School of Social Work

317 Everett L. Marshall Building

Ypsilanti, Michigan 48197

Phone: 734.487.0393

Professional Licensing

State of Michigan Social Work Licensing Requirements and Procedures

The State of Michigan requires practicing social workers to be licensed.  Start the process by visiting the State of Michigan's Department of Licensure and Regulatory Affairs website to review the materials and download the application you need for the next steps.

Complete the appropriate application form.  If you are a recent graduate from the program, use the limited master's or bachelor's social work license form.

  • All applicants undergo a criminal background check, submit fingerprints and pay a $40 fee
  • Submit your official transcripts to the licensing board to verify your BSW/MSW degree
  • Remember to sign and date your application

Social Work Professional Licensing in other States and outside the U.S.

Each State’s Social Work Regulatory Board typically requires a social work degree be conferred from a higher education institution accredited by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE).  For conferred social work degrees outside of the United States, these accrediting agencies include the Canadian Association for Social Work Education (CASWE) or its equivalent which can be found by accessing CSWE International Social Work Degree Recognition and Evaluation Service.  As defined by the Association of Social Work Boards (ABSW), there are four categories of social work practice that may be regulated: Bachelor’s (BSW), Master’s (MSW), Advanced Generalist, and Clinical. 

To plan your academic social work career accordingly, you can begin by accessing ABSW licensing comparison website which allows you to compare each State’s licensing regulation for the social work program you are seeking.  This extensive website lists the licensing name, education requirement, post degree supervision experience, and examination requirement.  

We have prepared a list of information for each State’s licensing regulations to reflect if our Social Work Programs meet their licensure requirements.  If you have questions about our program and the licensing requirements, please contact our Student Services Coordinator Dave Evoy at [email protected] or 734.487.6807 to set up an appointment.

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