Many students who earn a master’s in social work (MSW) degree opt to pursue a clinical path, which means they work directly with clients. Every state in the U.S. requires clinical social workers to be licensed—and in most states, that license is an LCSW.
LCSW Meaning: What Is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker?
A licensed clinical social worker (LCSW) is a professional licensed by their state to counsel people experiencing psychological, emotional, environmental, or family-related challenges. “LCSW” refers both to the license itself and the job title of a person who has earned it.
How to Get an LCSW in Your State
States offer a variety of social work licensure options, but LCSW is the primary license for social work clinical practitioners. To obtain this license, no matter what state you live in, you need to earn a Master of Social Work (MSW) degree, put in a specified number of supervised work hours, and get a passing score on a national exam.
While earning a MSW degree, individuals have the option to attend a traditional on-campus or online master of social work program.
Refer to the How to Become a Licensed Social Worker section below for more information.
What Is an LCSW Degree?
You won’t be able to find a degree program that offers an LCSW. Instead, you must enroll in a MSW degree program to earn a graduate degree in the field. Once you receive this degree, you may be qualified to become certified in your state. Earning an MSW degree isn’t the same as becoming certified as an LCSW, but it is part of the journey.
LCSW Degree Online Programs
Knowing about these LCSW degree online programs will give you a clear clinical path to a profession in clinical social work.
Albany State University
The online M.S.W. program at Albany State University is created to prepare students for ethical, professional social work practice with children, families, and people of all ages. The M.S.W. program lasts two years and entails 64 credits at $300 per credit hour. The M.S.W. Application Packet has various forms that must be completed before the Admissions Committee reviews the file. These documents include the following:
- An authentic transcript from each regionally accredited college or university attended.
- Three professional letters of recommendation from people who can speak to the applicant’s competence and prospects for success in graduate school and professional social work practice.
- Personal Narrative Statement completion.
- A professional résumé.
- Personal interview.
Appalachian State University
The Master of Social Work degree at Appalachian State University offers a springboard to assist you in making an actual difference in your community. Duration: one year full-time, two years part-time with 33 credits at $304 per credit hour. Advanced Standing students must pass the Advanced Standing Transitional seminar with a B or above in order to continue in the program during their first semester.
Application requirements include:
- Any degrees and courses completed should be listed on unofficial transcripts (or evaluated transcripts.
- A personal statement
- Resume
- Three references
- Program selection form.
Arkansas State University
Your ability to lead in an ethical and compassionate clinical practice that improves the well-being and quality of life for people as individuals, families, groups, and communities is made possible by this revolutionary online Master of Social Work – Standard program offered by an Arkansas state university. The program runs for 25 months with 63 credit hours.
All U.S. citizens can enroll in the Master of Social Work – Standard online program for the same affordable, per-course price. The entire charge amount is reflected in the tuition. The total tuition is $20,853, while the tuition per credit hour is $331. The application requirements include:
- Request that the registrar of the college or university you attended send your official transcript(s)
- Have a bachelor’s degree from an accredited organization with a minimum cumulative G.P.A. of 3.0.
Boise State University.
The Master of Social Work (M.S.W.) The Boise State online program is developed to prepare students for more advanced social work practice with people and families. The tuition has 61 total credits for the online Master of Social Work (for $495 each). The tuition total ranges between $32,030-$32,330. If enrolled full-time, it will take two years to finish these 61 credits. The program can be finished in three years by the average part-time student.
Application requirements include:
- Undergraduate degree.
- 3.0 minimum G.P.A.
- Official transcripts.
- Statement for your education and career goals.
- Resume.
- Three recommendation letters.
- Proof of 240 hours of volunteer work or employment in social services over the previous five years for a period of six months.
- English proficiency certification.
Campbellsville University.
With the help of Campbellsville University’s online Master of Social Work program, you can progress your career and leave behind entry-level jobs in the industry. The 60–63 credit hour online M.S.W. program can be finished in two years or less. The tuition cost per credit is $603.
Application requirements include:
- For candidates with advanced standing, a bachelor’s degree in social work from an authorized university.
- Transcripts from recognized colleges and a degree with 15 credits in liberal arts.
- A 3.0 GPA
- Three recommendation letters
- A written statement.
Case Western Reserve University.
