How to Become a Social Worker in Michigan

What Are the Different Types of Social Workers Licenses in Michigan?

There are two types of social workers’ licenses in Michigan:

  1. Licensed Bachelor Social Worker (LBSW)
  2. Licensed Master Social Worker (LMSW)

Individuals who are interested in pursuing a social worker’s license in Michigan must first complete specific coursework as well as field work and post-graduate experience. Candidates must also register for and pass a state examination in order to become a social worker. Below is a general outline of the license requirements for the state of Minnesota. More in-depth information is available via the Public Health Code Section 333.19509.

What Kind of Degree Is Required to Become a Social Worker in Michigan?

The minimum education requirement to pursue a social work license in the state of Michigan is a Bachelor’s Degree. This must be obtained from a school or program accredited by the Council on Social Work Education. The CSWE maintains an updated list of all of the accredited social work degree programs in the country that is worth looking into. The list includes information such as when each program was accredited and what specialties it offers.

Maine Social Work Licenses
Education Requirements Education Length Available Programs
LBSW (Licensed Bachelor's Social Worker) Bachelor's 4 Years Online or Campus
LMSW (Licensed Master's Social Worker) Master's +2 Years Supervised Work 7-8 Years Online or Campus
 

How Do I Get My LBSW in Michigan?

Upon graduating from an accredited BSW program, candidates will need to accumulate a certain amount of field experience in social work. Upon completion of this, individuals may take the state-level examination to become a Licensed Bachelor’s Social Worker.

Upon completion of an accredited BSW program, individuals must obtain at least two years of full-time, post-degree experience under a supervisor who is a licensed master social worker. After this is completed, individuals may register to take their examination.

Individuals must take and pass the Bachelor’s Level Examination administered by the Association of Social Work Boards (ASWB).

Read more about social work degrees in Michigan.

How Do I Get My LMSW in Michigan?

Upon graduating from an accredited MSW program, individuals must accumulate a certain amount of experience in social work. Upon completion of this, candidates can take the state-level examination to become a Licensed Master Social Worker.

Upon completion of an accredited MSW program, individuals must accumulate two years of full-time, post-degree experience. This must be completed under the supervision of a licensed master social worker. Once this is completed, individuals may register to take their examination. 

Individuals must take and pass the Master’s Level Examination administered by the ASWB.

More information about examination requirements is available via the Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs.

Social Worker Career Outlook in Michigan

The United States Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) gathered data for employment and wages in Michigan for all industries, including social work, as recently as May of 2022. According to the data collected, there were almost 24,000 social workers employed across the state of Michigan in various roles. More than half of those (13,370) were classified as child, family and school social workers, with the second largest group (5,700) serving the state as healthcare social workers and another 3,760 specializing in mental health and substance abuse. As of the latest BLS report, child, family and school social workers earned an average annual salary of $53,760 while those in healthcare services earned $59,390 on average. Social workers providing mental health and substance abuse services in Michigan earned an average of $53,110 that year.

The Michigan chapter of the NASW maintains a database of job postings in the state along with resources to keep aspiring and currently licensed social workers informed of the latest developments in the field.

Research Additional Psychology Professional Licenses Granted by Michigan:

2022 US Bureau of Labor Statistics job market trends and salary figures for social workers, child, family, and school social workers, healthcare social workers, mental health and substance abuse social workers, and social workers (all other) are based on national data, not school-specific information. Conditions in your area may vary. Data accessed July 2023.

Schools with Degree Programs Accepting Students from Michigan