Master of Social Work Programs in Georgia

Step 1: Earn a Bachelor’s Degree in Social Work or a Related Field.

If you want to become a social worker in Georgia, you’ll need a bachelor’s degree. That’s because Georgia’s two social work licenses require a master’s degree, and you need a bachelor’s degree to get into graduate programs.

But what major should you choose? Future social workers can major in any field for their bachelor’s degree. However, there are key benefits to earning a social work degree.

First, you’ll gain valuable preparation for your MSW program. Second, many MSW programs in Georgia offer advanced standing for social work majors. That means you can graduate faster and save money on your MSW degree.

Step 2: Earn a CSWE-Accredited Master’s Degree in Social Work.

Licensed social workers in Georgia need a master’s degree in social work from a program accredited by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE). When researching colleges in Georgia for social work, make sure to check for CSWE accreditation. There are seven CSWE-accredited MSW programs in Georgia.

Common admission requirements for MSW programs include a bachelor’s degree from an accredited school, a resume or CV, a personal statement, and 1-3 recommendation letters. Some programs also ask for GRE or MAT scores. Most programs set a minimum GPA for admission.

Earning your MSW degree typically takes two years for full-time students. Advanced-standing students can finish in as little as one year. MSW programs include a practicum for learners to gain hands-on experience.

Step 3: Pursue Post-Graduate Experience.

With your MSW degree, you can apply for your LMSW license in Georgia. However, you’ll need supervised clinical experience to earn your LCSW license.

In Georgia, clinical social workers need 3,000 hours of supervised experience after earning their MSW degree. Georgia also requires 120 hours of direct supervisor contact to receive an LCSW license.

Prospective clinical social workers may meet these requirements while holding an LMSW license. Georgia requires a minimum of three years of experience for the LCSW credential. Social workers have up to nine years to meet the post-graduate experience requirement.

Applicants with a doctorate in social work or a related field can receive an LCSW license with 2,000 hours of supervised experience.

Step 4: Take and Pass the Required Licensing Exams.

You’ll also need to pass a licensing exam to become a social worker in Georgia. The Association of Social Work Boards (ASWB) administers the licensing exams.

Candidates for the LMSW credential must pass the ASWB master’s exam, while candidates for the LCSW credential must pass the ASWB clinical exam.

These ASWB exams include 170 multiple-choice questions that measure your knowledge of social work principles. They also cover the social work research process, crisis intervention, treatment planning, and other key social work topics.

If you pass, you can apply for your Georgia social work license. If you fail, you can retake the exam. However, Georgia only lets you retake the exam three times.

Step 5: Submit Your Application for Social Work Licensure.

After meeting the degree, exam, and experience requirements, you can apply for your social work license in Georgia. The application requirements and process vary depending on whether you’re applying for your LMSW or LCSW credential.

For the LMSW license, you’ll need official transcripts, two professional references, a background check, and a national exam passing score report.

For the LCSW license, you’ll need verification forms for your post-graduate experience, two professional references, a background check, and official transcripts. You’ll also need the national exam passing score report for the ASWB clinical exam.

If you hold a license in another state, you’ll need to provide verification. Georgia charges a $100 application fee. The state typically processes applications within 20 business days.