Case Western Reserve University is ranked the ninth top social work school in the nation. The online M.S.W. program lasts two and a half years and comprises 60 credits, and the cost per credit is $1650.
Application requirements include:
- Transcripts showing fulfillment of a bachelor’s degree in any subject of study from a regionally accredited college or university are acknowledged by the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA).
- Two-part essay.
- Current resume emphasizing volunteer and paid work.
- Two letters of recommendation, preferably from professors, direct managers, or volunteer coordinators.
Florida State University
You can get to meet your classmates, professors, and professional staff in an online setting designed with the reputation and expertise of Florida State University. They provide a conventional 61-credit online M.S.W. program and a 39-credit advanced standing M.S.W. program for at least two years. The tuition range is between $479-$1110 per credit hour.
Application requirements include:
- A regionally accredited institution’s bachelor’s degree
- For applicants with advanced standing, a bachelor’s degree in social work from a CSWE-accredited program
- Human biology or anatomy and physiology coursework
- A minimum of 21 liberal arts undergraduate credits
- Minimum G.P.A. of 2.8
- GRE scores are necessary for G.P.A.s under 2.8
- Resume
- Two references
- Personal statement
Fordham University.
From everywhere you have an internet connection, Fordham University’s online M.S.W. program connects you to a community that understands your values and provides a rewarding, transforming academic experience. To get a standard online M.S.W., you must complete 62 credits in generalist and advanced direct practice courses. This coursework can be finished in as little as 16 months at full-time, 24 months at part-time, or 32 months at part-time. The Online M.S.W. Fordham program costs $1,045 per credit hour in tuition for the 2023–2024 academic year, without including fees.
Application requirements:
- Personal statement.
- Undergraduate and graduate official transcripts.
- Letter of recommendation
- Current resume/CV
- The B.S.W. program director or your faculty adviser must present your final or mid-year field evaluation if you have already obtained or are in the process of earning a B.S.W. for advanced standing applicants.
Loyola University Chicago
The online M.S.W. Program at the Loyola University Chicago School of Social Work offers transformative education for social work influenced by practice. The M.S.W. program requires 49 credit hours plus two internships totaling 1,000 hours. The program takes two years to finish for full-time scholars and four years for part-time students (two classes per semester). The cost per credit is $1045.
Application requirements:
- Two references.
- Personal statement.
- Resume/CV.
- 3.0 minimum G.P.A.
Louisiana State University.
The Louisiana State University School of Social Work has offered graduate education since 1937 and is recognized by the CSWE. The M.S.W. online program uses an intensive 7-week module approach rather than the standard semester format, providing students with six start dates while completing the degree in about two years of full-time school or three to a half to four years of part-time study. In-state or out-of-state tuition is $599 per credit hour and 33+ credit hours.
Application requirements:
- A bachelor’s degree from an acknowledged college or university
- A Bachelor of Social Work degree from a CSWE-accredited institution achieved within the last five years is required for advanced-standing applicants.
- Undergraduate preparation in the liberal arts, with at least 12 courses in social and behavioral sciences
- ”C” or higher in an introductory statistics course
- A minimum G.P.A. of 3.0 is required.
- Letter of intent
- Resume
- Official transcripts
- Three recommendation letters
Ohio State University
The Ohio State University, online M.S.W. program, provides two entry points to the master’s degree, the traditional M.S.W. pathway and M.S.W. advanced standing alternative program. The 63-credit traditional curriculum takes four semesters (2 years) for full-time students and 8-11 semesters (3-4 years) for part-time students to complete. Full-time students normally finish the 43-credit Advanced Standing Alternative program in three semesters (1 year, including the summer semester) and part-time students in six semesters (2 years, including the summer semester). The tuition fee is approximately $764 per credit hour.
Application requirements:
- Any degree from an accredited college or university.
- G.P.A. of 3.0 or higher based on the system
- At least 15 quarters or 10 semester credit hours of coursework in the social sciences.
- Bachelor of Social Work from a recognized college or university for the advanced standing program within the last five years.
- A “B” or higher in all essential social work courses.
- Completion of their undergraduate program’s field evaluation/learning agreement.
Samford University
The Master of Social Work (M.S.W.) program at Samford University strives to provide a distinctly Christian learning community that equips graduates for careers as experienced social worker practitioners. The program includes 60 credits at a cost of $382 per credit. The online M.S.W. program takes 2-4 years.
