Pennsylvania Social Work License Requirements and Programs: Become a Social Worker in PA
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Pennsylvania faces a critical shortage of social service providers of all kinds, including social workers. Opportunities for social workers in Pennsylvania continue to grow for those who meet state practice standards and regulations.
Check out this guide to learn everything you need to know about the state’s educational requirements, licensing options, and career and salary prospects.
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Pennsylvania Social Work Licensing Requirements
The Pennsylvania State Board of Social Workers, Marriage and Family Therapists and Professional Counselors administers three social work licenses: licensed baccalaureate social worker (LBSW), licensed social worker (LSW), and licensed clinical social worker (LCSW).
The LBSW, which requires a bachelor of social work (BSW) degree, allows you to practice under supervision. However, if you want to practice independently, you need at least a master of social work (MSW) to qualify for the LSW or LCSW credential.
Licensed Bachelor Social Worker
After earning your BSW, you may apply for Pennsylvania’s LBSW license. With this credential, you can only practice under the supervision of a licensed LSW or LCSW. LBSWs often find employment in settings, such as hospitals, clinics, and social service and community agencies, assisting with case management, patient assessment, and referrals.
LBSW requirements in Pennsylvania include:
- Bachelor’s degree in social work or social welfare
- Passing score on the Association of Social Work Boards (ASWB) bachelors exam
Licensed Social Worker
LSWs help individuals, families, and groups with behavioral and mental health issues. Their duties include the creation of intervention plans, connecting clients with resources and services, and supervising other social workers. LSWs typically work in social service agencies and healthcare facilities, but they cannot enter private practice.
Both LSW and LCSW applicants must hold at least an MSW, but the LSW does not require clinical experience. You must obtain an LSW license to apply for the LCSW credential.
LSW requirements in Pennsylvania include:
- Master’s degree in social work or social welfare, or a doctoral degree in social work
- A passing score on the ASWB masters exam
Licensed Clinical Social Worker
As the highest level of social work licensure in Pennsylvania, the LCSW qualifies you to offer direct client services without supervision and practice independently. Both the LSW and LCSW require an MSW or a doctoral degree from a Council on Social Work Education (CSWE)-accredited program, but you must fulfill clinical experience requirements to obtain your LCSW license.
LCSW requirements in Pennsylvania include:
- Master’s degree in social work or social welfare, or a doctoral degree in social work
- At least 3,000 hours of supervised clinical experience
- Passing score on the ASWB clinical exam
Social Work License Reciprocity in Pennsylvania
Currently, Pennsylvania does not provide licensing reciprocity with other states, but state legislation to join the Social Work Licensure Compact is pending. Member states plan to start issuing social work licenses with multi-state reciprocity in 2025.
At this time, however, LSWs or LCSWs from other states who want to practice in Pennsylvania must meet all examination, educational, and clinical experience requirements for state licensure. Applicants must also provide a letter certifying licensure and reporting any violations.
Licensing Renewal and Continuing Education in Pennsylvania
The state licensing board requires you to renew your social work license every two years. The renewal fee for the biennial cycle is $95. In each renewal period, you must complete 30 hours of continuing education credits, including at least three hours in social work ethics, two hours in child abuse recognition and reporting, and one hour in suicide prevention.
In case of an audit, you need to maintain documentation of your continuing education credits for at least four years.
BSW Programs Available in Pennsylvania
- Alvernia University — Reading and Elkins Park (On Campus)
- Enrollment Type: Full Time, Part Time
- 2024 Tuition: $43,000 per year
- Carlow University — Pittsburgh (On Campus, Online)
- Enrollment Type: Full Time, Part Time
- 2024 Tuition: $17,273 per semester
- Cedar Crest University — Allentown (On Campus)
- Enrollment Type: Full Time, Part Time
- 2024 Tuition: $22,832 per semester
- Chatham University — Pittsburgh (On Campus)
- Enrollment Type: Full Time, Part Time
- 2024 Tuition: $1,450 per credit hour
- Commonwealth University of Pennsylvania — Bloomsburg, Lock Haven, and Mansfield (On Campus, Online)
- Enrollment Type: Full Time, Part Time
- 2024 Tuition: $3,858 per semester in state; $9,645 per semester out of state
- East Stroudsburg University of Pennsylvania — East Stroudsburg (On Campus)
- Enrollment Type: Full Time, Part Time
- 2024 Tuition: $3,858 per semester in state; $4,830 per semester out of state
- Eastern University — St. Davids and Philadelphia (On Campus)
- Enrollment Type: Full Time
- 2024 Tuition: $18,840 per semester.
