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.

Remember that your education at the BSW is generalist and while you may “specialize” in an MSW program in populations or intervention styles or both, you are still generalists at heart. That is, the tools of both micro and macro practice are relevant to alleviate suffering in any setting with any population group including private practice therapy settings. Still, if you know you have a specialized interest, consider looking for a program that offers more focus including disaster social work; sports social work, forensic social work, political social work, international social work, and so forth. CSWE website offers a searchable database for accredited programs as well as specialized and refined searches with your favorite search engine.

Consider qualifications, specializations, publications, service, professional engagement within and outside of university, website and LinkedIn profiles – do they interest you and do they appear to take an interest in students? The gender, race, ethnicities, ages, educational levels, types, and locations as well as the program’s curriculum. Though accreditation standards to STANDARDIZE the experience of social work education, these and other factors can shape your experiences. How engaged is the university or college in their community? What kind of neighbor is the university? Is there a dedicated social work librarian? Do they have a wide variety of practicum sites and community partners?

Being asked to reflect upon your values throughout the program and to consider your biases, strengths, critical thinking, creative thinking, courage to act and to speak for self and others. Because values and beliefs are at the core and studying a Code of Ethics is central to our Social Work Education curriculum, these provide challenges when we learn information that support and conflicts with our prior understanding of how the world (or that aspect of it) works. Discovering new information, discerning among options and becoming more comfortable with ambiguity or open to multiple possible explanations of how any given event or decision could happen is a great challenge and this will remain well past your formal education.

There are three things students can do to prepare for a social work degree program:
1. Realize that your family, friends, pets, neighbors, etc. will, at times, take second place to the need to read a chapter, watch a video, attend a lecture, write a paper, do library research, contact another student to vent, travel to class or make space for a virtual class, go to conferences, conduct or present research and such.

Yes, you complete the application but a lot of people are going to school with you – and this is true at any age but becomes very challenging for folks with caregiving responsibilities, second jobs, housekeeping and cooking and transportation activities, religious work, etc. Thus a realistic idea about school – studying, notetaking, rereading, listening, homework, etc. takes time and is necessary to “best prepare.” Time management and the willingness to revisit schedules as the terms continue is an important attribute. Flexibility is the name of the game.

2. Trust that the people in the social work programs – namely faculty – but also program and university staff – have your best interests at heart. We make an investment in you but we cannot make more of an investment in you than you do. We can be of support when unexpected, accidental or even mistaken events happen that interfere with assignments.

Planning to keep communication open with classmates, faculty, staff, and your off-campus support system is vital to your sense of mastery of the challenges, supporting your deepening learning, and your growth as a social work professional – no matter what populations, settings, or interventions you employ. If there is conflict, trust that it can be worked out and know what is expected of you via the student handbook, the field practicum handbook and if you are a graduate assistant or teaching assistant the relevant handbooks for those roles.

3. I could say get your tools in order: access to wifi, computer, word processing, research tools and knowing when and how to get them fixed, repaired, and replaced and to budget for some fun and for some things like emergency flat tires, computer replacement, phone issues, etc. But I’d RATHER talk about getting into the mindset of a LEARNER. What do successful learners do? Among a variety of activities – cognitive, emotional, and physical, they get into the mindset for learning. This includes being able to consider Unlearning some things, integrating new ideas with what is known, realizing that confirming what you thought might feel good but warrants a review too, and engaging in discernment and weighing once alternatives are known. Mindset can guide feelings too – you might find you have to reject old ideas about yourself in a prior learning situation or messaging from others. You might meditate or develop affirmations or activities that build your self-esteem as a learner. You might plan to ask trust people to review writing you do in school (including faculty and writing centers but also your inner circle). Be amenable to feedback – even if it is hard due to difficult upbringing and beliefs about yourself.

Become your biggest cheerleader. And consider building in some time each day for working out – 10 minute walks or stretches two or three times a day. Sitting for long stretches is not good but easy to do when researching a paper or doing an “all-nighter.” But try to do papers in small segments rather than all at once and start them 2-3 weeks before they are due. These are things you might do with intention, purpose, and conviction for your own success.

