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What is Social Work?

Social work is an area of study and practice that allows individuals to assist members of social groups suffering from a variety of issues ranging from the economic to the abusive. Social workers take upon patients and clients who have difficulty adjusting to daily life or suffer from dangerous and abusive environments and work with them to develop a plan toward remedying their situations. Social workers will work with patients, employers, physicians, parole officers, and any other individuals who provide support or interest the life of the patient, utilizing them to ensure that the patients needs are met and that assistance is available. Social work has various specialization dealing with a broad range of issues, with the purpose of providing guidance and methodology as assistance.

Career Summary

MEDIAN SALARY

$50,710

PERCENT ABOVE NATIONAL
INCOME AVERAGE

26.91%

TOTAL SECTOR EMPLOYMENT

631,730

Degree Median Salary vs Adjacent Degree Types

Source: BLS, US Census, and IPEDS

2024 Best Social Work Degree

Offered by the first school of social work in the country, the Master of Social Work (MSW) program at Columbia’s School of Social Work is a graduate program offered on-campus and online to prepare future social workers for practice in enhancing the welfare of citizens and communities. The program focuses on practice promoting social and economic justice in diverse populations and evaluating the outcomes of practice. The curriculum consists of courses in social welfare policy and services, human behavior and the social environment, research, social work practice, and field education. There are several types of program formats and options as well as specializations under the graduate program. Find out more at socialwork.columbia.edu.

Acceptance Rate

5.45

Student to Faculty Ratio

6:1

Penn’s School of Social Policy & Practice offers one of the oldest and top-ranked social work programs in the United States. The Master of Social Work (MSW) degree is designed to prepare future social workers in developing and providing services to local and global individuals, families, communities, and organizations. The program curriculum is grounded in a tradition of social change and social justice which offers interdisciplinary learning opportunities to students. Students may choose from the two-year full-time options, three-year part-time option, Advanced Standing option, and Employed Practitioners option. There are also certifications and specializations available to add to their program of study. More details about the program can be seen at sp2.upenn.edu.

Acceptance Rate

7.66

Student to Faculty Ratio

6:1

The University of Chicago is an urban research university committed to empowering students to challenge conventional thinking in seeking innovative ideas. With over 17,000 students on its campus in Chicago, Illinois, the university has been developing the critical, analytic, and writing skills of its students through its rigorous, interdisciplinary core curriculum since 1890.

The MA degree in Social Work Social Policy, and Social Administration at the University of Chicago prepares students to become leaders in the areas of clinical social work and social administration. The program provides a broad educational and experiential foundation in social work practice covering policy development, social science theory, and interdisciplinary research. After completing the core curriculum, students choose one of the two available concentrations: Clinical and Social Administration Concentration. The clinical concentration focuses on the major prevention and treatment approaches in clinical practice while the social administration concentration covers advanced courses in the politics, economics, organization, and delivery of social welfare services. To know more about the program, go to ssa.uchicago.edu.

Acceptance Rate

6.17

Student to Faculty Ratio

5:1

The Master of Social Work at WUSTL Brown School is a two-year program that provides the fundamental knowledge and skills needed to enter the field of social work. The program curriculum is known for its flexibility, evidence-based approach that connects theory to practice and includes real-world experiences and research opportunities. Students are required to choose one of the following concentrations: American Indian and Alaska Native, Children, Youth, and Families, Health, Individualized, Mental Health, Older Adults and Aging Societies, Social and Economic Development, Social Impact Leadership, Violence and Injury Prevention. After that, several specializations are available for increased expertise and these include Management, Policy, Research, Sexual Health and Education, Social Entrepreneurship, and System Dynamics. Go to brownschool.wustl.edu to check the entire program curriculum.

Acceptance Rate

13.85

Student to Faculty Ratio

7:1

The University of Southern California (USC), which first opened its doors in 1880, is a private research university with diverse academic offerings and extensive opportunities for interdisciplinary study and collaboration around the world. Housing almost 46,000 students on its campus in Los Angeles, California, the university is considered a global center for arts, technology, and international business.

The Master’s degree in Social Work at USC offers several options for full-time and part-time working professionals who want to learn the basics of starting a career in the field of social work which ranges from four-semester to six-semester program lengths. The program covers issues and ideas in the areas of social change, mental health, spirituality, military, juvenile justice, and school social work. Students may also choose from three departments of study and a track in military social work to fit their career needs and interests. There are also dual degree options in the fields of business, gerontology, law, public health, and public administration. Inquire about the program at dworakpeck.usc.edu.