Application requirements:
- A bachelor’s degree from a recognized undergraduate institution is required.
- A bachelor’s degree in social work from a CSWE-accredited institution is required for advanced-standing applicants.
- Evaluation of undergraduate field placement for advanced standing applicants
- Minimum G.P.A. of 3.0
- Exposure to social work is recommended but not essential.
- Statistics introductory course
- Transcripts of official proceedings
- Three recommendation letters
- Personal statement
- Resume
Virginia Commonwealth University
The V.C.U. School of Social Work’s mission is to train professional social workers as practitioners, scholars, and leaders. You can select from any available online alternatives, including the accelerated one-year advanced standing option for B.S.W. degree holders and the full-time 16-month or two-year track. The program has 60 credits costing $700-800 per credit.
Application requirements.
- Undergraduate degree of at least four years in any major.
- 3.0 or higher cumulative G.P.A. for undergraduate studies.
- All applicants must have completed at least one three-credit course in the behavioral sciences and one in the social sciences with a “C” or higher grade.
- B.S.W. degree from an approved university.
- Received a “B” or higher in senior field placement or passed.
Standard for Masters in Clinical Social Work.
Social workers must exhibit the fundamental principles of service, social justice, respect for the person’s worth and dignity, the value of interpersonal connections, competence, and integrity. Social workers must also follow the obligations for professional ethics outlined in the NASW Code of Ethics. They must hold a social work degree from a university or college acknowledged by the Council on Social Work Education. An M.S.W. degree is a suggested educational requirement for a social worker to provide clinical services.
What is Required for Social Work Licensure?
Pursuing the necessary educational degree is the first step to licensure for interested applicants. While a B.S.W. is sufficient for some licenses, an M.S.W. is necessary for advanced social work careers. People submit applications to their state board after graduating.
Afterward, candidates learn if they are qualified to sit for an Association of Social Work Board (ASWB) exam. Candidates who pass the test are awarded an L.S.W. After this, social workers typically need to accumulate 3,000–4,000 hours of supervised experience over the course of two years. After completion, social workers take a clinical or advanced specialist ASWB test. The advanced specialist exam leads to LISW licensing, whereas the clinical exam leads to LCSW and LICSW licenses.
What Can You Do with an LCSW?
As a licensed clinical social worker, you possess a variety of options. The majority of LCSWs are counselors in both private and public professions. Many people are experts in a certain field. You could, for instance, concentrate on marital and family counseling, substance misuse counseling, or any other areas. Additionally, LCSWs are competent in various social work specialties.
Variants of the LCSW: LCSW-C and More
While some states don’t offer LCSW licensure specifically, they have licenses that are analogous to the LCSW—meaning, they are meant for social workers who want to practice as clinicians—and they have the same primary requirements.
- LICSW: Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker
- LISW: Licensed Independent Social Worker
- LSCSW: Licensed Specialist Clinical Social Worker
- CMSW: Certified Master Social Worker
- LMSW-C: Licensed Master Social Worker – Clinical
- LCSW: Licensed Certified Social Worker
- LCSW-C: Licensed Certified Social Worker – Clinical
- CSW: Clinical Social Worker
- CSW-PIP: Certified Social Worker – Private Independent Practice
You can find out the terminology your state uses in our state-by-state licensure table.
LPC vs. LCSW – Understanding the Difference
A role related to LCSWs is a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC). Both licensed roles require graduate-level training and hands-on experience to prepare to work with behavioral disorders, mental health issues, and other community needs.
A major difference, however, is that most LCSWs earn an MSW degree while many LPCs earn a graduate degree in counseling. The focus of LPC training is on psychology, so LPC training may not put as much emphasis on the social environment and context of a particular experience.
LISW vs. LCSW – How They Compare
Another role with similarities and differences is a Licensed Independent Social Worker (LISW). In some states, an LISW is expected to work on the policy level to create or redefine a public health strategy. They typically work closely with governmental or organizational leadership rather than working exclusively with individuals and communities.
In other states, the two terms are virtually interchangeable. Some states don’t describe any differences in licensing or responsibilities between LISW vs. LCSW professionals.
MSW vs. LCSW – What’s the Difference?
