Why Now is a Great Time to Pursue Social Work in Georgia
The demand for social workers is on the rise, especially in Georgia. Earning an MSW could elevate your impact, employability and earning potential by over $13,000 more than those with a BSW alone—based on factors such as industry, title, and location1. National social work employment is anticipated to increase by 7% by 2032, or 63,800 annual jobs.
Social Work Salary in Georgia
Earning an accredited master's degree is a clinical social work license requirement in Georgia and increases your autonomy, opportunities, and earning potential. As a licensed clinical social worker (LCSW), support your community in new ways and earn 41% more* than Georgia social workers with only a bachelor’s degree. According to Lightcast Labor Insights, the average social worker salary across the state for MSW graduates is $73,500.
Geographic Location
Where you decide to work in Georgia can influence your salary. The earning potential for mental health and substance abuse social workers is highest in Atlanta. Here, the median salary is $50,430, and the highest earnings are close to six figures.
Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Worker Salary by Georgia Location
|
Location |
Median Salary |
Top 10% Salary |
|
Atlanta-Sandy Springs-Roswell, GA |
$50,430 |
$95,380 |
|
Augusta-Richmond County, GA-SC |
$46,240 |
$73,540 |
|
Chattanooga, TN-GA |
$43,990 |
$62,460 |
|
Athens-Clarke County, GA |
$43,250 |
$61,040 |
Industry
The industry also affects salary. Nationwide, social workers in government and educational services earn the highest median salaries. Clinical social workers in Georgia may improve their earning potential by seeking jobs in these industries.
U.S. Social Worker Salary by Industry
|
Industry |
Median Salary |
|
Local government, excluding education and hospitals |
$64,550 |
|
Educational services; state, local, and private |
$62,980 |
|
State government, excluding education and hospitals |
$54,600 |
|
Individual and family services |
$48,550 |
|
Community and vocational rehabilitation services |
$46,650 |
More Facts About Social Work in Georgia
- Mental Health America ranked Georgia as the state with the highest prevalence of mental illness and substance use disorders.
- Georgia employed more than 14,000 social workers in 20232.
- Fifty years ago, the state consolidated all welfare programs into one agency called the Georgia Department of Human Services (DHS)3.
- Today, the DHS serves more than 2 million Georgians and employs approximately 8,506 people—including social workers across schools, hospitals, government facilities, the military, and other settings4.
- Georgia has one of the fastest-growing aging communities in the country. The U.S. Census Bureau estimated that more than 20% of Georgia’s population will be 60 or older by 20305.
- The Georgia Chapter of the National Association of Social Workers denotes the following causes for state-level causes6:
- Coalition on Human Needs Project
- Cancel Student Debt
- VoterVoice
How to Become a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) in Georgia
Licensed master social workers (LMSWs) work with individuals challenged by homelessness, lack of employment, and other issues, but do not have the clinical education and experience that LCSWs have. This means they cannot provide mental health treatment or counseling to clients unless they are under the direct supervision of an LCSW.
Licensed clinical social workers (LCSWs) provide essential mental health resources and treatment to those who need professional support. LCSWs typically work with individuals with mental or behavioral health conditions and are responsible for developing individualized treatment plans and monitoring their clients’ progress.
If you wish to become an LCSW in Georgia, you will need to take the following steps:
- Earn at least a master’s degree in social work from a program accredited by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE).
- Demonstrate at least 3,000 hours of LCSW-supervised work over the three years prior to application.
- Submit a CSW license application to the Georgia Composite Board of Professional Counselors, Social Workers and Marriage and Family Therapists.
- Pass the Association of Social Work Board (ASWB) Clinical exam.
Requirements for licensure may change so be sure to frequently check Georgia state requirements to ensure you are on the correct path to licensure.
After obtaining licensure from the state of Georgia, social workers can begin their professional careers. For those who are wondering how to become a social worker in Georgia, the following are the necessary steps:
- Create an updated professional resume, including all relevant licenses, certifications, specialized training, areas of proficiency, and professional references. An effective social work resume should follow an organized format, showcase the applicant’s personality, and be completely error-free.
