Social work and its related specialties show strong growth potential over the next decade. With an MSW and either certification or licensure, you can pursue several social work roles and more advanced administrative roles. Make sure to check your program’s specifications so you understand the full requirements needed to graduate. The requirements differ by program, but all Master of Social Work students must complete a one-year placement, though the number of hours may be reduced for advanced-standing students. If you’re interested in working in a specific aspect of social work, choosing a related concentration might make sense, and looking for programs that focus on that area.Īll MSW students must complete field education-an internship or practicum-designed to give them professional experience. You can learn more about a facet of social work, which may help prepare you for a career in that area.Īs you research MSW programs, take time to find out about the concentrations they offer and how they align with your larger professional goals. Master of Social Work programs generally offer at least a few concentrations, which are areas of specialization that tailor your education to your career. Social work and social welfare foundations (If you enroll in an advanced standing MSW program, you can expect to skip the first-year coursework.) Let’s go over the kinds of courses you might encounter. MSW degree programs tend to break down coursework into a general first-year overview and a specialized second-year concentration. Students who enroll in a three-year program often do so to continue working part-time, stretch their general coursework over two years (instead of one) and spend the final year completing their field education hours. Students enrolled in a traditional MSW degree program can expect to spend their first year completing coursework and their second year taking specialized coursework and completing their field education hours. Learn more: Your Guide to Social Work Degreesĭepending on the type of program you enroll in, and your ability to attend either part-time or full-time, the MSW degree takes between one and three years. You’ll likely need to apply to both programs, but when you finish the requirements-which are designed to overlap-you will graduate with two degrees in less time. As such, you may skip over the first-year general coursework and earn your degree in less time.Ĭlinical: Often considered a specialization you can select when earning your MSW, the clinical social work track prepares you to become a licensed clinical social worker (LCSW) after graduation by emphasizing practical coursework, such as behavioral assessment and intervention techniques.ĭual: A dual MSW program allows you to earn two degrees, your MSW and another master’s degree, such as a Master of Public Health (MPH) or Master of Science (MS) in Nonprofit Leadership. Not all MSW programs offer an accelerated track, so it’s a good idea to research 'accelerated MSW programs' for more info about the ones that do.Īdvanced standing: If you’ve earned a BSW degree, you may qualify for an advanced standing MSW program, which applies some of the coursework you’ve already completed toward your MSW degree. You will likely be expected to complete up to 70 credits and around 900 to 1200 field education hours.Īccelerated: A more intensive option, this type of program takes around 12-16 months to finish rather than 24. Traditional: This MSW degree program is designed to take two years of full-time study and typically incorporates foundational coursework in social work with more specialized topics, like children, young adults, and families. There are a few different program options when it comes to earning your MSW degree: Learn more: What Should I Major In? 5 Things to Evaluate If you have not yet declared a major but are interested in earning your MSW, it might be worth exploring whether your college or university has such a program. However, some programs combine the BSW and MSW to shorten the length of time it takes to earn both-from six years to five. You can major in any number of subjects before deciding to pursue your MSW. Some students who enroll in an MSW degree program may have first earned their Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) degree, though that’s not necessary. Let’s discuss the MSW degree, what it takes to earn one, and the career options you can pursue once you graduate.Ī Master of Social Work degree is advanced education you can pursue once you complete your bachelor’s degree. When you're interested in becoming a licensed clinical social worker or pursuing an advanced role in the social work field, you will first need to earn your Master of Social Work (MSW). The graduate degree prepares you for state licensure, so you can begin working with people in various ways: individually, in groups, or as a community.
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