Acceptance Rate

11.42

Student to Faculty Ratio

9:1

The Master of Social Welfare at UCLA Luskin School of Public Affairs offers a full-time and part-time program that combines theory, research, and leadership with general and specialized fields of practice. There are three concentrations in the program namely Child and Family Well-Being, Health and Mental Health Across the Life Span, and Social and Economic Justice. Students may also choose to enroll in dual-degree programs in the fields of Law, Asian-American Studies, Public Health, and Public Policy. The school also offers a Doctor of Philosophy in Social Welfare. Read more about the program overview at grad.ucla.edu.

Acceptance Rate

12.32

Student to Faculty Ratio

18:1

Recognized as the top public university across the world, the University of California, Berkeley (UC Berkeley) is a public land-grant research university where the brightest minds meet and collaborate to explore, inquire, and improve the quality of life of society. The university, founded in 1868, is located in Berkeley, California offering more than 350 degree programs in different fields.

The College of Letters and Science at UC Berkeley has been offering the Bachelor of Arts in Social Work since 1942. The undergraduate major provides a broad introduction of the country’s social welfare problems and social policies. The program curriculum focuses on the history as well as institutions of social work as a field of activity. The courses in the program include Social Work as a Profession, Social Welfare Policy, and Practice in Social Work as well as electives in the field of social sciences. The college also offers Master of Science and Doctor of Philosophy degrees in Social Welfare. For more information about the program, go to socialwelfare.berkeley.edu.

Acceptance Rate

16.25

Student to Faculty Ratio

20:1

The Master of Social Work (MSW) degree at UM Ann Arbor has different options such as part-time, advanced standing, and online options. The program focuses on Interpersonal Practice in Integrated Health, Mental Health, and Substance Abuse which also covers management and leadership, policy and political social work, and community change. Some of the part-time options include day and evening on-campus classes and online classes. The advanced standing option, on the other hand, is for students who have a bachelor’s degree in Social Work accredited by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE) and the Canadian Association for Social Work Education (CASWE) to reduce the required courses in the curriculum. Check more program options at ssw.umich.edu.

Acceptance Rate

22.91

Student to Faculty Ratio

11:1

Offers a wide variety of options, the Master of Social Work (MSW) at BC School of Social Work is a top-ranked graduate program that tackles the social problems and challenges in the country through classroom learning and field education placements. Students acquire a broad foundation in theory, practice, research, and policy through collaborations with renowned and expert faculty members. Some of the options in the program are full-time, part-time, advanced standing, and dual degrees. In partnership with other schools within the college, dual degrees in MSW with JD, MBA, or MA in Theology and Ministry are offered by the school. There is also a BA and MSW dual degree in Social Work as well as a joint MSW and PhD program. More details about the program can be seen at bc.edu.

Acceptance Rate

27.22

Student to Faculty Ratio

13:1

The University of North Carolina (UNC) at Chapel Hill is a public research university and the flagship institution of the University of North Carolina system located in Chapel Hill, North Carolina. Offering an academic experience equivalent to an Ivy League university, UNC Chapel Hill launched its virtual program called Carolina Away to allow first-year and transfer students to attend remote classes from anywhere in the world.

The School of Social Work at UNC Chapel Hill offers many career-focused programs in the field of social work which include master’s, doctoral, and dual degree programs. The Master of Social Work (MSW) has the following options: 12-month Advanced Standing, 20-month Advanced Standing, 2-year, and 3-year programs at Chapel Hill and Winston-Salem. Students may choose between direct practice and community, management, and policy practice as their concentration. The school also offers four dual-degree programs with MSW which can be finished just within 4 years. Some of the programs available at UNC Chapel Hill are Law, Public Administration, and Public Health. Read more about the program at ssw.unc.edu.

Acceptance Rate

22.63

Student to Faculty Ratio

13:1

Started operating in 1834 as Medical College of Louisiana, Tulane University is one of the most renowned research universities in the country and is also a member of the Association of American Universities. The university, located in New Orleans, Louisiana, offers over 70 majors in its five schools covering the fields of science and engineering, business, liberal arts, architecture, and public health.

