How to become a Social Worker in Alabama| Licensing Requirements
Are you passionate about helping others and making a difference in your community? Social work is a rewarding career that lets you support people through tough times. In Alabama, becoming a licensed social worker opens doors to amazing opportunities. Let’s explore the steps to get your license, the best schools to study at, and how you can grow in this fulfilling field!
Alabama Social Work Licensing Requirements
Becoming a social worker in Alabama is an exciting journey full of opportunities to grow and help others. Whether you start with a BSW or aim for an LICSW, your dedication will change lives. Alabama needs compassionate social workers—take the first step today!
Popular Online BSW Programs
Starting your journey to become a social worker often begins with a Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) degree. Online programs are a great choice if you need flexibility. Here are some popular accredited online BSW programs:
- University of Alabama: Offers a fully online BSW with courses in child welfare, mental health, and community advocacy.
- Auburn University: Known for its supportive online learning environment and focus on real-world skills.
- Walden University: A flexible program perfect for students balancing work or family commitments.
These programs teach you the basics of social work, like communication, ethics, and problem-solving, preparing you for entry-level roles or advanced studies.
Alabama Social Work Licensing Requirements
To work as a social worker in Alabama, you need a license. The type of license depends on your education and career goals. Let’s break it down:
Licensed Bachelor Social Worker (LBSW)
- Education: Earn a BSW from a program approved by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE).
- Exam: Pass the Association of Social Work Boards (ASWB) Bachelor’s exam.
- Application: Submit proof of degree, exam scores, and fees to the Alabama State Board of Social Work Examiners.
With an LBSW, you can work in schools, nonprofits, or government agencies under supervision.
Licensed Master Social Worker (LMSW)
- Education: Complete a Master of Social Work (MSW) from a CSWE-accredited program.
- Exam: Pass the ASWB Master’s exam.
- Application: Provide transcripts, exam results, and fees.
An LMSW allows you to take on advanced roles, like therapy or program management, without needing supervision
Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker (LICSW)
- Education: Hold an MSW with a clinical focus (courses in mental health or counseling).
- Experience: Complete 2 years (3,000 hours) of supervised clinical work after your master’s.
- Exam: Pass the ASWB Clinical exam.
An LICSW license lets you run your own practice and provide therapy independently.
Social Work License Reciprocity in Alabama
Already licensed in another state? Alabama offers reciprocity! This means if your current license is in good standing, you can transfer it without retaking exams. Just submit your existing license details, work history, and pass a background check. It’s a smooth process to keep helping people in Alabama!
Licensing Renewal and Continuing Education in Alabama
Licenses expire every two years. To renew:
- LBSW/LMSW: Complete 30 hours of continuing education (CE).
- LICSW: Complete 30 CE hours, including 6 hours in ethics.
CE courses keep your skills sharp and introduce you to new ideas. Many workshops and online classes are available through Alabama’s social work associations!
BSW Programs Available in Alabama
Prefer studying in person? Alabama has fantastic BSW programs:
- University of Alabama (Tuscaloosa)
- Available Concentrations: Child Welfare, Community Practice
- Enrollment Type: On-Campus, Hybrid
- 2025 Tuition:
- 11,620(in−state),
- 11,620(in−state),32,300 (out-of-state)
- Alabama State University (Montgomery)
- Available Concentrations: Social Justice, Family Services
- Enrollment Type: On-Campus
- 2025 Tuition:
- 11,068(in−state),
- 11,068(in−state),19,396 (out-of-state)
- Jacksonville State University
- Available Concentrations: Generalist Practice, Aging Studies
- Enrollment Type: On-Campus, Online
- 2025 Tuition:
- 10,080(in−state),
- 10,080(in−state),20,160 (out-of-state)
- Troy University
- Available Concentrations: Military Social Work, Rural Communities
- Enrollment Type: Online, Hybrid
- 2025 Tuition:
- 9,312(in−state),
- 9,312(in−state),18,624 (out-of-state)
- Samford University (Birmingham)
- Available Concentrations: Faith-Based Practice, Mental Health
- Enrollment Type: On-Campus
- 2025 Tuition: $36,725 (all students)
- University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB)
- Available Concentrations: Healthcare Social Work, Policy Advocacy
- Enrollment Type: On-Campus, Hybrid
- 2025 Tuition:
- 11,040(in−state),
- 11,040(in−state),26,520 (out-of-state)
- University of Montevallo
- Available Concentrations: School Social Work, Substance Abuse
- Enrollment Type: On-Campus
- 2025 Tuition:
- 13,710(in−state),
- 13,710(in−state),28,830 (out-of-state)
- Tuskegee University
- Available Concentrations: Urban Social Work, Youth Development
- Enrollment Type: On-Campus
- 2025 Tuition: $23,950 (all students)
- University of South Alabama (Mobile)
- Available Concentrations: Gerontology, Crisis Intervention
- Enrollment Type: On-Campus, Online
- 2025 Tuition:
- 9,676(in−state),
- 9,676(in−state),19,396 (out-of-state)
- Faulkner University (Montgomery)
- Available Concentrations: Family Systems, Community Outreach
- Enrollment Type: On-Campus, Hybrid
- 2025 Tuition: $24,710 (all students)
- Athens State University
- Available Concentrations: Generalist Practice, Child Advocacy
- Enrollment Type: Online
- 2025 Tuition:
- 8,610(in−state),
- 8,610(in−state),16,830 (out-of-state)
- Alabama A&M University (Huntsville)
- Available Concentrations: Social Policy, Diversity & Inclusion
- Enrollment Type: On-Campus
- 2025 Tuition:
- 10,024(in−state),
- 10,024(in−state),18,634 (out-of-state)
- Huntingdon College (Montgomery)
- Available Concentrations: Mental Health Basics, Nonprofit Leadership
- Enrollment Type: On-Campus
- 2025 Tuition: $29,900 (all students)
- Miles College (Fairfield)
- Available Concentrations: Community Organizing, Criminal Justice
- Enrollment Type: On-Campus
- 2025 Tuition: $13,372 (all students)
- Auburn University
- Available Concentrations: Global Social Work, Environmental Justice
- Enrollment Type: On-Campus
- 2025 Tuition:
- 12,176(in−state),
- 12,176(in−state),32,960 (out-of-state)
These schools prepare you for licensure and connect you with local internships.
