Social Work Degrees in Arizona
Social work is a hands-on practice of social justice, which is carried out by alleviating inadequate living conditions of those in need. These professionals serve clients by providing counseling, education, access to resources, and therapy. Social workers often examine parenting skills, relationship dynamics, community and home environments, and family structure. Interacting with people is at the core of social work, and professionals should anticipate working with people of all ages from a variety of ethnic backgrounds.
Earning a social work degree opens up many opportunities for graduates, and Arizona has one of the largest labor forces for social work
There are many ways to earn a social work degree in Arizona. Coursework for social work programs target applicable psychology content, sociology, federal and state policies, statistics, inclusion and diversity, leadership, ethics, and much more. Earning a social work degree opens up many opportunities for graduates, and Arizona has one of the largest labor forces for social work.
As a licensed social worker, you can find work in many settings, including human service agencies, hospitals, and community development organizations. This career path also prepares graduates for administration and leadership roles in government, corporate, and nonprofit organizations. To become a licensed clinical social worker in Arizona, you will need to have at least a master’s degree in social work.
Featured Online Programs in Social Work
How to Become a Social Worker in Arizona
Professionals are prepared for social work positions with a bachelor’s and master’s degreeAt the bachelor’s level, students should select a program that has a regional accreditation or one that is supported by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE). This degree is good for entry-level social work positions and provides a foundation for advancement. If a practitioner would like more extensive training and a competitive advantage among other professionals, or if you have a bachelor’s degree in a different field, obtaining a master’s degree in social work is the next step. A master’s degree is mandatory for professionals who plan to become clinical social workers.
Students must pass the Association of Social Work Board (ASWB) exam in order to practice. Exams are offered at the bachelor’s, master’s, and clinical levels. The clinical exam requires that students have a minimum of 3,200 hours and two years of experience before applying. There is no permanent social work license, and professionals need to apply for renewal every two years, which requires 30 credit hours of continuing education to ensure practitioners are aware of current methods and practices. If a social worker’s license is not renewed within two years of expiring, they will permanently lose it.
Types of Social Work Degrees in Arizona
An associate degree in social work takes two years to complete and prepares students for support positions. A four-year degree qualifies students to take the first ASWB exam to become a licensed practitioner. This exposes emerging professionals to higher-paying, entry-level positions. A master’s degree prepares learners for the ASWB exam and to become a licensed social worker. Many master’s degrees also prepare students to become clinical social workers. Students can earn this degree in one year through accelerated programs. Doctoral programs are terminal and can be completed in three years. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), social work positions are projected increase by 16% from 2016 to 2026.
- Associate Degree
- Students explore psychology and sociology content. This degree also introduces students to concepts regarding human welfare and the personalized needs of communities, families, and individuals. Graduate qualify for social work support jobs, such as community outreach associate, intake specialist, probation officer, social work assistant, and case management assistant.
- Bachelor’s Degree
- Students are trained to work with underserved populations. Coursework focuses on topics such as human behavior, social welfare policies, culture and diversity training, and methods of research. This degree level prepares students for entry-level positions in social work. Graduates can obtain positions such as case manager, adoption agency administrator, juvenile court liaison, and mental health assistant.
- Master’s Degree
- Coursework provides a base knowledge of social policy, clinical practice, and relevant psychology topics. Second-year students focus on their specialization areas, which could be youth and families, mental health, or aging societies. A master of social work qualifies professionals for administrative titles such as program director, clinical group worker, family practitioner, and marriage and family therapist.
- Doctoral Degree
- This degree teaches students advanced clinical practices, research, and leadership to ensure they are capable of creating impact, influencing emerging leaders, and actively improving social work practices. This degree is terminal, providing access to senior-level positions such as a clinical director, nonprofit executive, clinical social worker, and university professor.
Finding a Social Work Program in Arizona
Prospective social work students should consider state licensure requirements, cost, and location when researching programs. In general, an undergraduate degree in social work costs about $55,000 from a public university. At the graduate level, students can anticipate paying around $35,000 for their degree, which can be completed in two years. Students can continue their education by obtaining a doctorate in social work, which costs between $30,000 and $60,000 and can be completed in two years.
Learners with busy schedules and family or work obligations should check whether a program is offered online or in a hybrid format. These formats allow for more scheduling flexibility, and many online programs are taught asynchronously.
Can You Earn a Social Work Degree Online in Arizona?
The CSWE evaluates online social work degrees across the United States. Students who are unable to attend school face-to-face can enroll in online social work programs in Arizona. Arizona State University offers a hybrid CSWE-accredited bachelor’s program. For in-person coursework, students can choose to attend in Phoenix or Tucson, and fieldwork can be completed throughout Arizona. ASU also offers an online MSW program, which can be completed in two years if attended full time. At Northern Arizona University, a completely online BSW is offered. This university is also accredited by CSWE. All accredited online degrees undergo the same evaluation process as in-person programs. The CWSE does not accredit associate or doctoral programs, so if online degrees are offered at these levels, students should look into the school’s regional accreditations.
See The Best Online MSW ProgramsHow Long Does It Take to Become a Social Worker in Arizona?
A BSW takes four years of full-time study to complete, while an MSW takes about two years of full-time study to complete. Learners can earn a DSW in two to six years. There are a few factors that will affect program length. Programs that allow students to finish work at their own pace can often be completed at an accelerated pace by taking more than the average amount of credits per term. Other program are offered in a synchronous, cohort format, which requires student to complete course material at the same pace as their peers. These types of programs often take longer to complete.
How Much Does a Social Work Program Cost in Arizona?
