Michigan Social Work License Requirements and Programs: Become a Social Worker in MI
Published January 22, 2025
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If you are considering a career in social work, now is a good time to become one in Michigan. The state faces an acute shortage of social workers — a trend analysts expect to continue through 2033, according to the 2024 Michigan Healthcare Workforce Index.
Currently, Michigan employs more than 30,000 licensed social workers and enrolls 6,500 students across 22 bachelor's and 14 master's programs.
This guide covers Michigan's social work licensure requirements, degree programs, and the salary and career outlook for social workers in the state.
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Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.
Michigan Social Work Licensing Requirements
In Michigan, aspiring social workers must hold a bachelor's in social work (BSW) or master's in social work (MSW) degree from a program accredited by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE). From there, you must complete field experience requirements and pass the required Association of Social Work Boards (ASWB) examination before qualifying for full licensure.
The following subsections explain the two limited licenses and the two full license classes issued by the Michigan Board of Social Workers:
Limited License Bachelor Social Worker (LLBSW)
If you have a BSW, you can earn the LLBSW credential, allowing you to gain valuable experience hours. You must also pass the ASWB bachelor's exam to qualify for a full BSW license in Michigan.
Initially issued for one year, you can renew the LLBSW license up to six times. To earn this license, you must hold a BSW in social work and meet the following requirements:
- Pass a criminal background check
- Display good moral character
- Complete specialized training in implicit bias and recognizing survivors of human trafficking
Licensed Bachelor Social Worker (LBSW)
You can apply to become an LBSW in Michigan after you earn your limited bachelor's license, accumulate the necessary work experience, and pass the ASWB bachelor's exam.
With an LBSW, you can practice social work in various settings, including hospitals, clinics, agencies, and schools. Typical responsibilities include case management, assessment, treatment, referrals, and advocacy.
Core requirements for a Michigan LBSW include:
- Earn a BSW degree
- Complete at least 4,000 hours of post-degree work experience, supervised by an MSW
- Pass the ASWB bachelor's exam
Limited License Master Social Worker (LLMSW)
With an LLMSW, you can earn the supervised work experience hours required to qualify to become a licensed master social worker (LMSW).
You must complete your field experiences in a paid or volunteer setting under the supervision of an LMSW who holds the same license type you plan to seek. LMSW license types include macro, clinical, or both (see the LMSW section below).
To obtain your initial LLMSW, you need a master's or doctoral degree in social work. Like the LLBSW, the master's-level limited license is initially valid for one year and you can renew it up to six times.
Other requirements include:
- Pass a criminal background check
- Display good moral character
- Complete specialized training in implicit bias and recognizing survivors of human trafficking
Licensed Master Social Worker (LMSW)
The LMSW is the highest level of social work licensure in Michigan, which can lead to careers in advanced case management, mediation, social services administration, policy analysis, and research.
The LMSW offers both macro and clinical designations. The macro designation is for administrative roles, while a clinical designation qualifies you to provide clinical services including psychotherapy and diagnosis.
Once you obtain your LMSW in one of the two designations, you become eligible to apply for the other designation after completing an additional year of supervised field experience.
The requirements to become an LMSW in Michigan include:
- Earn a master's or doctoral degree in social work
- Complete at least 4,000 hours of post-degree work experience, supervised by an MSW
- Pass the ASWB master's exam
Social Work License Reciprocity in Michigan
In regulated professions like social work, license reciprocity refers to a practice in which states recognize professional licenses issued by other states and U.S. jurisdictions. At this time, Michigan does not have any reciprocity agreements in place.
Michigan allows licensed social workers from other places to use their existing credentials when they apply for a Michigan license, using a process known as endorsement.
For example, if you've held an active license out of state for at least 10 years, you can qualify for an LBSW or LMSW license by endorsement in Michigan. If you've been licensed for fewer than 10 years, you'll need to submit documentation verifying at least 4,000 hours of supervised work experience to qualify.
