A MSW (Master of Social Work) is someone who has graduated from an accredited program and taken a licensing exam.
Students will have graduated from a master of social work program accredited by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE).
Upon graduation, most states require that those individuals wishing to practice social work must be licensed at the Licensed Graduate Social Work level. You become licensed by passing the Licensed Graduate Social Work (LGSW) Exam.
Ninety-five percent of the students at the National Catholic School of Social Service pass the LGSW exam on their first attempt.
A LCSW (Licensed Clinical Social Worker) is someone who has achieved a MSW, passed a social work licensing and LCSW exams, and fulfilled state requirements.
Graduated from Master of Social Work program accredited by CSWE.
Passed the Licensed Graduate Social Work Exam.
Fulfilled additional requirements within their state, such as post-graduate supervised clinical hours (number of hours may vary by state).
Passed the Licensed Clinical Social Work (LCSW) exam.
After receiving a clinical social work license, a LCSW can practice independently to assess, diagnose, and provide therapy in multiple fields, such as child welfare, health and mental healthcare, military, and private practice. LCSWs may also specialize in areas such as crisis intervention, trauma, chemical dependency, human trafficking, and gerontology.
MSW Program
The MSW program gives you the knowledge and skills to become an advanced social work practitioner. It prepares professionals who, consistent with their chosen concentrations, act as agents of change to promote individual and societal well-being.