Arizona State University offers a BSW and an MSW. A bachelor’s degree takes four years to complete and in-state tuition costs $43,168, while the online program costs $49,752. ASU in-state graduate program fees are $23,336 for on-campus learning and $24,972 for online learning. Northern Arizona University also offers an accredited BSW program on campus and online. Tuition at the Flagstaff campus costs $41,560 for Arizona residents, while online students pay $42,456.
Students should also factor in costs to obtain licenses. Each exam has an application fee, a license fee, an ASWB fee, and a renewal fee. Each license requires hours of continued education, which is an additional cost that varies depending on the institution it is completed at. In Arizona, the LCSW application fee is $250, the license fee is $250, and the ASWB fee is $260. Every two years the license must be renewed, which costs $350, along with 30 of continuing education. The LMSW exam requires $250 for the application, $100 for the license, $230 for the ASWB, and $350 for the renewal. The LBSW is $250 for the application, $100 for the license, $230 for the ASWB, and $350 for the renewal.
Types of Social Work Licenses in Arizona
All states use the ASWB licensing exams. While there are four tests offered, many states do not use all of them. In Arizona, the three levels offered are the clinical (LCSW), master’s (LMSW), and bachelor’s (LBSW) exams. Professionals with an LSBW may practice non-clinical social work under direct supervision unless 3,200 hours of supervised social work experience has been completed within a two year timeframe.
Arizona allows applicants to take the exam twice per year
It is important to note that clinical practice requires social workers to have at least a master’s degree. At the master’s level, graduates will also need to complete 3,200 hours of supervised social work experience within a two year time period, and 1,600 of those hours must be direct client interaction. Once a graduate has begun the licensing process, they qualify for a temporary license to begin working. Arizona allows applicants to take the exam twice per year. If the test is failed, the temporary license immediately expires and the applicant will have to apply for another temporary license after reapplying for the exam.
Social workers can also obtain certifications from the National Association of Social Workers (NASW). However, these certifications are not the equivalent of a license because they do not legally support the practice. Certificates enhance the credibility of a licensed social worker because they are voluntary and represent that a social worker has a deeper knowledge of a specific content area than what is covered under a typical license. Furthermore, certificate issues by NASW are designed to meet ethical practice standards, which are often sought out by employers. Certificates are typically renewed every two years.
Candidates must have a master’s degree from a regionally accredited or CSWE-accredited program, and 3,200 hours of supervised work must be completed in two years. The exam costs $250 and a clean background check should be provided. To pass, candidates needs a minimum score of 96 correct answers.
Advanced Practice Specialty Credentials
Candidates are licensed BSW-level professionals with at least three years of experience and 4,500 hours of supervised experience. This certification does not lead to licensure. C-SWCM certificates must be renewed every five years. The application costs $310 for NASW members and $385 for non-members.
Career and Salary Outlook for Social Work Degree Graduates
Social work is a diverse field that allows professionals to work with people in many different settings. There are many career paths to explore depending upon personal interests. Social work positions include counseling, intervention, and community development. Practitioners can be found in hospitals, military bases, and nursing homes. Social workers are empathetic people who provide assistance and solutions to underserved populations. Below, are a few common social work careers.
Child, Family, and School Social Worker
These professionals uncover problems within a child’s home and develop intervention plans the are in the best interest of the minor. Solutions might include coursework to improve parenting skills or alternative homes for children.
Healthcare Social Workers
Practitioners of this specialty are in high demand due to the rising elderly population. These clients require professionals who understand how to handle new treatments and educate their families on strategic methods to provide quality care.
Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workers
Social workers in this field are passionate about uncovering effective treatment for people with mental illness and addiction issues. These professionals work to prevent people with illnesses from ending up in correctional facilities that do not address their needs.
Social and Community Service Managers
These professionals develop innovative ways to engage the aging population in activity and work to provide around the clock care if the client does not have family to support them.
Medical and Health Service Managers
Social workers fulfilling these roles organize and manage medical processes and records. They are also responsible for developing departmental goals and communicating with other department heads.
| Employment | Annual Mean Wage | |
|---|---|---|
| Child, Family, and School Social Workers | 1,570 | $46,810 |
| Healthcare Social Workers | 280 | $67,450 |
| Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workers | 620 | $47,350 |
| Social Workers, All Other | 190 | $59,270 |
Featured Programs in Social Work
Scholarships for Social Work Majors in Arizona
Because there is a growing need for professionals in all areas of social work, students have many opportunities to apply to scholarships. While some of the scholarships are specific to Arizona or particular schools in Arizona, there are many national organizations who offer funds to aspiring social workers at varying levels.
Social Work Scholarships
Who Can Apply: Students who are interested in promoting social change to underserved populations are welcome to apply. Students who can prove a financial need or who are currently raising children as single parents are encouraged to apply. View Scholarship
Resources for Social Work Students in Arizona
- NASW-Arizona Chapter The National Association of Social Workers (NASW) has more than 120,000 members. NASW’s mission is to improves and uphold professional standards. This organization provides resources for social workers to assist with improving professional practices in all specialty areas.
- City of Phoenix The city of Phoenix provides information and access to housing programs and social services to victims of crime, parents, and individuals with disabilities. As a local resource, Arizona social work professionals have access to relevant resources to help their clients.
- Social Work Helper This organization is dedicated to providing tools, current information, and supporting social justice. Social Work Helper believes in an interdisciplinary approach to discuss relevant topics and spread news. Professionals are welcome to submit articles, resources, and provide feedback to improve the quality of the newsletters and website.
- Arizona Center for Disability Law ACDL is a nonprofit organization that focuses on protecting the rights of people with disabilities. ACDL provides legal services, free information, training, and outreach services to the community.
- Clinical Social Work Association CSWA is a national organization that provides vital services, products, and support for social workers on the clinical path. Members of this organization consist of professionals at varying levels of their career, which makes it a great resource for networking and mentoring.