What should I know when considering a degree in Social Work?
Social work is the practice of studying and improving the lives of people. This can be done by working with
individuals, families, groups, or organizations. The goal is to positively influence a community and society as a whole.
The International Federation of Social Workers offers that “The Social Work profession draws on theories of human
development and behavior and social systems to analyze complex situations and to facilitate individual, organizational,
social, and cultural changes.”
A degree in social work will imbue you with the knowledge and tools to affect these changes in a variety of ways, from
working at a phone helpline or non-profit organization to working in child services, healthcare, or education.
Yet even with the many opportunities available through social work programs, the basic requirement for all is at least
a Bachelor of Social Work degree and many states require a social work licensure as well. For this very reason it is
vitally important to acquire a degree through an accredited school of social work.
Earning Potential
A Social Worker can expect to earn between $25,000 and $45,000 per year. Subspecialties, such as a concentration in
education or healthcare, have been known to earn up to $65,000 per year. The earning potential in social work programs is
often directly proportional to the amount of education received, which is why it is essential to earn a social work degree
and a social work licensure, as well as furthering studies through social work schools, even going so far as to earn a
masters degree or doctorate in
social work.
Where a Social Work Degree Will Take You
A social worker is primarily interested in the improvement of the human condition, both for individuals and for a
community and society at large. A social work program will equip you with the credentials and knowledge to work towards
your goals.
There are many professional options available after earning a social work degree, more than in many other careers. With
many states also requiring a social work licensure, these options exponentially increase. Further education also opens
more doors, offering greater and more varied opportunities to help people in need. These opportunities, readily available
with a doctorate in social
work, may range up to conducting research used in teaching or dictating policy to be used in social work programs
Amongst the careers available with a degree in social work are counselor positions, such as career or guidance
counseling, or marriage counseling. Many social workers also choose to work with children through child welfare, youth
counseling, or by working with a school. Still others choose to work in the fields of psychology or therapy, or with
hospitals, even in administrative capacities. And then there are those who choose to study society in search of greater
social justice, and to pass on their knowledge through teaching and guidance.
All social workers ultimately seek to find ways to help people, and a degree in social work is the first and best step
in this course. The more you learn, the more you will be able to help those in need.
References
International Federation of Social Workers
http://www.ifsw.org/en/p38000208.html
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
http://www.bls.gov/oco/ocos060.htm
Association of Social Work Boards
http://www.aswb.org/lic_req.shtml
National Association of Social Workers
http://www.socialworkers.org/
What are the leading schools offering programs in Social Work?
- University of Phoenix - Human Services : Founded in 1976, University of Phoenix is the largest accredited private University in the U.S. Students who earn a Bachelor of Science in Human Services get a solid grounding in both the practical and theoretical aspects of working in the fields of counseling, social work, and psychology. Students in this line of study take 60 credits in courses ranging from human behavior, to managing and financing human services program. Most students can earn a degree in as few as 2 years. (More Info)
- 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)
- Capella University (Graduate) : Capella University offers online graduate degree learning in Education, Human Services, Psychology, Business, and Technology. Students earn master and doctorate degrees while preparing for professional entry-level and advanced career opportunities—all without entering a classroom. (More Info)
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