- Start applying for positions. Although submitting a resume for every open social work job in Georgia may be tempting, it’s best to exercise restraint and be selective. Applicants should identify the roles that match their education, skill set, and the type of clients they wish to work with.
- Go through the interview process. The vetting process should be mutual. In addition to preparing for the interviewer’s questions, applicants should have a list of questions regarding the practice’s work culture and environment, common client challenges, and core values.
Landing the right social worker job in Georgia may take several applications and interviews. Job seekers should do their best to remain optimistic throughout the process. Patience, persistence, and positivity are key when navigating the job market.
Build Your Legacy on Ours at Florida State University
Elevate your clinical career and reputation with a leader in social work. For more than 20 years, Florida State University’s Online Master of Social Work (MSW) in Georgia has been consistently recognized as one of the best in the nation. Our world-class curriculum and growing fieldwork connections empower you, and your community, for a lifetime of impact.
Georgia Online MSW Program Details
For more than a century Florida State has offered classes on social welfare—establishing us as a center of social work practice, policy, and research. Our Online MSW program in Georgia gives you access to our distinguished legacy, curriculum, and educators from anywhere with an internet connection.
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There are two tracks, based on your undergraduate degree:
- Advanced Standing MSW: if you already have a Bachelor of Social Work
- Traditional MSW: if you have a bachelor's degree in another concentration
Both tracks are:
- Online & part-time *
- $625 per credit hour
- Accredited by the Council of Social Work Education (CSWE)
- Clinically focused, with fieldwork placements to apply theory to practice
* Limited seats are available in our Full-Time Advanced Standing MSW. Ask your advisor for details.
Click the corresponding tab for program-specific information.
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There are two tracks, based on your undergraduate degree:
- Advanced Standing MSW: if you already have a Bachelor of Social Work
- Traditional MSW: if you have a bachelor's degree in another concentration
Both tracks are:
- Online & part-time *
- $625 per credit hour
- Accredited by the Council of Social Work Education (CSWE)
- Clinically focused, with fieldwork placements to apply theory to practice
* Limited seats are available in our Full-Time Advanced Standing MSW. Ask your advisor for details.
Click the corresponding tab for program-specific information.
Online Traditional MSW
No matter what your academic background is, build on your bachelor’s degree to gain the practical competence and confidence you need to become a clinical social worker.
- Build on your existing bachelor's
- Graduate in 3 years
- Study part time
To apply, you must have a Bachelor’s Degree in any field from an accredited institution and submit:
- Transcripts with a minimum GPA of 3.0 on upper-division courses
- Resume and Statement of Purpose
- Letters of recommendation
- $30 application fee
Learn from faculty and peers during two mandatory on-campus weekend workshops in Tallahassee, Florida. Develop your clinical skills together before your first field placement.
Put online clinical theory into practice in various settings in your community, such as schools, agencies, clinics, and more. You’ll collaborate with the FSU Office of Field Education to find two local field placements.
Online Advanced Standing MSW
Take the first step to clinical licensure. Build on your Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) to increase your autonomy and earning potential.
- Build on your BSW
- Graduate in 2 years or less
- Study part time or full time
To apply, you must have a Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) from a CSWE-accredited institution and submit:
- Transcripts with a minimum GPA of 3.0 on upper-division courses
- Resume and Statement of Purpose
- Letters of recommendation
- $30 application fee
Except for your field placement, the Advanced Standing MSW can be completed online. This does include one mandatory zoom class.
Evolve in your current role* or collaborate with the FSU Office of Field Education to find one placement in your community.
*Pending FSU review and approval
Curriculum Snapshot
Our clinically-focused curriculum qualifies you to pursue a license in clinical social work. This is a sample list of courses you will take while enrolled in the online Traditional MSW program. For a complete course list, please download your guide.
This course focuses on reciprocal relationships between human behavior and social environments. Content includes empirically based theories and knowledge that focus on the interactions between and among systems of all sizes, including individuals, groups, societies, and economic systems. Theories and knowledge of biological, psychological, sociological, cultural, and spiritual development across the lifespan are critiqued, especially as they relate to at-risk populations. In addition, theories and knowledge about the range of social systems (individual, family, group, organizational, and community) in which people live are examined, including the ways social systems promote or deter people in maintaining or achieving health and well-being.
