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Michigan Social Work License Requirements & Programs

Written by Natasha Lynn Albatosov
Last Updated: May 2023

Known for its automotive industry and the Great Lakes, Michigan provides a diverse setting for future and practicing social workers.

The Michigan Board of Social Work oversees the state's social workers and regulates licensure. Explore this state's social worker employment and salary trends, along with education and licensure requirements.

In This Article

Education Required to Become a Social Worker in Michigan

Social workers need a license to work in Michigan. To become a licensed social worker in the state, candidates need a bachelor's in social work (BSW) or a master's in social works (MSW) from a school accredited by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE).

Michigan offers several social work career levels, including a registered social service technician (RSST), which requires an associate degree in social work (ASW). A BSW or an MSW degree can provide further job opportunities for licensed social workers in Michigan.

Associate Degree in Social Work (ASW)

A regionally accredited ASW degree takes about two years to complete and includes courses that cover a broad overview of social work topics. This degree option prepares candidates for a career as an RSST. The role includes assisting in preliminary social work activities and working under the guidance of licensed social workers.

Bachelor of Social Work (BSW)

To become a licensed social worker in Michigan, candidates can first earn a BSW degree. Usually, a BSW takes about four years to complete and prepares students for a variety of jobs within the social work field. Students typically study psychology, political science, biology, and courses related to social welfare theories. A BSW can prepare students for further studies to obtain a LBSW or MSW.

Master of Social Work (MSW)

A MSW degree can open the door to careers at the highest level of the social work profession. Typically, MSW programs take about two years to complete, although having a BSW can allow students to reduce that time to around one year. MSW coursework provides a deeper exploration into social work theories and practical fieldwork. Obtaining an MSW can allow you to become a licensed master social worker (LMSW) and pursue macro or clinical work.

Featured Online Programs in Social Work

Steps for Becoming a Licensed Social Worker in Michigan

Michigan offers several entry points into the social work industry depending on your degree and career goals. Each social work professional must register with the Michigan Board of Social Work, although specific educational and experience requirements differ.

Social Services Technician (SST)

An SST works under the supervision of a social worker or case manager to provide basic social work services including client interviews and assessment administration. Candidates must have completed two years of college with coursework in human services or have an associate degree in social work from a regionally accredited school.

Steps to become an SST:

  • Complete two years of college education (including four social work courses) or an associate degree in social work.
  • Register to become a limited social service technician (LSST).
  • Complete 2,000 hours of supervised field experience.
  • Apply to become an RSST.

Licensed Bachelor Social Worker (LBSW)

To obtain an LBSW in Michigan, candidates need a bachelor's degree from a CSWE-accredited program. LBSW licensure allows individuals to work as case managers, perform psychosocial assessments, and provide basic social work services. The following steps outline how to become an LBSW.

Steps to become a LBSW:

  • Earn a BSW.
  • Apply for a limited LBSW license to begin supervised experience for full LBSW licensure.
  • Complete 4,000 hours of supervised fieldwork experience within a two year period.
  • Pass the ASWB bachelor's exam, and pay a fee of $230.

Licensed Master Social Worker (LMSW) and Licensed Master Social Worker-Clinical (LMSW-C)

An LMSW must earn a master's degree from a CSWE-accredited program. LMSW licenses are divided into macro and clinical fields.

The macro option entails primarily administrative tasks, such as program evaluation and training. Those with a clinical designation can provide clinical services, such as diagnosis and psychotherapy.

Once you obtain an LMSW with a macro or clinical designation, you can apply to earn the other designation after completing an additional year of supervised experience.

Steps to become an LMSW:

  • Earn an MSW.
  • Apply for a limited LMSW license (LLMSW) by submitting an application form and requesting that your school send your MSW transcript to the board with a fee of $43.20. You will need to indicate on the application whether you plan to earn a macro or clinical designation.
  • Complete 4,000 hours of work experience under the supervision of a licensed masters-level social worker.
  • Pass the ASWB clinical or advanced generalist exam.

Social Work License Reciprocity in Michigan

Michigan offers license reciprocity through endorsement for out-of-state LBSWs and LMSWs in good standing. Candidates must complete an application form with a fee of $43.20 and submit ASWB exam scores to Michigan's social work board.

Licensing Renewal and Continuing Education Information

Michigan requires licensed social workers and RSSTs to renew their licenses and credentials every three years for a $81 fee.

LBSWs and LMSWs must also complete 45 hours of continuing education, including five hours in ethics and one hour in pain symptom management. They must complete half of these hours in person. Social workers may submit a renewal request if they need more time to fulfill full state licensure requirements.

RSSTs and limited license positions do not require continuing education hours.

Limited licenses are excluded from the three-year renewal cycle since they are temporary.

