Social work degree programs

Passion to serve human society to make a difference in people’s lives by having a positive impact on them, strength of the program, affordability (cost effectiveness) of the program, program accreditation, student-teacher ratio, and career path for future success — both academic and professional. The US Bureau to Labor Statistics observed that there were 713, 200 jobs for social workers in 2019, and are expected to grow by 13 percent or add another 90,700 jobs by 2029 — a much faster rate than the average.

Working with vulnerable populations, frequent changes in work schedules, balancing time between paperwork and client service, caseloads and workloads, keeping with changing policies, reporting requirements, etc.

Social work is all about striving to help people to improve their life situations. They need to prepare for a high level of commitment to their profession, a high level of adherence to professional ethics, ability to listen to the needs of people they serve, and ability to assist them to cope and improve their quality of life.

Commitment, empathy, communication (verbal and non-verbal) skills, critical thinking, active listening, self-care, cultural competence, patience (lots of it), and advocacy.

Individuals with a BSW usually work as caseworkers, case-managers, school social workers, patient care coordinators, community health workers, among others. They can also practice social work. Social workers directly work with people and communities, children and families, in fields like healthcare, mental health clinics, disease and drug prevention treatment, disaster relief, settlement houses, community development corporations, child safety, education, correctional facilities, etc.

While our BSW program is structured to take several social work courses and do internships as degree requirements, it also allows students to take up to 15 credit hours of free electives. Usually students take courses in psychology or gerontology to enhance their base in social work.

Students need to learn, early in their education, that “wanting to help” is not enough to sustain a career. And they must deeply question what they want to get out of the profession. The ultimate reason for doing this work is to simply make a difference and to perform at a high level of excellence, for the sake of excellence.

My experience with students, over the last 20 plus years is that the greatest challenge is the writing and getting the paperwork done. The challenge is to have the self discipline to get the work done with no one there to “make you” do the work. Learning this early in the academic world prepares the student to be a professional that gets the job done.

Be well rounded, social work is multidimensional and demands a wide field of knowledge. Reading consistently makes a difference. I often teach students that if they want to know how to be great helpers/therapists that they should read Shakespeare and other great literature, all of which teach about the human condition.

To do well, the student needs to be organized and disciplined enough to get work done in a timely manner without supervision. This also prepares the student for their entry into the profession.

The field is very broad: mental health, school social work, forensic social work, hospital work and so much more that is considered direct practice. The area many students do not consider is macro practice. This is the area of working in communities, political advocacy and directing and leading agencies. The skills for direct practice are the same in macro practice, with simply more detail needed.

For most graduate social work programs, the first year is focused on generalist practice and the second year involves special areas of study. Electives about human growth and development are very helpful as are courses in systems theory, economics and even political science. All of these provide a broad background foundation.

Students like the flexibility of what a social work career offers. As a social worker, you are able to work with lots of populations using the same skills but in different environments, so boredom rarely happens. Doing something different every day is what is appealing as well. Students really like the fact that social work is always evolving and by the time they graduate, they will be generalist practitioners. Getting advanced standing for graduate school is often a strong incentive.

-Being self-aware is important. Knowing your strengths, limitations, and biases are important when working with diverse populations.
-Social work requires students to let the client lead the process. Self-determination is really important in social work and treating clients as experts takes practice and patience.
-Integrity is essential. Doing what you say you are going to do — following through on what needs to be done is really important. We don’t make promises unless we know we can guarantee the outcome.
-Showing up and doing the work .Students are often not prepared to have to face their own issues and we strongly advise that they do. They have to manage their issues before they can help others manage.

Social skills are important. Knowing how to treat people fairly, kindly and practicing that in difficult situations will make a person an ideal candidate. That can be done through working a part time job, volunteering, service opportunities or trips, internships through school, mentoring a younger child, or church activities. They can volunteer during high school and do a little research into the many populations social workers will be working with.

Showing up is half of social work (as mentioned, integrity). Questioning the best way to resolve our societal problems, getting involved in the community, and being self-aware of your preconceptions about populations or social problems.

