A planning guide for a master’s in social work degree

In my opinion, the most important considerations when deciding on an MSW program are future employment prospects and level of faculty engagement. If I were applying to an MSW program, I would want to know that the program will prepare me for the type of career that I am interested in pursuing. I would want to make sure that the program had relationships with employers in the area I would like to work. I would also look closely at potential field placement opportunities to ensure that I would be able to have the types of experiences that would allow me to obtain the types of jobs I wanted.

I would also seek out a program where I had the opportunity to get to know the faculty and where faculty would get to know me as well. Having close working relationships with faculty can really help when you are looking for a job. They can offer good advice, references and job leads.

Most MSW programs do not have specific training or educational requirements for admissions. It is important to do well in whatever undergraduate program you pursue. Students with some social sciences background may have a slight advantage over other students in the first year of an MSW program, but this is not necessary for success. It always helps to have strong writing skills. It also helps to have at least some exposure to human services practice. Having an undergraduate internship or doing some volunteer work in your community can help give students some points of reference that make the MSW program easier.

The MSW program in which I teach has had to make several adjustments during the pandemic. All of our courses have moved online (until Fall 2021). Many students have had disruptions to their field placements and several students are completing field placement hours online. Many of our students have had personal challenges during the pandemic — financial and employment issues, health concerns, and family and childcare stressors. Our faculty are sensitive to our students and we are as supportive as possible while also upholding graduate program standards. Everyone is working very hard, students, faculty and staff. We are all looking forward to a return to more normal times. We have also learned a lot about the importance of human relationships and grace.

Prospective MSW students need to be searching for a vocation, not just a job that issues a paycheck. The field of social work demands that its professionals be committed to human relationships, a curiosity for and a commitment to work with traditionally marginalized and oppressed populations, a sense of humility and eagerness to learn, to receive feedback, and to be reflective. It is important to note that there is no “prescribed” undergraduate major which is required for the MSW. Fairfield’s Program attracts students from a wide range of undergraduate majors – finance, marketing, international business, communication, sociology, to name just a few. You don’t HAVE to major in social work or psychology to be a candidate for an MSW program.

Getting some “real world” experience in the human service field is important. While it’s not “essential” to have practical experience working with clients to earn your MSW, it’s important to have a sense of whether or not you’d find the work satisfying, and the best way to discern this is to actually work in the mental health field, in some capacity. Volunteering is another good way to obtain practical experience and knowledge. I will also say that social workers need to be good communicators — both written and oral. The academic curriculum is rigorous and requires strong writing skills. To succeed in an admission interview, meet with clients, to present case studies in class, and to work on group projects in school, one needs to be able to communicate effectively verbally. If a prospective MSW student struggles in either of these areas, one might want to consider getting support so that your admission interview, AND written package, is as strong as it can be!

Students need to ensure that the program is offered in the format they prefer, for example if they want online classes that the program actually offers online classes. In addition, students need to consider whether the program provides opportunity to learn the specialty area they are interested in, for example if they are interested in medical social work that there are internship opportunities in that area or if they are interested in practice with children, youth, and families that there are courses addressing how to work with that population. It is also important to consider the cost of the program, its location, and to make sure it is accredited.

Students can best prepare by talking to social workers currently in practice to learn about the joy and heartaches of the work — social work practice is not easy and social workers are often witnesses to the suffering of others. Social workers make a difference in helping people overcome suffering, but there is personal cost being exposed to the suffering and students need to be ready to cope with that. In addition, social work has a social justice mission that supports equity and inclusion for all people — students need to be ready to push their boundaries in terms of exploring feelings of bias toward people who hold different values.

Students under quarantine can participate in in-person classes by distance technology; everyone wears a mask during class and during simulation (role plays to practice social work skills with trained actors as clients) so communication is different because we can’t see one another’s complete facial expressions, which are important in conveying empathy and understanding when demonstrating practice skills.

MSW students need to be open minded, consider the perspectives of others, strive for cultural humility, and put as much as they can into their own learning. MSW education isn’t about the course instructor giving the student knowledge and skills, but supporting the student to gain knowledge and skills him or herself.

Many graduates are finding opportunity in behavioral health settings and in child welfare settings.

I believe persons interested in social work should first have a commitment to uplifting all people, groups, and populations regardless of race, ethnicity, religion, sexual orientation, gender, physical or mental challenge or any other thing used to impede interactions with people different from oneself.

