As you work towards completing your degree, we’re here to support you with your next big step — advancing your career in a meaningful job that meets your needs.
On this page, you’ll find: the BUSSW Career Guide, license prep information and support, guidance on networking, job search resources, and more.
If you have any questions or would like more information, please contact your program’s student services team:
Online Program Student Services | Charles River Campus Student Services | Off-Campus & Hybrid Student Services
BUSSW Career Guide
The BUSSW Career Guide takes you through every step in the social work job search process, from preparing for your search to accepting a position.
You’ll learn all about the career resources available to you and find extensive guidance on choosing a career path, interviewing, cover letters and resumes, licensure, loan forgiveness, and more.
View or download: BUSSW Career Guide
Licensure Support
Most states require a social work license to practice clinical social work, and there are many benefits to licensure for macro social workers as well. The information provided below will help you navigate the process.
Social Work Licensing Basics
- A social work license is a credential issued by a state’s licensing board with requirements regulated by state law.
- Each state has its specific license titles (e.g. Licensed Certified Social Worker, Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker)
- Most states have two levels of licensure:
- Masters level licensure – can be earned upon graduation from an MSW program accredited by Council on Social Work Education (CSWE)
- Advanced licensure (Clinical or Advanced Generalist)
Licensing Application Process
- Information about where to complete the licensing application can be found on each state’s licensing board website.
- State-specific information about licensure is available on our website here.
- Most states require applicants to have completed their MSW before beginning the application process.
- Social work licensing applicants will likely be required to provide some or all of the following:
- An application (applications in most states are online)
- References
- Passing score on the ASWB licensing exam
- An official sealed transcript stating you have graduated with an MSW **
- Payment (application fee and license fee)
- Criminal background check
- Fingerprinting
- Passport-sized photograph
- Citizenship/Immigration verification
This is not an exhaustive list, please check with your state’s licensing board to confirm the required application documents.
The most accurate and up-to-date information can be found on your state’s social work licensing website.
**For May graduates, transcripts can be requested the Monday after graduation, May 20.
- Transcripts can be ordered on the BU Student Link or at: https://www.bu.edu/reg/academics/transcripts/
- Please note the University’s Registrar issues transcripts, not the BUSSW Registrar. Generally, the BU registrar’s office takes 3 to 5 business days to process requests. Questions regarding ordering transcripts should be directed to the Office of the University Registrar at 617-353-3612.
Social Work Licensing Exam
- Many states require the licensing exam for initial licensure.
- The Association of Social Work Boards (ASWB) develops and maintains the social work licensing examinations that are used to test a social worker’s competence to practice ethically and safely. Exams are administered yearly at secure U.S. and international test centers.
- Information regarding licensing and the licensing exam can be found at: www.aswb.org
- A free, downloadable exam guidebook is available on the ASWB website.
- The exam registration process:
- ASWB and your state licensing board will provide information on the steps required for registering for the exam. The process varies by state.
- The state board must approve you before registering for the exam.
- Once approved, you will register and pay for the exam and then schedule your exam.
- Exam fees are:
– Masters exam: $230
– Advanced Generalist or Clinical exam: $260
- Please note exam fees are nonrefundable.
- Licensing exam candidates may apply for approval for “Non-standard Testing Arrangements” if they:
- Have a learning, physical, medical, or mental health disability
- Are a non-native English speaker
- Need lactation arrangements
Requests for non-standard testing arrangements must be submitted when registering for the exam.
Exam candidates can access ASWB’s Candidate Service Center by:
State Requirements & ASWB Guidebook
ASWB Guidebook & Additional Study Resources
Access to a Comprehensive Licensing Exam Prep Study Guide:
We are pleased to offer many resources to our prospective and recent graduates to help prepare for the social work licensing process, including taking the ASWB licensing exam. In addition to a number of workshops throughout the year, we have several study guidebooks available for students to borrow. The guidebook, Social Work Licensing Masters Exam: A Comprehensive Study Guide by Dawn Apgar, covers the four exam content areas and provides end-of-section questions to test your understanding and retention. The books also include 2 full-length practice exams. To access a copy of the book:
CRC students: Please follow these instructions to borrow a copy of the guidebook. Copies are available at the Welcome Center in the School of Social Work.
OCHP students: Please contact Carmen DeCristofaro at cdecrist@bu.edu to arrange getting the book to you.
OLP, CRC and OCHP students: You can access a digital copy of the Apgar book through the BU library. You can follow this link to connect. You may borrow the book for 7 days. After 7 days the copy of the book gets returned to the digital library. Directions are here.
Download the ASWB Guidebook for free here.
Additional Study Resources:
Please note: BUSSW does not endorse or recommend these review courses. They are listed in no particular order.
Loan Forgiveness
The Association of American Medical Colleges provides information on loan forgiveness programs in most states. For example, in some places, it may be possible for social workers working full-time in an underserved area at a community health center to be eligible for a repayment per year of service of $12,500.
Information about loan forgiveness programs not specific to social workers, but still possibly applicable, are available online. These programs include Americorps, Peace Corps, and National Health Service Corps, as well as other paths to forgiveness.
BU Connects
BU Connects is a platform exclusively for Boston University alumni, students, faculty, and staff that brings Terriers together for networking on a global scale. It gives you access to a networking directory, mentoring, industry and affinity groups, and job opportunities.
Other Resources
Find resources on the National Association of Social Workers (NASW) webpage.
Career resource workshop recordings available for download: