2026 What Degree Do You Need to Be a Social Worker: Education Requirements in New Hampshire
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Choosing a social work degree in New Hampshire is not just an academic decision; it determines which jobs you can qualify for, whether you can pursue licensure, how much supervised experience you will need, and how quickly you can move into clinical or leadership practice. The state needs qualified social workers across healthcare, schools, child welfare, behavioral health, and community agencies, with employment in the field projected to grow by 12% over the next decade.
This guide explains the degree levels, licensing expectations, coursework, timelines, costs, financial aid options, online program recognition, accreditation, and career planning steps for students and career changers considering social work education in New Hampshire.
Quick answer: What degree do you need for social work in New Hampshire?
A BSW can prepare you for entry-level social service and casework roles in New Hampshire, but an MSW from a CSWE-accredited program is the minimum degree generally needed for independent clinical licensure. Students who want to provide psychotherapy, diagnose and treat mental health conditions, or pursue Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker status should plan on completing an accredited MSW plus supervised clinical experience and the required licensing exam.
Key Things to Know About Social Work Education Requirements in New Hampshire
- A BSW can help graduates enter human services, case management, and community-based roles, but New Hampshire requires an MSW from a CSWE-accredited program for independent clinical practice.
- Social work programs typically combine policy, practice methods, human behavior, research, cultural responsiveness, ethics, and supervised field education; advanced programs add clinical, administrative, and leadership preparation.
- Typical completion timelines are four years for a BSW, two years for a standard MSW, one year for an advanced standing MSW, and three to five years for doctoral study, depending on enrollment pace, transfer credit, and field placement requirements.
- What degree is required for social work licensure in New Hampshire?
- What will you study in a New Hampshire social work program?
- How long does a social work degree take in New Hampshire?
- How much does a New Hampshire social work degree cost?
- Which degree fits each social work specialization?
- What financial aid can social work students use?
- What alternative paths lead into social work?
- What are the career prospects and salary trends?
- How should graduates prepare for the licensing exam?
- Do online social work degrees count in New Hampshire?
- Which accreditors matter for social work programs?
- Which New Hampshire schools offer social work programs?
What is the minimum degree required to become a licensed social worker in New Hampshire?
The minimum degree depends on the type of work you want to do. New Hampshire distinguishes between general social service roles and independent clinical practice. If your goal is supervised casework or agency-based human services, a bachelor’s degree may be enough for some entry-level positions. If your goal is independent clinical practice, an accredited graduate degree is the key requirement.
| Degree level | Best fit | Licensure relevance in New Hampshire |
| Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) | Entry-level case management, community services, administrative support, and agency-based roles | Useful for entering the field, but it does not qualify graduates for independent clinical practice. |
| Master of Social Work (MSW) | Clinical practice, advanced casework, healthcare, behavioral health, policy, supervision, and specialized services | An MSW from a CSWE-accredited institution is the minimum degree for independent licensure and can support roles that include psychotherapy and MSW-level career paths. |
| Doctor of Social Work (DSW) or PhD | Senior leadership, research, teaching, policy analysis, and advanced program design | Not required for licensure, but it may strengthen qualifications for academic, executive, or research-focused positions. |
The chart below shows how full-time social work faculty are distributed by primary appointment, helping illustrate how academic roles are organized across social work education.
How to decide which degree level is right for you
- Choose a BSW if you want the fastest undergraduate route into social services and may later apply for advanced standing MSW admission.
- Choose a traditional MSW if your bachelor’s degree is in another field or you want access to clinical, supervisory, and specialized roles.
- Choose an advanced standing MSW if you already hold a CSWE-accredited BSW and want a shorter graduate pathway.
- Consider a DSW or PhD only if your long-term goals include research, university teaching, advanced administration, or high-level policy work.
What courses are covered in a social work degree program in New Hampshire?
Social work education in New Hampshire is built around a mix of classroom learning and supervised practice. Students learn how social systems affect individuals and communities, how to assess client needs, how to intervene ethically, and how to evaluate whether services are working. CSWE-aligned programs also emphasize diversity, equity, policy knowledge, research literacy, and field education.
Common courses and training areas include:
- Social Welfare Policy: Covers how U.S. social policies are created, implemented, evaluated, and challenged, with attention to policy reform and client advocacy.
- Social Work Practice: Builds skills for working with individuals, families, groups, organizations, and communities, often moving from generalist methods to advanced practice.
