How to Become a Social Worker in Missouri
If you’re interested in becoming a social worker, Missouri provides graduates with four licenses they can work toward. Known as the “Mother of the West”, Missouri is a Midwestern state that’s considered the birthplace of St. Louis blues and Kansas City jazz.
Social workers in Missouri can earn anywhere from $42,760 to $78,310 depending on the route they take in their career. Students have access to nearly two dozen BSW and MSW degree programs, all of which are accredited and are available from big-name colleges and universities. In this guide, you’ll learn how to become a social worker in Missouri and receive your license.
Typical Steps to Become a Social Worker in Missouri
When you want to know how to become a social worker in Missouri, there are several steps you must take. Earning a bachelor’s degree in social work is the first step toward gaining a social work license. Missouri offers numerous licenses that you can apply for if you meet the requirements.
Earn a Social Work Degree
To earn your license in Missouri, you must first complete a BSW or MSW program. This program needs to have accreditation from the Council of Social Work Education (CSWE). Most degree programs offer full-time and part-time options. Depending on the program, you may be able to complete all your coursework online.
Complete the Necessary Field Work
There are four types of social work licenses you can apply for with the state’s licensing board. Each license has different exam and experience requirements. For example, you don’t need to gain work experience before you apply for the LBSW and LMSW licenses. On the other hand, the LCSW and LAMSW licenses require at least 3,000 hours of supervised experience in a specific field.
Obtain Your License
Once you meet the requirements for licensure in Missouri, you can apply through the Missouri Committee for Social Workers website. If your application is approved, you’ll become a licensed social worker.
Social Work Degree Programs in Missouri
There are currently 23 BSW and MSW degrees that you can apply for in Missouri. Many of these programs offer online options that allow you to complete the coursework at your own pace. You can use a BSW to apply for an entry-level position in the social work industry.
BSW Programs in Missouri
There are 16 accredited BSW programs in Missouri that you have the option to enter. Most of these programs can be completed in four years.
- Avila University: Kansas City, Online and On Campus, 4+ Years
- Evangel University: Springfield, On Campus, 4+ Years
- Lincoln University: Jefferson City, On Campus, 4+ Years
- Lindenwood University: St. Charles, On Campus, 4+ Years
- Maryville University: Missouri, Online, 4+ Years
- Missouri Southern State University: Joplin, On Campus, 4+ Years
- Missouri State University: Missouri, Online, 4+ Years
- Missouri Western State University: St. Joseph, On Campus, 4+ Years
- Park University: Parkville, On Campus, 4+ Years
- Saint Louis University: St. Louis, On Campus, 4+ Years
- Southeast Missouri State University: Cape Girardeau, On Campus, 4+ Years
- Southwest Baptist University: Bolivar, On Campus, 4+ Years
- University of Central Missouri: Warrensburg and Lee’s Summit, On Campus, 4+ Years
- University of Missouri: Columbia, Online and On Campus, 4+ Years
- University of Missouri-St. Louis: St. Louis, Online and On Campus, 4+ Years
- William Woods University: Fulton, On Campus, 4+ Years
Master of Social Work (MSW) Programs in Missouri
Once you earn a bachelor’s degree, you can enter a Master of Social Work (MSW) program. Social work students have access to seven MSW programs from universities and colleges in Missouri.
- Missouri Baptist University: Missouri, Online, 1+ Years
- Missouri State University: Missouri, Online, 1+ Years
- Saint Louis University: Saint Louis, Online and On Campus, 1+ Years
- University of Missouri: Columbia, Online and On Campus, 1+ Years
- University of Missouri-Kansas City: Kansas City, On Campus, 1+ Years
- University of Missouri-St. Louis: St. Louis, Online and On Campus, 1+ Years
- Washington University in Saint Louis: Saint Louis, On Campus, 1+ Years
Online MSW Programs in Missouri
Many of the MSW programs available to social work students in Missouri offer online components. Attending classes online may help you finish your studies at a faster pace.