BSW Programs Available in Michigan

  • Adrian College — Adrian, MI (On Campus)
    • Enrollment Type: Full Time
    • 2023 Tuition: $19,160 per semester
  • Andrews University — Berrien Springs, MI (On Campus)
    • Enrollment Type: Full Time
    • 2023 Tuition: $16,200 per semester
  • Calvin University — Grand Rapids, MI (On Campus)
    • Enrollment Type: Full Time
    • 2023 Tuition: $19,185 per semester
  • Central Michigan University — Mount Pleasant, MI (On Campus)
    • Enrollment Type: Full Time, Part Time
    • 2023 Tuition: $440 per credit hour
  • Cornerstone University — Grand Rapids, MI (On Campus)
    • Available Concentrations: Child Welfare
    • Enrollment Type: Full Time, Part Time
    • 2023 Tuition: $28,300 per semester
  • Eastern Michigan University — Ypsilanti, MI (On Campus, Online)
    • Enrollment Type: Full Time, Part Time
    • 2023 Tuition: $7,250 per semester
  • Ferris State University — Big Rapids, MI (On Campus)
    • Available Concentrations: Child Welfare
    • Enrollment Type: Full Time, Part Time, Multiple Cohorts Per Year
    • 2023 Tuition: $467 per credit hour
  • Grand Valley State University — Allendale, MI (On Campus)
    • Available Concentrations: Community Social Work; Child Welfare
    • Enrollment Type: Full Time, Part Time
    • 2023 Tuition: $6,976 per semester in-state; $9,928 per semester out-of-state
  • Hope College — Holland, MI (On Campus)
    • Enrollment Type: Full Time
    • 2023 Tuition: $19,995 per semester
  • Kuyper College — Grand Rapids, MI (On Campus)
    • Available Concentrations: Bible and Theology
    • Enrollment Type: Full Time, Part Time
    • 2023 Tuition: $26,390 per semester
  • Madonna University — Livonia, MI (On Campus)
    • Available Concentrations: Addictions
    • Enrollment Type: Full Time, Part Time
    • 2023 Tuition: $912 per credit hour
  • Michigan State University — East Lansing; Flint; Rochester; and Clio, MI (On Campus)
    • Available Concentrations: Child and Family; Child Welfare; Gerontology; Non-Profit Management; Refugee and Immigrant Populations
    • Enrollment Type: Full Time, Part Time
    • 2023 Tuition: $507 per credit hour
  • Northern Michigan University — Marquette, MI (On Campus)
    • Available Concentrations: Social Service minor; Human Behavior minor; Substance Use minor
    • Enrollment Type: Full Time, Part Time
    • 2023 Tuition: $492 per credit hour in-state; $721 per credit out-of-state
  • Oakland University — Rochester, MI (On Campus)
    • Available Concentrations: Addictions; Child Welfare; Gerontology
    • Enrollment Type: Full Time, Part Time
    • 2023 Tuition: $486-563 per credit hour in-state; $796-852 per credit hour out-of-state
  • Saginaw Valley State University — University Center, MI (On Campus)
    • Available Concentrations: Child Welfare
    • Enrollment Type: Full Time, Part Time
    • 2023 Tuition: $10,800 per semester in-state; $25,380 per semester out-of-state
  • Siena Heights University — Adrian, MI (On Campus)
    • Available Concentrations: Child Welfare
    • Enrollment Type: Full Time
    • 2023 Tuition: $14,250 per semester
  • Spring Arbor University — Spring Arbor, MI (On Campus, Online)
    • Available Concentrations: Child Welfare certificate
    • Enrollment Type: Full Time, Part Time, Multiple Cohorts Per Year
    • 2023 Tuition: $31,020 per semester
  • University of Detroit Mercy — Detroit, MI (On Campus, Online)
    • Enrollment Type: Full Time, Part Time
    • 2023 Tuition: $16,150 per semester
  • University of Michigan-Flint — Flint, MI (On Campus)
    • Available Concentrations: Substance Abuse Treatment and Prevention minor; Crisis Intervention certificate
    • Enrollment Type: Full Time, Part Time
    • 2023 Tuition: $6,117 per semester in-state; $12,225 per semester out-of-state
  • Wayne State University — Detroit, MI (On Campus, Online)
    • Available Concentrations: Law or Social Justice minor
    • Enrollment Type: Full Time, Part Time
    • 2023 Tuition: $431-$512 per credit hour in-state; $987-$1,176 per credit hour out-of-state
  • Western Michigan University — Kalamazoo, MI (On Campus
    • Enrollment Type: Full Time, Part Time, Multiple Cohorts Per Year
    • 2023 Tuition: $6,925 per semester in-state; $8,656 per semester out-of-state