MSW (Master of Social Work) is a degree earned at a college or university, while LCSW is a type of license—and a job title. To get this license you need to have an MSW degree (or higher) and fulfill training and assessment requirements as outlined by your state board.
Not everyone who earns an MSW becomes an LCSW. An LCSW is a specialized type of social worker who is authorized to work in a clinical setting. There are many other MSW careers, some that require a license and some that don’t. MSW degree holders can also pursue a Doctorate of Social Work (DSW) degree for more advanced research or teaching opportunities.
Whether you’re considering a career as an LCSW or a related career in social work, earning an MSW is a typical step in the process. Depending on your jurisdiction and state, there may be alternative graduate degrees that can allow you to earn the licensed clinical social worker certification.
Additional LCSW Licensure Comparisons
What Does an LCSW Do?
Licensed clinical social workers use a strength-based therapeutic approach to help people deal with mental and emotional issues. They seek to uncover a client’s inner strengths and use a variety of therapeutic models to help that person capitalize on those strengths.
LCSWs also look at their client’s environment to identify whether there are any negative factors impacting their client’s well-being. They might connect a client with outside resources that can help alleviate these factors.
Often, an LCSW will specialize in a particular population, such as juveniles, the elderly, convicted offenders, or children who are in foster care. Many of them work with disadvantaged populations who need more than just therapy. In fact, social work is guided by a code of ethics that stresses the importance of serving such populations.
LCSW Job Description
A licensed clinical social worker is a professional who assists groups, families, and individuals with issues that affect their daily life. Often, these professionals work to diagnose and treat emotional, mental, and/or behavioral issues.
LCSWs work in healthcare facilities, schools, correctional facilities, adoption centers, nursing homes, and many other settings. Many also have private practices.
Can an LCSW Diagnose?
In most cases, clinical social workers can diagnose and treat mental, social, and emotional issues. The ability to diagnose and recommend treatment plans is one of the key differences between an LCSW and a licensed social worker who doesn’t have a clinical certification.
Check with your state and area first, however, as the definitions of an LCSW can vary. There are states that don’t use the title LCSW and use a different form of certification to allow social workers to diagnose patients.
LCSW vs. LMHC (Licensed Mental Health Counselor)
You might be wondering how LCSWs and licensed mental health counselors (LMHCs) are different. They both provide counseling, work with a variety of populations, and work in a range of settings. Our experts weigh in:
I think the difference between LCSW and LMHC for counseling may come down to a difference of ethics and perspective. Social workers are trained to look at social determinants of health…and recognize that racial disparities have a psychological impact, for example.
—Laura Vanderhill, Licensed Social Worker, Credentialed Professional Gerontologist
Clinical social workers embrace a person-in-environment theoretical foundation which suggests a person’s individual behavior is largely impacted by their environmental context…. An LCSW will not only use evidence-based therapeutic models to treat mental illness, but they will also address systems, laws, and policies at the local, state, and national level in the therapeutic process.
—Kayla Hines, second-year MSW student on clinical track, University of Houston
LMHC and LCSW Requirements
Both career pathways require a master’s degree to be considered for certification. While the degrees can vary, the coursework of both career tracks includes ethical treatment practices, social understanding, diagnostic courses, and treatment methodologies.
Key differences in education start with the type of graduate degree. Most LMHC professionals receive a master’s degree in counseling or a related psychological field. LCSW professionals, however, typically need to earn an MSW. This difference in degree name translates into different courses.
Work Environments
Compared with an LCSW, an LMHC typically focuses more on counseling techniques and personal ways to address substance abuse, relationship issues, and behavioral disorders. While the goal may be the same, the path to recovery and positive emotional states uses more counseling and psychological approaches.
A larger percentage of LMHCs work in outpatient care centers. LCSWs, however, typically work in individual and family services organizations, local governments, and state governments.
LCSW Salary
Salary expectations for social workers vary depending on the state, years of experience, type of certification, and areas of employment. Explore the average and high-end salary potentials of an LCSW as compared with other professional social work and counseling careers.
Average LCSW Salary
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), social workers earned a 2021 median pay of $50,390. The number of social workers is expected to increase by 89,200 between 2020 and 2030, which is significantly faster than the average job outlook. This median accounts for a broad range of salaries. For example, the 90% percentile of social workers earned $93,540 in 2021.