- Human Behavior and the Social Environment: Examines human development, family systems, communities, institutions, and the social forces that influence behavior.
- Implications of Race, Culture, and Oppression: Focuses on structural inequality, culturally responsive practice, discrimination, privilege, and social justice.
- Research Methods in Social Work: Teaches students how to interpret research, design studies, assess evidence, and evaluate programs or interventions.
- Field Education or Internships: Places students in supervised practice settings; some programs require extensive applied training that often exceeds 1,200 hours.
- Advanced Generalist Practice: Prepares graduate students for assessment, intervention, leadership, consultation, and evaluation across multiple service systems.
- Program and Practice Evaluation/Data Analysis: Develops the ability to use data to measure outcomes, improve services, and support evidence-informed decisions.
| Curriculum area | Why it matters in practice |
| Policy and advocacy | Social workers often help clients navigate benefits, eligibility rules, school systems, healthcare access, and public programs. |
| Clinical and generalist practice | Students learn interviewing, assessment, planning, intervention, documentation, and referral skills. |
| Research and evaluation | Agencies increasingly expect practitioners to understand outcomes, quality improvement, and evidence-based services. |
| Diversity and social justice | Effective practice requires awareness of culture, oppression, trauma, language, disability, poverty, and community context. |
| Field education | Licensure and employment readiness depend heavily on supervised experience in real service settings. |
How long does it take to complete a social work degree program in New Hampshire?
Completion time depends on the credential, whether you study full time or part time, whether you qualify for advanced standing, and how quickly you can complete field placement hours. Online coursework can improve flexibility, but it usually does not remove field education requirements.
| Program type | Typical completion time | Best for |
| BSW | Usually four years full-time; part-time study takes longer, and some schools may offer accelerated formats | Students starting undergraduate study or planning for entry-level social service roles |
| Traditional MSW | Typically two years full-time or three or four years part-time | Students with a bachelor’s degree in another field or BSW graduates who do not qualify for advanced standing |
| Advanced Standing MSW | Often one year full-time or 1.5 to three years part-time | Graduates of accredited BSW programs who want to shorten graduate study |
| DSW or PhD | Commonly three to five years full-time, with longer timelines for part-time study | Professionals pursuing research, teaching, senior leadership, or advanced policy roles |
Factors that can lengthen or shorten your timeline
- Enrollment pace: Part-time formats can add one to two years but may be more realistic for working adults or caregivers.
- Advanced standing credits: A CSWE-accredited BSW may allow students to bypass some foundation MSW coursework.
- Field placement availability: Internships depend on agency capacity, student schedules, supervision requirements, and location.
- Online format: Online classes may reduce commuting and scheduling barriers, but required practicum hours usually remain comparable to campus programs.
How much does a social work degree cost in New Hampshire?
Social work degree costs in New Hampshire vary by school type, degree level, residency status, delivery format, and available aid. Tuition is only one part of the budget; students should also account for fees, books, transportation to field placements, technology, licensure exam costs, and lost income if reducing work hours during internships.
| Degree or program type | Cost range stated for New Hampshire programs | Cost considerations |
| BSW at public universities | $15,000 to $19,000 annually for in-state students; out-of-state tuition can climb to $35,000 | Usually the lower-cost undergraduate option for residents. |
| BSW at private colleges | About $35,000 to $45,000 per year | May offer institutional aid, but sticker prices are typically higher. |
| MSW at public schools | $13,000 to $20,000 for residents; more than $33,000 for non-residents | Residency status can substantially affect the total price. |
| MSW at private institutions | Generally $40,000 to $50,000 | Compare net cost after grants, scholarships, and employer support. |
| Online MSW programs | Often $25,000 to $35,000 when flat-rate pricing applies | Some online programs reduce out-of-state price differences but may still require local field placements. |
| DSW at public universities | Usually $18,000 to $22,000 annually for residents | Check whether the program is designed for working professionals. |
| DSW at private schools | About $45,000 to $55,000 | Funding may be more limited than in some PhD programs. |
| PhD programs | Public tuition between $18,000 and $25,000; private institutions may charge up to $60,000 | Some doctoral students receive fellowships, teaching assistantships, or stipends. |
How to evaluate the real cost of a program
- Compare net price, not just posted tuition.
- Ask whether field placement hours may limit your ability to work full time.
- Confirm whether online students pay additional technology, residency, or placement fees.
