Social Work Licensure Disclosure by State and Territory

Bachelor of Social Work Disclosures by State:

updated July 11, 2024 

The U.S. Department of Education has implemented regulations (34 CFR 668.43 (a) (5) (v)) which requires Shepherd University’s BSW Program to provide a list of all states/jurisdictions where the institution’s curriculum meets state educational requirements for professional licensure or certification.

Please note that the social work program at Shepherd University updates disclosures by state annually.

The Association of Social Work Boards (ASWB) maintains a licensing and regulations database which contains links to each licensing board and contains all the licensure requirements for each category of licensure by state.

Social work students interested in pursuing social work licensure in one of the fifty states, the District of Columbia or one of the US territories should always check the information below with the information provided in the links above as a state and territory may have changed its licensing requirements since the information on this page was last updated (July 11, 2024).

Alabama

Shepherd University’s Bachelor of Social Work program meets professional licensure standards for the state of Alabama and is accredited by the Council on Social Work Education. To learn more about obtaining a social work license in the state of Alabama, please visit the Alabama State Board of Social Work website.

Alaska

Shepherd University’s Bachelor of Social Work program meets professional licensure standards for the state of Alaska and is accredited by the Council on Social Work Education. To learn more about obtaining a social work license in the state of Alaska, please visit the Alaska Board of Social Work Examiners website.

Arizona

Shepherd University’s Bachelor of Social Work program meets professional licensure standards for the state of Arizona and is accredited by the Council on Social Work Education. To learn more about obtaining a social work license in the state of Arizona, please visit the Arizona Board of Behavioral Health Examiners Website.

Arkansas

Shepherd University’s Bachelor of Social Work program meets professional licensure standards for the state of Arkansas and is accredited by the Council on Social Work Education. To learn more about obtaining a social work license in the state of Arkansas, please visit the Arkansas Social Work Licensing Board website.

California

California does not offer social work licensure at the Bachelor degree level. According to NASW California Chapter, California does not require a license to be employed as a social worker. There is only one social work license in California, an LCSW, which allows individuals to perform clinical social work and psychotherapy. To learn more about social work practice and licensure in California, please visit the National Association of Social Work, California Chapter website  and the California Board of Behavioral Sciences website.

Colorado

Colorado does not offer licensure at the Bachelor degree level. According to the Colorado  State Board of Social Work Examiners website, you may practice non-clinical, entry-level social work and use the title social worker in Colorado with a BSW.
Social work licensure in Colorado is reserved for individuals with a Master of Social Work degree. To learn more about social work licensure in Colorado please visit the link above.

Connecticut

Connecticut does not offer licensure at the Bachelor degree level. According to the Connecticut State Department of Public Health website, individuals applying for licensure must hold a master’s degree from a social work program accredited by the Council on Social Work Education. To learn more about social work licensure in Connecticut, please visit the link above.

Delaware

Shepherd University’s Bachelor of Social Work program meets professional licensure standards for the state of Delaware and is accredited by the Council on Social Work Education. To learn more about obtaining a social work license in the state of Delaware, please visit the Delaware Division of Professional Regulation website.

District of Columbia

Shepherd University’s Bachelor of Social Work program meets professional licensure standards for the District of Columbia and is accredited by the Council on Social Work Education. To learn more about obtaining a social work license in the District of Columbia, please visit the District of Columbia Board of Social Work website.

Florida

Florida does not offer licensure at the Bachelor degree level. You can work as a social worker in Florida with a Bachelor’s degree in social work, but a Master’s degree in social work is required in order to apply for an LCSW. To learn more about social work licensure in the state of Florida, please visit the Florida Board of Clinical Social Work, Marriage and Family Therapy, and Mental Health Counseling website.

Georgia

Georgia does not offer licensure at the Bachelor degree level. To learn more about social work licensure in Georgia, please visit the Georgia Board of Professional Counselors, Social Workers, and Marriage and Family Therapists website.

Guam

Shepherd University’s Bachelor of Social Work program meets professional licensure standards for the Guam and is accredited by the Council on Social Work Education. To learn more about obtaining a social work license in Guam, please visit Guam’s Licensure Flowchart from the Guam Board of Social Work.

Hawaii

Shepherd University’s Bachelor of Social Work program meets professional licensure standards for the state of Hawaii and is accredited by the Council on Social Work Education. To learn more about obtaining a social work license in Hawaii, please visit Hawaii’s Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs website.

Idaho

Shepherd University’s Bachelor of Social Work program meets professional licensure standards for the state of Idaho and is accredited by the Council on Social Work Education. To learn more about obtaining a social work license in Idaho, please visit Idaho’s Division of Occupational and Professional Licenses Idaho Board of Social Work Examiners website

Illinois

Shepherd University’s Bachelor of Social Work program meets professional licensure standards for the state of Illinois and is accredited by the Council on Social Work Education. To learn more about obtaining a social work license in Illinois, please visit Illinois’ Department of Financial and Professional Regulation website. Please note that Illinois currently requires Bachelor’s graduates to have three years of supervised professional experience.

