How do I become a social worker?

To be a social worker, one must have a degree in social work from a college or university accredited by the Council on Social Work Education. The undergraduate degree is the Bachelor of Social Work (BSW). Graduate degrees include the Master of Social Work (MSW) and the Doctorate in Social Work (DSW) or Ph.D. An MSW is required to provide therapy.

Degree programs include classroom study as well as practical field experience. The bachelor's degree prepares graduates for entry level work, whereas the master's degree is for more advanced practice. A DSW or Ph.D is useful for doing research or teaching at the university level