Your guide to social work programs in Wisconsin

Welcome to your guide to social work in Wisconsin. While there are social work opportunities across the nation, Wisconsin offers a unique set of opportunities because of its economic and demographic diversity. We’ll cover everything from formal education to licensing requirements so that you can plot out your path to becoming a licensed social worker in Wisconsin. Let’s start by looking at how Wisconsin’s economic, political, and social forces have shaped social work opportunities.

CONTENTS OF THIS GUIDE

• MSW programs in Wisconsin
• Online MSW programs in Wisconsin
• How to become a social worker in Wisconsin
• Social work license requirements in Wisconsin
• Social work jobs and social worker salary in Wisconsin
• Social work outlook in Wisconsin

Social work in Wisconsin

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), there are 12,420 social workers in Wisconsin. Wisconsin’s unique socioeconomic forces have shaped the state’s social work field in many ways. From social changes to economic pressures, here are some of the factors that influence social workers’ careers in Wisconsin:

• Wisconsin’s economy is primarily driven by manufacturing, agriculture, and healthcare. Before the COVID pandemic, unemployment was historically low at 3 percent statewide. The southeast portion of the state is considered part of America’s iconic Rust Belt and is part of the manufacturing powerhouse of the country. However, the COVID pandemic and international competition are putting increasing pressure on manufacturing jobs. As the population is forced to shift from a manufacturing demographic into another skilled trade, there is a potential for a rise in joblessness and an increase in poverty. To help combat these socioeconomic forces, the need for social services, welfare, and family social workers will increase.
• Since 2000, Wisconsin has struggled with a rising rate of opioid abuse. The number of deaths has grown nearly tenfold over the last two decades. The statistics show that the central and southern portions of the state have been hit the hardest. Still, there is very little difference between the rural and urban areas. As manufacturing jobs decline in the wake of the COVID pandemic and on-going trade wars, experts predict that the opioid epidemic will only worsen. For this reason, the demand for clinical, addiction, and even public health social workers will increase.

Now that we understand a little more about how cultural and economic forces shape social workers’ careers in Wisconsin let’s dive into taking the first steps towards becoming a licensed social work professional.

MSW programs in Wisconsin

If you’re looking to become a licensed social worker in Wisconsin, you’ll need to start by getting your bachelor’s and master’s degrees in social work. Let’s look at the schools in Wisconsin that offer MSW programs.

• University of Wisconsin – The University of Wisconsin offers CSWE- accredited MSW programs on both full and part-time program schedules at many of its campuses. The full-time schedule usually takes about two years for students to complete. If you opt to go part-time, you can expect the program to take you about four years. There’s also an advanced standing program for students who qualify. The program at the Madison campus is ranked number eleven in the nation, but you can also pursue your MSW at the Milwaukee, Oshkosh, Green Bay, or Eau Claire campuses (among others).
• Concordia University – With a Christian focus, the MSW program at Concordia University is fully CSWE-accredited. They also offer a bachelor’s of social work (BSW) degree if you are just getting started. This program provides increased flexibility for students with both full and part-time program schedules. There is also an advanced standing program for students who meet the requirements.

Online MSW programs in Wisconsin

Online and hybrid degree programs offer increased scheduling flexibility, which can be extremely valuable if you find yourself struggling to free up time to devote to additional schooling. Many nation-wide MSW programs offer 100% online or hybrid programs. In Wisconsin, there is only one school that offers non-traditional hybrid classes for increased flexibility. 

• Concordia University – Concordia University recognizes the value that hybrid and online courses offer to busy students. If a full-time course load doesn’t work for you, they offer part-time options, including some online courses. To graduate, you’ll need a total of 66 credit hours. Most classes have a 12:1 student ratio, so you don’t need to worry about getting lost in the masses.

How to become a social worker in Wisconsin

Becoming a social worker in Wisconsin isn’t just about obtaining your MSW degree. There are several different social work career paths that you can take. You can focus on obtaining your license as a Certified Social Worker (CSW), Certified Advanced Practice Social Worker (CAPSW), Certified Independent Social Worker (CISW), or Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW). The requirements for each of these licenses are slightly different, so we’ll explore each one individually.