*Critical thinking.
*Examining one’s own bias – as to people, news, ideas, ideology, the way things should be done, right and wrong
*Creative thinking.
*Integrative thinking.
*Speaking up – little by little practicing hearing yourself – for meetings, advocacy and maybe even speech-giving. Many activities add up to advocacy and the people with whom we work deserve advocacy and help with becoming their own advocates. We sometimes speak for but, the ideal, is to speak with or train folks to speak for themselves.
*Stand up – sometimes it will not be enough to speak up, you will need to stand up for something or someone. This requires strategy, collective action, and courage of your convictions. You can practice in school.
*Studying – like really reading and considering the points of view, perspectives, purposes of the materials you are given, the historical lenses applied or missing – who is at the table when studying a subject represented by films, books, speakers, activities, articles, etc.?
*Teaching – learning isn’t just about being a sponge or like a bank where you take out resources and deposit back your understanding of something. We don’t need parrots in social work (though they are lovely). Teaching – as an advocate, information and referral expert, a poser of questions, and one who can tell your story (which might include aspect of other people’s stories) to influence and inform others – this is being a student – the full circle of the learning process.
*Question the history, backstory of everything you can think of a you learn it for the first time or seem to have it confirmed from before – keep a questioning mind. Am I seeing, reading, hearing – everything there is to see, read, and hear right now, in this moment? What is missing? Who is missing?
*Trust yourself to learn, to be able to demonstrate what you know, to find your professional voice, to follow-through and to enjoy being a student.
*Engage with your student organizations – even just a little – to get outside of our head – even in graduate school – practice collective decision-making for justice and hearing yourself fight for something bigger than yourself.

Yes, you can take electives. However, to be real, many programs have merely one slot available. If you are double-majoring or seeking a dual degree, this is likely taking the one course in social work for the elective. If not, your program, depending on the size of faculty and enrollment, might have from one to five electives offered each term.

You and your advisor could discuss the benefits of which for your plans or your professional growth. Electives do not hold the same weight in and of themselves as they once did in higher ed. Why? Because of the proliferation of courses online, many continuing education opportunities, short certificate programs, and institutes offering their own training.

Between the internet, more offerings, virtual offerings now, and many providers of continuing education courses, students or new professionals can usually build their resumes shortly after graduating with their degree. The advantages of electives include the fact they are taught by people working in those fields, are usually in-depth, allow for assignments that students can do on topics they want to explore, may be no additional cost to you as incorporated in full-time tuition, and, provide a good foundation in whatever the topic of the elective is.

For example: a course titled Social Work and the Law will provide in-depth understanding of the connections between the two fields and highlight many settings and populations of relevance. Whereas, if you wish to become a Forensic Social Worker you are likely to take the two-part certification offered by the National Organization of Forensic Social Work (the former included in tuition, the latter an additional cost).

Social work is one of the best professions out there, but to be really effective in your career, it requires an excellent education and ongoing training/education. Just like every other profession, you get out of it what you put into it.

It all depends on the type of social worker you want to be (e.g., direct care practice worker, administrator, policymaker, advocate, researcher, professor, etc.), but overall I would say an advanced generalist practice education that provides a grounding in how micro, mezzo, and macro elements in our society interact and affect our and our clients’ well-being is most valuable.

I believe it is becoming increasingly challenging given the more serious and complex needs of our clients, the decreased funding available to agencies, the divisive political climate in which all organizations are running, and a more “corporate” approach to running agencies; which is not always bad, but can be destructive if used by someone who does not understand the fundamental nature of social work and associated services. However, I also believe that with challenges come opportunities to be more effective in advocacy work and agency administration and more creative and innovative with service delivery.

First and foremost, I think social work is about the ability to form healthy and supportive relationships. It is about respecting others, whether at the individual, group, or community level, and believing in human possibility. However, exceptional social work combines healthy relationship-building skills with technical competence and critical thinking skills. It is about having the proper technical skills – clinical, administrative, research, advocacy, or policy-making — coupled with critical thinking and strong interpersonal skills to support individuals in achieving their life goals.