The fully accredited Master of Social Work (MSW) degree at Tulane’s School of Social Work focuses on various applications such as therapy and policy development which can be used in students’ future practice in the field of social work. The program also includes integrated clinical and community-based as well as research for evidence-based practice to engage students in an innovative learning environment. The program consists of options like full-time 16-month on-campus and online, Advanced Standing 12-month on-campus and online, and part-time 32-month online program. The courses in the program include Human Behavior and the Social Environment, Psychopathology and the DSM, Advanced Integrated Clinical and Community Practice, and Diversity and Social Justice. Students may also choose to add certifications in Disaster and Collective Trauma, Mental Health and Addiction, and Family concentrations. Go to tssw.tulane.edu to check the entire program overview.

Acceptance Rate

12.87

Student to Faculty Ratio

8:1

Located in Boston, Massachusetts, Boston University (BU) is an international, private research university founded in 1839  by the members of the United Methodist Church. With more than 34,000 students from 130 countries, the university aims to make education accessible as reflected in its 300 programs of study across 17 schools and colleges on its three campuses

With over 100 years of experience in providing social work education, BU’s School of Social Work offers different programs that fit students’ professional interests and goals in the field. The Charles River Campus in Boston houses a nationally-ranked Master of Social Work (MSW) curriculum that can be taken either full-time or part-time. There are also 3 off-campus program sites throughout the state, a hybrid program, an online program available nationwide, and dual degrees in public health, education, and theology. Students may also choose between the clinical or macro practice for majors and traditional or human service experience for tracks where they acquire a solid theoretical foundation and practical hands-on experience in the field of social work. Access the complete program curriculum at bu.edu.

Acceptance Rate

18.94

Student to Faculty Ratio

10:1

Based in Saratoga Springs, New York, Skidmore College is a private, residential liberal arts college that offers more than 43 undergraduate degrees to over 2,500 students in the fields of communications, business, political science, psychology, studio art, theater, economics, biology, and many more. The college also offers collaborative programs with other colleges and universities such as 4+1 MBA programs, dual-degree programs in engineering, occupational therapy, and physical therapy, and BS Nursing.

The Social Work Department at Skidmore College offers a Bachelor of Science in Social Work that prepares students to function effectively as social workers in various professional settings. The study of social work, grounded in the liberal arts, is highly interdisciplinary as it involves knowledge and ways of knowing from different disciplines such as humanities, natural science, social sciences, and cultural diversity. The program curriculum includes courses in macroeconomics, microeconomics, statistics, biology, physiology, neuroscience, American politics, race and ethnicity, feminism, and race, class, and gender. Graduates of the program are prepared to enter graduate studies in social work and other related disciplines. Inquire about the program at skidmore.edu.

Acceptance Rate

30.05

Student to Faculty Ratio

8:1

As the country’s leading institution of higher education, New York University (NYU) is a comprehensive, public research university founded in 1831. With degree-granting campuses in Shanghai and Abu Dhabi and 11 study away sites around the world, NYU has been providing a rigorous education by fostering a highly dynamic learning environment to over 50,000 students to enhance their communication and critical thinking skills.

The Silver School of Social Work at NYU has been training leaders in the field of social work for more than 50 years by offering degree programs at various levels. The Bachelor of Science in Social Work is a program that equips students with the knowledge and skills that are centered in leadership, problem-solving, human rights, advocacy, interprofessional collaboration, and social justice. The undergraduate program includes courses such as Introduction to Sociology, Human Biology, Society and Social Welfare, Human Behavior in the Social Environment, and Diversity Racism Oppression & Privilege. The school also offers a Master of Social Work and Doctorate in Clinical Social Work that involves training in clinical social work practice that focuses on social and economic justice. See all available program options at socialwork.nyu.edu.

Acceptance Rate

16.2

Student to Faculty Ratio

9:1

Chartered in 1871 to provide undergraduate education for women, Smith College is a private liberal arts women's college located in Northampton, Massachusetts. It is one of the largest women’s colleges in the United States accommodating over 2,400 students. The college is also a part of the Five College Consortium which is an academic community that aims to promote inclusive and intellectual collaboration.

