Master’s in Social Work: Get the Facts

Social workers are some of the most integral professionals in any community or society, acting as advocates for those in need of services and resources. To begin a social work career, you will need to explore Master of Social Work programs. In this article, we will dive into the MSW degree so you can understand what to expect as you think about becoming a social worker.

What Is a Social Worker?

Social workers work with underserved and underrepresented populations to help them receive resources and services. This work can take many forms, and social workers work in many kinds of settings with diverse clients. In order to work in clinical settings, aspiring social workers must earn a Master of Social Work that prepares them to become a licensed clinical social worker (LCSW).

Master of Social Work Programs: What to Know

A Master of Social Work, or MSW, is the degree required to sit for state licensure exams in social work; you must pass a licensure exam to work with patients in clinical social work settings. If you are considering earning your MSW, there are some things to keep in mind:

You can pursue a master’s in social work even if you did not study social work as an undergrad.

Not all master’s programs in social work require applicants to have earned a Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) degree. For instance, at Walden University, you can apply to a master’s degree program in social work no matter what kind of undergraduate degree you hold. Many MSW programs do, however, require you to have earned a minimum GPA from your undergraduate studies.

You may be able to earn your MSW faster if you earned your bachelor’s degree in social work.

While a BSW is not required to apply for an MSW program, those who already hold a BSW may be able to earn a master’s degree sooner through an advanced standing option. The advanced standing MSW curriculum skips the foundational coursework and moves straight into specialized classes.

You will be required to complete in-person clinical experiences for your MSW program.

Before you can complete your MSW or sit for a licensure exam, you will need to have completed in-person clinical placements in a real-world setting. These placements are usually facilitated by your school of social work, so be sure to explore the in-person learning experiences available through your program of interest. Clinical experiences are often monitored by a faculty member as well as an on-site supervisor who can provide guidance to help you learn in the field.

You can earn your MSW online or in person through an accredited program.

Online and in-person social work programs are available at universities and colleges across the country. Online MSW programs tend to be just as rigorous as on-campus options, and they allow you more flexibility in when and where you attend classes and complete coursework.

The best online MSW programs will have knowledgeable faculty who are social work practitioners, clinical field placement support, and a strong student community. Online MSW programs may also supplement coursework with virtual skills labs, so you can practice in a safe online environment before your in-person field experience.

You may be able to choose a specialization or focus area in your MSW program.

Many MSW programs offer students the option to specialize through coursework that explores specific populations or societal challenges. As you explore programs, be sure to think about the patient population you most wish to support and then choose a program that allows you to gain knowledge and experience in that area.

Some popular MSW degree focus areas include:

Addictions: Prepare to work with individuals who are struggling with addiction and addictive behavior.

Child and Family: Understand the complex dynamics of families to help children find security and confidence.

Healthcare: Work with and advocate for patients and families to ensure they receive the care they need.

Military: Explore the unique concerns and needs of military service members, veterans, and their families.

Trauma: Support individuals and communities struggling with the aftereffects of violence and other traumatic events.

Choosing the Right MSW Program for You

There are many schools of social work across the United States, but choosing the right MSW program does not have to be overwhelming. Here are just some of the questions to ask yourself as you explore MSW programs:

• How long do I want to spend earning my MSW? Different programs have different times to completion, and a full-time program will take less time than a part-time program. Walden University’s online MSW program features Traditional and Fast Track options, as well as an Advanced Standing MSW option for students who already hold a BSW.

• What is the cost of an MSW program? Tuition costs vary, and there are several factors to consider as you weigh the potential return on investment of your degree. It’s a good idea to do some research to understand social work salaries in your area, which may help you determine your budget for earning your degree. Also be sure to explore all program options available to you: An online MSW program might have different tuition costs than an on-campus program offered by the same university.

  Walden’s Build Your Education Plan tool can help you narrow down your degree options and find the program best suited to your individual needs and professional goals. It will also help you explore financial aid options, learn about transferring previously earned credits, understand the application process, and more.

• Do I want to attend an online MSW program or a traditional on-campus program? Both in-person and online MSW programs are offered by schools of social work. Some schools offer both modalities, with the only difference in the programs being how you attend your classes. Ultimately, you will need to think about how you like to learn and which kind of environment will be best for you. If you are concerned about being able to self-motivate and stay on track with coursework, you may do better in a traditional classroom setting. If you are comfortable in a virtual classroom setting and need more flexibility in your schedule, an online MSW program may be right for you.

Walden University’s online Master of Social Work degree program is designed to prepare you to confidently work with diverse communities and individuals in any social work setting. The Traditional option, for those who hold a bachelor’s degree in a field other than social work, can be completed in three years part-time or as few as two years full-time. The Walden Advanced Standing MSW option is for those who hold a BSW; it allows you to move directly to advanced-level MSW courses. All Walden MSW students can choose a focus area related to their social work career.

If you are ready to get started, learn more about the Master of Social Work program at Walden.

Walden University is an accredited institution offering a Master of Social Work (MSW) degree program online. Expand your career options and earn your degree in a convenient, flexible format that fits your busy life.

Accreditation
Walden University’s Master of Social Work (MSW) program is accredited by the Council on Social Work Education’s (CSWE) Commission on Accreditation. Accreditation of a baccalaureate or master’s social work program by the Council on Social Work Education’s Commission on Accreditation indicates that it meets or exceeds criteria for the assessment of program quality evaluated through a peer review process. An accredited program has sufficient resources to meet its mission and goals and the Commission on Accreditation has verified that it demonstrates compliance with all sections of the Educational Policy and Accreditation Standards.

Note on Licensure
The Walden University Master of Social Work (MSW) program is designed to prepare graduates to practice as licensed social workers in many states. However, the requirements for licensure as a social worker vary greatly from state to state. Each state board that is responsible for regulating the practice of social work has its own academic requirements and issues its own license to practice as a social worker in that state. Additionally, students should be advised that the Walden MSW program is not designed or intended to prepare graduates for licensure as a school social worker; however, graduates might be eligible for licensure as a school social worker in their particular state of residence.

While Walden Enrollment Specialists can provide general information relating to the state-by-state educational requirements for social work licensure or certification, it remains the student’s responsibility to understand, evaluate, and comply with all requirements relating to field education experiences, licensing or certification, authorization, or endorsement for the state in which she or he resides. Walden makes no representations or guarantee that completion of its coursework or programs will permit an individual to obtain state licensure, certification, authorization, endorsement, or other state credential. Licensure eligibility determinations are ultimately determined by the appropriate state board that issues the credential to practice.

Prospective students enrolling in licensure-leading programs are advised that relocation to another state may impact the student’s ability to complete field experiences and/or to obtain professional licensure, certification, or other credential in another state. Prospective students are advised to carefully review, evaluate, and understand the requirements of the applicable licensure board in the state in which they intend to relocate.

Walden University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (www.hlcommission.org), an institutional accreditation agency recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.