Secondly, students should consider the specialization area that they would like to practice, then explore various programs to find the one that most fits their interest areas. Students consider accessibility and their learning styles, as these things have to do with online and on-ground program selection. Some students prefer and need online accessibility and others may need in-person learning environments on-ground.
Finally, cost is always a factor and students should look for accredited programs that are affordable and with good reputations of alumni success and licensing rates

Students who may want to pursue social work as a profession should be open to new ideas, practice listening skills, develop good communication skills, have a basic understanding of computers and software. Also, they should be aware of current events and policies impacting social welfare, justice, and the environment. Finally, interested individuals can learn much from volunteering with agencies, organizations, political units, etc. providing social welfare and social work-related services.

The Millie M. Charles School of Social Work is part of a HBCU in New Orleans, which have seen its share of disaster and recovery in recent times. The current pandemic has helped to reshape the delivery of course work from on-ground in-person format to temporary online delivery. This reshaping/realignment has been challenging for both students and professors alike. However, the drive to meet the educational needs of students have helped to develop effective online and alternative technological teaching strategies.

Dedication to self, in that the student has the fortitude to endure the academic rigor and field practicum training.

The student should be very good with time management and prioritizing needs, as academic demands may conflict with time and other events. Students must be able to place things into perspective and in a manner that helps preserve self-care.

Most MSW find work in clinical and or community organizations and agencies. There are other areas that students can be more engaged in the macro environment such as community engagement and organizing, policy and justice advocacy work, and community diversity and inclusion work, among others.

If you had to choose one or two books, articles, documentaries, podcasts, etc. to be included on a required reading list for social work students, what would it be?

There is not any particular material I suggest for reading, but I do suggest readings in area of local, state, national, and global policy and strategies that aim to address social ills such poverty, homelessness, global warming, sex trafficking, racism, human rights, conflict resolution, and economic and environmental policies. Also, I think students would benefit from reviewing NASW, ACOSA, and NABSW websites, Twitter, and Facebook pages and related blogs, there is often useful information and opportunities for students posted on the sites.

The most important factors for students deciding on a MSW program are interests in resolving critical social problems and sensitivity to structural inequality that exist in contemporary society. Students should ensure that they are enrolling in a program that aligns with their career interests. Social work, unlike other human service professions, places a strong emphasis on social justice. This perspective emphasizes the interactive nature of individuals and their environment. Students gain an awareness that problems do not always evolve at the individual level, but structural factors have the capacity to impact individuals, groups, and communities.

Ideally, the best preparation for an MSW is acquisition of the BSW. However, for students who have other degrees, it is important to have a sound liberal arts background. Additionally, a commitment to service and social justice are important attributes.

The pandemic has resulted in a decrease in the number of in-person classes. Because of social distancing and the need to protect students and faculty, more classes are offered online or hybrid. With regards to the practicum experience, many agencies have had to alter their service delivery methods. As a result, students have had to rely on virtual experiences far more than pre-COVID. We adjusted our requirements for practicum to align with the Council on Social Work Education COVID guidelines.

Social work requires a strong commitment to the core values (e.g., service, integrity, dignity and worth, competence, importance of human relations and social justice). Social workers should have a clear understanding of the power imbalances that keep some groups disadvantaged while other groups benefit.

There are an array of traditional and non-traditional career paths for social workers.
Career paths include areas of practice in mental and behavioral health, child welfare, school social work, palliative and end of life care, public health and private practice, to name a few. Social work is a field that is in high demand. The skill set of social workers prepares them for a variety of practice settings and specializations.

· Amend: The Fight for America (2021) – Doc Series
· 13th (Documentary) by Ava Durvernay
· White Fragility (2018) by Robin DeAngelo
· From Here to Equality (2020) by William Darity & Kristen Mullen

Quality and affordability are the main factors when choosing an MSW program. When focusing on quality, it is important to research how long the school has been accredited by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE). It is also important to ask what the program’s graduation rates are, post-graduation employment rates, and how many students pass their licensure exams. Affordability is a close second to quality when deciding which program to choose. Social work will not make you wealthy. Therefore, having massive amounts of student debt upon graduation is not recommended. There are lots of programs that are both quality and affordable. Choose them first. Employers do not care that your degree came from an expensive university. They care that you have the degree. Period.