Students are finding a variety of positions. Working with challenging youth, disabilities, older adults, after school programs, the homeless population, etc.

As a small program, we are able to be flexible and customize what a student wants to experience. If we don’t teach a class on intellectual disabilities, our networks help us place a student in an agency and we “create” a tailor-made class that meets the students needs and expectations. Students can take paid or unpaid internships year round (for credit or not) and we will help find those opportunities through structured programs or one of a kind experiences.

Social work is a profession just like nursing and physical therapy. Students deciding on earning a social work degree must have more than a desire to help people. They have to commit to the skills and ethics of the profession. Accredited social work programs are competency-based which means faculty and field instructors must “see” social work students perform behaviors that demonstrate their competency to be a professional social worker. Social work students must be willing to take chances in their classes so they can best perform in their field placements.

Any degree program can be intense. Social work requires you to also be introspective and know yourself, so your own issues do not get in the way of your work. Topics in social work can also be triggering to some students. Good social work programs will have faculty who are aware of the emotional nature of the topics and be able to help students who are triggered. If available, it is always a good idea for students to be involved in some type of counseling for themselves, or at least some sort of support group. It’s worth it in the end as students become acclimated to different social issues that affect various populations, and even themselves. This exposure and self-reflection build confidence and is often healing for students.

The best preparation is volunteering at a social agency to see if you like the work. Food cupboards, hospice agencies, and domestic abuse hotlines all look for volunteers. There is usually some training program before you speak with clients, and clearances are mandatory for most agencies. These sorts of experiences will give you an indication if social work is right for you. Most BSW programs have some volunteer requirements, so starting early will give you a jump and some programs will count your hours toward their requirements.

A successful social work student is dedicated to learning something new. Most will enter the programs saying they like helping people. That’s a great start! But what does that mean really? What if you help them in a way that does not fit who they are and their surroundings. Social work teaches you how the wider context of the client is affecting them and how you might have to help change the context rather than the person. You might give great advice, but is advice what the person needs from you? Maybe they need someone to listen and help them figure things out for themselves. Social work skills classes teach you that.

The BSW is a considered a “generalist” education meaning that programs have to teach a broad education in social work. However, most programs will allow students to take electives in their area of interest and field placements can be arranged in an area of interest for the student. If the student is able, they can also take on a minor in an area of interest.

First, social work is more than a career, it is a calling. While there are opportunities for entrepreneurially-minded social workers to make substantial incomes, quite often the base salaries are not as lucrative as other career choices. We don’t necessarily do this for the money, but rather because we are dedicated to making the world a better place, especially for those on the societal margins. Second, potential students need to understand what social work really is. The profession is not limited to agency work or case management but has a tremendous array of opportunities from micro, to mezzo, to macro. This means that one can substantively change careers and still remain true to the calling (from individual psychotherapy, to family/group counseling, to agency administration, to community organization/development, all the way to formulating policy for governmental agencies, and more). Finally, one’s personal orientation needs to be helping others without regard to personal accolades or recognition. While these sometimes coincide with the work we do, our fundamental perspective is toward selflessness and altruism, recognizing those we serve as the experts while we are traveling partners along the route to wholeness and health.

Unlike many degree programs that are driven by the course content, social work education is based upon a competency approach. While scholastic achievement is important, the profession stresses achieving the nine core competencies explicated by CSWE. Thus, much of the learning is done in the field, where classroom learning is applied and students implement knowledge in a real-world supervised experience. This requires students to be committed to devoting a substantial part of their academic time to being an intern in a social service setting. For BSW students the minimum amount of time spent serving in an agency is 400 hours; for MSW students it is 900 hours. One must be prepared for this, considering what experience they seek, how they will carve the time from a busy schedule, transportation issues to and from the field, and how to juggle learning and working while serving in the field to achieve the requisite competencies needed to be an effective social worker.