- Check whether transfer credits or advanced standing can reduce total credits required.
- Estimate licensure-related costs, including application fees, exam preparation, and exam registration.
If you are comparing similar helping professions, review the social work and counseling career comparison to understand how responsibilities, training, and salary considerations may differ.
What degrees are required for different social work specializations in New Hampshire?
Specialization matters because not every social work role has the same education, supervision, or licensure expectations. Some nonclinical roles may be open to BSW graduates, while positions involving diagnosis, psychotherapy, and independent treatment generally require an MSW and clinical licensure.
| Specialization | Typical degree expectation | Additional requirements or notes |
| Clinical Social Work | MSW from a CSWE-accredited program | Requires 3,000 supervised clinical hours and passing the ASWB Clinical Exam for LICSW status. |
| School Social Work | Usually an MSW with school-based, child welfare, or youth-focused coursework | New Hampshire does not issue a separate school social work license. |
| Healthcare Social Work | MSW from a CSWE-accredited institution | Healthcare coursework is useful; LICSW licensure is required for roles involving diagnosis or treatment. |
| Child and Family Services | BSW may qualify candidates for some entry-level casework roles | Advanced, supervisory, or clinical roles usually require an MSW. |
| Substance Abuse and Mental Health | MSW plus LICSW licensure for clinical roles | Students may pursue addiction-related training through state-approved MSW programs. |
Who should choose a clinical track?
A clinical route is best for students who want to provide therapy, work in behavioral health, treat trauma or substance use concerns, or eventually practice independently. It requires more education, supervised practice, and exam preparation, but it also opens doors to a wider range of mental health roles.
Who may not need an MSW right away?
Students who want to begin in community outreach, case coordination, eligibility support, nonprofit services, or child and family agencies may find that a BSW is a practical starting point. However, an MSW is often necessary for advancement into clinical, supervisory, or specialized practice.
What financial aid options are available to social work students in New Hampshire?
Because social work programs can be expensive and fieldwork can reduce paid work hours, students should build a funding plan before enrolling. The strongest strategy usually combines federal aid, state-based support, institutional scholarships, professional association funding, and loan repayment options tied to public service employment.
- Federal Grants: Need-based awards such as the Pell Grant and SEOG are available to eligible students who complete the FAFSA and do not need to be repaid.
- State Scholarships: The Alice M. Yarnold and Samuel Yarnold Scholarship Trust offers $1,000–$5,000 annually to New Hampshire residents who demonstrate financial need and plan to serve locally.
- Work-Study Programs: Federal work-study can provide part-time earnings through campus or community employment, sometimes in settings related to human services.
- Student Loans: Federal Direct Subsidized and Unsubsidized Loans can help cover remaining costs; eligible social workers may later pursue Public Service Loan Forgiveness.
- Scholarships for BSW and MSW Programs: Awards such as the Davis-Putter Scholarship and Rural Health Careers Scholarship provide up to $15,000 annually for students focused on social justice or rural healthcare practice.
- Professional Organization Funding: The NASW New Hampshire Chapter may support students through scholarships, fellowships, or research grants connected to social work education.
- Local and Community Scholarships: Options such as the Stephen Phillips Memorial Scholarship can help academically strong, community-minded New Hampshire students reduce costs.
| Funding source | Best use | Question to ask |
| Federal grants | Reducing undergraduate or graduate tuition without repayment | Do I meet FAFSA-based eligibility requirements? |
| State scholarships | Supporting New Hampshire residents with local service goals | Is there a residency, service, or field-of-study requirement? |
| Institutional aid | Lowering the program’s net cost | Is the award renewable each year? |
| Work-study | Earning income while enrolled | Can I balance work-study with field placement hours? |
| Loan forgiveness | Managing debt after graduation | Will my employer and loan type qualify for Public Service Loan Forgiveness? |
Students still exploring whether the major fits their long-term goals can review career options with a social work degree before committing to a specific program.
What are the alternative pathways to become a social worker in New Hampshire?
Not every social worker begins with a BSW. New Hampshire students may enter the profession after studying psychology, sociology, public health, criminal justice, education, human services, or another related field. The right pathway depends on your prior education and whether you ultimately need clinical licensure.
- Traditional MSW Track: Students with any bachelor’s degree can apply to a standard MSW, typically completing the program in two years full-time or four years part-time while finishing required field education.
