In Alabama, becoming a social worker can be a rewarding career path, with the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) estimating that social workers nationally earn an average of $61,330 a year. But social workers also have the additional satisfaction of earning their living while making a difference in their communities by connecting clients with the resources they need to overcome challenges. Thus, it’s no wonder that there are approximately 8,490 social work professionals in Alabama who already call themselves social workers.

This career guide explains how to become a social worker in Alabama, the social work degree programs available, Alabama social work licenses, and more.

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 Alabama Social Worker

Wondering how to become a social worker in Alabama? Education, field experience, and licensure can help you achieve your social worker career goals. To become a licensed social worker in Alabama, follow these steps based on the Alabama State Board of Social Work Examiners licensing requirements. Exact requirements vary by license level.

Steps to Become a Licensed Bachelor Social Worker (LBSW) 

Those looking to pursue an LBSW may apply through the state board, provided they have a minimum of a Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) degree from a college or university accredited by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE). 

Complete the application

For the LBSW application, you must fill out the form provided by the board. You should also include official transcripts from an accredited university. You must also submit the Board’s Supervision Statement of Understanding for LBSWs (required for LBSW licensure). This acknowledgement notes that, once licensed, LBSWs must complete at least 4 hours of supervision per month for 24 months (96 hours total), completed within 36 months of beginning employment, under an LMSW or LICSW, with a supervision contract subject to Board approval. 

Pass the ASWB exam

After you submit a complete application and pass the ASWB Bachelor’s exam, the Alabama State Board of Social Work Examiners will issue your LBSW license.

Receive your license

Once you’ve completed the above steps, you will receive your LBSW license in Alabama. 

Steps to Become a Licensed Master Social Worker (LMSW)

1. Earn a graduate social work degree (typically an MSW; the Board also recognizes doctoral-level social work education).
2. Apply to the ABSWE and submit required documentation (including official transcripts).
3. Receive Board approval and pass the ASWB Master’s exam.
4. Once your application is complete and you pass the exam, the ABSWE issues your LMSW license.

Steps to Become a Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker (LICSW)

1. Completion of a CSWE-accredited (or CSWE candidacy) MSW or DSW program.
2. At least two years (24 months) of post-master/doctoral supervised social work practice, completed at a minimum of 4 hours of supervision per month for 24 months within a 36-month period, under an LICSW supervisor (per Board supervision rules).
3. Passing the ASWB Clinical exam.
4. Submission of the LICSW application to the Board (and if applying as a candidate for the clinical exam, you must hold a current, active Master-level license).

Learn more about how to become a social worker.

A CSWE-accredited Bachelor of Social Work (BSW), whether earned on campus or in an approved online format, may qualify you for advanced standing in some Master of Social Work (MSW) programs. Advanced standing can shorten the MSW timeline, sometimes allowing students to finish in about one year of full-time study, depending on the school’s structure and eligibility rules. A BSW also prepares graduates for entry-level, generalist social work roles.

The following are some schools in Alabama that offer BSW programs:

MSW programs in Alabama offer a range of specialization options, but concentrations vary by school (for example, some programs emphasize advanced clinical practice, while others focus on areas like community engagement, mental health, or family and child welfare). Here are several Alabama universities that offer MSW programs:

Online and hybrid MSW options in Alabama can offer flexibility through full-time or part-time plans, and some programs provide specialization options, but formats and concentrations vary by school, so it’s important to confirm each program’s delivery method (fully online vs. hybrid/primarily online) before applying. For example, Troy describes online MSW pathways, UA offers a primarily online MSW format, and Samford offers online and in-person courses.

Schools commonly referenced for online/primarily online MSW study in Alabama include:

Learn more about advanced standing online Master of Social Work programs, online MSW programs for aspiring clinical social workers, and online master’s in social work programs. 

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

Learn more about social work salaries.

If you’re interested in going to social work school in Alabama, scholarships can help reduce the cost of your degree. Start by checking scholarship pages for your preferred university, then look at professional associations and national programs that support social work and related helping professions.

Examples to explore include:

Learn more about social work scholarships.

There are a variety of state-based and national social work organizations in Alabama, including:

Does Alabama have social work reciprocity?

The Alabama State Board of Social Work Examiners offers reciprocity for Licensed Bachelor Social Workers, Licensed Master Social Workers and Licensed Independent Clinical Social Workers, as long as the applicant’s out-of-state license is active and in good standing and the other state’s standards are determined equivalent. Applicants apply through the Alabama State Board of Social Work Examiners’ reciprocity application.

What are the social work continuing education (CE) requirements in Alabama?

According to the Alabama State Board of Social Work Examiners, social workers must complete 30 contact hours of continuing education every two years. Of those 30 hours, 10 must be a live classroom/live event (interactive live Zoom counts; pre-recorded does not), and 3 hours must be in ethics. LMSWs with a clinical designation must also complete 3 hours in clinical content. LICSWs must complete 6 hours in clinical content, including 3 hours that are a comprehensive review of the current DSM, and must provide proof of the DSM review to the Board at renewal.

Learn more about continuing education for social workers.

What is the best way to look up my social work license in Alabama?

Social work license verification in Alabama is available through the Alabama State Board of Social Work Examiners. You can look up a license by entering a county, last name, and/or license number to find a licensee’s status and details.

Information last updated: February 2026