Last updated: February 25, 2026

Best MSW Programs in Vermont (2026)

The CSWE-accredited Master of Social Work program in Vermont for 2026, with tuition, LMSW/LICSW licensure requirements, salary data, and field placement details.

Taylor Rupe

Founder & Editor

B.A. in Psychology, University of Washington — Seattle

Key Takeaways

  • Vermont has 1 CSWE-accredited MSW program — the University of Vermont in Burlington — offering both on-campus and part-time formats with in-state tuition at $692/credit and a single concentration in Transformative Social Work.
  • Vermont issues two master's-level licenses through the Office of Professional Regulation: the LMSW (requires MSW + ASWB Masters exam, no post-degree experience) and the LICSW (requires 3,000 supervised hours over 2+ years, including 100 hours of direct supervision, plus the ASWB Clinical exam and a Vermont Jurisprudence Exam).
  • Vermont social workers earn slightly above national medians for child, family, and school positions ($59,700 vs. $58,570 nationally), while healthcare social workers earn $67,250 and mental health and substance abuse social workers earn $61,070 — reflecting the state's strong demand for behavioral health providers.
  • Vermont has extensive mental health workforce shortages, with large portions of the state — particularly rural areas in the Northeast Kingdom and southern Vermont — designated as mental health HPSAs by HRSA, creating strong job security and incentives for MSW graduates.
  • The Vermont Department of Health offers state-funded loan repayment for behavioral health providers at Designated and Specialized Service Agencies, and the NHSC Loan Repayment Program provides up to $75,000 for LICSWs serving in Health Professional Shortage Areas.

Vermont has 1 CSWE-accredited MSW program at the University of Vermont (UVM) in Burlington, the state's flagship public university. UVM's MSW program costs $692/credit for in-state students and $1,860/credit for out-of-state students, with a 60-credit full-time track completed over 2 years and an advanced standing option for BSW holders. The program's single concentration in Transformative Social Work emphasizes systemic change, social justice, and evidence-based practice across all levels of intervention, with four focus courses allowing students to tailor their studies toward specific populations or fields of practice.

After graduation, Vermont licenses social workers through the Office of Professional Regulation (OPR) within the Secretary of State's office. The Licensed Master Social Worker (LMSW) is available upon completing your MSW and passing the ASWB Masters exam — no post-degree supervised experience is required. The Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker (LICSW) requires 3,000 hours of post-MSW supervised practice over at least 2 years, including 2,000 hours of face-to-face client contact and 100 hours of direct supervision by an LICSW, plus the ASWB Clinical exam and a 20-question Vermont Jurisprudence Exam.

Vermont's social work job market is shaped by the state's small population, rural geography, and significant behavioral health workforce shortages. Major employers include the University of Vermont Medical Center, the Vermont Department for Children and Families (DCF), community mental health centers (Designated Agencies), the White River Junction VA Medical Center, Brattleboro Retreat, Howard Center, and school districts across the state. Vermont's progressive social policies, combined with acute workforce shortages and loan repayment incentives, create favorable conditions for MSW graduates committed to practicing in the Green Mountain State.

CSWE-Accredited MSW Programs in Vermont

School Tuition (In-State) Format Length Accreditation
University of Vermont $692/credit (~$41,520 total for 60 credits) On-campus (Burlington) with part-time option 2 years (60 credits) CSWE-accredited

University of Vermont

Burlington

In-State Tuition

$692/credit (~$41,520 total for 60 credits)

Out-of-State

$1,860/credit (~$111,600 total for 60 credits)

Format

On-campus (Burlington) with part-time option

Full-Time

2 years (60 credits)

Advanced Standing

1 year (39 credits, Summer–Spring)

Field Hours

900 (400 generalist + 500 specialization)