- Advanced Standing MSW: Graduates of CSWE-accredited BSW programs may complete an MSW in 9 to 12 months, making this the shortest route to graduate-level social work preparation.
- Related Undergraduate Degrees: Psychology, sociology, and human services can provide relevant preparation and may strengthen an applicant’s readiness for MSW admission.
- Post-Bachelor’s Certificates and Bridge Programs: Career changers can use bridge coursework or certificates to build foundational knowledge before applying to graduate social work programs.
- State-Specific Alternative Certification: Conditional licenses in New Hampshire may permit supervised practice while candidates complete additional training and clinical hours toward full licensure.
Best pathway by starting point
| Your background | Most practical next step | Why it makes sense |
| No bachelor’s degree yet | Consider a CSWE-accredited BSW | It can prepare you for entry-level roles and may shorten a future MSW through advanced standing. |
| Bachelor’s degree in another field | Apply to a traditional MSW | You can move into graduate social work without repeating an undergraduate degree. |
| CSWE-accredited BSW | Apply for advanced standing MSW admission | This can reduce time and credits required for the MSW. |
| Working in human services already | Compare part-time, online, and hybrid MSW options | Flexible formats may let you keep working while completing coursework and field hours. |
| Interested in therapy or independent practice | Plan for an MSW, supervised clinical hours, and the ASWB Clinical Exam | Clinical licensure requires graduate preparation and supervised post-degree experience. |
The chart below compares the total number of full-time faculty by social work program, offering a snapshot of staffing across institutions.
What are the career prospects and salary trends for social workers in New Hampshire?
Social work graduates in New Hampshire can pursue roles in hospitals, mental health centers, schools, child welfare agencies, substance use treatment programs, veterans services, nonprofit organizations, community health settings, and government agencies. Career prospects depend on licensure level, specialization, supervised experience, location, and whether the role involves clinical services.
Salary trends also vary by setting and credential. Clinical social workers, healthcare social workers, and professionals with advanced licenses may have different earning potential than entry-level caseworkers or community service coordinators. Because outcomes are not guaranteed, students should compare program cost against realistic local employment options, licensure timelines, and the type of agency or population they want to serve.
For a step-by-step overview of state-specific career requirements, see this guide on how to become a social worker in New Hampshire.
Current trends affecting social work careers
- Behavioral health demand: Mental health, substance use, trauma-informed care, and crisis response continue to shape social work hiring needs.
- Integrated care: Social workers increasingly collaborate with physicians, nurses, counselors, case managers, and community health workers.
- Technology and telehealth: Remote services can expand access, but practitioners must understand privacy, documentation, ethics, and state practice rules.
- Data-informed practice: Agencies often expect staff to track outcomes, document interventions, and participate in quality improvement.
- Credential scrutiny: Employers and licensing boards continue to place strong weight on accredited degrees and verified supervised experience.
How can graduates efficiently prepare for the social work licensing exam in New Hampshire?
Licensing exam preparation should begin before the test date, not after a candidate feels ready to apply. Graduates should confirm the correct exam level, review New Hampshire licensing instructions, build a weekly study schedule, and use practice questions to identify weak areas.
- Confirm the licensure pathway: Verify the degree, supervision, application, and exam requirements through the appropriate state board before paying for preparation materials.
- Use the exam content outline: Study according to the ASWB topic areas rather than reading randomly through textbooks.
- Take timed practice exams: Simulated exams help with pacing, question interpretation, and test endurance.
- Review ethics carefully: Ethics, boundaries, confidentiality, mandated reporting, and professional judgment are central to social work practice.
- Join a study group or workshop: Peer discussion can clarify difficult concepts and reduce isolation during preparation.
- Seek mentorship: Licensed supervisors and recent test-takers can help candidates understand common mistakes and exam-day expectations.
Students comparing helping professions may also find it useful to review the fastest pathway to counseling careers in New Hampshire to understand how counseling and social work requirements differ.
Are online social work degrees recognized in New Hampshire?
Yes, online social work degrees can be recognized in New Hampshire if the program meets accreditation and licensure standards. The delivery format is less important than whether the degree is from an appropriately accredited program and whether it includes required field education.
- CSWE Accreditation: For social work licensure, New Hampshire relies on degrees from CSWE-accredited programs, whether coursework is completed online, on campus, or in a hybrid format.