Spend some time researching what social workers do. Understand the profession and the opportunities available. Consider what aspect of social work is appealing and then research which schools offer courses and field opportunities that correspond. Some schools offer a generalist approach that equips students for a wide array of opportunities. Other schools are quite specific in their educational model and thus prepare students for unique niches in the profession. Know what you would like to learn and accomplish, then find schools whose offerings match your plan. Also, consider whether you learn better in an online environment or in-person, as schools vary in the ways they deliver classes. If you learn better in a classroom with other students, choose an on-ground delivery method. If your leanings are online, find schools that deliver the content this way. Finally, attend a social work convention, such as NASW or NACSW where social workers gather to share the latest research and practices. There you will make valuable connections and be exposed to the profession. This will prepare you by helping you understand what social workers do, who they are, and perhaps you will find a mentor who can provide valuable guidance along your journey toward social work competence.

There are two specific areas where one might focus their energies: the classroom and the field. Attend classes, do the work in a timely fashion, get to know your professors by taking advantage of office hours. While in the field, show up on time, be professional, be honest and genuine in supervision sessions, and be diligent to complete the assignments you are given. Develop strong work habits while a student and you will find yourself successful later as you enter the profession.

There are always abundant opportunities in case management and agency work. Students are finding positions as community organizers. Clinical agencies that provide counseling frequently seek social work graduates, especially at the MSW level. Finally, the entrepreneurial thinker will find themselves in a unique position; social entrepreneurship is a rising field of activity, especially when one can find a novel niche from which to launch a social enterprise that offers a service that has been overlooked or fills a gap (training restaurant workers in a real-world cafe, providing a milieu for students who receive inadequate education, teaching rural populations to produce solar panels, etc.).

Most programs provide a variety of electives to help students develop a unique learning experience to fit their needs. Do some research on social work schools and read about these electives. Be prepared to fit the electives in your schedule quickly, however, as a social work education is rapid-paced and rigorous so waiting until the last minute may mean that you cannot find time in your schedule to take the electives. Preparation is key to customizing the experience and adequately preparing yourself for opportunities available.

It is important to choose social work for the right reasons. Great social workers are people who want to help others and who have a deep belief in the importance of access to social justice and human rights for all people and the importance of human relationships. Great social workers are people who don’t see limits to what is possible in terms of creating a fair and just society, and who feel a genuine concern for the well-being of others. Your social work program should mirror your values. When choosing your social work program, not only should it meet your needs in terms of flexibility and cost, but it should provide a course of study and a values-perspective that aligns with your personal needs and aspirations. If you aren’t sure whether a program you are looking at meets these standards, reach out and ask to schedule a meeting by phone or teleconference with a member of the faculty.

Students often say that fieldwork is the most challenging aspect of earning a social work degree, however, it is also the most rewarding. At the bachelor’s level, students take a minimum of 400 hours of field practicum, and to complete a master’s in social work, students must complete a minimum of 900 hours (for advanced standing students, this includes the 400 undergraduate field practicum hours). Many students wonder how they will complete fieldwork while working full time, and sometimes, while raising a family. Rest assured, thousands of students do it each year, and it can be done!

To prepare for your social work degree program, it will be important to think about why you are choosing social work. I highly recommend reading the NASW Code of Ethics to make sure your beliefs align with the profession. Once you know social work is the right fit for you, I recommend thinking about your own personal goals for your career. Do you want to work with children, adults, or older people? Are there special populations that you want to work with? Would you prefer to work in an agency or for a government entity? Once you have an idea of what you would like to do, search for programs that have a course of study that will meet your needs. The most flexible courses of study are generalist and advanced generalist programs, which will prepare you to work in any setting, with any population. If you want a program that will prepare you for social work in a way that will allow you to try many different areas of social work, a generalist or advanced generalist social program is the way to go!

Great social work students know themselves well and are great at self-reflection and critical thinking. They are open to self-exploration and great at seeing things from different perspectives. Great social work students also know how to prioritize, manage their time, and have a desire to excel academically. I always tell my students that great social workers don’t have all of the answers…they know how to find the answers. Great social work students are curious, self-motivated, and they take initiative to find answers when they need them.

