2026 What Degree Do You Need To Be a Social Worker: Education Requirements in Colorado

Co-Founder and Chief Data Scientist

Colorado social work careers are education-dependent: the degree you choose affects the jobs you can apply for, whether you qualify for state licensure, and how quickly you can move into clinical or specialized practice. This matters because Colorado projects 16% job growth for social workers by 2030, but employers and the state licensing board still expect candidates to meet specific academic, fieldwork, and supervised-experience requirements.

This guide explains the social work education requirements in Colorado for students, career changers, and professionals planning for licensure. You will learn which degrees qualify you for entry-level and clinical roles, how long programs take, what coursework and fieldwork usually include, how much programs may cost, how online degrees are treated, and how to compare Colorado schools before enrolling.

Quick Answer: What Degree Do You Need for Social Work in Colorado?

For many entry-level social service jobs in Colorado, a Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) from a CSWE-accredited program can help you qualify. For Colorado social work licensure as an LSW or LCSW, however, the standard requirement is a Master of Social Work (MSW) or an accepted doctoral social work degree from a CSWE-accredited program. Clinical licensure also requires supervised postgraduate experience, including at least 3,000 hours under Colorado requirements.

Key Things to Know About Social Work Education Requirements in Colorado

A BSW can support entry-level employment: A minimum of a Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) from a CSWE-accredited program is commonly needed for entry-level roles in Colorado’s social work field.
An MSW is the main path to licensure and clinical practice: To advance professionally and pursue clinical licensure, students generally need a Master of Social Work (MSW), with Colorado requiring 3,000 hours of supervised experience after graduation.
Licensure is not a one-time step: Social workers must keep up with continuing education and license renewal expectations so they can maintain ethical, current, and competent practice with Colorado’s diverse communities.

Table of Contents

Minimum degree required to become a licensed social worker in Colorado
Courses covered in Colorado social work degree programs
How long social work degrees take in Colorado
How much a social work degree costs in Colorado
Degrees required for Colorado social work specializations
Financial aid options for social work students in Colorado
Alternative pathways into social work in Colorado
Colorado social work licensure process
Career advancement opportunities for Colorado social work graduates
Recognition of online social work degrees in Colorado
Accrediting organizations for Colorado social work programs
Top institutions offering social work degrees in Colorado

What is the minimum degree required to become a licensed social worker in Colorado?

The minimum education needed depends on whether you want an entry-level social service position, a state social work license, or independent clinical practice. Colorado employers may hire BSW graduates for non-clinical roles, but state licensure generally requires graduate-level social work education from a properly accredited program.

Master of Social Work (MSW): An MSW from a Council on Social Work Education (CSWE)-accredited program is the central academic requirement for Colorado’s Licensed Social Worker (LSW) and Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) pathways.
Doctoral degree in social work: A PhD or DSW from a CSWE-accredited program may also meet the graduate education expectation. These degrees are not required for most practice roles, but they can support careers in leadership, research, teaching, policy, or advanced clinical administration.

Career goal	Typical education needed	Best fit for
Entry-level social service work	BSW from a CSWE-accredited program	Students who want to begin in case management, community services, child welfare support, or nonprofit roles
Licensed social work practice	MSW from a CSWE-accredited program	Graduates seeking state licensure, broader job eligibility, or advanced practice responsibilities
Independent clinical social work	MSW or accepted doctoral social work degree plus supervised postgraduate experience	Professionals who want to diagnose, treat, and provide clinical mental health services independently
Academic, research, or executive leadership	DSW or PhD in social work	Experienced practitioners pursuing higher-level scholarship, teaching, program design, or organizational leadership

Before choosing a program, confirm that it is CSWE-accredited and aligned with Colorado licensure rules. If your long-term goal is clinical practice, start by comparing MSW pathways and reviewing possible masters of social work jobs so your degree choice matches the type of work you want to do.

What courses are covered in a social work degree program in Colorado?

Social work programs in Colorado combine classroom study, ethics training, policy analysis, practice methods, and supervised field education. The goal is to prepare students to work with individuals, families, groups, organizations, and communities while understanding the systems that shape client needs.