The best preparation is to get a BSW degree and spend some time in the social work field before applying to an MSW program. This is because a BSW degree allows you to get your MSW degree faster. Having some experience before applying to an MSW program, helps you apply your learning to real life situations that you have faced. However, if you do not have a BSW degree, no worries. You can still get an MSW degree. It will just take a little longer. Regardless of what your undergraduate degree is in, making sure that you have a strong GPA and social service experience is always an added benefit when applying to MSW programs.

Every program is different. Every program has a different specialization. It is important to review the program’s plan of study, course offerings, and even speak to the MSW coordinator, before deciding which program is right for you.

The one thing I tell students when they start our program is to not give us their “leftovers.” What I mean by that is it is important to make the MSW program your priority. If you have a job that is demanding, consider going part-time. If you have personal obligations that take a significant amount of time, weigh the pros and cons before deciding to start an MSW program. MSW programs take a significant amount of time, flexibility, and attention to detail. Therefore, it is important to be mentally ready to begin.

There is a great book titled 101 Careers in Social Work by Ritter, Obermann, and Danhoff (2020). It covers all the types of jobs you can do with a social work degree. I think this book does an excellent job representing the types of jobs MSW graduates are finding. There are too many types to name. However, I think that is the best part of choosing social work. You will never be bored. There is always a different population or experience if you decide to change jobs.

Hands down the NASW Code of Ethics (2017). This is because many students do not understand the professional commitment that is required of social workers. The Code is free. It is available online and it should be read before choosing a career in social work.

Students need to do their own research and find the MSW program that fits best with their interests and career goals. With so many MSW programs available, it is important to learn about the specializations offered by the program and the faculty who are teaching the courses. Students also need to consider their schedules and ways they learn best so they can find a program that fits their preferred learning styles. I think that it is also important to find out more about field placement processes and opportunities. Some programs build in a lot of student support and assistance while other programs have less of that.

The best thing that students can do to prepare for an MSW program is to learn about what social work is by reading the National Association of Social Workers Code of Ethics, talking to social workers, and job shadowing with a social worker. We want students who are passionate about advocating for others, developing cultural humility, and working to eradicate injustice. Students also need to be self-aware and be critical thinkers who are aware of what is going on in the world. MSW programs require students to be capable of graduate level academic work and the ability to engage with people in a social service setting.

Yes, students in almost all MSW programs can take electives as part of the curriculum for the program. Some programs offer certificates in specific areas of interest and some programs partner with other graduate disciplines to offer courses to MSW students. There are many MSW programs that are offered as dual degree options as well.

Succeeding as an MSW student requires that students have an open mind and interest in learning and applying theories to individuals, families, groups, communities, and organizations. Students must be able to be self-reflective and willing to accept constructive feedback in order to be effective social work practitioners. Since students are enrolled in field placements while also taking academic classes, students must have effective time management skills, the ability to set appropriate boundaries, and engage in self-care. Often students are drawn to MSW programs because of their own backgrounds and traumatic experiences; therefore, they may need to participate in therapy in order to manage their feelings and reactions when working with clients.

MSW graduates are finding employment in mental health agencies, schools, health care facilities, child welfare services, telehealth, and many other settings that seek to enhance the lives of people. Some jobs include case managers, supervisors, therapists, policy practitioners, community organizers, school social workers, to name a few. With COVID-19, many jobs for social workers are remote, and recent MSW graduates are adept at incorporating technology in their practice.

I would recommend the books and podcasts produced by Dr. Brene Brown. Because MSW graduates will be leaders in the profession, they need to be familiar with Dr. Brown’s work on shame, vulnerability, and leadership. I would also recommend that students read Why Are All the Black Kids Sitting Together in the Cafeteria? by Dr. Beverly Daniel Tatum. This book helps MSW students to understand the experiences of people of color and the injustices inherent in institutions.

When I advise students about any schooling choices I often come at it from more of a financial and family support perspective than anything else. As a first generation college student, I knew I couldn’t afford to attend a high profile school extremely far away from my main supports. I think students have to weigh that decision of going to a top rated school far away or a closer state school that will still provide them with the necessary competencies to be a professional social worker. After that, it can be important to look at what supports the school itself may offer in terms of financial aid, internships or field practicum, and program concentrations. Many social work programs are generalist in the foundation year of the MSW and the second year may offer a concentration in counseling or clinical practice or macro social work practice with organizations and communities. It might be hard to know which concentration to choose but other programs offer an advanced generalist concentration that still provides important knowledge and experiences along the micro macro social work continuum.