Concentrations

Transformative Social Work

  • Vermont's only CSWE-accredited MSW program, housed at the state's flagship public university in Burlington with a long history of social work education
  • Single concentration in Transformative Social Work emphasizes systemic change, social justice, and evidence-based practice across micro, mezzo, and macro levels
  • Four focus courses allow tailored study toward children and families, health care, mental health, or community practice
  • Advanced standing for BSW holders completes in just 1 year (39 credits) from Summer through Spring — requires CSWE-accredited BSW within past 7 years and 3.0 GPA
  • Burlington's diverse social service ecosystem provides rich field placement opportunities at UVM Medical Center, Howard Center, DCF, school districts, and community organizations
  • GRE is optional — the program does not require it for admission, though it may strengthen a weaker application
  • Part-time enrollment over 4 years accommodates working professionals who cannot attend full-time
Visit Program Website → GRE: Not required · Min GPA: 3.0 (recommended; no strict minimum for regular track)

Social Work Licensure Requirements in Vermont

Vermont licenses social workers through the Office of Professional Regulation (OPR) within the Vermont Secretary of State's office. The state issues two master's-level licenses: the Licensed Master Social Worker (LMSW) for generalist practice and the Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker (LICSW) for independent clinical practice including psychotherapy and diagnosis.

The LMSW requires no post-degree supervised experience — you can apply immediately after completing your MSW from a CSWE-accredited program and passing the ASWB Masters exam, along with the Vermont Jurisprudence Exam. For the LICSW, you must complete 3,000 hours of post-MSW supervised practice over a minimum of 2 years, including 2,000 hours of direct face-to-face client contact and 100 hours of direct supervision by an LICSW, plus pass the ASWB Clinical exam and the Vermont Jurisprudence Exam. The application fee is $100. Both licenses renew biennially with 20 hours of continuing education, including 1.5 hours in ethics.

License Full Name Supervised Hours Exam
LMSW Licensed Master Social Worker N/A (associate level) ASWB Masters + Vermont Jurisprudence Exam
LICSW Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker 3,000 hrs (2 years min) ASWB Clinical + Vermont Jurisprudence Exam

Vermont allows licensure by endorsement for out-of-state social workers who hold an active license in another jurisdiction. Applicants must submit verification of their current license, official transcripts from a CSWE-accredited program, proof of passing the appropriate ASWB exam, and documentation of supervised experience for the LICSW. All applicants must also pass the Vermont Jurisprudence Exam, which tests knowledge of Vermont's social work statutes and administrative rules (20 questions, 70% passing score). Vermont has also enacted legislation to streamline licensure for credentialed individuals from other states. Additionally, Vermont has joined the Social Work Licensure Compact, which will allow social workers licensed in compact member states to practice across state lines once the compact becomes fully operational. Contact the OPR at 802-828-1505 for specific guidance.

Licensing Board

Vermont Office of Professional Regulation (OPR)

Phone: 802-828-1505

Board Website → Verify a License →

Social Worker Salary in Vermont

Vermont's social worker salaries are close to or slightly above national medians across most specializations, reflecting the state's significant workforce shortages in behavioral health. Child, family, and school social workers earn slightly above the national median, while healthcare social workers fall just below. Vermont's lower cost of living compared to neighboring New England states — particularly Massachusetts and Connecticut — gives social workers stronger purchasing power. Within the Burlington-South Burlington metro area, social workers earn the highest salaries in the state. All salary data below is from the BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2024.

Occupation State Median National Median Premium Top Metro
Child, Family, and School Social Workers $59,700 $58,570 +1.9% $62,540 (Burlington-South Burlington)
Healthcare Social Workers $67,250 $68,090 -1.2% $72,300 (Burlington-South Burlington)
Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workers $61,070 $60,060 +1.7% $65,190 (Burlington-South Burlington)

Vermont Social Work Job Market and Workforce

Vermont faces significant behavioral health workforce shortages, with much of the state designated as a mental health Health Professional Shortage Area by HRSA. The Northeast Kingdom (Caledonia, Essex, and Orleans counties), southern Vermont, and other rural areas have the most acute shortages, with some communities having extremely limited access to licensed behavioral health providers. Even the Burlington metro area experiences growing demand that outpaces supply, driven by the opioid crisis, an aging population, and expanding mental health awareness.