Theories for Individual and Social Change: Introduces frameworks for understanding human behavior, personal development, family systems, and broader social transformation.
Critical Reflection: Exploring Social Work Thinking & Knowledge: Builds self-awareness, professional judgment, ethical reasoning, and the ability to examine assumptions in practice.
Social Work Experience, Practice, and Communication: Connects academic learning with agency-based volunteer or field experiences while developing interviewing, documentation, and client-engagement skills.
Engaging for Change: Teaches students how to collaborate with clients, families, and communities to set goals and support sustainable change.
Unraveling Inequalities in Social Work Practices: Examines structural inequities, discrimination, access barriers, and the role social workers play in responding to systemic harm.
The Power of Groups in Social Work: Covers group facilitation, group dynamics, mutual aid, and the use of groups in treatment, advocacy, and community work.
Social Policy Practice: Develops policy analysis and advocacy skills, including how public systems and local Colorado contexts affect service delivery.
Field Practicum/Internship: Requires a minimum of 400 supervised hours and gives students applied experience in agencies, schools, health settings, or community organizations.
Electives in High-Need Areas: May include military social work, healthcare, child welfare, aging, behavioral health, or other specialized areas.
Cross-disciplinary Certificate or Minor: In some programs, including UCCS-specific options, students may complete 12–24 credit hours in related areas such as Child and Family Studies or Gerontology.

Students should also expect placement-related requirements. Agencies may require background checks, drug screening, immunization documentation, and other compliance steps before allowing students to begin practicum work. Colorado programs generally do not award academic credit for prior life or work experience, so students should plan to complete the formal coursework and field education required by their program.

How to evaluate a Colorado social work curriculum

Check field placement support: Ask whether the school helps secure placements or expects students to find their own agencies.
Match electives to your career goal: A student aiming for school social work may need different electives than someone pursuing healthcare or clinical therapy.
Review licensure alignment: Make sure the program clearly states how its degree supports Colorado licensing requirements.
Look beyond course titles: Compare practicum hours, supervision quality, faculty experience, and partnerships with Colorado agencies.

How long does it take to complete a social work degree program in Colorado?

The time required to become a social worker in Colorado depends on your starting point, enrollment status, practicum schedule, and whether you qualify for an accelerated graduate route. Full-time students move fastest, while part-time students often need more time because field placements and required courses must still be completed in sequence.

Degree or pathway	Typical timeline	Key requirements or notes
BSW	Full-time students usually finish in 4 years	Typically includes 120 credits and at least 400 practicum hours; part-time enrollment can extend the timeline
Traditional MSW	Often takes 2 years full time	Commonly includes 74 credits and 1,050 supervised hours; part-time formats may take up to 4 years
Advanced Standing MSW	Can take 1 year full time or 2 years part time	Designed for recent BSW graduates from accredited programs and may reduce required credits and internship time
Combined 3+2 program	May allow completion of BSW and MSW degrees within 5 years	Best for students who know early that they want graduate-level social work preparation
DSW or PhD	Usually requires 3 to 5 years beyond the MSW	Timeline depends on research, dissertation, capstone, and part-time or full-time status

Full-time study: Best for students who want to enter the workforce or licensure pipeline as quickly as possible and can manage a heavier course and fieldwork load.
Part-time study: Useful for working adults and caregivers, but it can substantially lengthen the path to graduation.
Advanced Standing: A strong option for eligible BSW graduates who want to reduce MSW time and cost.
Fieldwork scheduling: Practicum requirements can affect graduation dates if placements are limited, commute times are long, or work schedules conflict with agency hours.

One Colorado social worker described earning a BSW part time while working and managing family responsibilities. The undergraduate path stretched to nearly six years, but the extended timeline made it possible to stay employed and complete the required field experience. After graduation, she entered an Advanced Standing MSW program and finished in just over a year of full-time study. Her experience shows why students should choose a timeline based not only on speed, but also on workload, finances, family obligations, and practicum availability.

How much does a social work degree cost in Colorado?

The cost of a Colorado social work degree varies by degree level, residency status, institution type, delivery format, and financial aid. Tuition is only one part of the budget; students should also plan for fees, books, transportation to field placements, technology, background checks, and lost work hours during practicum.