Licensing Renewal and Continuing Education in Michigan
In Michigan, you must renew limited social work licenses (LLBSW and LLMSW) annually and full licenses (LBSW and LMSW) every three years.
LBSW and LMSW license holders also must complete at least 45 hours of continuing education (CE) during each three-year licensing period.
You must complete at least half of your CE hours in face-to-face or live online formats. Your 45 CE hours must also include a minimum of:
- Five hours of ethics
- Two hours of human trafficking victim recognition
- One hour in pain and pain symptom management
Other tasks or accomplishments also can earn CE credits. For example, publishing an article or book chapter on some aspect of social work practice in a peer-reviewed journal or textbook can lower your CE requirements from 45 hours to 10 hours.
Social Work Programs in Michigan
The following alphabetical directory lists CSWE-accredited social work programs in Michigan. To help you compare school options, directories include campus location, in-person or online availability, part-time or full-time enrollment options, and in-state tuition for the 2024-2025 school year. Visit the university websites linked in the first column to explore specific degrees in greater detail.
| School | Format | Enrollment Type | 2024 In-State Tuition |
|---|---|---|---|
| Adrian College Adrian |
On Campus | Full Time | $40,262 per year (full time) |
| Andrews University Berrien Springs |
On Campus | Full Time | $16,848 per semester |
| Calvin University Grand Rapids |
On Campus | Full Time, Part Time | $39,350 per academic year (full time), $940-$1,465 per credit hour (part time) |
| Central Michigan University Mt. Pleasant |
On Campus | Full Time | $5,724-$6,300 per semester full time |
| Cornerstone University Grand Rapids |
On Campus | Full Time, Part Time | $22,000 per year |
| Eastern Michigan University Ypsilanti |
On Campus | Full Time, Part Time | $7,960 per semester full time, $668 per credit hour (part time) |
| Ferris State University Big Rapids |
On Campus | Full Time, Part Time | $500-546 per credit hour |
| Grand Valley State University Grand Rapids |
On Campus | Full Time, Part Time | $7,570-$7,932 per semester |
| Hope College Holland |
On Campus | Full Time | $41,500 per semester |
| Kuyper College Grand Rapids |
On Campus | Full Time, Part Time | $27,660 per semester |
| Madonna University Livonia |
On Campus | Full Time | $14,220 per semester |
| Michigan State University East Lansing |
On Campus | Full Time, Part Time | $538-$616 per credit hour (part time), $8,059-$9,243 per semester (full time) |
| Northern Michigan University Marquette |
On Campus, Online | Full Time, Part Time | $453-$571 per credit hour (part time), $6,945-$7,275 per semester (full time) |
| Oakland University Rochester |
On Campus | Full Time, Part Time | $529-$616 per credit hour |
| Saginaw Valley State University University Center |
On Campus | Full Time, Part Time | $437 per credit hour |
| Siena Heights University Adrian |
On Campus | Full Time, Part Time | $28,500 |
| Spring Arbor University Spring Arbor |
On Campus, Online | Full Time, Part Time | $33,344 |
| University of Detroit Mercy Detroit |
On Campus | Full Time, Part Time | $1,234 per credit hour (part time), $16,473 per semester (full time) |
| University of Michigan-Flint Flint |
On Campus, Online | Full Time, Part Time | $562-$568 per credit hour |
| University of Olivet Olivet |
Online | Full Time, Part Time | $33,676 per 12-17 credit hours |
| Wayne State University Detroit |
On Campus, Online | Full Time, Part Time | $6,528-$7,747 per semester |
| Western Michigan University Kalamazoo |
On Campus | Full Time, Part Time | $631-$692 per credit hour |
| School | Format | Enrollment Type | 2024 In-State Tuition |
|---|---|---|---|
| Andrews University Berrien Springs |
On Campus | Full Time, Part Time, Advanced Standing | $1,318 per credit hour |
| Eastern Michigan University Ypsilanti |
On Campus | Full Time, Part Time, Advanced Standing | $986 per credit hour |
| Ferris State University Big Rapids and Traverse City |
On Campus | Full Time, Part Time, Advanced Standing | $770 per credit hour |
| Grand Valley State University Grand Rapids |
On Campus | Full Time, Part Time, Advanced Standing | $789-$863 per credit hour |
| Madonna University Livonia |
On Campus | Full Time, Part Time, Advanced Standing | $1,000 per credit hour |
