How to Get Your Social Work License in Michigan: A Step-by-Step Guide

Michigan employs more than 30,000 licensed social workers, yet faces a severe shortage expected to last until 2033.

The state’s social work field will grow 4-8% by 2032. Social workers can earn competitive salaries between $57,000 to $67,000 each year. But first, you need to complete the Michigan social work licensure process. The process requires 4,000 hours of supervised work experience spread across two years to get full licensure.

This piece will help you understand each step to get your social work license in Michigan. You’ll learn about educational requirements and application procedures needed to start your career in the Great Lakes State. The information works well for both newcomers and experienced professionals looking to advance their careers.

Understanding Michigan Social Work License Types

Michigan provides several types of social work licenses that align with different education levels and career paths. Learning about these differences will help you pick the right path that matches your professional goals.

Different License Levels Explained

Michigan gives you multiple ways to become a licensed social worker. The options range from entry-level positions to advanced practice roles:

Entry-Level Options:

• Registered Social Service Technician (RSST): You need an associate’s degree in social work or 60 semester hours with relevant coursework to get this entry-level credential
• Limited Social Service Technician (LSST): This lets you get 2,000 hours of supervised experience and can be renewed once

Bachelor’s Level Licenses:

• Limited Licensed Bachelor Social Worker (LLBSW): Your original license stays valid for one year and you can renew it up to six times
• Licensed Bachelor Social Worker (LBSW): You’ll need 4,000 hours of supervised experience over two years and must pass the ASWB bachelor’s exam

Master’s Level Licenses:

• Limited Licensed Master Social Worker (LLMSW): The original license lasts one year with up to six renewal options
• Licensed Master Social Worker (LMSW): You need 4,000 hours of post-degree supervised experience and must pass either Clinical or Advanced Generalist exam

Which License Fits Your Goals

Your career goals should guide your license choice:

For Entry-Level Positions: The RSST path works best with an associate’s degree or equivalent education. You’ll need to complete 2,000 hours of supervised experience within one year.

For Clinical Practice:The LMSW with clinical designation lets you provide psychotherapy and diagnostic services. You’ll also need to:

• Complete 4,000 hours of post-master’s experience
• Get 100 hours of supervision under a licensed LMSW
• Have at least 4 hours of monthly supervision, including 2 hours of individual review

For Administrative Roles: The LMSW with macro designation focuses on administrative and policy work. You can add another designation after getting your first one by:

• Completing 2,000 additional supervised hours
• Getting 50 hours of supervisory review
• Passing the relevant ASWB examination

For Bachelor’s Level Practice: The LBSW lets you work in hospitals, clinics, and schools of all sizes. Your work will focus on case management and advocacy.

Educational Requirements for Licensing

Getting your social work license in Michigan begins with an accredited educational program. The Michigan Board of Social Work sets strict standards for educational qualifications that ensure top-quality professional preparation.

Approved Social Work Programs

The Council on Social Work Education (CSWE) acts as the main accrediting body for social work programs in Michigan. Michigan currently has:

• 22 Bachelor’s level programs
• 13 Master’s level programs

Programs have different accreditation levels:

• Full Accreditation: Programs that meet all CSWE standards
• Conditional Accreditation: Programs that need to address compliance issues within one year
• Candidacy Status: Programs in initial accreditation phases
• Pre-Candidacy: Programs getting ready for full review

Your program choice should depend on:

• How classes are delivered (online, on-campus, or hybrid)
• Where the program is located
• Whether you want full-time or part-time study
• Class formats (synchronous or asynchronous)

Required Coursework

Your educational requirements will vary based on the license level you want:

Associate Level (RSST)

• Get an associate’s degree from a CSWE-accredited program

Bachelor’s Level (LLBSW/LBSW)

• Graduate from a CSWE-accredited BSW program
• Learn fundamental social work principles
• Study micro, mezzo, and macro practice approaches