Degree level	Typical tuition range stated for Colorado programs	Cost considerations
BSW	Public universities charge around $10,000 to $13,000 annually for in-state students; out-of-state tuition ranges from $27,000 to $35,000; private colleges often exceed $35,000	Good fit for students seeking entry-level roles or Advanced Standing MSW eligibility later
MSW	Colorado public schools average $11,000 to $15,000 for residents and $28,000 to $36,000 for nonresidents	Often necessary for licensure and clinical advancement; online options may reduce some relocation or commuting costs
DSW	In-state tuition at public institutions typically runs $13,000 to $20,000 per year; private programs may be above $40,000	Best evaluated against leadership, teaching, advanced practice, or administrative goals
PhD	Public university PhD programs cost $12,000 to $18,000 for residents and more for nonresidents	Some programs offer assistantships and funding, especially for research-focused students
Additional expenses	Mandatory fees, books, and practicum costs add approximately $2,000 to $4,000 yearly	Students should include placement travel, licensing preparation, and required documentation costs in their budget

How to judge whether the cost is worth it

Compare total program cost, not just tuition: A lower tuition rate may not be the cheapest option if fees, travel, or delayed graduation increase expenses.
Ask about Advanced Standing eligibility: BSW graduates who qualify may reduce the time and cost of earning an MSW.
Look at field placement logistics: A program with local placement support can reduce commuting burdens and scheduling problems.
Review salary expectations carefully: Use reliable wage and job-market data when estimating return on investment. Research.com’s guide to how much do social workers make can help you compare career outcomes by role and location.

What degrees are required for different social work specializations in Colorado?

Social work specializations differ in scope, setting, and legal responsibility. A BSW may be enough for some non-clinical support roles, while clinical, healthcare, and school-based positions often favor or require graduate education and state licensure.

Specialization	Common degree expectation in Colorado	What the role may involve
Clinical social work	Master’s or Doctorate in Social Work from a CSWE-accredited program	Independent diagnosis and treatment of mental health disorders after meeting licensure requirements, including at least 3,360 hours of supervised postgraduate clinical experience over two years
School social work	BSW or, more commonly, MSW from a CSWE-accredited program	Student support, crisis response, family engagement, behavioral interventions, and collaboration with educators; many Colorado districts prefer or require an MSW and state licensure
Healthcare social work	MSW is commonly expected for hospital and integrated care roles; some entry-level jobs may accept a BSW	Discharge planning, patient advocacy, care coordination, behavioral health support, and family consultation
Child and family services	BSW or MSW, depending on the role and setting	Child welfare, family support, case planning, service coordination, and counseling-related work; some facilities may require licenses such as LSW or SWP

If you are unsure which specialization fits you, start with the client population and work setting you prefer. Students who want direct clinical therapy should plan for an MSW and supervised clinical hours. Students who want community programming, case management, or advocacy may begin with a BSW and decide later whether graduate school is necessary.

There are around 721,900 social workers in the U.S.

What financial aid options are available to social work students in Colorado?

Financial aid can make a major difference for social work students because field placements may limit the number of paid work hours students can take on. The best approach is to combine federal aid, state aid, institutional scholarships, and program-specific funding whenever possible.

Federal grants: Need-based grants such as the Pell Grant do not require repayment and are typically determined through the FAFSA.
State scholarships and grants: Colorado students may find state-funded opportunities, CASFA-related options for eligible students, and institutional awards such as the Elevate Education scholarship at MSU Denver for MSW students with significant financial need.
Work-study programs: Federal and state work-study can provide part-time income, sometimes through positions connected to human services, campus programs, or community work.
Student loans: Federal and private loans may help cover tuition and living costs. Federal loans require FAFSA completion and should be compared carefully with private loans before borrowing.
Institutional scholarships: Schools may offer merit-based or need-based awards. The University of Denver’s Graduate School of Social Work, for example, provides merit-based scholarships to all admitted MSW students.
Specialized scholarships and stipends: Some BSW and MSW funding supports students who commit to high-need fields such as child welfare, behavioral health, aging, or related service areas.
Professional organization funding: Groups such as the National Association of Social Workers (NASW) Colorado Chapter may offer scholarships, fellowships, or emergency support for students in accredited programs.
Graduate assistantships and research funding: Competitive assistantships, including opportunities at Colorado State University, may provide tuition remission and stipends in exchange for teaching or research work, especially at the doctoral level.

Questions to ask about financial aid before enrolling

Is financial aid renewable each year, or is it only offered for the first term?
Are scholarships tied to full-time enrollment?
Does the program offer paid field placements or stipends?
Will online students qualify for the same institutional aid as campus students?
How much debt do graduates typically take on, and what repayment support does the school provide?