CSW

1. Obtain your BSW or MSW from a CSWE accredited school.
2. Submit the CSW application form.
3. Pass the Wisconsin law exam. This is an open-book test that focuses on the specific legal regulations in social work practice.
4. Pass the ASWB Bachelor’s exam.

CAPSW

1. Obtain your MSW from a CSWE accredited school.
2. Apply for your CAPSW license.
3. Pass the Wisconsin law exam. This is an open-book test that focuses on the specific legal regulations in social work practice.
4. Pass the ASWB Master’s exam.

CISW

1. Obtain your MSW or DSW from a CSWE accredited school.
2. Complete two years (3,000 hours) of supervised social work.
3. Apply for your CISW license.
4. Pass the Wisconsin law exam. This is an open-book test that focuses on the specific legal regulations in social work practice.
5. Pass the ASWB Advanced Generalist Exam.

LCSW

1. Obtain your MSW or DSW from a CSWE accredited school.
2. Complete two years (3,000 hours) of supervised experience. At least 1,000 hours need to be completed in the form of face-to-face clinical interaction with clients.
3. Apply for your LCSW license.
4. Pass the Wisconsin law exam. This is an open-book test that focuses on the specific legal regulations in social work practice.
5. Pass the ASWB clinical exam.

While it’s not specifically required for obtaining a social work license, having a doctoral degree in social work will not only help you prepare for the state’s licensing requirements, it can also boost your post-graduation salary and job prospects. The University of Wisconsin is the only school in Wisconsin that offers a PhD program in social work.

Wisconsin also offers a social worker training certificate (SWTC) instead of official licensure. To qualify for this certificate, you will need a human services bachelor’s degree that demonstrates you’ve completed courses on ethics, statistics, and a high-level social services overview course. You can find out more about the specific requirements at the state licensing board’s SWTC page.

Social work license requirements in Wisconsin

The Wisconsin Department of Safety and Professional Services regulates the types of licensure within the state. Candidates can apply for four different licensure standings and one certificate option.

The CAPSW, CISW, and LCSW licensure levels require an MSW at a minimum. However, applicants pursuing the SWTC or CSW licensure only need a Bachelor’s degree. The CISW and LCSW are the only licenses that require supervised work hours. The CISW and LCSW require at least 3,000 hours of post-graduate work hours before applicants are eligible to apply for their licensures.

Wisconsin does offer out-of-state licensing reciprocity if applicants meet specific requirements. Each application is reviewed on an individual basis. While this reciprocity doesn’t automatically equal licensure within Wisconsin, it might offer attractive licensure options for those who have already been licensed and have practiced licensed social work in other states. Out-of-state licensed social workers can apply for licensure within Wisconsin but might have to take the open-book Wisconsin law exam to qualify for reciprocity. 

Social worker jobs and social worker salary in Wisconsin

The demand for social workers in Wisconsin will continue to grow as the socioeconomic demographics of the state shift. There are currently 12,420 social workers within Wisconsin. Of those 12,420, here is how they break down into specializations according to the BLS:

Social worker salary data in Wisconsin

Range: $47,470 – $55,390

Average: $50,717

Child, family, and school social worker — There are 4,570 child, family, and school social workers in Wisconsin. The average salary for this group is $47,470 a year. 

Healthcare social worker – About 3,850 social workers work in healthcare in Wisconsin. They make an average annual salary of $54,220.

Mental health and substance abuse social worker – There are 2,340 mental health and substance abuse social workers in Wisconsin. The average reported salary is $47,980.

Social worker (all other) – A general group of “all other social workers” that consists of social workers in private practice and administration number 1,660. The average salary is $55,390.

As with other states, one factor in increasing your annual salary as a social worker is obtaining your doctoral degree in social work. While it’s not required, it can be a boon to your career as a social worker.

Social work outlook in Wisconsin

Compared to the national average, Wisconsin has a slightly lower concentration of social workers. However, the demand for social work professionals continues to expand. As its population battles with the COVID, opioid, and economic challenges, there will be a continued demand for social workers, particularly professionals who focus on welfare and addiction. This is especially true as the coronavirus pandemic continues to change the socioeconomic landscape and puts increasing pressure on the healthcare and welfare systems.