The future remains very bright for social workers. Given all the challenges in the world right now, we need social workers more than ever!

Unfaithful Angels: How Social Work Has Abandoned its Mission by Harry Specht and Mark Courtney, and Creating Sanctuary: Toward the Evolution of Sane Societies by Sandra Bloom

Not everyone is suited to the social work profession. Consider taking a career test to see what careers are right for you. Take an introductory course in social work to get a better understanding of what social work is and what social workers do. Speak to a social work faculty member. Remember, they were once social work practitioners! They want you to succeed at whatever you do and will be honest and help you. If social work isn’t right for you, the faculty member will explore other options with you!

Social work is more than just a 9-to-5 job – it is a commitment to working with vulnerable people during their most challenging moments. Social work programs assess students on ability to think outside the box and critically, be creative, work well in groups, and show initiative and interest in learning more than the minimum expected to successfully complete a course. Student volunteer work and community involvement is also examined.

Talk to a social work faculty advisor at the college or university you are considering. Learn what the requirements are for admission in the major. Ask about their student retention rates, the percentage of students that successfully complete the program to graduation, and if they can share their graduates license exam pass rate.

As mentioned above, show initiative, do more than the minimum expected work, volunteer and be active in the community, think creatively and critically.

The social work job market is very hot right now. Graduates are working in schools, hospitals, group homes, mental health agencies, community services agencies, senior independence, developmental disabilities, nursing homes, assisted living facilities, county work, adoption and family services, homelessness, veteran affairs, criminal justice, and court systems. The career choices for social work have never been better!

This would depend on the social work program. Many BSW and MSW programs offer a variety of electives on child welfare, aging and legal services, international social work, spirituality, and mindfulness. A growing number of programs now offer hybrid/blended/online social work courses for BSW and MSW students. Expect there will be some pre-requisite courses, program structure and course-sequencing as many courses build upon others. Speak to a faculty advisor at the program that interests you.

The most important factors for students is to know that coming into the field of social work is a profession and not just a degree. In addition, students should have some type of clear idea of why they have chosen to join the social work field. Another factor to consider is the income, roles available in the field and the endless opportunities social workers have in the field.

The most challenging aspects of earning a social work degree is getting through the rigorous program and the internship. Having the time, commitment and support from your environment is very important.

Another challenge is the uncovering of oneself lived experiences. Students: Be ready to embark on a journey of self-discovery!

The best way to prepare is planning and time management. Look ahead. Plan your upcoming semesters and plan for field placement.

Also, be prepared to be uncomfortable while you learn about yourself and others!

It takes commitment and perseverance to be successful.

Social Work students are finding jobs in child welfare, clinical work, criminal justice, geriatrics, and hospice, medical, military and schools.

Absolutely, students can use their electives to enhance their knowledge base which compliments their degree.

The most important factors that students should consider when deciding on a social work degree program are their current work-life balance; concentrations, certificates, or specific training they want to obtain; and the networking opportunities available through the program. First and foremost, it is critical to identify a program that can accommodate work and family responsibilities you must maintain.

Some social work programs hold courses primarily in the evening and weekends which may work for students who plan to continue working while pursuing their degrees; for other students who are caregivers, classes and field placements during traditional work hours may make more sense.

Second, if there are certain certifications students want to obtain while in their programs, it is important to identify programs that offer those certifications. Having knowledge of the course curricula, certificate programs, and tracks are also important for students who are interested in advanced clinical or macro social work. Ensure the program will allow you opportunities to obtain the training you want at the start of your social work career.

Last, students should take some time to learn about the connections the program has with other related programs in the university, community organizations, and other social work programs. Does the program have positive relationships with community organizations that lead to field practice, internships, and potentially employment opportunities? Does the program collaborate with other disciplines at the university in ways that could benefit students interested in multidisciplinary work? Does the program have connections to other programs across the country through partnerships, alumni, and faculty that could lead to employment, continued education, or professional collaborations among students? These are just a few factors students should consider as they decide on a social work program.