- Elizabethtown College — Elizabeth (On Campus)
- Enrollment Type: Full Time
- 2024 Tuition: $37,250 per year
- Gannon University — Erie (On Campus)
- Enrollment Type: Full Time
- 2024 Tuition: $38,110 per year
- Grove City College — Grove City (On Campus)
- Enrollment Type: Full Time
- 2024 Tuition: $10,850 per semester
- Gwynedd Mercy University — Gwynedd Valley (On Campus)
- Enrollment Type: Full Time, Part Time
- 2024 Tuition: $38,812 per year
- Juniata College — Huntingdon (On Campus)
- Enrollment Type: Full Time, Part Time
- 2024 Tuition: $57,500 per year
- Kutztown University — Kutztown (On Campus)
- Enrollment Type: Full Time, Part Time
- 2024 Tuition: $5,801 per semester in state; $8,286 per semester of state
- LaSalle University — Philadelphia and Plymouth Meeting (On Campus)
- Enrollment Type: Full Time, Part Time
- 2024 Tuition: $36,000 per year
- Lancaster Bible College — Lancaster (On Campus)
- Enrollment Type: Full Time, Part Time
- 2024 Tuition: $29,990 per year
- Marywood University — Scranton, Pocono, and Lehigh Valley (On Campus)
- Enrollment Type: Full Time, Part Time
- 2024 Tuition: $39,490 per year
- Mercyhurst University — Erie (On Campus)
- Enrollment Type: Full Time
- 2024 Tuition: $42,840 per year
- Messiah University — Mechanicsburg (On Campus)
- Enrollment Type: Full Time
- 2024 Tuition: $41,300 per year
- Millersville University of Pennsylvania — Millersville (On Campus, Online)
- Enrollment Type: Full Time, Part Time
- 2024 Tuition: $322 per credit hour in state; $805 per credit hour out of state
- Misericordia University — Dallas and Nanticoke (On Campus)
- Enrollment Type: Full Time, Part Time
- 2024 Tuition: $38,400 per year
- Pennsylvania Western University — California and Edinboro (On Campus, Online)
- Enrollment Type: Full Time, Part Time
- 2024 Tuition: $11,122 per year in state; $15,744 per year out of state
- Saint Francis University — Loretto (On Campus)
- Enrollment Type: Full Time
- 2024 Tuition: $42,900 per year
- Seton Hill University — Greensburg (On Campus)
- Enrollment Type: Full Time, Part Time
- 2024 Tuition: $21,147 per semester
- Shippensburg University — Shippensburg and Harrisburg (On Campus)
- Enrollment Type: Full Time, Part Time
- 2024 Tuition: $4,785 per semester in state; $5,787 per semester out of state
- Slippery Rock University — Slippery Rock (On Campus)
- Enrollment Type: Full Time, Part Time
- 2024 Tuition: $3,858 per semester in state; $7,716 per credit hour out of state
- Temple University — Philadelphia (On Campus)
- Enrollment Type: Full Time, Part Time
- 2024 Tuition: $9,432 per semester in state; $16,956 per semester out of state
- University of Pittsburgh — Pittsburgh (On Campus)
- Enrollment Type: Full Time, Part Time
- 2024 Tuition: $20,556 per semester in state; $40,060 per semester out of state
- University of Valley Forge — Phoenixville (On Campus, Online)
- Enrollment Type: Full Time
- 2024 Tuition: $23,800 per year
- West Chester University — West Chester and Philadelphia (On Campus)
- Enrollment Type: Full Time
- 2024 Tuition: $7,716 per semester in state; $19,290 per semester out of state
- Widener University — Chester (On Campus)
- Enrollment Type: Full Time
- 2024 Tuition: $27,330 per semester
MSW Programs Available in Pennsylvania
- Alvernia University — Reading and Elkins Park (On Campus)
- Available Concentrations: Addictions, Advanced Generalist
- Enrollment Type: Full Time, Part Time, Advanced Standing
- 2024 Tuition: $516 per credit
- Bryn Mawr College — Bryn Mawr (On Campus)
- Available Concentrations: Clinical or Direct Practice, Community Development and Social Systems
- Enrollment Type: Full Time, Part Time, Advanced Standing
- 2024 Tuition: $5,420 per semester
- Carlow University — Pittsburgh (On Campus)
- Available Concentrations: Clinical or Direct Practice, School Social Work, Macro Social Work
- Enrollment Type: Full Time, Part Time, Advanced Standing
- 2024 Tuition: $650 per credit hour
- Commonwealth University of Pennsylvania — Bloomsburg (On Campus)
- Available Concentrations: Advanced Generalist
- Enrollment Type: Full Time, Part Time, Advanced Standing
- 2024 Tuition: $516 per credit hour in state; $774 per credit hour out of state
- Eastern University — St. Davids and Philadelphia (Online)
- Available Concentrations: Advanced Generalist
- Enrollment Type: Full Time
- 2024 Tuition: $450 per credit hour
- Kutztown University — Kutztown (On Campus)
- Available Concentrations: Behavioral Health, Community Development, Leadership and Management, Family and Child Wellness
- Enrollment Type: Full Time, Part Time, Advanced Standing
- 2024 Tuition: $642 per credit hour in state; $961 per credit hour out of state
- LaSalle University — Philadelphia and Plymouth Landing (On Campus)
- Enrollment Type: Full Time, Part Time, Advanced Standing
- 2024 Tuition: $865 per credit hour
- Lancaster Bible College — Lancaster (Online)
- Available Concentrations: Children, Youth, and Families; Clinical or Direct Practice
- Enrollment Type: Full Time, Part Time, Advanced Standing
- 2024 Tuition: $480 per credit hour
- Marywood University — Scranton and Lehigh Valley (On Campus)
- Available Concentrations: Advanced Generalist
- Enrollment Type: Full Time, Part Time, Advanced Standing