People with degrees in social work find employment everywhere, and the profession is still growing. Social workers work in schools, hospitals, social service agencies, counseling agencies, substance abuse treatment facilities, community mental health agencies, child welfare, the Veteran’s Administration, and more. Future social workers can look forward to increased demand in the area of criminal justice crisis intervention and macro social work opportunities to work with policy-makers who are working for changes in society.

Students can, and should, customize their social work education by selecting electives that align with their interests or that they are curious about. Before enrolling in a social work program, students should explore the types of electives offered by the institution where they are considering applying.

I encourage students to talk with admissions staff, faculty, and students in the programs they’re considering. It’s important to find out if the program is intellectually rigorous and if it will challenge students’ thinking. Because the field work experience is also key, I encourage students to find out about the types of field agencies where they might be placed and – importantly – the types of learning opportunities they are likely to experience. Many students who join MSW programs have already had considerable experience in the field. The internship should be designed to stretch and expand students’ knowledge and skills beyond what they bring upon arrival.

Juggling. Time management is an important aspect of success. Students have to respond to the academic commitments of their program and the field hours during their internship. Some students may be employed simultaneously, and of course some students have family and caregiving commitments as well.

It’s important for students to gain experience in their field of interest – if possible – prior to MSW admission. Social work is extremely gratifying work, and it’s also taxing. Knowing that you love the population you plan to work with; knowing that you’re comfortable in the setting where you’re likely to work; and knowing that you find intellectually challenging the social problem your clients typically face is important. Students who have previously worked in a setting that offers them exposure to these issues will be ready to dive in with gusto.

There are dozens and dozens of jobs available to social workers with an MSW degree. I recommend the book: “101 Careers in Social Work” (Ritter, Obermann & Danhoff, 2019) for a relatively comprehensive list of the kinds of jobs students are likely to find following graduation.

Students typically engage in a mix of required and elective coursework.

I believe some of the most important factors for students to consider when deciding on a social work degree program are: the length of time the program offers for completion (full-time vs part-time), the flexibility of the program, its costs and fees, the kinds of financial aid, if any, that are offered, its modality options (in-person vs online vs hybrid instruction), the variety of specializations within the program, the types of internships available, the academic and professional backgrounds of its faculty members, and how technologically advanced the program is. Given such a wide range of factors to take into account, I think it is most important for students to consider how well a particular social work degree program would fit in with their own lifestyles and interests.

Of course, everyone differs in what they think may be the most challenging aspects of earning a social work degree. From my own experiences, I would say figuring out what specific area in social work I wanted to specialize in was one of the most challenging. Once I determined that gerontology would be my concentration, it became easier for me to choose the type of internships I was interested in, what I wanted my assignments to focus on, and for me to choose the types of jobs I would apply for post-graduation. Social work is such a versatile field that it can be overwhelming to just focus on one area. However, gaining knowledge in several different areas will help future social workers to discover what their passion within the field really is.

I think students can best prepare for a social work degree program by doing their own research on the program they choose, doing research on the actual profession, and by networking with others who have completed social work degree programs and have gained experience working in the field themselves.

To be a successful social work student, I think it takes dedication, an excellent work ethic, and an open mind. Learning how to work effectively with others is crucial in this field, so students can start by learning how to work effectively with their classmates for group projects and assignments. Unfortunately, there will be times that you may have to pick up the slack for your teammates or co-workers so that your clients can receive the resources they need. This may also be the case as a social work student. Just take it in stride and offer grace to others because you never know when you may be on the receiving end of that help.

Social work degree students can find jobs in many different settings after graduation, such as in hospitals, schools, the VA, nonprofit agencies, nursing homes, hospice, rehabilitation facilities, and even in international programs. Additionally, some students are even offered full- or part-time employment at their social work internships upon graduation, as well.

Yes, students can take social work electives and/or customize their social work degree experience through certain program concentrations. It just depends on what their particular program offers.