Indiana

Shepherd University’s Bachelor of Social Work program meets professional licensure standards for Indiana and is accredited by the Council on Social Work Education. To learn more about obtaining a social work license in Indiana, please visit Indiana’s Professional Licensing Agency website.

Iowa

Shepherd University’s Bachelor of Social Work program meets professional licensure standards for Iowa and is accredited by the Council on Social Work Education. To learn more about obtaining a social work license in Iowa, please visit Iowa’s Board of Social Work website.

Kansas

Shepherd University’s Bachelor of Social Work program meets professional licensure standards for Kansas and is accredited by the Council on Social Work Education. To learn more about obtaining a social work license in Kansas, please visit Kansas’s Behavioral Sciences Regulatory Board website.

Kentucky

Shepherd University’s Bachelor of Social Work program meets professional licensure standards for Kentucky and is accredited by the Council on Social Work Education. To learn more about obtaining a social work license in Kentucky, please visit Kentucky’s Board of Social Work website.

Louisiana

Shepherd University’s Bachelor of Social Work program meets professional licensure standards for Louisiana and is accredited by the Council on Social Work Education. To learn more about obtaining a social work license in Louisiana, please visit Louisiana’s State Board of Social Work Examiner’s website.

Maine

Shepherd University’s Bachelor of Social Work program meets professional licensure standards for Maine and is accredited by the Council on Social Work Education. To learn more about obtaining a social work license in Maine, please visit Maine’s Professional and Financial Regulation website. Maine requires 12 hours of coursework in family or intimate partner violence. An applicant for licensure that cannot demonstrate completion of the required 12 hours of coursework shall submit documentation that the requirement has been met upon the applicant’s first application renewal. If you are considering practicing in social work in Maine after graduation, please consult with your advisor to review courses which may meet Maine’s requirement.

Maryland

Shepherd University’s Bachelor of Social Work program meets professional licensure standards for Maryland and is accredited by the Council on Social Work Education. To learn more about obtaining a social work license in Maryland, please visit Maryland’s Department of Health website.

Massachusetts

Shepherd University’s Bachelor of Social Work program meets professional licensure standards for Massachusetts and is accredited by the Council on Social Work Education. To learn more about obtaining a social work license in Massachusetts, please visit Massachusetts’ Board of Registration of Social Workers website.

Michigan

Shepherd University’s Bachelor of Social Work program meets professional licensure standards for Michigan and is accredited by the Council on Social Work Education. To learn more about obtaining a social work license in Michigan, please visit Michigan’s Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs website.

Minnesota

Shepherd University’s Bachelor of Social Work program meets professional licensure standards for Minnesota and is accredited by the Council on Social Work Education. To learn more about obtaining a social work license in Minnesota, please visit Minnesota’s Board of Social Work website.

Mississippi

Shepherd University’s Bachelor of Social Work program meets professional licensure standards for Mississippi and is accredited by the Council on Social Work Education. To learn more about obtaining a social work license in Mississippi, please visit Mississippi’s State Board of Examiners for Social Workers and Marriage and Family Therapists website.

Missouri

Shepherd University’s Bachelor of Social Work program meets professional licensure standards for Missouri and is accredited by the Council on Social Work Education. To learn more about obtaining a social work license in Missouri, please visit Missouri’s Division of Professional Regulation website.

Montana

Montana does not offer licensure at the Bachelor degree level. To learn more about social work licensure in Montana, please visit Montana’s Board of Behavioral Health website.

Nebraska

Shepherd University’s Bachelor of Social Work program meets professional licensure standards for Nebraska and is accredited by the Council on Social Work Education. To learn more about obtaining a social work license in Nebraska, please visit Nebraska’s Department of Health and Human Services website.

Nevada

Shepherd University’s Bachelor of Social Work program meets professional licensure standards for Nevada and is accredited by the Council on Social Work Education. To learn more about obtaining a social work license in Nevada, please visit Nevada’s Board of Examiners of Social Workers website.

New Hampshire

New Hampshire does not offer licensure at the Bachelor degree level. To learn more about social work licensure in New Hampshire, please visit New Hampshire’s Board of Mental Health Practice website.

New Jersey

Shepherd University’s Bachelor of Social Work program meets professional licensure standards for New Jersey and is accredited by the Council on Social Work Education. To learn more about obtaining a social work license in New Jersey, please visit New Jersey’s Division of Consumer Affairs website.

New Mexico

Shepherd University’s Bachelor of Social Work program meets professional licensure standards for New Mexico and is accredited by the Council on Social Work Education. To learn more about obtaining a social work license in New Mexico, please visit New Mexico’s Regulations and Licensing Department website. Please note that applicant’s for licensure in New Mexico must take a Board approved course in New Mexico cultures if they obtain their social work degree outside of New Mexico.

New York

New York does not offer licensure at the Bachelor degree level. To learn more about social work licensure in New York, please visit New York’s Office of the Professions website.

North Carolina

Shepherd University’s Bachelor of Social Work program meets professional licensure standards for North Carolina and is accredited by the Council on Social Work Education. To learn more about obtaining a social work license in North Carolina, please visit North Carolina’s Social Work Certification and Licensure Board website.