Master’s Level (LLMSW/LMSW)

• Complete an MSW from a CSWE-accredited program
• Specialize in either:
  • Clinical Social Work (micro-level interventions)
  • Organization and Community Leadership (macro-level interventions)

The Michigan Board might approve programs without CSWE accreditation if they match accredited program standards. You’ll also need to prove your English language skills through one of these ways:

• Complete a healthcare program taught in English
• Earn 60+ college credits from an English-speaking institution
• Pass an approved English proficiency examination

Your educational experience builds the foundation for your professional practice. Keep all your official transcripts and documentation ready. You’ll need them for your license application.

Social Work Programs in Michigan

Michigan has 22 bachelor’s and 13 master’s programs for aspiring social workers.

BSW Programs in Michigan

Notable BSW programs also include:

• Grand Valley State University: Specializes in rural social work practice
• Eastern Michigan University: Focuses on family and child welfare
• Western Michigan University: Emphasizes gerontological social work
• Central Michigan University: Offers unique concentrations in substance abuse counseling

MSW Programs in Michigan

• Interpersonal Practice in Integrated Health
• Mental Health and Substance Abuse
• Social Work Practice with Older Adults
• Policy and Political Social Work

Wayne State University’s MSW program ranks in the top 50 nationwide and features:

• Two-year full-time or three-to-four-year part-time options
• Concentrations in Interpersonal Practice
• Innovation in Community, Policy and Leadership tracks

Online MSW Programs in Michigan

Michigan universities have created online MSW programs that fit working professionals’ needs:

University of Michigan-Ann Arbor offers:

• Full-time and part-time online options
• Interpersonal Practice in Integrated Health pathway
• Welfare of Children & Families concentration
• 45-credit program structure

Wayne State University features:

• Michigan’s first fully asynchronous program
• Interprofessional concentration
• Canvas educational platform
• Flexible completion timelines

University of Michigan-Flint delivers:

• 100% online format with synchronous and asynchronous courses
• Community-based learning opportunities
• Full-time and part-time enrollment options
• Optional in-person campus touchpoints

Michigan State University offers:

• Blended learning format with monthly Zoom sessions
• Clinical Practice specialization
• Organization and Community Leadership track
• Field placements near students’ communities

Credit hour costs range from $437 at Saginaw Valley State University to $1,318 at Andrews University. Students need 60-64 credit hours to graduate, while advanced standing programs typically need 35-45 credits.

Getting Your Limited License

After completing your education, getting your limited license in Michigan is your next vital step. You’ll need to pay attention to details and have specific documents ready.

Application Process

You’ll need to create an account on Michigan Professional Licensing User System (MiPLUS) at www.michigan.gov/miplus. Here are the application fees based on your license type:

• Limited Master’s Social Work license: $44.00
• Limited Master’s Social Work Relicensure: $64.00

Your original limited license stays valid for one year. You can renew it up to six times. This gives you time to build your supervised work experience and prepare for the ASWB examination.

Required Documents

The Michigan Board of Social Work needs several key documents with your limited license application:

Mandatory Training Certifications:

• Human Trafficking identification training (required after December 22, 2021)
• Two hours of implicit bias training completed within five years before license issuance

Core Requirements:

• Official transcripts sent directly from your educational institution
• Criminal background check and fingerprint processing
• Social Security Number verification
• English language proficiency proof through one of these methods:
  • Completion of healthcare program in English
  • 60+ college credits from English-speaking institution
  • Passing score on approved English proficiency exam

Additional Documentation:

• Verification of any previous social work licenses held in other states
• Good moral character documentation (if applicable)
• Supervisor’s verification forms for work experience

If you’re seeking relicensure after expiration, you need to complete either 480 or 1,000 hours of supervised work experience under a Michigan licensed master’s social worker. Your current licensing status and practice goals determine the specific hours needed.

Keep copies of all submitted documents during the application process. The Michigan Board will process your application only after they receive all required documentation and fees.