Students in the Master of Social Work (MSW) degree at Smith’s School of Social Work are trained to master clinical theory and practice and acquire an understanding of the social service, sociocultural, and policy contexts needed when they become clinicians. With a focus on clinical social work, the program enhances students’ critical thinking and self-reflection skills as they study human behavior, social environment, research, and social policy. Some of the courses in the program cover the history and current status of social work and social welfare in the local and international settings, introduction to research, introduction to the major practice methods, and major psychological and social theories in order to prepare students in practicing the profession. There is also a wide range of electives where students can expand their expertise in the areas of family or group treatment, treatment of children, adolescents, and adults, short-term treatment, and responding to trauma. Explore the program curriculum at ssw.smith.edu.

Acceptance Rate

32.46

Student to Faculty Ratio

9:1

UT at Austin’s Steve Hicks School of Social Work offers undergraduate and graduate programs that focus on the field of social work. During the first two years of the Bachelor of Social Work, students complete a series of foundational courses in the areas of language arts, math, social and behavioral sciences, natural sciences, and humanities. Students then take social work courses during their third and fourth years as well as a 480-hour supervised field internship during their last semester. The school also offers a Master of Science in Social Work (MSSW) with two concentrations in Clinical Social Work, and Administration and Policy Practice (APP) which can be finished within one to three years. In collaboration with other schools in the university, the MSSW may also be taken with another master’s degree in the fields of law, business, public affairs, Latin American studies, public health, and divinity. Visit socialwork.utexas.edu to know more about the programs.

Acceptance Rate

31.82

Student to Faculty Ratio

N.A

The Jack, Joseph, and Morton Mandel School of Applied Social Sciences at Case Western, a top-ranked social work school in the United States, offers different formats in its Master of Social Work (MSW) program. The school specifically offers a Master of Science in Social Administration (MSSA) degree that is recognized as an equivalent of MSW. The formats available are on-campus, online, and intensive weekend formats which can be completed in 1 to 2 years. There are also concentrations available for each format namely Aging, Children, Youth, and Families, Health, Mental Health with Children and Adolescents, and Substance Use Disorders and Recovery. Access the program curriculum at case.edu.

Acceptance Rate

27.36

Student to Faculty Ratio

11:1

The Graduate School of Social Work and Social Research at Bryn Mawr College offers several graduate and doctoral degree programs in the field of social work. The Master of Social Service (MSS) is a graduate program that teaches various social work ethics, principles, and frameworks to be applied when practicing social work and related areas at the foundational and advanced levels. The school also offers an MSS Advanced Standing program for students who already finished a bachelor’s degree in social work as it is designed to deepen the foundational knowledge and skills earned at the undergraduate level. In cooperation with Thomas Jefferson University's College of Population Health, Bryn Mawr offers a dual degree program in MSS and Master of Public Health (MPH). To learn more about the programs, go to brynmawr.edu.

Acceptance Rate

33.07

Student to Faculty Ratio

9:1

Classified as Doctoral Universities: Highest Research Activity by the Carnegie Commission, Florida State University (FSU) is a preeminent research university located in Tallahassee, Florida. Since 1851, FSU has been providing high-quality and student-centered education to more than 41,000 students to produce academically motivated, intellectually curious, and socially conscious individuals.

The Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) at FSU College of Social Work is one of the top-ranked social work programs in the country. Offered at the Tallahassee and Panama City campuses, the program prepares students to serve individuals as social workers in the areas of family services, public health, child welfare, and substance abuse. Students enhance their knowledge and skills in the field, specifically by accommodating the vulnerable, oppressed, and people living in poverty. The school also offers a Master of Social Work (MSW) that prepares beginner and advanced practitioners in working with diverse client systems and issues. For more details about the program, visit csw.fsu.edu.

Acceptance Rate

35.97

Student to Faculty Ratio

21:1

The Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) degree at UGA School of Social Work is a program that offers graduate-level coursework to prepare students pursuing a career in the field of social work. The program provides an innovative curriculum that addresses human needs in various social service settings in order to analyze policies and resolve problems involving oppression, power, evidence-informed practice, social justice, advocacy, and diversity. During the final year, students are required to undergo a field practicum experience and accomplish a senior capstone project. Students may also choose to apply for the “Advanced Standing” eligibility which allows them to earn a Master of Social Work with just an additional 1 year of school. Explore the program overview at ssw.uga.edu.

