Online MSW Programs in Wisconsin

MSW in Wisconsin

In order to earn a social work license in Wisconsin you'll need to complete a social work degree in the state. The Council on Social Work Education (CSWE) is the main accrediting board for schools in each state.

Currently, there are three programs available that are taught fully-online at the master's level that CSWE has approved based on the organization's accreditation standards and educational policy.

Graduates of each program will have the opportunity to earn social work jobs in Wisconsin.

CSWE-Accredited Online MSW Programs by State

• Alabama
• Alaska
• Arizona
• Arkansas
• California
• Colorado
• Connecticut
• Delaware
• Florida
• Georgia
• Hawaii
• Idaho
• Illinois
• Indiana
• Iowa
• Kansas
• Kentucky
• Louisiana
• Maine
• Maryland
• Massachusetts
• Michigan
• Minnesota
• Mississippi
• Missouri
• Montana
• Nebraska
• Nevada
• New Hampshire
• New Jersey
• New Mexico
• New York
• North Carolina
• North Dakota
• Ohio
• Oklahoma
• Oregon
• Pennsylvania
• South Carolina
• South Dakota
• Tennessee
• Texas
• Utah
• Vermont
• Virginia
• Washington
• West Virginia
• Wyoming

How To Become a Social Worker in Wisconsin

Once you earn your MSW in Wisconsin you'll be eligible to apply for the proper credentials. The Wisconsin Board of Social Work is overseen by the Department of Safety and Professional Services, which outlines the requirements for earning a social work license in Wisconsin as well as how to become a certified advanced practice social worker. 

Certified Advanced Practice Social Worker H3

The Wisconsin social work board states that a Certified Advanced Practice Social Worker (CAPSW) is allowed to practice general social work under the supervision of a licensed clinical social worker. 

The requirements to become a CAPSW are as follows:

• For certified advanced practice social workers, the state requires you to have completed at least a master's degree in social work.
• You're also required to pass the Association of Social Work Boards' (ASWB) master's exam, which costs $230.
• Once the above is completed, you'll fill out and submit a form to apply for certification. 

Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW)

Once you've gained certification as a CAPSW, you can apply to become a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW). 

The requirements are as follows:

• Provide proof of 3,000 hours of supervised clinical social work practice, which must include 1,000 hours of face-to-face client contact and feature Diagnostic and Statistical Manual (DSM) of mental disorders and treatment of individuals. There's also a supervisor's form that must be submitted to confirm your experience. 
• You'll also need to provide proof of your clinical coursework during your MSW by submitting an additional form. 
• From there, you'll need to pass the ASWB Clinical examination, which costs $260.
• Your exam results will be passed along to the board for confirmation at which point they will issue your license.

Social Work Jobs in Wisconsin

There are a few state-specific agencies and associations that offer assistance for licensed social workers to obtain employment. LCSWs in Wisconsin can take advantage of job resources from the Wisconsin Chapter of the National Association of Social Workers. The posted roles include positions within local health and human services departments throughout Wisconsin, such as a community support program manager and clinical social worker. 

There's also the Wisconsin Social Services Association and the Wisconsin Nursing Home Social Services Association that offer resources for employment. The Job Center of Wisconsin may be the most fruitful option, with over 500 social worker roles listed as of October 2022.

Social Worker Salary in Wisconsin

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), there are 37,890 individuals employed in community and social services throughout the state. 

A median social worker's salary in Wisconsin was $50,910 as of May 2021. This equates to an hourly mean wage of $24.48. Wisconsin social workers earn slightly less than the national median wage for similar roles, which sits at $53,950. 

Bottom Line

Online MSW degrees provide graduates with an advanced understanding of the social sciences. Not only can graduates promptly gain licensure to work in Wisconsin, but they'll also be able to explore other careers in social work. As mental health services become more commonplace, social workers in Wisconsin will find there are plenty of ways to put their skills to use.