Social Work Salaries in Michigan

Social workers in Michigan earn good money in all specializations and locations. Knowing what you can earn helps you plan your career better.

BLS data for Michigan Social Workers

Recent Bureau of Labor Statistics data shows Michigan has 71,760 community and social service professionals. Your earnings will vary based on your specialty and experience:

Healthcare Social WorkersHealthcare social workers make the highest average annual salary at $63,860. They work in hospitals, medical facilities, and rehabilitation centers to provide critical support to patients and families.

Mental Health Social WorkersMental health and substance abuse social workers earn an average annual salary of $57,340. This field keeps growing, especially when you have high needs in urban areas.

Child and Family Social WorkersProfessionals who work with children and families earn about $56,760 annually. This specialty is Michigan’s largest social work segment, with 14,480 hired professionals.

General Social WorkersSocial workers’ average salary ranges from $38,500 to $90,750 across all specializations. You’ll start at the lower end, but experienced practitioners earn much more.

Geographic Variations Your location affects your salary by a lot:

• Urban Areas: Cities like Petoskey pay more, up to $141,440
• Metropolitan Regions: Detroit-area social workers make around $109,200
• Rural Areas: Smaller communities pay less but offer unique benefits and lower living costs

Experience Impact Your experience level shapes your earning potential:

• Entry-Level: New social workers start around $73,281
• Mid-Career: Median earnings reach $97,943
• Experienced: Top professionals can earn up to $131,926

Licensed clinical social workers with advanced degrees and specialized certifications earn higher salaries. Healthcare settings and private practice professionals often make more money than other social work areas.

Social Work Scholarships in Michigan

Getting financial support is a vital part of your social work education journey in Michigan. Many schools and organizations provide scholarships to help future social workers.

Michigan State University’s School of Social Work accepts scholarship applications yearly from February 2 through March 29. The selection process looks at several key aspects:

• Your professional goals and field contributions
• Specialization areas like substance abuse, child welfare, and aging
• Academic achievements
• Community service
• Financial needs

Notable MSU Scholarships:

• Gordon & Gladys Aldridge Memorial Fellowship
• Dr. Mary Bremer Barron Scholarship
• Future Leaders Endowed Scholarship
• Richard D. Gardner Memorial Scholarship

Students at the University of Michigan can access substantial financial help through departmental grants and federal aid programs. Quick submission of FAFSA applications helps you qualify for:

• School-specific grants
• Federal loans
• Work-study programs

Western Michigan University has created targeted funding options:

• Rebecca Binkowski Memorial Scholarship: $1,000 to $4,000 for second-year MSW students
• Charlene Cove Russell Endowed Scholarship: Minimum $500 for working parents in school social work
• Steven Crumm Scholarship: $500 annually for full-time MSW students

The National Association of Social Workers Michigan Chapter awards two Student Leadership in Diversity Scholarships worth $500 each:

• One for BSW students
• One for MSW students

Grand Valley State University features these unique scholarship programs:

• Amanda Kate Cohen Social Work Scholarship: $5,000 for BSW seniors
• Ram and Usha Singh Social Work Scholarship: $1,000 renewable for international students
• Douglas and Ellen Chung Asian Social Work Graduate Scholarship: Supporting Asian students in social work degrees

Your scholarship application should include:

• Professional goal statement (500-750 words)
• Academic transcripts
• Letters of recommendation
• Proof of program enrollment
• Financial need documentation

Active NASW-MI membership status matters because many scholarships need current membership. Submitting applications early can boost your chances of getting better aid packages.

Michigan Social Work Organizations

Professional organizations provide Michigan social workers with networking opportunities, continuing education, and support for advocacy work. The National Association of Social Workers (NASW) Michigan Chapter leads as the largest membership organization with 115,000 social work professionals.

