your social work degree, and pass the appropriate ASWB national exam for the license level (LBSW = Bachelor’s, LMSW = Master’s, LISW = Clinical). If you’ve been licensed in another state, Iowa also requires official license verification from every state where you’ve held a credential, including issue/expiration dates, current status, and any disciplinary history. 

Social workers in Iowa renew their licenses every two years. During each renewal period, licensees must complete 27 hours of board-approved continuing education, including 3 hours in ethics. If an LISW is providing supervision, they must also complete 3 hours of continuing education in supervision. Newly licensed social workers are generally exempt from CE for their first renewal. To renew, complete the online renewal process and pay the required fee. 

The best way to verify your social work license in Iowa is through Iowa’s DIAL license lookup (the state’s Professional Licensure Portal). Go to DIAL’s “Find a Record or License” page and select Social Workers, then search by your name (and any available filters) to find your license number, current status, and other publicly available license details. 

Last updated in February 2026.