Wanting to enter the social work field can be exciting as well as daunting for prospective social work students as they are often faced with many questions pertaining to what field area within social work they are interested in. As a result of this choosing the right social work degree program (BSW or MSW) is important as these programs will help them to properly prepare to help individuals who are in need within society. Some of the most important factors with regards to picking the best social work program for prospective students is making sure that their program of interest is accredited, social work classes that are of interest to them, proper student to teacher ratios, adequate academic resources, accomplished faculty within the field of social work, and a supportive social work department that assist students while they are in school and after they graduate.

Some of the most challenging aspects of earning a social work (BSW or MSW) degree today for students is sorting through how the information they learn within the classroom setting will connect to what they will be doing in the future. For many social work students who are in school, they often cannot pinpoint exactly what field area they will be working in 10 years down the road. However, it is important that prospective and current students know that not knowing what field area they will be working in the future, is common. To help alleviate any concerns that this unknown may cause, prospective and current social work students must keep in mind that their education journey is a process and no matter what they will be doing in the future, the skills that they learn within the classroom setting will be easily transferable when the time calls for it.

Students can best prepare to enter a social work degree program by first asking themselves if and why they have a passion for helping people who are in need within society? By asking themselves this question students will hopefully find that important answer they will stick with them in years to come.

To become a successful social work student, one must know that time management is important. It is through properly managing one’s time, that students will find the adequate space to study, read, research, complete assignments, attend classes, and attend their respective internship placement.

After graduation social work students are finding jobs in administration and management, advocacy, community organizing, health care, court system, clinical mental health practice, assisting the aging populations and assisting the developmentally disabled population to name a few.

Within many social work programs students can take elective courses that will help to support what their learning in their core social work classes. Some of the elective classes students can take are and not limited to: Sociology, introduction to urban social work, crisis intervention; global human trafficking; bereavement (grief & loss), diversity populations/groups, mental health and adolescents, clinical practice with diverse populations, urban leadership, non-profit leadership, mental health, child welfare, and social work and family violence.

A social work degree is very flexible and can open many doors in the helping professions. However, it is important for prospective students to understand their long-term professional goals and whether a social work degree is the best avenue for them to take. There are few jobs that only social workers qualify for, so there are various academic paths each prospective student can take to pursue their professional goals. Thus, I recommend that prospective students talk with faculty members in social work, sociology, counseling, psychology, and marriage and family therapy departments to get various perspectives on what degree might be best for them.

One of the best ways to prepare for a social work degree is through volunteer experience. In addition to volunteering at a place where you may want to work someday, consider also volunteering with organizations that serve populations you are unfamiliar with. You will be exposed to many diverse groups as a social work student, and getting volunteer experiences that open your eyes to new populations is great preparation for your studies.

The number and types of electives will vary greatly based on the program you choose. Some social work programs have a single emphasis (e.g., clinical social work), while others will have various tracks. It is worth noting that the social work licensing exams do not change based on your emphasis or track. While your degree may have an extra focus on particular aspects of social work, all programs accredited by the Council on Social Work Education have required courses that will prepare you for your licensing exam. A particular emphasis or track, therefore, is helpful in giving you extra experience in an area of social work you may want to work in down the road, but not pertinent to your licensing exam.

It is very important to select a program accredited by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE) to ensure a quality education and to be able to apply for a license. Additionally, consider the delivery method. Will it be in person classes or online? Will it be full time or part time? How will it fit with your learning style? How will your other life demands, such as job and family, pair with the program?

I encourage students to volunteer in a variety of settings to explore where their passions of service lie and to develop empathy for others. Also, be open to all areas of social work. It is a very broad field and often students discover excitement for new and different directions than expected.

What kinds of jobs are social work degree students finding after graduation? There is a vast range of jobs for social workers. Graduates are working in child welfare agencies, schools, hospitals, hospice, community centers, skilled nursing facilities, agencies serving older adults, adoption, foster care, mental health, domestic violence shelters, and community development, to name a few.

Absolutely! Students often choose to take electives in their area of interest. These may be additional social work electives or even courses offered by other disciplines such as psychology, sociology, or modern languages. For example, a student interested in working with children may select a class on Autism interventions. Students can customize their program by not only selecting electives that build their knowledge for social work practice but also further their personal development and enrichment, such as an art or music class. I encourage students to embrace all forms of learning and knowledge.