- Licensure Eligibility: Candidates seeking LICSW status need a CSWE-accredited MSW, regardless of how the classes were delivered.
- Employer Priorities: Over 80% of employers value CSWE accreditation above the learning format, which reinforces the importance of program quality over modality.
- Fieldwork and Practicum Requirements: Online students still need supervised internships that satisfy program and state expectations.
- Hybrid Learning Options: Many programs combine online coursework with local agency placements so students can complete practical training near where they live.
Questions to ask before choosing an online MSW
- Is the program currently CSWE-accredited?
- Will the program’s field placement office help secure placements in New Hampshire?
- Does the curriculum meet New Hampshire licensing expectations for your intended credential?
- Are there required campus visits, synchronous classes, or residency sessions?
- Does tuition differ for in-state, out-of-state, and online students?
What organizations accredit social work degree programs in New Hampshire?
Accreditation is one of the most important checks students should complete before enrolling. It affects financial aid eligibility, transferability, employer confidence, graduate school admission, and licensure. A program that is convenient or inexpensive can still be a poor choice if it does not meet the accreditation standards required for your career goal.
- Council on Social Work Education (CSWE): CSWE is the national accreditor for BSW and MSW social work programs and is the central accreditation standard for licensure-focused education.
- New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE): NECHE provides regional accreditation for institutions in New Hampshire and supports institutional credibility and federal financial aid eligibility.
- New Hampshire State Board of Mental Health Practice: This board is not an accreditor, but it enforces licensure rules and recognizes degrees from CSWE-accredited programs for professional qualification purposes.
| Organization | What it evaluates | Why students should care |
| CSWE | Professional social work curriculum, competencies, and field education | Essential for BSW/MSW programs tied to social work licensure. |
| NECHE | Institution-wide academic quality and operations | Supports degree legitimacy and access to federal financial aid. |
| New Hampshire State Board of Mental Health Practice | Licensure applications, practice requirements, and credential eligibility | Determines whether graduates can pursue specific mental health practice credentials. |
When weighing long-term value, compare accreditation, licensure fit, field placements, and likely career outcomes. This overview of whether a social work degree is worth it can help you think through return on investment more carefully.
What are the top institutions offering social work degree programs in New Hampshire?
New Hampshire students should compare social work programs based on accreditation, degree level, field placement support, schedule flexibility, faculty access, cost, and licensure alignment. A strong program should not only offer the degree you want but also help you complete supervised practice in settings relevant to your career goals.
- University of New Hampshire (UNH): Offers CSWE-accredited BSW and MSW programs with substantial field education and online learning options for campus-based students and working professionals.
- Colby-Sawyer College: Provides a fully online MSW program with advanced standing pathways; students should verify current CSWE accreditation status before enrolling because accreditation status is essential for licensure planning.
- Plymouth State University: Offers a CSWE-accredited BSW with small classes, faculty mentorship, and applied field education focused on professional preparation.
- Rivier University: Provides a CSWE-accredited BSW that combines service learning, social justice, and internships across community agencies.
- Franklin Pierce University: Offers a flexible BSW designed for adult learners through online, evening, and traditional coursework, with attention to rural social work practice.
How to compare social work programs in New Hampshire
| Selection factor | Why it matters | What to verify |
| CSWE accreditation | Required for many licensure pathways | Current status in the CSWE directory |
| Field placement support | Internships are central to graduation and licensure preparation | Placement locations, supervision quality, and support for online students |
| Program format | Schedule flexibility affects completion and work-life balance | Online, hybrid, evening, weekend, full-time, and part-time options |
| Total cost | Tuition alone does not show the full financial impact | Fees, books, commuting, field placement costs, and aid availability |
| Licensure alignment | The wrong program can delay or block your intended credential | Whether the curriculum supports New Hampshire licensing requirements |
| Career fit | Programs may have different strengths | Clinical, school, healthcare, rural practice, child welfare, or policy emphasis |
Students considering advanced credentials beyond the MSW can also compare doctoral options, including an affordable online doctorate in social work, if their goals include leadership, teaching, or advanced practice development.
Common mistakes to avoid when choosing a social work degree
- Choosing a program without checking CSWE accreditation: This can create serious problems for licensure eligibility, especially for students planning to become clinical social workers.
- Looking only at tuition: Field placement travel, fees, books, technology costs, and reduced work hours can significantly affect affordability.
- Assuming online means easier or faster: Online programs still require rigorous coursework and supervised fieldwork.