Students comparing campus and remote options should review accredited programs carefully, including flexible choices such as an MSW degree online, while confirming that financial aid, field placement support, and licensure alignment apply to their chosen format.

What are the alternative pathways to become a social worker in Colorado?

Not every Colorado social worker begins with a BSW. Students with backgrounds in psychology, sociology, public health, education, criminal justice, or human services may still enter the field, but they usually need formal social work education before becoming licensed.

Pathway	Who it fits	Important limitation
Traditional MSW for non-BSW graduates	Career changers and bachelor’s graduates from related or unrelated fields	Usually takes the full graduate curriculum because the student has not completed accredited undergraduate social work training
Advanced Standing MSW	Students who already hold a BSW from an accredited program	Not usually available to students whose bachelor’s degree is in another field
Related-degree transition	Applicants with psychology, sociology, public health, or similar academic preparation	Related coursework may strengthen an application, but it does not replace a required CSWE-accredited social work degree for licensure
Post-bachelor’s certificate or bridge program	Students who need foundational preparation before MSW admission	Certificates may help with readiness, but they are not the same as a licensure-qualifying MSW
Provisional or endorsement routes	Applicants completing state-specific requirements or licensed social workers relocating from other states	Eligibility depends on Colorado rules and documentation, so applicants should verify requirements with the state board

One Colorado professional with a psychology background described the transition as demanding but manageable. His prior coursework helped him understand human behavior, but graduate social work training required a broader focus on systems, ethics, policy, and field practice. He found supervised experience especially important because it connected classroom concepts to real clients and agencies.

The main lesson for career changers is simple: prior experience can help you succeed, but it rarely replaces required accredited education. Before committing to a pathway, ask admissions advisors whether your previous credits affect prerequisites, program length, field placement eligibility, or Advanced Standing status.

What does the Colorado social work licensure process entail?

Colorado social work licensure generally begins after completing the required CSWE-accredited education. Candidates then document their credentials, complete required supervised experience where applicable, submit an application to the Colorado State Board of Social Work Examiners, and follow testing and approval steps required for the license level they are pursuing.

Complete the required degree: Confirm that your MSW or accepted doctoral program meets Colorado’s education expectations.
Document supervised experience: Clinical applicants must track qualifying postgraduate hours and supervision details carefully.
Submit the state application: Applicants provide education records, supervised-hour documentation, and other required materials to the Colorado State Board of Social Work Examiners.
Prepare for licensing exams: Candidates should review the official exam requirements, timelines, and state-specific instructions before scheduling.
Maintain the license: Licensed social workers must follow renewal and continuing education requirements to remain in good standing.

Because licensing rules can change, applicants should rely on official board instructions rather than informal advice. For a step-by-step overview of applications, exam preparation, and supervised practice, see Research.com’s guide on how to become a social worker in Colorado.

What are the career advancement opportunities for social work graduates in Colorado?

Social work graduates in Colorado can move beyond entry-level direct service into clinical, administrative, supervisory, policy, and leadership roles. Advancement usually depends on a combination of degree level, licensure status, supervised experience, specialized training, and professional reputation.

Advancement direction	Typical preparation	Examples of next-step roles
Clinical practice	MSW, supervised clinical experience, and LCSW preparation	Clinical social worker, behavioral health clinician, therapist, integrated care specialist
Program leadership	Experience in service delivery, budgeting, compliance, and staff supervision	Program manager, agency director, nonprofit administrator
School and youth services	School-focused fieldwork, child and family coursework, and relevant state requirements	School social worker, student support specialist, youth services coordinator
Policy and advocacy	Policy practice training, community organizing, research, and legislative knowledge	Policy analyst, advocacy director, community engagement leader
Interdisciplinary behavioral health	Clinical training plus knowledge of counseling, substance use, trauma, or integrated care	Behavioral health provider, care coordinator, counselor-adjacent roles

Social workers who want to broaden their behavioral health options may also compare adjacent pathways. For example, professionals exploring counseling-related work can review the fastest way to become a counselor in Colorado to understand how counseling credentials differ from social work licensure.

Are online social work degrees recognized in Colorado?

Colorado can recognize online BSW and MSW degrees when the program meets the same accreditation and licensing expectations as an on-campus program. The delivery format is less important than whether the degree is CSWE-accredited, whether field education meets program and state expectations, and whether the graduate can document all requirements for licensure.

