What to Look for in a Social Work Program
It is important to find an accredited social work program. However, with over 400 accredited bachelor's and over 200 accredited master's social work programs in the United States, you are sure to find one that suits you. You can access a list of these accredited programs at the Council on Social Work Education.
• When choosing a program, it is important to consider its duration, cost, the level of education you are receiving (an MSW, for instance), and the quality of the program. In order to learn more about the program's quality, it is wise to talk to current students and to find out if the school has close ties to government social service agencies. (Wise Geek)
• Research the criteria for gaining admission to a particular program, such as GPA requirements and test scores. Often, the Graduate Record Examination (GRE) or the Miller Analogy Test (MAT) are required for MSW programs. (eHow)
• Depending on the school and the program, the MSW will typically take two to three years to complete. However, some programs will last longer, and the duration also depends on whether a student is part- or full-time. A doctorate in social work can last up to eight years. (Wise Geek)
• Most MSW programs require students to take certain foundation courses regardless of a student's specialization. Common foundation courses focus on historical concepts, human behavior in the social environment, and research. (University of Washington)
• MSW programs allow students to specialize in fields ranging from methodology to public policy. When choosing your specialization, consider your career goals; when you have decided, make sure to find a school that offers your desired specialization. (Social Work Graduate School)
• An MSW program should, ideally, allow students to pick a concentration in both a practice “method” (such as Community Organization or Management of Human Services) and a practice “area” (such as Aging in Families and Society or Mental Health). In addition, classroom learning is supplemented by required field instruction and experience, which places students in agencies and other similar settings in order to allow them to apply their learning in a real-life setting. (University of Michigan)
• According to the Princeton Review Graduate Program ranking system, you will find the top social work programs at the following five schools: University of Chicago, Columbia University, University of Michigan--Ann Arbor, University of Wisconsin--Madison, and University of Pennsylvania. These schools offer programs either in social work, social service administration, or social policy and practice. (Social Psychology Network)
• Since most graduate programs are expensive, it is important to consider the cost of receiving this degree; do you need to apply for financial aid or try to obtain scholarships? Read the next section for information on finding scholarships. (eHow)