Acceptance Rate

45.3

Student to Faculty Ratio

17:1

Known as the leading healthcare college in the Stark County is the Aultman College of Nursing and Health Sciences with the campus located at 2600 Sixth Street SW Canton, Ohio 44710. The campus is consists of 10 state-of-the art classrooms, METI Simulation Lab, Nursing Skills and Radiology Labs, Computer Lab, Learning Resource Center, Health Sciences Library and Logo Store.

This private institution is affiliated with one of the area's premier health care systems and it primarily serves the Northeast Ohio and nearby areas. It has received an accreditation from the Higher Learning Commission (HLC) of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools.

As it strives to maintain academic excellence, Aultman College provides a lot of opportunities for growth and development with the help and support of dedicated faculty and staff. For several years, this school has remained true to its mission to produce outstanding healthcare professionals and ultimately contribute to the development of the community it serves.

This school offers two programs - Associate of Science in Nursing and in Radiography. These programs have flexible curriculum and are designed to provide strong academic foundation for a successful career in the health care industry.

The nursing and radiography program can be finished in 2 years and 21 months, respectively.  Each class has only few students with low student-teacher ratio that allows for more attention on every student. This school has bought a course agreement with Walsh University in North Canton, Ohio for a certain general education science course.

Admissions http://www.aultmancollege.edu/newadmissions/Collegecriteria.aspx

Programs http://www.aultmancollege.edu/academics.aspx

Acceptance Rate

50.55

Student to Faculty Ratio

6:1

The Social Work major at PC is a program that combines classroom learning and field internships to help students prepare for a rewarding career as social work practitioners. The coursework focuses on human behavior in social systems, social problems and issues, the significance of the factors that affect social policy development, and the appreciation of diversity in professionally helping relationships, families, and communities. The field internships place emphasis on different interventions that involve counseling, service coordination, outreach, resource development, community organizing, empowerment, individual and political advocacy, and social policy. To see the entire program overview, go to social-work.providence.edu.

Acceptance Rate

47.46

Student to Faculty Ratio

11:1

St. Olaf College, also known as “The Hill”, is a private, nationally-ranked liberal arts college in Northfield, Minnesota that accommodates more than 3,000 students. Founded by Norwegian Lutheran immigrants in 1874, the college offers traditional four-year liberal arts education in over 41 areas of disciplines such as natural and mathematical sciences, humanities, fine arts, and social sciences.

The Department of Social Work and Family Studies at St. Olaf offers an degree in Social Work that allows students to study different social systems frameworks and change processes and to use a strengths-based approach to practice as social workers. The program curriculum consists of courses in sociology, psychology, and biology as well as social and cultural diversity relative to race, gender, ethnicity, and sexual orientation. During the final year, students are required to complete a 400-hour field practicum in a rural or urban agency that helps individuals, families, organizations, and communities from diverse backgrounds. To inquire about the program, visit wp.stolaf.edu.

Acceptance Rate

47.51

Student to Faculty Ratio

12:1

The Department of Social Work at SUNY at Binghamton offers undergraduate, graduate, and dual degree programs in the field of social work that fit the needs and interests of students. The Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) degree prepares students for a generalist practice that focuses on understanding social work values, ethics, and professional behavior that can help them gain the knowledge and skills necessary when working with individuals, families, organizations, and communities. The department also offers a Master of Social Work (MSW) that trains social workers for autonomous, advanced generalist practice within a diverse community of scholars and practitioners. In just three years, students may also take dual degree programs and earn an MSW and a master’s degree in Public Administration, Spanish, and Student Affairs Administration. More information is available at binghamton.edu.

Acceptance Rate

40.53

Student to Faculty Ratio

19:1

The School of Social Work at Syracuse University offers on-campus and online undergraduate and graduate programs in social work to help students acquire the knowledge and skills needed in creating social and economic justice. The Bachelor of Science in Social Work (BSSW) prepares undergraduates for a generalist level of education across the foundational areas in social work like human behavior in the social environment, social welfare policy and services, social work practice, research, and field practicum. The Master of Social Work (MSW) program, on the other hand, enhances the knowledge and skills of students to assume roles involving policymaking, and human service programming. The Advanced Clinical Practice concentration is for students who wish to become mental health clinicians while the Advanced Integrated Practice concentration is for students who plan to enter the workforce and encompass leadership and practice in different human service organizations. There is also an Advanced Standing MSW program for individuals who already earned an undergraduate degree in social work. Access the entire program curriculum at falk.syr.edu.