- Missouri Baptist University: Missouri, 1+ Years
- Missouri State University: Missouri, 1+ Years
- Saint Louis University: Saint Louis, 1+ Years
- University of Missouri: Columbia, 1+ Years
- University of Missouri-St. Louis: St. Louis, 1+ Years
What Types of Social Workers are in Missouri
To become a Licensed Baccalaureate Social Worker (LBSW), you must earn a bachelor’s degree in social work from a CSWE-accredited program. You’ll also need to pass the ASWB bachelor’s exam.
To become a Licensed Master Social Worker (LMSW), you must earn a master’s degree in social work before passing the ASWB master’s exam.
To become a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW), you’ll need to enter and complete a master’s or doctorate program before passing the ASWB clinical exam. Make sure that you gain at least 3,000 hours of supervised experience before you apply.
To become a Licensed Advanced Macro Social Worker (LAMSW), you must obtain a master’s or doctorate program before passing the ASWB advanced generalist exam. You’ll also need to gain at least 3,000 hours of supervised experience before you submit your application.
Social Work Licenses in Missouri
The Missouri Committee for Social Workers offers four types of licenses that people can request once they graduate and gain the necessary experience. Each type of license comes with different and unique requirements.
Licensed Baccalaureate Social Worker (LBSW):
Education Requirements: BSW degree
In-the-Field Requirements: No experience is needed
Examination: ASWB bachelor-level exam
License Renewal Requirements: 40 hours of continuing education
Licensed Master Social Worker (LMSW):
Education Requirements: MSW or Doctor of Social Work
In-the-Field Requirements: No experience is needed
Examination: ASWB Master’s Exam
License Renewal Requirements: 40 hours of continuing education
Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW):
Education Requirements: MSW or Doctor of Social Work
In-the-Field Requirements: At least 3,000 hours of clinical social work
Examination: ASWB Clinical Exam
License Renewal Requirements: 40 hours of continuing education
Licensed Advanced Macro Social Worker (LAMSW):
Education Requirements: MSW or Doctor of Social Work
In-the-Field Requirements: At least 3,000 hours of supervised social work
Examination: ASWB Advanced Generalist Exam
License Renewal Requirements: 40 hours of continuing education
Social Work Salaries in Missouri
The average salary for a social worker in Missouri depends on the specific profession.
| Type of Social Worker | Number Employed | Annual Salary |
| Child, Family and School Social Workers | 6,890 | $44,380 |
| Healthcare Social Workers | 5,430 | $53,060 |
| Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workers | 2,920 | $42,760 |
| Social Workers, all other | 1,280 | $58,970 |
| Social Work Teachers | 170 | $78,310 |
Social Work Scholarships in Missouri
If you’re getting ready to enter a BSW or MSW program, there are several scholarships that you could apply for to help reduce tuition and other expenses.
MSU Foundation Annual Scholarship
Burrell Social Work Scholarship
Mable Rumburg-Meites Endowment in Social Work
Social Work Organizations in Missouri
There are numerous organizations and associations that can help you build your network and work alongside other licensed social workers. The purpose of the following associations is to develop social workers and promote the importance of social work throughout Missouri.
School Social Workers Association of Missouri: This association was founded in 1980 and has since provided support and resources to school social workers. Their goal is to strengthen and advance this profession.
National Association of Social Workers (NASW) Missouri Chapter: The Missouri Chapter of the National Association of Social Workers (NASW) consists of more than 1,400 members. The social workers in Missouri operate in many different environments and settings.
FAQs
Does Missouri Have Social Work Reciprocity?
Missouri makes it possible for social workers from other states to gain an in-state license via endorsement. There are some basic qualifications you must meet to gain licensure in Missouri, which include the following:
- Hold an equivalent license
- Meet educational requirements for a license
- Provide your ASWB exam scores
- Pay the necessary application fees
Regardless of the license you apply for, the application fees are $70. You can take care of this process from the Missouri Committee for Social Workers website.
What Is the Best Way to Look Up My Social Work License in Missouri?
To find your social work license, you must visit the Missouri Committee for Social Workers website. If you want to search for an existing or expired license, you’ll need to enter the county name, your profession, and your license number.