Start your social work career alongside the rocks of Arches National Park, the Olympic trails in Park City, and a statewide network of over 6,090 social workers, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). 

This guide for how to become a social worker in Utah explains educational and licensing requirements, social work organizations to join and more. Once you complete the steps to become a social worker in Utah, you can embark on a meaningful, fulfilling career helping others in the Beehive 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 MSW 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.

• Complete the Online Advanced-Standing MSW in as few as 12 months if you have a BSW; if you do not have a BSW, the Online MSW Program may be completed in as few as 27 months.
• No GRE Required
• Customizable pathway options include Mental Health and Trauma or Health, Equity and Wellness concentrations

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.

• Traditional and Advanced Standing tracks
• No GRE required
• Concentrate your degree in integrated practice or clinical practice

Request more info from Syracuse University.

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.

• Prepares students to pursue licensure, including LCSW 
• Full-time, part-time, and accelerated tracks 
• Minimum completion time: 9 months

Request more info from Simmons University.

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.

• Concentrations: Direct Practice and Community, Administration, and Policy Practice
• Complete at least 777-1,000 hours of agency-based field education
• Earn your degree in as few as 12 months

Request more info from Howard University.

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. 

• Learn how to develop a multicultural social work practice.  
• Pending accreditation by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE).
• Complete in 18 months full time, or in 36 months part time on the traditional track.
• Complete in 12 months full time or 24 months part time on the Advanced Standing Track. 

Request more info from Hawaii Pacific University.

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Common Steps to Become a Utah Social Worker

Before you can practice as a social worker in Utah, you must meet the education requirements for the license level you’re pursuing and apply through the Utah Division of Professional Licensing (DOPL). Utah offers multiple credentials, most commonly Social Service Worker (SSW), Certified Social Worker (CSW), and Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) (with CSW Intern status for some applicants), and requirements may include supervised experience and additional documentation, depending on the license. 

1. Earn a CSWE-Accredited Social Work Degree

Utah licensure requirements depend on the credential you’re pursuing. Many applicants complete a CSWE-accredited BSW or MSW, but Utah’s Social Service Worker (SSW) license also allows other approved education pathways (including certain related degrees or specific coursework paired with qualifying experience).

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

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

Social service worker (SSW): Qualify through one of Utah DOPL’s approved education pathways; Utah does not require an exam for SSW licensure. If you’re applying for the SSW license using a bachelor’s degree in another field (instead of a BSW or other qualifying option), Utah requires documentation of 2,000 hours of qualifying experience and a supervisor-completed experience form. 

Certified social worker (CSW): Requires a master’s or doctoral degree in social work; Utah does not require an exam for CSW licensure.

Licensed clinical social worker (LCSW):  Requires a master’s or doctoral degree in social work, passing the ASWB Clinical exam, submission of Utah’s required clinical supervision hour documentation, and proof of 2 hours in suicide prevention continuing education. To become an LCSW in Utah, you must document 3,000 hours of clinical practice (including required direct client care and supervision hours) and meet Utah’s supervision documentation requirements.

3. Get Licensed

Once you’ve completed your hours and experience, you may apply to become a licensed social worker in Utah. 
Learn more on how to become a social worker.

There are many accredited BSW and MSW degree programs in Utah. A bachelor’s degree in social work online or on campus can enable a student to enter an advanced standing program in an MSW program, where you may be able to complete an MSW in about one year. A BSW also prepares students for entry-level social work positions. There are four universities offering accredited BSW programs in Utah:

To obtain higher-level licenses in Utah, however, a minimum of an MSW is required. Some people advance their education and experience in social work by pursuing a Doctor of Social Work (DSW) degree. 

MSW programs in Utah 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. Below are fully accredited MSW programs in Utah.

Utah has one CSWE-accredited MSW program with fully online options, the University of Utah. The University offers multiple online tracks, and students complete required field education/practicum as part of the program.  

Utah’s social work credentials include Social Service Worker (SSW), Certified Social Worker (CSW), and Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW), and Utah DOPL also offers a Certified Social Worker Intern (CSWI) credential for certain applicants. In Utah, you must hold the appropriate DOPL credential to practice within the licensed scopes; a BSW is one common pathway to the SSW credential, while the CSW requires a master’s or doctorate in social work. The LCSW is the clinical license and requires passing the ASWB Clinical exam and meeting Utah’s supervised clinical practice requirements.

Becoming an SSW allows you to work in entry-level, non-clinical/generalist social service roles consistent with Utah’s licensing laws and your employer’s policies.

Becoming a CSW allows you to practice graduate-level, non-clinical social work consistent with Utah law, your training, and your employer’s policies. 

Becoming an LCSW allows you to practice clinical social work services independently, including diagnosis, counseling and psychotherapy.

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

If you’re pursuing a social work degree in Utah, funding is typically available through university scholarships and workforce-based programs (especially child welfare Title IV-E). Availability and eligibility vary by school and program, so students should also check each university’s scholarship portal and social work department listings.

Examples of Utah-based opportunities include:

National options: The NASW Foundation also offers scholarships/fellowships that Utah students may be eligible for, depending on the program and criteria.

There are countless local and national associations and organizations that promote, develop and protect the practice of social work and social workers. Better social work means better solutions for welfare, child welfare, elderly welfare, health care reform and other issues affecting disadvantaged people in Utah and beyond.

Utah offers licensure by endorsement for out-of-state social workers who hold a license in good standing and meet Utah’s requirements for the equivalent credential (SSW, CSW, or LCSW). Requirements vary by license level. For example, the LCSW pathway includes the ASWB Clinical exam, and applications are submitted through the Utah Division of Professional Licensing (DOPL) with the required documentation and fees. 

Utah social work licenses renew every two years (licenses expire on September 30 of even-numbered years). SSWs must complete 20 hours of continuing education each renewal cycle, while CSWs and LCSWs must complete 40 hours; for all license types, at least 6 hours must be in professional ethics, law, or technology, and 2 hours must be in suicide prevention. To renew, submit your renewal through Utah DOPL’s online portal and pay the required fee. 

Use the Utah Division of Professional Licensing (DOPL) Licensee Lookup & Verification tool. Search by your name (and, if needed, filter by profession) to view your license number, current status, and publicly available license details. 

Information last updated February 2026.