Social Work Degrees in Wyoming

Social workers help the most at-risk members in the community. They may focus on certain populations, such as school children or hospital patients, or particular issues, such as abuse or homelessness. Social workers connect clients with resources, help homeless people secure shelter, address behavioral problems in children, and assist individuals coping with mental illness. There are many different types of social work professionals can practice. Options include family and childcare social worker, school social worker, healthcare social worker, or mental health and substance abuse social worker.

By 2024, jobs for mental health and substance abuse social workers in Wyoming are projected to increase by 25%. BLS

With a constant need for social workers due to the opioid epidemic, child welfare cases, and other crisis situations, the job outlook for social workers in Wyoming is solid. By 2024, the Bureau of Labor Statistics projects that jobs for mental health and substance abuse social workers in Wyoming will increase by 25%. In comparison, the average rate of growth for all occupations nationwide is just 7%.

Social work programs teach students how to help the community by keeping others’ best interests at the forefront. Students enrolled in social work programs gain skills in teamwork, empathy, problem solving, time management, and communication. Individuals with social work degrees can also find jobs as professors, probation officers, and case workers. This page describes social work programs in Wyoming, licensing requirements, and job prospects for social workers in the state.

Featured Online Programs in Social Work

How to Become a Social Worker in Wyoming

All 50 states require clinical social workers to hold a license. Wyoming requires licenses for social workers who diagnose, treat, and address disorders and mental illnesses. Nonclinical professionals may be able to find jobs without holding a social worker license. In Wyoming, social workers can obtain three licenses: certified social worker, licensed clinical social worker, or provisional clinical social worker. The level of license candidates can obtain depends on their education and work experience. At minimum, applicants must hold a bachelor’s degree and pass a relevant exam. Candidates can apply for full or provisional licensure through the Wyoming Mental Health Professions Licensing Board.

Aspiring social workers should earn at least a bachelor’s or master’s degree.

Aspiring social workers should earn at least a bachelor’s or master’s degree. While associate programs can prepare individuals for certain assistant jobs, these degrees do not qualify candidates for licensure. Many bachelor’s and master’s programs include internships to provide students with firsthand experience in the field. In order to obtain a license, candidates must complete a program certified by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE).

Types of Social Work Degrees in Wyoming

There are many different options for students interested in earning a social work degree in Wyoming. An associate of social work takes full-time students about two years to complete. The program provides an introduction to the social work field and prepares students for careers as social work or human services assistants. The program is a suitable starting point for students interested in a bachelor’s degree. Bachelor’s of social work programs take full-time students about four years to complete. These graduates qualify for basic social worker licensure. However, only certain opportunities are available to bachelor’s candidates.

For full licensure and career opportunities, students must earn a master’s or doctoral degree in social work. A master’s of social work takes about two years to complete, while a doctoral program takes an additional three to five years. These programs require extensive clinical hours or supervised work experience. Doctoral candidates must also complete a lengthy dissertation or original research.

Associate Degree

An associate degree in social work teaches students the foundational skills they need to become social workers. While an associate degree does not qualify students to practice social work, it does allow them to pursue careers as social work or human services assistants. Graduates usually transfer into a bachelor’s program.

Bachelor’s Degree

A bachelor’s degree in social work covers in-depth topics like diversity, social policy, and human behavior. Some programs allow students to choose a specialization or concentration. Graduates can obtain a license or pursue a master’s program.

Master’s Degree

A master’s degree in social work usually focuses on a particular area such as addiction or clinical work. Students complete assignments and projects that prepare them for situations they will face daily. Graduates are eligible for all social work licenses in Wyoming, as long as they complete additional work and exam requirements.

Doctoral Degree

A doctoral degree in social work focuses heavily on research. Students continue to learn about social structures and gain advanced skills. Through their dissertation, learners express new ideas or present original research. In addition to licensed social work, graduates can obtain positions as researchers, professors, clinicians, and administrators.

Finding a Social Work Program in Wyoming

There are several social work programs in Wyoming. When researching programs, students should take several factors into consideration, including cost, length, field experiences, and credit requirements. Learners should begin by determining which social work careers they would like to pursue. They should then research what degree they will need and which licensure they should obtain. Students interested in a particular field, such as school social work, should find a program that offers a concentration in their field.

Accreditation is vital for all students regardless of major. Employers and other colleges do not recognize credits and degrees from unaccredited schools. Learners should look for a school with national or regional accreditation. All students interested in a social work license must attend a program accredited by the CSWE. Another important aspect is location. Some students may not be willing or able to move across the state. Some schools maintain satellite locations or other campuses.

Can You Earn a Social Work Degree Online in Wyoming?

Students can earn an online social work degree from a Wyoming college or an out-of-state school. As long as the program is accredited, graduates from online schools can easily obtain social work licenses. Online programs offer greater flexibility, affordability, and accessibility than on-campus programs. Unlike on-campus students, distance learners do not have to pay for room and board, on-campus fees, or transportation costs. Some schools offer discounted tuition rates for online learners. However, online social work degrees typically require in-person components like capstones, internships, or clinical hours. Many schools allow students to complete these requirements in their local communities.

As long as the program is accredited, graduates from online schools can easily obtain social work licenses.

When considering online social work degrees, students should research program format. Self-paced programs allow students to complete coursework as quickly or slowly as they would like. Cohort programs, on the other hand, require students to work through classes as a group of peers. Schools may offer synchronous courses, asynchronous courses, or a blend of both. Students who want to create their own schedules instead of logging in at a particular time should search for asynchronous courses.

