A Master’s in Social Work may be the right path for you: Today’s job market may be tough, but there are still many opportunities for those looking to make some changes and/or improvements in their life.
If you’re interested in becoming an expert in social work, an online master’s in social work from an accredited school may be just the thing you need to get started on this exciting and fulfilling path. The following schools offer some of the best online MSW programs available today.
Factors to Consider When Selecting an Online Program
Online learning has gained popularity over recent years. For students who have had limited interactions with social workers, choosing a school to learn from can be an intimidating task.
Here are some factors to consider when selecting an online master’s in social work program The field of social work is dedicated to helping people achieve their highest level of health and well-being.
When researching programs that offer an online MSW degree, it is important to make sure that your selected institution is accredited by The Council on Social Work Education (CSWE).
Accreditation will ensure that your school meets specific standards and offers quality educational experiences and practices. You should also look into each institution’s financial aid offerings as many schools offer financial assistance through scholarships or grants.
What are my employment options with a Master’s Degree?
So, what are your employment options after a Master of Social Work degree?
If you’re considering pursuing a social work degree online, keep reading to learn more about what your options are post-graduation. In general, there are three main paths: 1) clinical social worker; 2) school social worker, and 3) community/public health social worker. Let’s take a closer look at each one.
What is my earning potential?
Earning potential for social workers varies widely based on location, experience, and specialization. According to 2012 data from The Bureau of Labor Statistics, median annual wages hover around $40,000; however, those who manage their careers strategically can earn well over $60,000.
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Those with a master’s degree in social work have better employment opportunities than entry-level workers and even those with a bachelor’s degree.
In fact, many entry-level positions require at least a master’s degree or equivalent experience. These are only some of the factors that go into determining your earning potential as a social worker.
Examples of Health & Wellness Programs
In today’s health-conscious world, demand is high for professionals with a graduate degree in social work. A master of social work (MSW) degree opens up many career opportunities, including counseling, mental health services, and management positions in hospitals or other medical facilities.
For those with a bachelor’s degree, there are a number of hybrid programs that combine on-campus coursework with online learning. These options might be especially appealing to students who have limited availability due to family or work obligations.
Examples of Child & Family Programs
For example, a person who has experience working with children and families through coaching, mentoring or teaching might consider pursuing a master’s degree in social work.
These programs typically cover topics such as human behavior and relationships; statistics; research methods; theories of change; group dynamics; and organizational systems.
Coursework also focuses on effective practice interventions across different types of populations and settings. Depending on their particular interests, students might focus on promoting well-being among specific groups such as children with special needs or pregnant teens.
Examples of Addictions Programs
If a person is suffering from an addiction, it is beneficial to seek help. Fortunately, there are many types of treatment programs that exist that focus on different types of addictions.
From food addictions to substance abuse problems, there are options out there that can help individuals take back control of their lives and live happier, healthier life. For example, if someone has an alcohol problem, they could attend Alcoholics Anonymous meetings or go through rehab at a drug and alcohol facility.
There are also support groups for people who suffer from gambling or shopping addictions, among others. These groups meet regularly to provide people with support as they work through their issues with addiction.
What should I know about specializations?
Most MSW programs also offer specializations, which allow students to focus on a particular type of client or area of social work.
These are most common with post-MSW programs, but they can also be obtained while earning your initial degree. Common areas of specialization include school social work, healthcare social work, mental health social work, and gerontology.
How can I enhance my job prospects?
If you are thinking about getting a social work degree, it’s important to know what you can do with it. A master’s in social work online can help set you up for an exciting career change.
Keep reading to learn more. You might also want to check out some of our related articles: Top 10 Reasons You Should Pursue a Master’s Degree and Top 10 Reasons Why You Should Pursue an MSW Online Degree.