NASW-Michigan supports several key initiatives:

• Expanding paid social work internships
• Improving licensure processes
• Researching supervision best practices
• Making license portability options better
• Supporting racial justice practices

The organization runs its operations from an office in Lansing at 741 N Cedar St. NASW-Michigan delivers professional development resources as an approved provider with the Michigan Social Work Continuing Education Collaborative (Provider Number MICEC-0017).

The Michigan Association of School Social Workers (MASSW) dedicates its work to school-based practitioners. This organization supports:

• Highest achievement standards for students
• Professional development opportunities
• Legislative improvements
• Better service delivery methods

The Michigan Social Work Continuing Education Collaborative maintains quality training programs across the state. This organization:

• Assesses continuing education applications
• Implements training requirements
• Brings together major stakeholders
• Makes discussions easier between associations

NASW-Michigan plans several notable events to accelerate growth:

• Annual Conference (April 3-4, 2025) in Novi
• Professional development workshops
• Networking sessions
• Resource fairs

The University of Michigan School of Social Work promotes professional connections through:

• Alumni Facebook groups
• LinkedIn networking platforms
• Career development resources

NASW-Michigan accepts applications for leadership roles in:

• Board of Directors positions
• Delegate Assembly roles
• Committee memberships

The organization stays focused on two main goals:

1. Advancing social work practice
2. Improving community well-being through advocacy

These professional organizations give social workers access to valuable resources, continuing education opportunities, and a network of colleagues who work together to advance the profession in Michigan.

Start Your Michigan Social Work Career Today

Michigan offers excellent social work career opportunities with annual salaries between $57,000 and $67,000. The state’s detailed licensing system creates multiple pathways that align with your career goals through bachelor’s or master’s level programs.

Many Michigan universities provide quality social work education in traditional and online formats. These programs and substantial scholarship opportunities have made pursuing your social work degree more available than ever.

The licensing process demands attention to detail as you complete educational requirements and gather documentation. Professional organizations like NASW-Michigan support you throughout your trip by providing networking opportunities and continuing education resources.

A licensed social worker position in Michigan requires dedication to education and supervised practice. You need to complete 4,000 hours of supervised work experience and maintain required certifications to build strong foundations for your career.

The social work field shows promising growth of 4-8% through 2032 in Michigan. This rewarding career path will connect you with over 30,000 licensed social workers who make meaningful differences in communities across the Great Lakes State.

FAQs

Q1. What are the steps to become a licensed social worker in Michigan? To become a licensed social worker in Michigan, you need to complete a CSWE-accredited degree program, accumulate 4,000 hours of supervised work experience over two years, and pass the appropriate ASWB exam. The specific requirements vary based on whether you’re pursuing a bachelor’s or master’s level license.

Q2. Which exam is required for social work licensure in Michigan? The exam required depends on your license level. For a bachelor’s level license (LBSW), you must pass the ASWB bachelor’s exam. For a master’s level license (LMSW), you need to pass either the Clinical or Advanced Generalist exam through the ASWB after completing your supervised work experience.

Q3. What is the average salary for licensed social workers in Michigan? Social work salaries in Michigan vary based on specialization and experience. Healthcare social workers earn an average of $63,860 annually, while child and family social workers average $56,760. Salaries can range from $38,500 for entry-level positions to $90,750 for experienced practitioners, with some urban areas offering even higher compensation.

Q4. Are there any online social work programs available in Michigan? Yes, several Michigan universities offer online MSW programs. The University of Michigan-Ann Arbor, Wayne State University, University of Michigan-Flint, and Michigan State University all provide online or blended learning options for their MSW programs, designed to accommodate working professionals.

Q5. What professional organizations support social workers in Michigan? The National Association of Social Workers (NASW) Michigan Chapter is the largest professional organization for social workers in the state. Other important organizations include the Michigan Association of School Social Workers (MASSW) and the Michigan Social Work Continuing Education Collaborative. These groups offer networking opportunities, continuing education, and advocacy support for social work professionals.