How Long Does It Take to Become a Social Worker in Wyoming?

The most time-consuming step in the licensure process is obtaining a degree. An associate of social work does not qualify individuals to practice social work, but it does allow candidates to find work as social work assistants. Associate programs take full-time students two years to complete. Bachelor’s programs, the minimum requirement for licensure, take full-time students four years to complete. Students who already hold an associate degree can finish a bachelor’s program in two years. Professionals interested in independent clinical work must obtain a master’s degree, which takes an additional two years. Doctoral degrees, the highest level possible, take three to seven years.

After graduating from their desired program, individuals can apply for licensure in their field. The licensure process takes a few weeks to a few months, depending on exam requirements and other factors. Recent graduates can obtain jobs immediately after graduating from a bachelor’s program, as long as they complete all licensure requirements within six months of finding work. In addition to a master’s program, independent clinical social workers must complete 3,000 hours of supervised work experience before obtaining an advanced license.

How Much Does a Social Work Program Cost in Wyoming?

One key factor to consider when researching online social work programs in Wyoming is cost. Tuition, living expenses, books, and other fees greatly affect the total cost of education. Tuition costs vary depending on the university. Typically, universities offer lower rates for in-state students. Some universities give tuition discounts to online students.

While each license costs a different amount, candidates should expect to pay few hundred dollars for exam costs, application fees, and continuing education credits. Optional advanced certifications cost an additional fee. Applicants should budget $150-$300 for the application and $230-$260 for the ASWB exam.

Types of Social Work Licenses in Wyoming

To diagnose mental illness, treat addiction, or provide counseling, professionals must obtain a license from the Wyoming Mental Health Professions Licensing Board. Wyoming offers three social work licenses: certified social worker (CSW), provisional clinical social worker (PCSW), and licensed clinical social worker (LCSW). The state also issues licenses for addictions practitioners, addictions therapists, mental health workers, professional counselors, and marriage and family therapists.

Wyoming offers three social work licenses: certified social worker (CSW), provisional clinical social worker (PCSW), and licensed clinical social worker (LCSW).

CSWs use social work theory and methods to assess, diagnose, treat, and and prevent disabilities, emotional disorders, mental illnesses, and other psychosocial dysfunctions. CSWs must work under the supervision of a qualified clinical supervisor. They must work for an approved organization and cannot run their own practices. In order to qualify for CSW licensure, candidates must complete a CSWE-accredited bachelor’s program.

LCSWs provide psychotherapy, host interventions, offer counseling, advocate for clients, and diagnose disorders. Unlike CSWs, LCSWs can work independently without supervision. They may assist individuals, families, groups, communities and organizations. In order to obtain this credential, candidates must complete a CSWE-accredited master’s program and undergo 3,000 hours of supervised work experience. Wyoming grants a provisional clinical social worker license to professionals working towards LCSW licensure. To apply for licensure, individuals must submit a $150-$300 fee and pass the relevant ASWB exam. Each exam costs $230-$260.

In addition to licensure, social work professionals can obtain advanced certification. Certification is a usually voluntary process that demonstrates candidates’ skills in a particular area. The advanced practice specialty credentials listed below are all available through the National Association of Social Workers (NASW).

Career and Salary Outlook for Social Work Degree Graduates

There are numerous career opportunities in the field of social work. The most common path is licensure. However, some nonclinical positions do not require an official certification or license. Generally, social workers provide counseling, support services, treatment, and other assistance to their clients. All of these jobs require patience, benevolence, and a dedication to helping others. Below are a few career options available to social workers in Wyoming.

Featured Programs in Social Work

Scholarships for Social Work Majors in Wyoming

Students pursuing their social work degree in Wyoming have many different scholarship opportunities. Some scholarships are available to all students in Wyoming, while others focus specifically on social work majors. In addition to the awards below, students should research scholarships offered by national associations, local businesses, state agencies, and private foundations.

Paul Stock Scholarship

Amount: Varies

Who Can Apply: The University of Wyoming offers this scholarship to students in the BSW or MSW program. Candidates must be residents of Wyoming, prove academic success, have experience in social work or community service, and demonstrate financial need.

James Wiebler Memorial Scholarship Fund

Amount: Varies

Who Can Apply: BSW and MSW students at the University of Wyoming are eligible for this award. Applicants must submit a statement of financial need.

The Melanie Foundation Scholarship

Amount: $2,500

Who Can Apply: Applicants must enroll in a graduate program related to mental health. Candidates must have a history of involvement in extracurricular, research, volunteer, and career-related activities.

Carl A. Scott Memorial Fund

Amount: Varies

Who Can Apply: This scholarship assists students interested in social justice and equality. Applicants must be enrolled in their final year of a social work degree program and have a 3.0 minimum GPA.

Resources for Social Work Students in Wyoming

• University of Wyoming Division of Social Work The University of Wyoming Division of Social Work presents faculty research and successful student outcomes. The program provides networking opportunities and hosts events relevant to social workers.
• Wyoming Counseling Association The Wyoming Counseling Association advocates for social work and counseling professionals. The association provides members with resources, networking opportunities, and information on continuing education.
• Council on Social Work Education The CSWE is a national nonprofit association that represents more than 2,500 members. Most importantly, CSWE accredits social work programs across the country. Most states only grant licenses to graduates from CSWE-accredited programs.
• American Academy of Social Work and Social Welfare AASWSW advocates for improved social policy, promotes research in social work and welfare, and promotes social work education. Members can discuss their research and share ideas with each other.