Social Work Degree and Career Guide
Many people who earn their Bachelors in Social Work continue on to receive their Masters in Social Work online. Studying at the Master level enables social work professionals to continue their skill development and knowledge in the specialization of their choice. If you already have your Bachelors in Social Work, you may qualify to earn your masters quicker by receiving advanced standing. You’d be able to bypass some courses if you’re able to demonstrate your knowledge in those areas. Another option online schools may offer is the accelerated option. If you have the time and can commit to full time study, this may be the option for you. Otherwise, you can choose the regular study option, which helps you balance work-school-life but may take a little longer to receive your Masters in Social Work.
If you don’t have a BSW, you’ll most likely not be able to apply to an MSW program with advance standing. It could take a minimum of 2 years to complete your master’s degree, including all coursework and required field hours. With advance standing, however, it may only take you one year to complete your MSW. Time in the “field” means getting hands on experience and working side by side with a licensed social worker. Completing fieldwork in social work will ensure that you have the necessary experience needed to function at an independent level. Learn more below about all of the different social work study options.
Social Work Topics
Some of the social work concentrations or study topics available at the Masters level may include the following:
- Clinical Practice
- Military Social Work
- Children and Families
- Healthcare
- Gerontology/Aging Population
- Mental Health
- Addictions
- Domestic Abuse
- Poverty
If you know the demographic or group of people you would like to work with, choosing a school and program that offers more in-depth study in that area of interest would be beneficial to your overall education and career.
Admission Requirements
Admission requirements for MSW programs vary by school and by the study option you choose should schools offer more than one. Some study options include:
– MSW Advanced Standing
Advanced Standing in your MSW program is for those students who have already earned their Bachelors Degree in Social Work from a CSWE accredited program. A minimum GPA may also be required to earn this status. This option may allow you to graduate quicker than those in the traditional program since you will be starting you MSW with advanced courses.
– Accelerated MSW Option
The accelerated MSW program is an option for those who have the time and commitment to dedicate themselves to full time studies. MSW students will typically take 3-4 classes each semester or term.
– Traditional or Standard MSW program
This option may take longer than the other options. This option allows you to balance school and work while taking 1 or 2 classes each semester or term.
In addition to the specific requirements for each program/study option, schools may require GRE test scores, personal statements reflecting your goals as it relates to social work, minimum college GPA or a specified amount of fieldwork hours. Please check the list of online MSW programs that do not require the GRE test scores.
Accreditation
Just like at the bachelors level, it’s important to make sure that you are choosing a CSWE accredited MSW program. CSWE accreditation ensures that your program meets the national standards of the social work profession. Graduating from a CSWE accredited program is also a requirement to become a licensed clinical social worker.
Online Masters Degree in Social Work – School Showcase
Please refer to our online schools‘ page for more schools offering a Masters in Social Work online.