Major employers for social workers include the University of Vermont Medical Center (Vermont's largest hospital and employer), the Vermont Department for Children and Families (DCF), Designated Agencies (Vermont's network of 10 community mental health centers, including Howard Center, Washington County Mental Health Services, and Lamoille County Mental Health Services), the White River Junction VA Medical Center, the Brattleboro Retreat (a psychiatric hospital), Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHCs), and public school districts across the state. Vermont's integration of behavioral health into primary care, its Hub and Spoke model for opioid treatment, and its expanding school-based mental health services are creating growing demand for MSW-level social workers in both clinical and community roles.

Loan Repayment and Scholarship Programs

  • Vermont State Loan Repayment Program — State-funded loan repayment and tuition assistance for behavioral health providers, including licensed social workers, who work at Vermont's Designated and Specialized Service Agencies (community mental health centers). Administered through the Vermont Department of Health and Vermont Care Partners.
  • National Health Service Corps (NHSC) Loan Repayment Program — Up to $75,000 in federal loan repayment for LICSWs serving at NHSC-approved sites in Health Professional Shortage Areas for an initial 2-year commitment, with extensions available.
  • NHSC Substance Use Disorder (SUD) Workforce Loan Repayment — Up to $75,000 for LICSWs providing substance use disorder treatment at NHSC-approved sites in Vermont, with an initial 3-year service commitment.
  • Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) — Social workers at the UVM Medical Center, DCF, the White River Junction VA, Designated Agencies, FQHCs, school districts, and other qualifying nonprofit or government employers are eligible for federal PSLF after 10 years of qualifying payments under an income-driven repayment plan.

How to Choose an MSW Program in Vermont

With only one CSWE-accredited MSW program in Vermont, your primary decision is whether the University of Vermont is the right fit for your career goals, budget, and lifestyle — or whether an online program from an out-of-state institution better serves your needs. Here are the key factors to consider.

  • If you want an in-person, on-campus experience in Vermont: The University of Vermont is your only option for a CSWE-accredited MSW with a traditional campus-based format. Burlington offers a vibrant small-city environment with diverse field placement sites at UVM Medical Center, Howard Center, DCF, and local schools.
  • If you're a Vermont resident seeking the best tuition value: UVM's in-state rate of $692/credit (roughly $41,520 for 60 credits) is competitive for a New England public university MSW. Compare this to online programs from other New England schools, some of which offer flat-rate tuition regardless of residency.
  • If you need to study online or need maximum flexibility: UVM's MSW does not currently offer a fully online pathway. Vermont residents seeking an online CSWE-accredited MSW should consider programs from institutions such as Boston University, Simmons University, or the University of New England (in Maine), all of which arrange field placements in Vermont communities.
  • If you have a BSW and want to finish fast: UVM's advanced standing track requires 39 credits completed in one year (Summer through Spring). You must hold a CSWE-accredited BSW earned within the past 7 years with a minimum 3.0 GPA.
  • If you're interested in rural social work or community practice: UVM's Transformative Social Work concentration, combined with Vermont's rural geography and significant workforce shortages, provides excellent preparation for practicing in underserved communities. Field placements are available throughout the state, not just in Burlington.
  • If you're from another New England state: UVM does not offer a NEBHE Tuition Break for its MSW program, so out-of-state New England residents pay the full out-of-state rate of $1,860/credit. Compare UVM's total cost to online MSW programs with flat-rate tuition before committing.