The most challenging aspect of earning a social work degree is finding a way to have work-life balance with the extra heavy load of graduate school throwing off one’s balance. Students must be prepared to make sacrifices while in their social work programs.

One’s ability to work full-time, time with friends and family, and time dedicated to self-care can all be affected once enrolled in a social work program. Learning how to find a “new balance” will be critical for successfully earning a social work degree while maintaining one’s financial obligations, connections to social supports, and mental wellbeing.

The best way for students to prepare for a social work degree program is to discuss the demands of the program with their support systems in order to prepare them for changes in schedules, additional demands on the students’ time, and the potential need for additional support.

Students should also research the social work degree program they plan to enroll in prior to applying. Reach out to someone in the recruitment and admissions office. Reach out to faculty who may be doing work in one’s area of interest. Reach out to recent alumni who can provide greater insight into the student experience in the program.

The beauty of social work is that it is such a dynamic field with students having the ability to gain skills, experience, and expertise that can be transferred to a wide array of industries, settings, and populations.

Students I know have gone on to careers in child welfare services, schools, direct practice, teaching, healthcare, and non-profit organizations. They have also gone on to pursue degrees in education, law, public policy, public health, education leadership, and business. They have become involved in politics, social activism, entrepreneurship, consulting, and managerial positions. Social work is a broad yet specialized field that provides us with the training to effectively work with and serve people—those are skills that are widely applicable and necessary for most fields.

The conversation that I have with prospective students prior to formally accepting them into our social work program at the University is to ask: “What are you passionate about?” One of the most important factors for students deciding to pursue a degree in social work is that they are passionate to serve. It’s not enough to be proficient in academics. Students must master the graduation competencies of social work, but they also must be committed to developing cultural competency, have a strong sense of social justice, and a passion to serve.

The two top challenges I have seen in the lives of my students through the years are setting priorities and practicing self-care. The non-traditional student, the student raising a family, the one holding down a job, or the promising collegiate athlete will all have struggles balancing time and priorities. That is the nature of academia and real life. Life doesn’t stop just because you are pursuing a degree.

Learn early how to balance, budget, and set boundaries. Secondly, burnout, vicarious trauma, and compassion fatigue have become an albatross around the necks of social workers in practice. Learn early during your collegiate years to practice taking care of yourself. If you plan to teach your clients how to eat healthy, exercise, practice good mental health skills, and mindfulness in taking care of themselves, then do it yourself. Practice self-care.

Look ahead and plan ahead. Make sure you have a well thought out and planned course map for your degree. Take your classes in sequence. There is nothing more devastating than to get close to the end of your degree program and realize you have missed or skipped a pre-requisite or course required for graduation. Plan your work and work your plan.

This may sound bold, but don’t be entitled. Your professors want you to succeed as much as you want to succeed. Don’t take shortcuts. Your Professors don’t owe you an education. That is up to you. It’s up to you to gain the knowledge, values, and skills to be competent. Degrees are earned not bestowed for free. It’s hard work so work hard. This is what it takes to be successful.

The sky’s the limit in regard to areas of social work practice opportunities post-graduation. Right now, substance abuse is a pandemic in our nation and a major gap exists with qualified social workers in this field. Following closely behind is medical social work practice. Especially with older adults and long-term care facilities. Mental health, marriage and family, and school social work are fast working their way into the top five kinds of jobs open to students after graduation. Whatever a student is passionate about, there are opportunities to serve.

Bachelor of social work degree programs are required to focus on generalist practice as their goal for graduation competencies. With that being said, most BSW programs do offer focus electives at that level. The master of social work journey is much different.

Students who are pursuing their MSW are seeing more and more opportunities to customize and specialize their area of study by taking focus tracts of courses to propel them into career paths. These unique areas of practice may include a focus on the military, criminal justice, gerontology, addictions, social justice, public policy, and more. So, I would challenge the student to begin early examining their interests and selecting field experiences and practicums in those fields of practice.