More Information About Masters in Social Work

What should I know when considering a degree in Masters in Social Work ?

• The aim of social work is to improve the livelihood of individuals and communities through education and support.
• A master's degree in social work opens up the opportunity of many different types of jobs in the field.
• The field of social work includes caseworkers, health care social workers, human services social workers, and school social workers.

How does someone earn a master's in social work?

In order to get into a social work master's program, the step is to earn a bachelor's degree. Some schools prefer applicants who have a bachelor's in one of the social services, such as psychology, social work, sociology, or counseling, while other schools are more flexible. One of the perquisites for almost all master's social work programs is experience. A master's program is a highly advanced program that trains capable professionals in the field of social work. The master's program in social work usually takes between two to three years to complete. Some have evening programs, part-time programs or online options, while others are strictly offered as traditional programs. Most master's programs require the completion of a master's thesis, or lengthy research project in order to receive a degree.

What career opportunities are available for someone with a master's in social work?

Almost all management positions in the field of social work require a master's degree but, increasingly, a master's in social work is required for case workers and social worker jobs as well. Though case workers make up a big portion of jobs in the social work field, professionals in this field have a number of choices of the type of work they do. Specializations in this field include crisis center work, child and school case work, geriatric case work, and social program organization. Social workers and case workers can work in hospitals, schools, assisted living centers, private homes, government agencies and non-profit agencies, but most are employed by health care related agencies. The work environment in this field usually tells what kind of specialization a social worker has honed in on. Most professionals in this field will attest it is a hard field of work, but it's work that makes a difference in the world. The demand for help in the world makes this a profession with lots of opportunity for finding a job, especially for those with a master's degree.

How much money does someone with a master's in social work make?

Not many choose to go into social work for the money. Socials workers, even the managers, typically are paid a modest income, with little room for significant raises. In general, the average yearly salary for a social worker is $39,000. More categorically, child, family, and school social workers earn an average $34,800 a year, with salaries ranging from $23,100 to $57,900. Medical and public health workers make a little more. with an average of $40,000 a year, and a range between $25,400 and $58,700. Mental health and substance abuse workers can make anywhere between $21,600 and $43,400 a year.

What are the advantages and disadvantages of earning a master's in social work online?

Earning a master's degree in social work online has some great benefits, but the benefits can be outweighed by the great need for self-discipline to succeed. Online programs can be structured in a number of ways, but most require students to be self sufficient and able to work to a deadline independently. The most positive aspect of online programs is the freedom they allow students in the path to a master's degree. Many, especially in the field of social work, choose to work full time or part time in a related field while they get their degree. In social work, it's very important to get real world working experience and online programs allow the time for this to happen.

What are the leading schools offering programs in Masters in Social Work ?

• Walden University Walden University, accredited by the Higher Learning Commission, offers Ph.D., master's and bachelor's degrees in management and doctoral and master's degrees in psychology, education and health and human services to meet the specific needs of adult learners. Walden University has over 30 years of experience delivering programs from a distance while maintaining its student-centered focus on quality and integrity. ( More Info )
• Post University Online Post University Online provides quality career education to those students seeking associate, bachelor, master and certificate training in various business, healthcare, information technology, human services, education and legal fields. Online education enables students to receive quality training without entering a classroom. ( More Info )