Related Pages

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Doctoral programs for experienced social workers

Clinical Social Worker Career Guide

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Clinical Social Worker Salary

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MSW Programs by State

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Frequently Asked Questions

Vermont has 1 CSWE-accredited MSW program: the University of Vermont (UVM) in Burlington. UVM is the state's flagship public university and the only institution offering a CSWE-accredited Master of Social Work in Vermont. The program offers a 60-credit full-time track (2 years), a part-time track (4 years), and an advanced standing track for BSW holders (39 credits, 1 year). Graduates are prepared for LMSW and LICSW licensure in Vermont.
To become a Licensed Master Social Worker (LMSW) in Vermont, you need an MSW from a CSWE-accredited program and passing scores on the ASWB Masters exam and the Vermont Jurisprudence Exam. No post-degree supervised experience is required. For the Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker (LICSW), you need the MSW plus 3,000 hours of supervised post-degree practice over a minimum of 2 years, including 2,000 hours of direct face-to-face client contact and 100 hours of supervision by an LICSW, plus passing scores on the ASWB Clinical exam and the Vermont Jurisprudence Exam. Both licenses are issued by the Vermont Office of Professional Regulation and renew biennially with 20 hours of continuing education, including 1.5 hours in ethics.
The University of Vermont charges $692 per credit for Vermont residents and $1,860 per credit for out-of-state students (2025–2026 rates). The full-time 60-credit program costs approximately $41,520 in-state or $111,600 out-of-state before fees and living expenses. The advanced standing track for BSW holders requires 39 credits, costing roughly $26,988 in-state or $72,540 out-of-state. UVM does not currently offer a NEBHE Tuition Break for the MSW program, so out-of-state New England residents pay the standard out-of-state rate.
The University of Vermont's MSW program does not currently offer a fully online pathway — it is primarily an on-campus program with a part-time option. Vermont residents seeking an online CSWE-accredited MSW should consider programs from institutions such as Boston University, Simmons University, the University of New England (Maine), or other nationally accredited online programs. These programs arrange field placements at Vermont sites, allowing you to gain local clinical experience while completing online coursework. All online MSW programs still require in-person field placement hours (typically 900+) at an approved agency.
BLS May 2024 data shows: child, family, and school social workers in Vermont earn a median of $59,700 (national: $58,570), healthcare social workers earn a median of $67,250 (national: $68,090), and mental health and substance abuse social workers earn a median of $61,070 (national: $60,060). In the Burlington-South Burlington metro area, salaries are higher across all specialties. Vermont's lower cost of living compared to neighboring Massachusetts and Connecticut provides stronger purchasing power, and LICSWs in private practice or specialized healthcare settings can earn well above these medians.
Yes. The Vermont Department of Health offers state-funded loan repayment and tuition assistance for behavioral health providers, including licensed social workers, who work at Vermont's Designated and Specialized Service Agencies (the state's community mental health center network). Federal programs like the NHSC Loan Repayment Program (up to $75,000 for a 2-year commitment at an HPSA site) and Public Service Loan Forgiveness also apply to Vermont social workers at qualifying employers such as UVM Medical Center, DCF, the White River Junction VA, and Designated Agencies.
The Vermont Jurisprudence Exam is a state-specific test required for all social work license applicants in Vermont — both LMSW and LICSW. It consists of 20 multiple-choice questions covering Vermont's social work statutes and administrative rules, and you must correctly answer at least 70% (14 out of 20) to pass. The exam is administered by the Office of Professional Regulation and is taken in addition to the national ASWB exam. It ensures that licensed social workers understand Vermont-specific laws governing practice, confidentiality, mandatory reporting, and professional ethics.
Vermont allows licensure by endorsement for out-of-state social workers who hold an active license in another jurisdiction. You must submit license verification, official transcripts from a CSWE-accredited program, proof of passing the appropriate ASWB exam, and documentation of supervised experience for the LICSW. All out-of-state applicants must also pass the Vermont Jurisprudence Exam. Vermont has joined the Social Work Licensure Compact, which will allow social workers licensed in compact member states to practice across state lines once the compact becomes fully operational. Contact the OPR at 802-828-1505 for specific guidance on endorsement applications.