I find that students are drawn to the flexibility that a profession in social work offers. Very few degrees can allow you to work in a hospital, a school district, private practice, non profit agencies, etc- all with the same degree! Programs that foster that career diversity are often appealing to students.

Social work is not only about creating a professional identity, but also rediscovering your personal identity. In order to help others, we must engage in frequent self reflection to gain self awareness of our biases, our own cultural lens, and the worldview we possess. This work is deeply personal, and yet also deeply political. It is a profession that demands our ethics to be upheld professionally and personally, and that brings with it unique challenges.

An open mind, time to dedicate to your learning, and an eagerness for the work. Social work can feel heavy at times, and thus an eagerness to be a helper is essential. Additionally, never forget that you are your own educational advocate! Advocate for the learning experiences that you want.

I have seen many students land jobs very quickly after graduation in a variety of settings: mental health agencies, in the prison systems, in schools, in health care, non profit agencies, and even political positions. The degree is versatile!

Absolutely. Be sure to meet with your academic advisors to tailor your education to your specific interests!

Students should first take some time to think about their short and long term career goals. From there they can find a social work degree program that can support those goals. Students should consider program focus, course offerings, faculty experience, and cost.

Social work can challenge students personally in ways that other degree programs don’t. The populations we serve and issues we tackle can be hard to manage emotionally and students will need to be open to growing both academically and personally as they become a social worker.

Activate your support networks and be prepared to make significant sacrifices.

Social work is very diverse and students today have more and more career options. I’ve seen students take their social work degrees into sports teams, financial industries, corporate settings, counseling centers, foster care, hospice, hospitals, jails, and schools.

Many social work programs, including our program at California Baptist University, allows students to select topic based classes that interest them. We offer four elective areas, children and families, aging, integrated behavioral health, and global justice.

I encourage my students and others to ask themselves what pushes them to seek a social work degree. I share the following quote with others who are thinking about the social work profession:
“If you have come here to help me you are wasting your time, but if you have come because your liberation is bound up with mine, then let us work together.” – Lillia Watson
When you understand why and that you can only partner with individuals, families, and communities, and not save them then one begins the journey of deciding if this profession is for them.
One must have insight on the assets and baggage they bring to the profession as well. If one is not aware of their biases and triggers, they can harm those whom they claim they desire to serve.

Balancing field placement, work, school, and other responsibilities.

I encourage potential students to read about the profession and determine if this degree is essential to their long-term professional and personal goals. I encourage them to speak with social workers and social work students to gain diverse perspectives on the profession.

There are several factors that can contribute to a student being successful including focus, a willingness to learn from classmates, teachers, and clients. Take feedback and if it is valid, figure out how to utilize it. Integrate history, theories, decision-making models, and lived experience into their unique educational journey. And do not compare your journey to others.

I encourage students to seek non-traditional jobs. Jobs that require change and utilization of eclectic skills. The skills set of a social worker can be transferred in any setting where the needs or rights of human beings are upheld.

Taking classes on diverse populations they may serve. Electives that will aid in their professional development as an administrator and communicator. Electives that would sharpen their research skills so they can challenge policies that are oppressive.

I think the most important factors to consider are thinking through what kind of emphasis the student wants. For example: do they want more of a generalist degree or do they want more in policy or mental health?

I think the most challenging aspect of earning a social work degree is the amount of time required of students in volunteering, internships, and doing school. It requires a great level of time management and organizational skills.

Students can best prepare for a social work program by doing their own work. What I mean is working through their own anxiety, childhood trauma etc. before being with clients. I often encourage my students to seek out therapy and really good self-care routines.

Organization, time management, and empathy.

Students at the BSW level are often finding jobs in case management for child welfare, community mental health or in the criminal justice field. At the MSW level, students are finding jobs in schools, hospitals, mental health, and in working with the VA.

In our program, students can take electives or topical classes like child welfare, mental health, etc.