- 2024 Tuition: $650 per credit hour
- Millersville University — Millersville and Shippensburg (On Campus, Online)
- Available Concentrations: Advanced Generalist
- Enrollment Type: Full Time, Part Time, Advanced Standing
- 2024 Tuition: $516 per credit hour in state; $774 per credit hour out of state
- Pennsylvania Western University — California and Edinboro (On Campus, Online)
- Available Concentrations: Trauma
- Enrollment Type: Full Time, Part Time, Advanced Standing
- 2024 Tuition: $516 per credit hour in state; $526 per credit hour out of state
- Slippery Rock University — Slippery Rock (Online)
- Available Concentrations: Children, Youth, and Families; Clinical or Direct Practice
- Enrollment Type: Full Time, Part Time, Advanced Standing
- 2024 Tuition: $4,4644 per semester in state; $6,966 per semester out of state
- Temple University — Philadelphia and Harrisburg (On Campus, Online)
- Available Concentrations: Clinical or Direct Practice, Macro Social Work
- Enrollment Type: Full Time, Part Time, Advanced Standing
- 2024 Tuition: $1,105 per credit hour in state; $1,518 per credit hour out of state
- University of Pennsylvania — Pennsylvania (On Campus)
- Available Concentrations: Clinical or Direct Practice, Macro Social Work
- Enrollment Type: Full Time, Part Time, Advanced Standing
- 2024 Tuition: $55,824 per year
- University of Pittsburgh — Pittsburgh, Johnstown, and Bradford (On Campus)
- Available Concentrations: Clinical or Direct Practice, Community Development and Social Systems
- Enrollment Type: Full Time, Part Time, Advanced Standing
- 2024 Tuition: $13,175 per semester in state; $22,778 per semester out of state
- West Chester University — West Chester and Philadelphia (On Campus)
- Available Concentrations: Clinical or Direct Practice
- Enrollment Type: Full Time, Part Time, Advanced Standing
- 2024 Tuition: $9,288 per semester in state; $13,932 per semester out of state
- Widener University — Chester (On Campus, Online)
- Available Concentrations: Clinical or Direct Practice
- Enrollment Type: Full Time, Part Time, Advanced Standing
- 2024 Tuition: $943 per credit hour
Pennsylvania Social Worker Career and Salary Information
| Occupation | Average Annual Salary | Average Hourly Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Child, Family, and School Social Workers | $54,160 | $26.04 |
| Healthcare Social Workers | $63,870 | $30.71 |
| Mental Health and Substance Use Social Workers | $48,420 | $23.28 |
| Social Workers, All Other | $68,380 | $32.88 |
Salary and employment projections for social workers in Pennsylvania vary considerably by degree, license level, and career focus. The Pennsylvania Department of Labor and Industry projects the employment of mental health and substance use social workers in the state to grow by 7.9% between 2022 and 2032. Healthcare social worker jobs are expected to grow by 7.4% and child, family, and school social workers by 4.5%, within the same period.
May 2023 data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) ranks healthcare social workers among the top earners in the state, making $63,870 per year. The BLS category of “social workers, all other,” which includes emerging specializations like criminal justice, military and veteran, and occupational social work, can earn top salaries of $68,380.
Social Work Associations in Pennsylvania
- The National Association of Social Workers (NASW): Pennsylvania Chapter: The Pennsylvania chapter of the NASW offers information about regional chapters within the state, upcoming conferences, and continuing education opportunities.
- Pennsylvania Society for Clinical Social Work: Promotes the highest level of education for Pennsylvania clinical social workers by offering professional development opportunities, advocating for the field, and connecting members.
Frequently Asked Questions About Pennsylvania Social Work
What are the different types of social workers in Pennsylvania?
Pennsylvania authorizes three different social work licenses: the licensed baccalaureate social worker (LBSW), the licensed social worker (LSW), and the licensed clinical social worker (LCSW). The LSW and LCSW require applicants to hold at least a master’s degree from a CSWE-accredited program.
How do I get licensed as a social worker in Pennsylvania?
To practice as a licensed social worker in Pennsylvania, you must meet specific educational and examination requirements established by the State Board of Social Workers, Marriage and Family Therapists and Professional Counselors for the level of license you are seeking.
How much do social workers in Pennsylvania make?
Social worker salaries depend on several factors, including degree and specialization, type of license, and years of experience. According to May 2023 BLS data, annual average salaries for all social workers in the state range from $48,000 to $68,000.
How long does it take to become a social worker in Pennsylvania?
The length of time it takes to become a social worker depends on your license level. You need a four-year BSW degree for Pennsylvania’s LBSW credential. The LSW requires at least an MSW degree, which typically takes two years. To practice as an LCSW, you need an MSW or a doctorate, followed by two years of supervised clinical experience.