Online programs can be a practical choice for students who work, care for family, live far from campus, or need scheduling flexibility. However, online does not mean fully self-paced or fieldwork-free. Social work is a practice profession, so students still complete supervised practicum or internship hours, often through agencies in or near their community.

Online program factor	Why it matters in Colorado	What to ask
CSWE accreditation	Licensure pathways generally depend on graduating from a properly accredited social work program	Is the specific BSW or MSW program CSWE-accredited?
Field placement support	Students need approved supervised experience, not just online coursework	Will the school help arrange placements in Colorado or near my location?
Residency or campus requirements	Some online programs include in-person intensives, orientations, or skills labs	How often must I travel, and what costs are not included in tuition?
Licensure disclosure	Programs should explain whether they meet Colorado requirements	Does the school provide a Colorado professional licensure disclosure?
Student support	Remote learners need advising, technology help, career services, and placement coordination	Are online students assigned the same advisors and field staff as campus students?

Students considering online social work degrees should avoid assuming that all accredited-looking programs meet Colorado licensing needs. Verify the program’s CSWE status, read its licensure disclosures, and contact the Colorado board if your situation involves out-of-state education, relocation, or previous licensure in another state.

What organizations accredit social work degree programs in Colorado?

Accreditation is one of the most important checks before enrolling in a social work program. It affects licensure eligibility, employer recognition, transferability, and access to federal financial aid. Students should review both programmatic accreditation and institutional accreditation.

Council on Social Work Education (CSWE): CSWE is the primary accrediting body for BSW and MSW programs in the United States. For Colorado students, CSWE accreditation is especially important because licensure pathways commonly depend on graduating from an accredited social work program.
Higher Learning Commission (HLC): HLC provides regional institutional accreditation for many colleges and universities in Colorado. Institutional accreditation supports academic quality, credit recognition, and federal financial aid access for students pursuing a social work degree.
Colorado Department of Higher Education (CDHE): CDHE authorizes institutions to operate and award degrees in Colorado. It does not replace CSWE program accreditation, but state authorization is still part of a school’s legitimacy and compliance picture.

Common accreditation mistakes to avoid

Assuming institutional accreditation is enough: A college may be institutionally accredited while its social work program is not CSWE-accredited.
Relying only on marketing language: Phrases such as “aligned with professional standards” do not always mean accredited.
Ignoring out-of-state licensure disclosures: If you study online through a school outside Colorado, confirm that the program supports Colorado licensure goals.
Waiting until graduation to check: Accreditation should be verified before applying, not after completing coursework.

What are the top institutions offering social work degree programs in Colorado?

The best Colorado social work school for you is not always the highest-profile option. It is the accredited program that fits your licensure goal, specialization, budget, schedule, field placement needs, and preferred learning format. Before enrolling, compare degree levels, practicum support, faculty expertise, and total cost.

Colorado institutions offering social work education include the following schools:

University of Denver (DU): DU is known for a highly visible MSW program, multiple specialization options, and broad field education partnerships.
Colorado State University – Fort Collins: CSU offers accredited BSW and MSW pathways with research activity, alumni connections, and preparation for practice in varied settings.
Metropolitan State University of Denver (MSU Denver): MSU Denver is often considered by students looking for flexible and affordable options, including formats that serve working adults, multicultural students, and non-traditional learners.
University of Colorado Colorado Springs (UCCS): UCCS offers social work training with trauma-informed elements and online or hybrid options that may fit students with different career interests.
Colorado Mesa University (CMU): CMU’s cohort-based BSW and MSW options emphasize smaller learning environments, fieldwork, and faculty guidance.

How to choose among Colorado social work schools

Selection factor	Why it matters	Question to ask
CSWE accreditation	Essential for most licensure-focused social work pathways	Is this exact program accredited, and is accreditation current?
Degree level	BSW, MSW, and doctoral degrees lead to different roles	Does this program match my target job and license?
Field placement network	Practicum quality shapes skill development and job connections	Where have students recently completed placements?
Cost after aid	Published tuition may not reflect your actual cost	What is the total cost after scholarships, fees, and practicum expenses?
Online, hybrid, or campus format	Format affects flexibility, networking, travel, and fieldwork logistics	Can I complete required field hours near where I live?
Specialization options	Clinical, school, healthcare, and child welfare paths may require different preparation	Which electives, certificates, or placements support my specialization?