This course provides an initial opportunity to investigate the relationships among individual and collective social welfare and public policy in American society from a social work perspective, with emphasis placed on understanding these relationships in terms of social and economic justice. Particular attention is paid to acquisition of skills necessary to engage in policy advocacy and formulation consistent with social work values and ethics, fostering an appreciation for the roles played by social workers in the development of the American welfare state, and reviewing the history of the social work profession.
This course provides students with knowledge and skills related to the theory, research, and implications of child and adolescent maltreatment for child development and psychopathology. Course content is presented within the context of child welfare practice and social work with children and adolescents in public agencies and programs. Particular attention will be given to common psychological disorders that result from maltreatment and accompanying treatment issues. Issues related to individuals, families, groups, and communities are covered and attention is given to working with ethnic minorities, women, gays and lesbians, and persons with disabilities.
This advanced practice course emphasizes development of clinical skills. Students will refine their clinical skills, building on the research-based, nonspecific (common factors) components of therapeutic work (i.e., therapeutic alliance, empathy, goal consensus/collaboration, positive regard/affirmation, and genuineness) and specific factors (validated treatments). The course provides in-depth coverage of three empirically based models; Solution Focused, Motivational Interviewing, and Interpersonal Therapy. Learning applications of techniques informed by these models provides opportunities to enhance professional use of self. The course examines similarities and differences among models and allows students to discern appropriate use of techniques, client populations, settings, and problem interactions. Students will develop competency in the ethical and strength-based use of these models.
As part of this course, all students will be required to participate in a mandatory Zoom session.
Next Application Deadline
October 1, 2025
Next Start Date
January 5, 2026
Earvin Casciano, MSW Student
Kathleen McIntyre, MSW Student
Jennifer Bell, MSW Graduate
Federico Bravo, MSW Graduate
Frequently Asked Questions
For more than twenty years, we have offered our MSW online and are constantly evolving the curriculum and experience. As an online student, you get convenient access to distinguished faculty and skilled practitioners who are nationally recognized.
We are renowned for our research contributions and quality of education. U.S. News & World Report ranks us in the top 12% of social work graduate schools.
Yes, all coursework is completed online except for weekend workshops on campus and field placements that develop practical competence and confidence through hands-on experience.
- Traditional MSW students must complete (2) mandatory weekend workshops on campus in Tallahassee, Florida and (2) field placements.
- Advanced Standing MSW students must only complete (1) field placement. No campus visits are required.
The difference between our programs is dependent on your undergraduate experience.
The Advanced Standing MSW is available to students who have completed a bachelor’s degree in social work from a Council on Social Work Education (CSWE) accredited institution.
The Traditional MSW is for students who hold a bachelor’s degree in any concentration other than social work.
According to Fortune Education, MSW degrees can cost less than $40,000 or as much as $89,000. Florida State University’s Traditional Online MSW costs $625 per credit hour for Georgia residents and consists of 61 credit hours ($38,125 total). The Advanced Standing Online MSW consists of 39 credit hours ($24,375 total).
An online Master of Social Work increases your clinical autonomy, career opportunities and earning potential. Possible roles could include:
- Case management supervisor
- Clinical social worker
- Crisis manager
- Licensed mental health therapist
- Private practitioner
We’ve created an interactive tool to help you determine if our program meets licensing requirements.
Follow these steps:
- Click here to get started
- Program: Clinical/Medical Social Work
- Major: Social Work – MSW (Clin/Adv) or (Clin Trd) based on your bachelor’s degree
- Then, choose your state from the available options
Remember that licensure requirements can change, so it’s essential to check your state’s licensing agency periodically.
No, the College of Social Work does not require a GRE at this time.
Sources
- NASW - Social Work Salaries
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics - May 2023 State Occupational Employment and Wage Estimates
- Georgia Department of Human Services - Honoring 50 years of social services in Georgia
- Georgia Department of Human Services - State Fiscal Year 2022 Annual Report
- Georgia Department of Human Services - Demand for professionals in aging field increasing
- NASW - Welcome to NASW Georgia Chapter
We're Here to Help
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