LCSW vs. LPC Salary
The expected salary of a licensed counselor or social worker depends on the specific career track and specialty. Here are some basic median pay salary estimates, according to BLS, to consider whether you should pursue an LCSW, LPC, or other certification:
- Substance abuse, behavioral disorder, and mental health counselors: $48,520
- Social and human service assistants: $37,610
- School and career counselors and advisors $60,510
- Rehabilitation counselors: $38,560
- Probation officers and correctional treatment specialists $60,250
- Marriage and family therapists: $49,880
- Health education specialists and community health workers: $48,860
How To Become a Licensed Clinical Social Worker
Although the process of becoming an LCSW varies somewhat from one state to the next, all states require the following steps. Review each one to work toward your goal of becoming a licensed clinical social worker.
1. Enroll in an Accredited Program
To start the licensure process, you’ll need to earn at least an MSW from a CSWE-accredited program. See our full list of the best CSWE-accredited online msw programs to learn more about earning an accredited social work degree.
You may need to complete a bachelor’s degree in a related field before applying. Check the other MSW requirements, such as a minimum GPA or GRE score.
2. Complete Work Experience Hours
To prepare for the licensing exam, complete a specified number of supervised work experience hours (also called “fieldwork”—the number of hours varies by state) to prepare for the licensing exam. These hours are typically only counted after you earn your MSW.
3. Take the Licensing Exam
You can only take the Association of Social Work Boards (ASWB) licensing exam
(clinical category) after completing both a master’s degree and the fieldwork requirement. When you’re prepared to take this exam, you’ll need to schedule it and be sure you take the clinical category of the licensing exam.
4. Apply To Become an LCSW
Review the state-specific application process. There are generally fees that apply. Check with your state to see if you need to complete any continuing education courses for license renewal.
Other state-specific requirements might include completing additional coursework or taking a state exam in addition to the national exam. For example, California requires applicants to pass the California Law and Ethics Examination and complete five additional courses.
The following table shows the licensure terminology and training requirements for each state. There is also a link to your state board, where you can find more detailed information.
Educational Requirement: Master’s in Social Work (MSW) Degree Programs
There are many MSW degree programs to choose from, with a wide variety of available specializations. Concentrations might focus on a general area such as mental health or a narrower area such as older adults. Make sure you choose your program carefully to ensure it provides coursework that matches your career goals.
Also, make sure your program is accredited by the Council of Social Work Education (CSWE). Most states will not issue licensure if your master’s program isn’t approved by the CSWE.
To enter a master’s program, you must have a bachelor’s degree—usually with a specified GPA. It’s helpful if you have a bachelor’s in a related field.
In addition to classwork, you will need to do fieldwork—hands-on clinical experiences—and possibly complete a capstone project.
You can learn more about MSW programs on our MSW degree page.
Association of Social Work Boards (ASWB) Licensing Exam
No matter where you live, you will need to pass this exam
to earn an LCSW. There are five categories of the exam, based on education level and area of practice:
- Associate
- Bachelor’s
- Master’s
- Advanced Generalist
- Clinical
All states require that you take the clinical exam (several will also accept the advanced generalist exam). The maximum time limit for completing the test is four hours, and it costs $260 to take the test.
The exam contains 170 four-option, multiple-choice questions, only 150 of which are scored. Questions fall into one of four content areas:
- Human Development, Diversity, and Behavior in the Environment (24%)
- Assessment, Diagnosis, and Treatment Planning (30%)
- Psychotherapy, Clinical Interventions, and Case Management (27%)
- Professional Values and Ethics (19%)
Out-of-State Licensure Applications
Most states have different requirements for out-of-state applicants who are already licensed in their state. Some states call this process “licensure by credential” or “reciprocity.” In most cases, test scores and work experience hours can be transferred from the original state to the new.
However, applicants might have to complete additional work hours if they are short of the number required by the new state. Applicants might also have to take coursework specific to the state—for example, in California they must complete an 18-hour course on California Law and Professional Ethics.
Conclusion
You have a scope of choices with a masters in a clinical social worker with a license. The majority of LCSWs work as counselors in the public and private sectors. LCSWs are qualified for a range of social work specialties. Being a clinical social worker involves developing connections with clients and gaining their trust, which calls for remarkable devotion and commitment. The online LCSW programs include all the necessary curriculum, instruction, and fieldwork to prepare you for a career in clinical social work.