MSW Programs Available in Michigan

  • Andrews University — Berrien Springs, MI (On Campus)
    • Available Concentrations: Trauma Informed; Clinical, Human Services Management; Medical; International; Child Welfare certificate
    • Enrollment Type: Full Time
    • 2023 Tuition: $1,267 per credit hour
  • Eastern Michigan University — Ypsilanti, MI (On Campus)
    • Available Concentrations: Child and Family Services; Mental Health and Substance; Use Recovery Services; Health and Aging Services
    • Enrollment Type: Full Time
    • 2023 Tuition: $14,078 per semester in-state; $24,398 per semester out-of-state
  • Ferris State University — Big Rapids, MI (On Campus)
    • Available Concentrations: Advanced Generalist; Macro; Advanced Generalist Micro; Human Behavior and Social Environment
    • Enrollment Type: Full Time, Part Time, Advanced Standing
    • 2023 Tuition: $711 per credit hour
  • Grand Valley State University — Allendale, MI (On Campus)
    • Available Concentrations: Advanced Generalist
    • Enrollment Type: Full Time, Part Time, Advanced Standing
    • 2023 Tuition: $728 per credit hour
  • Madonna University — Livonia, MI (On Campus)
    • Available Concentrations: Clinical (Aging); Macro (Community); Clinical (Children and Youth); Clinical (Mental Health)
    • Enrollment Type: Full Time
    • 2023 Tuition: $980 per credit
  • Michigan State University — East Lansing, MI (On Campus, Online)
    • Available Concentrations: Clinical or Organization and Community Leadership
    • Enrollment Type: Full Time, Part Time, Advanced Standing, Weekends and Evenings
    • 2023 Tuition: $842 per credit hour
  • Northern Michigan University — Marquette, MI (On Campus, Online)
    • Available Concentrations: Clinical or Policy; Planning and Administration
    • Enrollment Type: Full Time, Advanced Standing
    • 2023 Tuition: $636 per credit hour in-state; $852 per credit out-of-state
  • Saginaw Valley State University — University Center, MI (On Campus)
    • Available Concentrations: Advanced Generalist
    • Enrollment Type: Full Time, Part Time, Advanced Standing
    • 2023 Tuition: $682 per credit hour in-state; $1,282 per credit out-of-state
  • Spring Arbor University — Spring Arbor, MI (On Campus, Online)
    • Available Concentrations: Clinical or Direct Practice
    • Enrollment Type: Full Time, Advanced Standing, Multiple Cohorts Per Year
    • 2023 Tuition: $640 per credit hour
  • University of Michigan — Ann Arbor, MI (On Campus, Online)
    • Available Concentrations: Addictions; Children; Youth and Families; Clinical or Direct Practice; Community Development and Social Systems Health; International Social Work; Management or Administration; Mental Health; School Social Work; Social Policy; Aging and Gerontological Practice; Immigrants and Refugees
    • Enrollment Type: Full Time, Part Time, Advanced Standing, Multiple cohorts per year, Weekends and Evenings
    • 2023 Tuition: $15,452 per semester in-state; $24,871 per semester out-of-state
  • Wayne State University — Detroit, MI (On Campus, Online)
    • Available Concentrations: Interpersonal Practice; Innovation in Community, Policy, and Leadership
    • Enrollment Type: Full Time, Part Time, Advanced Standing
    • 2023 Tuition: $737 per credit in-state; $1,596 per credit out-of-state
  • Western Michigan University — Benton Harbor, Grand Rapids, and Kalamazoo, MI (On Campus, Online)
    • Available Concentrations: Clinical; Policy, Planning and Administration; Trauma; Trauma Focused-CBT; Holistic Health; Alcohol and Drug Abuse
    • Enrollment Type: Full Time, Part Time, Advanced Standing, Multiple Cohorts Per Year, Weekends and Evenings
    • 2023 Tuition: $731 per credit hour in-state; $1,096 per credit hour on-campus, out-of-state

Michigan Social Worker Jobs and Salary Information

Projections Central estimates that social worker jobs in Michigan will grow 7-13.6% from 2020-2030 depending on the specialty.

In Michigan, mental health and substance misuse social workers are projected to be the highest in demand. Notably, the agency estimates 14,620 average annual job openings in the child, family, and school social work sector, which has the most job openings of any social worker field in the state.

  • Child, Family, and School Social Workers: $53,760
  • Healthcare Social Workers: $59,390
  • Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workers: $53,110
  • Social Workers, All Other: $64,200

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to become a social worker in Michigan?

It takes about 6-8 years to become a social worker in Michigan. You must earn your bachelor's or master's in social work degree, complete 4,000 hours of supervised work experience, and pass the licensing exam.

What degree do you need to become a social worker in Michigan?

You need a minimum of a bachelor's degree in social work from a school accredited by the Council on Social Work Education to become a social worker in Michigan.

What is the difference between LLMSW and LMSW?

An LMSW with the clinical designation can perform psychotherapy and diagnosis of mental health conditions. In contrast, an LLMSW can perform these functions only under the supervision of an LMSW with the clinical designation.

How do you obtain experience for a full bachelor's or master's social worker license?

You can get relevant work experience while holding a limited master's or bachelor's social worker license in Michigan.