MSW Programs Available in Alabama
Ready for a master’s degree? Check out these MSW programs:
MSW Programs in Alabama
- University of Alabama (Tuscaloosa)
- Available Concentrations: Clinical Social Work, Children & Families
- Enrollment Type: On-Campus, Online
- 2025 Tuition:
- 11,790(in−state),
- 11,790(in−state),32,400 (out-of-state)
- University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB)
- Available Concentrations: Healthcare Leadership, Mental Health
- Enrollment Type: Hybrid, Online
- 2025 Tuition:
- 11,040(in−state),
- 11,040(in−state),26,520 (out-of-state)
- Troy University
- Available Concentrations: Military Trauma, School Social Work
- Enrollment Type: Online
- 2025 Tuition:
- 9,312(in−state),
- 9,312(in−state),18,624 (out-of-state)
- Samford University (Birmingham)
- Available Concentrations: Faith-Based Clinical Practice, Gerontology
- Enrollment Type: On-Campus
- 2025 Tuition: $36,725 (all students)
- Alabama State University (Montgomery)
- Available Concentrations: Advanced Generalist, Social Equity
- Enrollment Type: On-Campus, Hybrid
- 2025 Tuition:
- 11,068(in−state),
- 11,068(in−state),19,396 (out-of-state)
- Jacksonville State University
- Available Concentrations: Rural Social Work, Crisis Management
- Enrollment Type: Online
- 2025 Tuition:
- 10,080(in−state),
- 10,080(in−state),20,160 (out-of-state)
- University of South Alabama (Mobile)
- Available Concentrations: Clinical Practice, Child Welfare
- Enrollment Type: Hybrid
- 2025 Tuition:
- 9,676(in−state),
- 9,676(in−state),19,396 (out-of-state)
- Auburn University
- Available Concentrations: Policy Analysis, Community Development
- Enrollment Type: On-Campus
- 2025 Tuition:
- 12,176(in−state),
- 12,176(in−state),32,960 (out-of-state)
- Faulkner University (Montgomery)
- Available Concentrations: Trauma-Informed Care, Family Therapy
- Enrollment Type: Hybrid
- 2025 Tuition: $24,710 (all students)
- Huntingdon College (Montgomery)
- Available Concentrations: Mental Health, School Social Work
- Enrollment Type: On-Campus
- 2025 Tuition: $29,900 (all students)
- Miles College (Fairfield)
- Available Concentrations: Advocacy, Criminal Justice Reform
- Enrollment Type: On-Campus
- 2025 Tuition: $13,372 (all students)
- University of Montevallo
- Available Concentrations: Substance Abuse, School-Based Services
- Enrollment Type: Hybrid
- 2025 Tuition: $13,710(in−state),28,830 (out-of-state)
Alabama Social Worker Career and Salary Information
| Occupation | Average Annual Salary | Average Hourly Salary |
| Child, Family, and School Social Workers | $47,650 | $22.10 |
| Healthcare Social Workers | $54,650 | $26.85 |
| Mental Health and Substance Use Social Workers | $39,830 | $18.21 |
| Social Workers, All Other | $80,140 | $40.13 |
Source:BLS, 2023
Notes:
- Salaries vary based on experience, location (e.g., Birmingham vs. rural areas), and license level (LBSW vs. LICSW).
- Advanced licenses like the LICSW often lead to higher-paying roles in private practice or healthcare.
Social work in Alabama offers stable income and the chance to grow your career while helping others!
Social Work Associations in Alabama
Join these groups to network and learn:
- Alabama Chapter of the National Association of Social Workers (NASW): Offers training, job boards, and advocacy.
- Alabama Social Work Licensure Board: Updates on laws and licensing tips.
- Alabama Council on Human Relations: Focuses on community development and equality.
These associations help you stay connected and inspired!
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