If I were advising a high school student about getting into the social work profession I would encourage them to highly consider obtaining a bachelor’s degree in social work so that they might qualify for an advanced standing MSW Program. The undergraduate degree in social work is a prerequisite for advanced standing, which allows the student to complete the MSW in just one year. For other students, I think it’s important to ensure they look at program admission requirements for things like statistics or other courses that are necessary. Human behavior classes, psychology, and other classes that provide education related to both individuals, communities, and organizations can also be helpful to prepare students for the MSW program. It’s also good to think about volunteering with a human service organization to get some real-world experience. Often this might come from an internship, but there are many organizations in the community that need volunteers and can provide great learning opportunities for students prior to obtaining their MSW.

Customization of the MSW program ultimately depends on the program itself. As mentioned previously, some programs have concentrations and others have advanced generalist years. However, most MSW programs still provide some electives in the second year for students to choose from that can provide deeper knowledge related to a specific topic. The Council on Social Work Education (CSWE) is the accrediting body for social work programs and this comes with specific requirements that programs are to meet to maintain accreditation, and a student certainly wants to graduate from an accredited program! The CSWE provides some guidance for the advanced or second year of the program and programs often design the second year to align with the overall mission of their program. All this is to say that sometimes the electives are not as customizable as one might think. Students should definitely discuss options with the program director or department chair.

Success is a pretty subjective term and I’ve had students perform well given a myriad of different challenging situations. I think some of the basics like studying, completing the readings, finding support with peers or others in the program are all key ingredients to being successful. I also think it’s important for students to take care of themselves during their study and to remember to have fun, keep an open mind, be flexible or adaptable, and reach out to others who might be struggling. If you have a question about something, chances are other students do too but might be afraid to ask. Support your peers and ask questions.

The future of the social work profession is very bright with solid job security on the horizon but I think that there are many social work jobs that also haven’t been invented yet. We are starting to see social work graduates take jobs in industries that we would never have considered before. This includes things like corporations, the tech sector, and others. Naturally, there is still a need for school social workers, child welfare workers, mental health therapists, and more but as our society continues to change, the types of challenges that social workers are well suited to engage with will change as well. But I believe the MSW degree is one that will be able to meet those challenges head on and we will see great results.

I am a huge fan of Brené Brown, so I always encourage students to read her books and listen to her podcasts. Otherwise I have two documentaries that I regularly reference in my classes. The first is Inequality for All with Robert Reich, which examines the topic of income inequality. The second documentary is 13th, which explores the criminalization of African Americans in the U.S. Both topics are extremely important to social work.

Students should take into consideration the kind of experience that they are hoping to have with a graduate program. Do you like small classes with lots of debate and conversation or large ones where the faculty member gives a straightforward lecture? If you enjoy small classes be sure to ask your admissions counselor about class sizes? Are you interested in a PhD or DSW later on? Then you may want to opt for a high research institution. For me personally, it was important to have a school with a strong reputation and a culture of research.

A lot of students have one idea about the kind of social work practice they want to engage in and then they get to MSW school only to discover they actually hate working with that population (small children for instance). While you’re in your undergraduate program, I highly recommend you set aside some time to volunteer with the population that excites you.

Sure! If that’s important to you, be sure to ask about the elective options in the MSW programs that interest you the most. At the Boston College School of Social Work we offer a wide variety of electives in everything from DEI practice in the workplace to community-based systems dynamics (never heard of that before? Come check us out!)

Self-advocacy is needed in many different instances. Don’t be afraid to speak up and let instructors and administrators know what you mean. If you are looking for a field placement with a particular population or you want to go macro sometimes administrators and faculty will try to talk you out of your decision. Don’t forget to advocate for yourself.

All prospective MSWs should remember that there is not just one path in our profession. Typically, students will take on a clinical role doing therapy or working with children and families. But I’ve seen social workers apply for and work with the foreign service, politicians, political advocacy, and fundraising. I worked in professional fundraising for five years before I became a faculty member. So to answer your question in a roundabout way, just because you see social work graduates taking mental health jobs doesn’t mean you have to do the same!

The Melanated Social Work podcast is excellent. Those fellas speak the truth!