Acceptance Rate

44.38

Student to Faculty Ratio

15:1

How to Become a Social Worker?

To begin your career as a social worker, you will need to complete the following steps. To ensure compliance with your future employer and state of residence, make sure to communicate with your guidance counselor and admissions counselor at every step of the process. The steps necessary for you to begin work as a social worker include:

  1. Preparation: Gaining admissions to a state-approved, accredited college or university is the first step in the process. This step involves you performing a self-assessment of your strengths and accomplishments coupled with earning acceptance from a higher education institution. Finding the right program for you may be a daunting process, which is why our highly-acclaimed resource manual is a go-to source for many college applicants. Read our Complete Guide to the College Admissions Process in order to move to the next phase of your journey.
  2. Academics: After you have winnowed down your list of colleges, received information packets from them, and applied for admissions, you will need to select the right program for you. Whether you select a BSW, MSW or PhD program in Social Work you are on your way to a future in social work. During your graduate or undergraduate work, you may elect to volunteer or intern with an agency to gain real-world experience in social work, build your professional network, and to enhance your resume.
  3. Licensure: After earning your BSW or MSW degree from an accredited college or university, you work under the supervision of a licensed social worker or social work agency before being eligible to apply for licensure in your state of residence. Depending on where you live, you may be required to take one or more state licensing exams through the ASWB or equivalent agency.

Top Social Work Degree

If you are considering social work as a career, you will need to earn a bachelor’s degree or higher prior to entering the field in most cases.  Whether you select an online degree program on classroom-based degree with a CSWE accredited school, you will need to earn one of the following degrees.

Online Bachelor Degree in Social Work (BSW)

An online Bachelor Degree in Social Work is also known as a BSW degree.  A BSW is the most common entry-point for social workers across the country and a requirement for many states prior to providing direct-services to others.  The bachelor’s degree in social work is a four-year program with a number of general education courses like English, math, and philosophy plus core social work curriculum.  Examples of core curriculum courses in a BSW program may include the following:

  • Human Rights
  • Social Work Integrative Thinking
  • Social Justice
  • Human Behavior
  • Social Work Practice: Policies and Professionalism
  • Social Work: Individuals, Groups, Families, Organizations, Communities
  • Field Practicum
Online Master Degree in Social Work (MSW)

A Master’s Degree in Social Work or MSW is a 1-2 year program for students meeting the prerequisites of the program often found in the BSW program.  For students without a BSW, many colleges and universities accept the bulk of credits from an accredited program for graduates with a degree in sociology, economics, psychology, and political science.  Concentrations in the MSW track include the option to specialize in leadership, clinical, research, or substance abuse counseling.

Clinical: This MSW concentration is designed for students that desire to be customer-facing and provide social work services and treatments directly to patients, groups, or families.  As a professional working face-to-face with others, this area of concentration teaches students about reciprocal relationships, empathy, social justice, well-being, human rights, and self-help skills.  MSW graduates concentrating in the clinical track can engage in careers in assisted living as a care manager, private practice therapist, or legal services staff social worker.

Leadership: The leadership concentration within the MSW program help prepare students for management and leadership careers in local agencies, community organizations, national departments, or international organizations.  This discipline within the master’s degree track has an overt emphasis on communication, organization development, policy development, managing others, and clinical management.  Graduates can step into careers in a hospital as a health care integrator, recruiter in a staffing organization, or program manager at an intervention organization.

Research: A research concentration emphasizes systems evaluation and accountability are becoming highly popular degree holders.  With analytic and research skills, degree holders are equipped to move into careers in education, the political arena, public policy, state government, or continue into a PhD program.

Substance Abuse Counseling: With overlap in programs, many schools have integrated courses in substance abuse counseling into a traditional MSW program to add flexibility and versatility.  Make sure to check with your state of residence to ensure these programs meet the necessary qualifications to practice in the state.

Two additional MSW degree programs that have gained popularity of late is the Accelerated MSW Degree for BSW degree holders and the Dual MSW & Public Health Degree program.

