After Graduation


Social Work Licensing

BSW and MSW Licensing

Social work is a licensed profession in the states of Kansas and Missouri.

In Kansas, the agency charged with regulating social work licensure is the Behavioral Sciences Regulatory Board (BSRB).

In the state of Missouri, it is Division of Professional Registration – State Committee for Social Workers.

For more information, please contact the boards directly:

BSW and MSW students who are in their last semester of degree requirements may start the process of applying for the appropriate level of licensure.

After completion of the KU Bachelor of Social Work and Master of Social Work, you will be prepared to take the Association of Social Work Boards (ASWB) examination, which is the exam required for Kansas licensure. Bachelor's graduates will be eligible to take the LBSW level exam upon completion of the BSW, and master’s graduates will be eligible to take the LMSW level exam upon completion of the MSW. It is required that you complete 3,000 hours of clinical social work experience over a minimum of 24 months before you are able to sit for the Specialist Clinical Social Work license (LSCSW) in Kansas.

Kansas State Licensing
  • BSW and MSW graduates may sit for their LMSW exam 4 months prior to graduation (degree conferring) date, not ceremony attendance. Paperwork for licensing in the state of Kansas may be found on the BSRB website.
  • In the Verification of Academic Requirements section of the form, please write “SEE KU LIST” – Once you file your Application for Graduation, your name is sent to the BSRB on a monthly bases. Students who have not filed an AFG will not have their names added to the list for licensing verification
  • We expedite conferring BSW and MSW degrees for licensing purposes:

Fall Licensure Prep Workshop will be offered. When information is available it will be listed here and on the School's calendar.

Other States

Applicants who intend to obtain their license in another state should understand that each state has its own licensing board and set of licensing requirements. It is best to consult with your state’s regulatory board to learn what licenses are available in your area and acquaint yourself with their requirements.

For additional assistance, contact our Practicum Education Office at practicum@ku.edu.

KU MSW Licensing Exam Pass Rates

83%
of our graduates passed the LMSW licensing exam the first time, compared to 74% nationally (2018-2021)
82%
of our graduates passed the LSCSW licensing exam the first time, compared to 75% nationally (2018-2021)

Licensing Information by State

Federal regulations require disclosure if academic programs will lead to licensure in Kansas and any other state/territory.

KU School of Social Welfare: BSW and MSW Generalist Degrees

KU School of Social Welfare’s BSW and MSW degrees meet the professional licensure standards for all the listed U.S. states and territories that license at the Licensed Baccalaureate Social Worker (LBSW) and/or Licensed Master Social Worker (LMSW). Links to state/territory licensure boards are listed below:

* California and New Hampshire do not license at the LBSW or LMSW level.

* It is currently undetermined if the KU School of Social Welfare meets the professional licensure standards for the following territories: Marshall Islands, Federated States of Micronesia, and Republic of Palau.

Last Reviewed 11/9/23.

Advanced MSW Clinical License

While the clinical concentration of the KU School of Social Work MSW program meets the standards for a clinical-level social work license, the macro concentration of the master’s program does not. The KU School of Social Welfare MSW-clinical concentration degree meets standards for all of the following U.S. states and territories:

Note: While the KU School of Social Welfare MSW-clinical concentration degree meets professional licensure standards for all 50 states and territories with a Board of Behavioral Sciences, some states/territories require specific course work and examination.

States that place additional requirements to practice include Alaska, California, Florida, Maine, Minnesota, New Mexico, New York, Pennsylvania, Vermont, and Washington.

*It is currently undetermined if KU School of Social Welfare meets the professional licensure standards for the following territories: the Marshall Islands, Federated States of Micronesia, and Palau.

Licensing Prep Events

A student meets with an advisor

Career Services

The University Career Center (UCC) offers career advising, career fairs, job search training and a professional clothing closet. Explore Career Center resources and job opportunities in social work.

KU Career Center: Social Work
Alum Jennifer Ananda

Alumni  

Our alumni make significant contributions toward improving the lives of vulnerable people. Often, their work happens behind the scenes. Read alumni spotlights to find out how Jayhawk Social Workers are changing lives.

Alumni Stories