- Ignoring licensure rules until graduation: Students should verify state requirements before enrollment, not after completing a degree.
- Overlooking field placement quality: A weak placement can limit skill development, references, and job opportunities.
- Assuming salaries are guaranteed: Earnings vary by credential, employer, specialization, location, and experience.
- Relying only on rankings: A highly visible school is not always the best fit for your schedule, budget, licensure plan, or preferred practice area.
What do social workers in New Hampshire say about their degree?
My social work program in New Hampshire gave me direct experience with families and school communities. The community-focused training helped me understand local needs and respond more effectively. I now find purpose in supporting students and contributing to their well-being each day. Michael
Earning a social work degree in New Hampshire challenged me academically and personally. Faculty guidance helped me learn approaches that fit different communities across the state. In my school-based role, I see how essential social support is for children and families. Yasmin
Studying social work in New Hampshire helped me build the confidence and practical skills needed for school-based service. Because communities can have different needs, my training pushed me to think creatively and adapt my approach. I am grateful to help students navigate challenges and find support. Carl
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Key Insights
- The MSW is the pivotal credential: A BSW can open entry-level doors, but a CSWE-accredited MSW is the minimum degree for independent clinical licensure in New Hampshire.
- Accreditation should be checked first: CSWE accreditation is essential for licensure-focused social work education, while NECHE supports institutional credibility.
- Fieldwork is not optional: Whether you study online or on campus, supervised practice is central to graduation, skill development, and licensure preparation.
- Advanced standing can save time: Students with a CSWE-accredited BSW may complete an MSW faster than those entering from another bachelor’s field.
- Costs vary widely: Public, private, online, in-state, and out-of-state pricing can differ substantially, so students should compare total net cost rather than tuition alone.
- Specialization determines the best path: Clinical, healthcare, school, child welfare, and substance abuse roles may require different levels of education and licensure.
- Online degrees can work: New Hampshire recognizes online social work degrees when they meet accreditation and licensing requirements.
- The best program is the one that fits your goal: Choose based on accreditation, licensure alignment, field placement support, affordability, schedule, and the population you want to serve.
References:
- Careers in Psychology. (n.d.). Becoming a social worker in New Hampshire: License, certification, careers. Retrieved from Careers in Psychology
- Council on Social Work Education. (n.d.). Accreditation directory. Retrieved from CSWE accreditation directory
- NASW New Hampshire. (n.d.). LSW/LSWA. Retrieved from NASW New Hampshire
- New Hampshire Office of Professional Licensure and Certification. (n.d.). Applications for mental health practice. Retrieved from New Hampshire OPLC
- Plymouth State University. (n.d.). Social work program overview. Retrieved from Plymouth State University
- Prospero Health and Social. (2023, January). How to become a social worker without a degree? A step-by-step guide. Retrieved from Prospero Health and Social
- SNHU. (n.d.). How to become a social worker. Retrieved from SNHU
- Social Work Degree Center. (n.d.). How to become a social worker in New Hampshire – Social Work Education Center. Retrieved from Social Work Degree Center
- Social Work License Map. (n.d.). How to become a social worker in New Hampshire. Retrieved from Social Work License Map
- University of New Hampshire. (n.d.). Social work major (B.S.) | Social work. Retrieved from University of New Hampshire
Other Things You Need to Know About Becoming a Social Worker in New Hampshire
Yes, to become a clinical social worker in New Hampshire in 2026, one must obtain a Master's degree in Social Work (MSW) from an accredited program. Additionally, aspiring clinical social workers must complete the required supervised clinical hours and pass the licensing examination.
In 2026, to be a licensed clinical social worker in New Hampshire, you typically need a master's in social work (MSW), complete supervised clinical experience, pass the ASWB clinical exam, and apply for licensure through the New Hampshire Board of Mental Health Practice.
In 2026, to become a registered social worker in New Hampshire, you must obtain a Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) from an accredited program, pass the Association of Social Work Boards (ASWB) examination, and apply for licensure with the New Hampshire Board of Mental Health Practice.
Admission to a BSW program in New Hampshire usually requires a high school diploma or GED, application, and transcripts. Most programs request recommendation letters, a personal statement, and sometimes volunteer experience in social services. Prerequisite courses in psychology or sociology may also be required. Meeting these criteria prepares students for the academic and fieldwork demands of social work education.