Students who need a lower-cost route can also compare accredited and flexible options, including Research.com’s guide to the cheapest online social work degree. Affordability matters, but it should never come at the expense of accreditation, licensure alignment, or field placement quality.

Social workers earn an average of $61,330 in the U.S.

Studying social work at the University of Denver helped me understand the needs of Colorado communities, especially mental health concerns in both urban and rural areas. My fieldwork gave me direct experience with families and schools, and that practical training made the transition into school-based work feel more grounded. The degree strengthened my clinical skills and deepened my commitment to advocating for young people facing difficult circumstances. - Ralf

My time at Colorado State University shaped the way I approach social work. Classroom learning, community projects, and local service experiences helped me grow both personally and professionally. Colorado’s focus on community well-being influenced my interest in holistic support, and working with a school support team showed me how social wellness can affect academic success. - Aileen

Metropolitan State University of Denver gave me access to professional networks, workshops, and training connected to Colorado’s cultural diversity. I valued the resources that helped me better understand the challenges facing immigrant communities in the state. The program strengthened my focus on equity, resilience, and education-centered service. - Kyle

References:

Colorado Department of Regulatory Agencies. (2025). State Board of Social Work Examiners: Applications and Forms. DORA applications and forms
Colorado Division of Human Resources. (2024). Class Description and Minimum Qualifications for C4L - Social Work and Counselor. Colorado social work and counselor classifications
Colorado State University. (n.d.). Social Work Major. CSU social work major Colorado social work applications
Council on Social Work Education. (2024). Annual Survey of Social Work Programs. CSWE annual survey
Social Work Degrees. (n.d.). Colorado BSW Programs. Colorado BSW programs CSWE program survey
Social Work License Map with edX. (n.d.). Become a Social Worker in Colorado. Colorado social work licensure overview
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. (2025). Occupational Outlook Handbook: Social Workers. U.S. BLS social workers profile
University of Colorado, Colorado Springs. (2025). Professional Licensure for Social Work. UCCS professional licensure information BLS social workers outlook
University of Denver Graduate School of Social Work. (2025). How to Become a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) in Colorado. University of Denver LCSW guidance

Key Insights

Degree choice determines your ceiling: A BSW can help you enter social service work, but an MSW or accepted doctoral degree is the key academic credential for Colorado licensure and clinical advancement.
Accreditation is non-negotiable: Confirm CSWE accreditation before applying, especially if you are considering an online, hybrid, or out-of-state program.
Fieldwork affects both readiness and scheduling: Practicum hours are not a side requirement; they shape your skills, professional network, and graduation timeline.
Cost should be evaluated after aid: Compare tuition, fees, placement expenses, scholarships, assistantships, and the time you may need to reduce paid work during internships.
Online degrees can work in Colorado: They must meet the same accreditation, field education, and licensure expectations as campus programs.
Clinical practice requires more than graduation: Colorado clinical licensure involves supervised postgraduate experience, documentation, testing, and ongoing license maintenance.
The best program is the one aligned with your goal: Choose based on your intended specialization, licensure plan, schedule, budget, and access to strong Colorado field placements.

Can you become a social worker in Colorado without a degree in social work?

In Colorado, becoming a licensed social worker without a degree specifically in social work is challenging but possible through alternative pathways. While a Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) or Master of Social Work (MSW) is the standard requirement for licensure, candidates with degrees in related fields may pursue licensure by meeting additional supervised experience requirements or completing coursework approved by the Colorado State Board of Social Work Examiners.

However, these alternative routes typically involve more extensive documentation and exam preparation. Therefore, while a degree in social work streamlines the process, individuals without it can still achieve licensure by fulfilling state-specific experience and education criteria.

What degree is necessary to become a social worker in Colorado in 2026?

In 2026, to work as a social worker in Colorado, you'll typically need at least a Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) for entry-level positions. For clinical roles, a Master of Social Work (MSW) is often required, along with the appropriate state licensure.

What advanced degrees might be necessary for clinical social work in Colorado in 2026?

In Colorado, aspiring clinical social workers need a Master's degree in Social Work (MSW) to practice in 2026. The MSW should be from a program accredited by the Council on Social Work Education. After earning this degree, candidates must fulfill supervised experience and pass a clinical exam for licensure.