| Michigan State University East Lansing, Flint, Rochester, and Clio |
On Campus, Online | Full Time, Part Time, Advanced Standing | $16,947 per semester |
| Northern Michigan University Marquette |
On Campus, Online | Full Time, Part Time, Advanced Standing | $703 per credit hour |
| Oakland University Rochester |
On Campus | Full Time, Part Time, Advanced Standing | $915 per credit hour |
| Saginaw University University Center |
On Campus | Full Time, Part Time, Advanced Standing | $722 per credit hour |
| Spring Arbor University Grand Rapids, Battle Creek, Toledo/Lambertville, Spring Arbor, Kalamazoo, Petoskey, and Lansing |
On Campus, Online | Full Time, Part Time, Advanced Standing | $664 per credit hour |
| University of Michigan Ann Arbor |
On Campus, Online | Full Time, Part Time, Advanced Standing | $16,947 per semester |
| Wayne State University Detroit |
On Campus, Online | Full Time, Part Time, Advanced Standing | $797 per credit hour |
| Western Michigan University Benton Harbor, Grand Rapids, and Kalamazoo |
On Campus | Full Time, Part Time, Advanced Standing | $798 per credit hour |
Michigan Social Worker Career and Salary Information
Social worker salaries vary considerably by location, license type, and specialization, among other factors. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), social workers in Michigan earn an average annual salary of about $57,000-$67,000, depending on their specialization. This is in line with the average salary of about $63,000 for social workers nationwide.
According to Projections Central, social work positions in Michigan are projected to increase 4%-8% by 2032, with the greatest growth expected in healthcare and mental health and substance use specializations. The BLS projects a 7% increase in social work jobs by 2032 — more than the 4% average growth for all occupations.
| Occupation | Average Annual Salary | Average Hourly Wage |
|---|---|---|
| Child, Family, and School Social Workers | $56,760 | $27.29 |
| Healthcare Social Workers | $63,860 | $30.70 |
| Mental Health and Substance Use Social Workers | $57,340 | $27.57 |
| Social Workers, All Other | $67,240 | $32.33 |
Social Work Associations in Michigan
Social work associations offer helpful informational, career development, and networking resources to members. Consider becoming active in these Michigan social work organizations:
- National Association of Social Workers (NASW), Michigan Chapter: With more than 5,000 members, NASW's Michigan chapter promotes the social work profession and lobbies to expand educational and career opportunities for behavioral health workers in the state.
- Michigan Association of School Social Workers: MASSW supports and advocates for the professional development of school social workers. The organization provides continuing education workshops, annual conferences, and a job center.
- Michigan Social Work Continuing Education Collective: This organization connects licensed Michigan social workers with learning programs that fulfill their CE requirements.
Frequently Asked Questions About Michigan Social Work
What are the different types of social workers in Michigan?
Michigan offers two main levels of social work credentials, plus a social service technician pathway. All three include both limited and full license designations. You can qualify for a social service technician license with an associate degree, while the main social work licenses require a bachelor's degree (LLBSW, LBSW) or a master's or doctoral degree.
How do I get licensed as a social worker in Michigan?
You can obtain your license through the Michigan Board of Social Workers, which administers all social work licenses in the state. Each licensure level requires specific educational and experience requirements, plus a passing score on the ASWB exam for your intended license level.
How much do social workers in Michigan make?
Average annual salaries for Michigan social workers range from $56,760 to $67,240. Compensation can vary depending on license level, specialization, and experience.
How long does it take to become a social worker in Michigan?
It typically takes at least six years to earn a full LBSW license and at least eight years to secure an LMSW license. These timelines account for your education, ASWB examination(s), and the 4,000 hours of supervised experience you need to qualify for licensure.