Interested in Becoming a Social Worker?
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The Top 10 Social Work Schools
When deciding where to study for your social work degree you'll want to look into which schools are objectively considered the best. We've provided some information here about the ten schools ranked best in the U.S. for social work graduate degrees by the prestigious U.S. News and World Report. This should give you an idea of the size, philosophy, and concentrations available at the top-ranked schools in the country. Best of luck making your choice!
Video: a Profile of a School Social Worker
Marie Armantrout is a school social worker for Seminole County Public Schools. Her career and philosophy were documented in a short video by For Your Health, a subsidiary of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association.
What is Social Work?
Social work is a mental health profession that exists to assist other people through life's most difficult challenges. Social workers help individuals, groups, and communities function successfully in the social arena, dealing with a vast array of obstacles.
Why is Social Work Such a Popular Second Career?
More and more people these days are choosing to leave their careers after achieving professional success, or after having a child, in search of more personally fulfilling jobs. This search for fulfillment often leads to the same industry – social work. Attainable education, employment stability, professional diversity and career satisfaction are the key reasons people want to move into this rewarding industry as a second career.
What's it Like to Study Social Work?
You love the humanities, pursuing a master's degree in social work may provide the framework you need to keep following this passion in your career. It has done just this for student Riah Safady and professor Jennifer Stucker. Their social work master's programs delve into the fascinating connections between individuals and society, giving them expertise that prepares them for a fulfilling career.
Bachelor's Degree in Social Work
The path to becoming a qualified social worker in the United States usually starts with a bachelor's degree from an accredited institute. The bachelor's degree in social work, also known as a B.S.W., prepares graduates for generalist entry-level work and direct service positions. It takes four years to complete, and includes both in-class coursework and supervised field experience.
Master's Degree in Social Work
A master's degree in social work provides the preparation required for advanced professional social work practice. The goal of the master's degree in social work, also known as the M.S.W., is to provide students with the knowledge, skills, values, and ethics that are needed to practice any form of generalist social work.
Doctorate in Social Work
A doctorate in social work is designed to train researchers and scholars in social work and social welfare, to the point where they can contribute to the development and advancement of their profession. A doctorate in social work provides you with the best possible career opportunities in this diverse field, and prepares you for a position as an executive, university teacher, or researcher.
Your Guide to Social Work Abroad
A career in social work is extremely rewarding, and many people find it even more fulfilling to pursue this career abroad. You will find a plethora of volunteer, study, and job opportunities abroad, so check out this article and start packing your bags.