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, and ethics that are needed to practice any form of generalist social work. For anyone considering continuing their education or for those looking to switch into a career in social work, a master's degree in social work is one of the most popular and well-respected options for advancement.
Master's Degree in Social Work Program Overview
Most programs involve two full years of schooling from an accredited institute, including in-class training and a minimum of 900 hours of supervised internships. However, some accredited schools also offer 16-month accelerated programs, four-year part-time programs, and advanced standing programs. There are currently 198 accredited master's social work programs across the United States with 21 additional programs currently in candidacy, according to the Council of Social Work Education .
It is important to note that a bachelor's degree in social work (B.S.W.) is not necessary for entry into a master's degree program. Anyone holding a bachelor's degree with an emphasis in psychology, biology, sociology, economics, political science or social work can apply for a master's degree in social work; the only difference is that those already holding a bachelor's degree in social work will be offered advanced standing into the program.
Course and Field Instruction
When studying for your master's degree in social work, you can expect to encounter advanced courses in social welfare policy, racism, social work practice ethics, human behavior and the social environment, clinical social work practice, and macro social work practices. Specialized topics may include poverty, child abuse, alcohol and drug abuse, family therapy, crisis intervention, family violence, and sexual abuse. You will also delve into the behavioral, financial, and legislative aspects of social work.
The other crucial part of any master's program in social work is field education, which gives you the chance to apply what you have learnt in the classroom to actual practice in social work and other human service settings. The specifics of the field instruction vary depending on the school. Boston University, for example, divides the field education into 480 hours of foundation placement and 720 hours of advanced placement over a two-year period. Where you work for your field placement will depend on your particular interests, and may include public schools, residential settings, or community agencies. Those interested in the administrative aspects of social work could participate in research, policy advocacy, planning, or human service management.
Additional Examination Requirements
All graduates also need to pass a social work exam monitored by the Association of Social Work Boards. Each exam level has its own pool of test questions, designed for use at that level only, and presented as a total of 170 multiple-choice questions. The levels include:
- Masters: A generalist test for social workers with a master's degree in social work and no post-degree experience.
- Advanced Generalist: A more advanced test for social workers with a master's degree and at least two years of post-degree experience in non-clinical settings.
- Clinical: A more advanced test for social workers with a master's degree in social work and at least two years of post-degree experience in direct clinical practice settings.
Where a Master's Degree in Social Work Will Take You
Career opportunities for graduates include work in supervisory, administrative, and staff training positions, as well as clinical social work positions. A master's degree in social work is typically a requirement for positions in health and school settings, and also for some jobs in public and private agencies. You also need this advanced degree to work in advanced clinical practice and to provide therapy to clients. Many graduates work in public agencies, private businesses, hospitals, mental health clinics, schools, nursing homes, police departments and courts, while others open their own private practices.
Employment Outlook and Earning Potential
According to the National Association of Social Workers , a social worker with a master's degree can expect an annual income ranging up to about $40,000. In 2008, the middle 50 percent of social workers made between $31,040 and $52,080, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics . However, those with experience as well as a master's degree can expect to be in the top 10 percent of earners with a yearly salary of over $66,430.
Career choices for graduates with a master's degree in social work will continue to flourish during the next decade, with an estimated 16-percent increase in the demand for qualified social workers by 2018, the Bureau of Labor Statistics reports. Those considering a master's degree in social work can most certainly look forward to increasing job prospects, higher wages, and rewarding opportunities in the future.
Article Resources:
Association of Social Work Boards
Boston University School of Social Work
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
Council on Social Work Education
National Association of Social Workers