Online Doctorate Degree in Social Work

Earning a PhD in Social Work prepares students to be a thought leader in education, research organizations, and corporations of all types.  An integrated curriculum allows students to focus on policy and/or practice while learning to become subject matter experts in degree concentrations like mental health, gerontology, and family services.

Educational Requirements for Social Workers

An individual seeking a social work degree will have to complete a minimum of four years of post secondary education, receive a bachelor's and pass all state certification requirements and exams. The requirements will vary from state to state, and it is best to check your state's licensing agency for more information. More advanced degrees will offer more job opportunities and higher financial rewards. It is important to note that one does not need a social work bachelor's degree to pursue a social work master's degree as a bachelors degree of any type will suffice.

Potential classes include:

  • Social Work Practice
  • Issues in Social Welfare
  • Diversity and the Struggle for Human Rights
  • Social Welfare Policy
  • Human Behavior Theory

A degree in social work encompasses a broad range of social services, from mental health therapy to addiction prevention and treatment. Due to the variety of fields and jobs that fall within the realm of social work individuals will most likely choose to specialize. Specialization often comes through study at the graduate level, through social workers may begin work with a bachelors degree. Certain social work jobs will already specialize in a particular area, such as child welfare agencies or shelters for abused women. The role of the social worker is to provide a safe environment and examination of the clients or patients background and circumstances in order to provide assistance. Cases are treated independently and require attention and follow through in order to successfully aid needful individuals.

Here are some areas of social work:

  • Disaster Relief
  • Military and Veterans' Service
  • Community and Rural Health
  • Child Abuse and Neglect
  • Adoption and foster care
  • Homeless Family Assistance
  • Domestic Violence
  • Housing Assistance
  • Employment Services
Schools Other Students Requested Information From:

Employment and Licensure in Social Work

Social workers typically work in the healthcare industry, government agencies, and schools. Depending on the field of specialization, social work can be very rewarding or highly stressful. There is a lateral movement in regards to focus, allowing social workers with a certain amount of experience to change their position and area of assistance. It is important to note that individuals with a specialization are not guaranteed positions related to their expertise, with entry level positions in social work often related to substance abuse, child abuse, violence and other areas that suffer a high burnout rate. Additionally, some states may require licensure or certification to work as a social worker and it is best to research an individual's state to ensure all requirements are met.

A recent trend has shown that individuals that have had initial success with a different career are returning to school to pursue a degree and career in social work. Such individuals are typically burned out by their previous career and feel that assisting others may prove to be a more rewarding career. As noted above, any bachelor's degree qualifies an individual for social work master's programs. These programs can be night, weekend online or full time, and offer varying lengths of study in order to match the schedule and needs of the individual.

Top Job Responsibilities of a Social Worker

In a recent survey performed by the U.S. Department of Labor of social workers, practitioners from around the country provided insight into their careers. One of the take-aways from this survey was the breadth of job responsibilities in the social work field. Job duties can vary greatly from one another depending on your degree attained and organization structure. That being said, the top 5 job responsibilities of a social worker include the following:

  1. Manage case history records & properly document reports
  2. Be an effective liaisons between students, homes, schools, family services, courts and agencies to help children and patients
  3. Counsel others regarding varying issues related to substance abuse, mental health, social adjustment, poverty, medical care, unemployment, physical abuse, rehabilitation, parenting, and child care
  4. Interview clients to accurately assessing their situations, needs, capabilities, and problems to establish solutions
  5. Provide comfort and counsel parents with child rearing problems

States with the Highest Employment of Social Workers

  • California 30,310
  • New York 22,630
  • Pennsylvania 18,580
  • Texas 16,640
  • Michigan 13,490

Top Employers in Social Work

  1. Individual & Family Services 72,470
  2. State Government 62,690
  3. Local Government 52,220
  4. Elementary & Secondary Schools 38,780
  5. Outpatient Care Centers 10,050

Job Growth, Salary, and Related Fields

There is expected to be an estimated job growth in the field of social work of 12% which is nearly twice the national average as social issues continue to arise from a all parts of life. As a result, individuals will be able to find work with comparative ease, particularly in the areas of social work that have higher than normal turnover. The median annual income of social workers is $46,890 and wage income tends to grow with more advanced degrees and experience. The BLS estimates some 74,800 jobs will be created within social work in the coming decade. If you are considering a career in Social Work, you may also want to consider a degree in sociology, psychology or criminology.

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