North Dakota

Shepherd University’s Bachelor of Social Work program meets professional licensure standards for North Dakota and is accredited by the Council on Social Work Education. To learn more about obtaining a social work license in North Dakota, please visit North Dakota’s Board of Social Work Examiner’s website.

Northern Mariana Islands

Shepherd University’s Bachelor of Social Work program meets professional licensure standards for the Northern Mariana Islands and is accredited by the Council on Social Work Education. To learn more about obtaining a social work license in the Northern Mariana Islands, please visit the Northern Mariana Islands Board of Professional Licensing / Health Care Professions Licensing Board website.

Ohio

Shepherd University’s Bachelor of Social Work program meets professional licensure standards for Ohio and is accredited by the Council on Social Work Education. To learn more about obtaining a social work license in Ohio, please visit Ohio’s Counselor, Social Worker and Marriage and Family Therapist Board website.

Oklahoma

Shepherd University’s Bachelor of Social Work program meets professional licensure standards for Oklahoma and is accredited by the Council on Social Work Education. To learn more about obtaining a social work license in Oklahoma, please visit Oklahoma’s Board of Licensed Social Workers Website.

Oregon

Shepherd University’s Bachelor of Social Work program meets professional licensure standards for Oregon and is accredited by the Council on Social Work Education. To learn more about obtaining a social work license in Oregon, please visit Oregon’s Board of Licensed Social Workers website.

Pennsylvania

Pennsylvania does not offer licensure at the Bachelor degree level. To learn more about social work licensure in Pennsylvania, please visit Pennsylvania’s Professional Licensing website.

Puerto Rico

Shepherd University’s Bachelor of Social Work program meets professional licensure standards for Puerto Rico and is accredited by the Council on Social Work Education. In order to obtain licensure in Puerto Rico an applicant must be a legal resident of Puerto Rico. To learn more about obtaining a social work license in Puerto Rico, please visit Puerto Rico’s Department of State website.

Rhode Island

Rhode Island does not offer licensure at the Bachelor degree level. To learn more about social work licensure in Rhode Island, please visit Rhode Island’s Department of Health website.

South Carolina

Shepherd University’s Bachelor of Social Work program meets professional licensure standards for South Carolina and is accredited by the Council on Social Work Education. To learn more about obtaining a social work license in South Carolina, please visit South Carolina’s Board of Social Work Examiners website.

South Dakota

Shepherd University’s Bachelor of Social Work program meets professional licensure standards for South Dakota and is accredited by the Council on Social Work Education. To learn more about obtaining a social work license in South Dakota, please visit South Dakota’s Board of Social Work Examiners website.

Tennessee

Shepherd University’s Bachelor of Social Work program meets professional licensure standards for Tennessee and is accredited by the Council on Social Work Education. To learn more about obtaining a social work license in Tennessee, please visit Tennessee’s Department of Health website.

Texas

Shepherd University’s Bachelor of Social Work program meets professional licensure standards for Texas and is accredited by the Council on Social Work Education. To learn more about obtaining a social work license in Texas, please visit Texas’ State Board of Social Work Examiners website.

Utah

Shepherd University’s Bachelor of Social Work program meets professional licensure standards for Utah and is accredited by the Council on Social Work Education. To learn more about obtaining a social work license in Utah, please visit Utah’s Division of Occupational and Professional Licensing website.

Vermont

Vermont does not offer licensure at the Bachelor degree level. To learn more about social work licensure in Vermont, please visit Vermont’s Professional Regulation website.

Virgin Islands

Shepherd University’s Bachelor of Social Work program meets professional licensure standards for the Virgin Islands and is accredited by the Council on Social Work Education. To learn more about obtaining a social work license in the Virgin Islands, please visit the Virgin Islands Department of Licensing and Consumer Affairs website.

Virginia

Shepherd University’s Bachelor of Social Work program meets professional licensure standards for Virginia and is accredited by the Council on Social Work Education. To learn more about obtaining a social work license in Virginia, please visit Virginia’s Department of Health Professions website.

Washington

Washington does not offer licensure at the Bachelor degree level. To learn more about social work licensure in Washington, please visit Washington’s State Department of Health website.

West Virginia

Shepherd University’s Bachelor of Social Work program meets professional licensure standards for West Virginia and is accredited by the Council on Social Work Education. To learn more about obtaining a social work license in West Virginia, please visit West Virginia’s Board of Social Work website.

Wisconsin

Shepherd University’s Bachelor of Social Work program meets professional licensure standards for Wisconsin and is accredited by the Council on Social Work Education. To learn more about obtaining a social work license in Wisconsin, please visit Wisconsin’s Department of Safety and Professional Services website.

Wyoming

Shepherd University’s Bachelor of Social Work program meets professional licensure standards for Wyoming and is accredited by the Council on Social Work Education. To learn more about obtaining a social work license in Wyoming, please visit Wyoming’s Mental Health Professionals Licensing Board website.

It has not been determined if the Shepherd University Social Work program meets the professional licensure requirements for the following territories: American Samoa, Marshall Islands, Federated States of Micronesia, and Palau.