A master of social work (MSW) is highly sought after because the degree opens up professional options within the social welfare field.
With an MSW, social work professionals can practice clinically in many different areas (this ranges from kids through geriatrics and from addition to marriage and family counseling). An MSW is also considered a strong cornerstone degree to pursue other social welfare-related opportunities such as management and administration.
MSW-level professionals hold a variety of social work positions. Initially, most professionals will work as counselors, crisis staff, case managers, and other specialty positions in community mental health, public health, or medical social work.
Later in their careers, many MSWs choose to go into private practice. Other MSW-level professionals will write policy, oversee programs, and do contract work at the state and federal level. MSW coursework prepares students to work with individuals as well as in administration for a large organization or agency upon graduation.
What do you need to get an MSW?
Consider the future
While MSW degrees are often lumped together, there are many distinguishing characteristics between programs. Some MSW programs have a pronounced clinical focus, while others have more of an administrative or management focus.
Complete prerequisites
The cost degree programs will vary slightly with regard to prerequisites. However, most social work graduate degree programs will have baseline requirements that look similar. The following prerequisites are standard:
Undergraduate degree
All MSW programs will require a bachelor’s degree unless the program is a BSW to MSW (bachelor of social work to master’s of social work) bridge program.
A bridge program is an accelerated program allowing the student to finish their BSW and go directly into an MSW program within the same university. The benefit is that students don’t need to go through the admissions process again.
Most standalone MSW degree programs require a bachelor’s degree in social science. Common examples include a bachelor of social work (BSW), bachelor of science in psychology or sociology (BS), and other popular humanities majors.
Most programs will require that applicants received their degree from an accredited undergraduate program.
Curriculum history
Undergraduate experience should demonstrate basic math, sciences, history, and political science. Additionally, most MSW programs require completion of a statistics course or multiple courses within a certain number of years.
This is an important requirement because so much of understanding trends and data in the field is completed by research. During an MSW degree students are expected to complete research
Grade Point Average (GPA)
All schools will likely have a required GPA that the applicant obtained during their undergraduate career. The average GPA that schools list on their application materials is somewhere between a 3.0 and 3.5
Graduate Record Examination scores (GRE)
Some schools will require GRE scores that are current from within several years of the application date. The GRE is a standard test to ensure that applicants have a baseline understanding of academic writing, decision-making, and reading comprehension.
The GRE tests for an MSW generally include verbal reasoning, analytical writing, and quantitative reasoning. The scores for the verbal reasoning section range from 130-170, with competitive scores averaging from 158-162 points.
The scores for the analytical writing section range from 0-6, with competitive scores averaging 4.5. Finally, the scores for the quantitative reasoning section range from 130-170, with competitive scores averaging from 159-164 points. Potential students should aim for these scores or higher.
Seven steps to help identify potential MSW degree programs
After getting the background steps out of the way, it’s time to focus on more specific master of social work program details. Some of the more important things to think about include:
- Location – Do you have to move to enroll in your preferred program? If you answer no, have you checked out online MSW programs?
- Cost – Some programs will be more expensive than others based on the status of the university being either private or public — and the overall amount of financial assistance available.
- Program focus – Does the focus area of the program align with your overall career interests. For example, some programs will focus heavily on child welfare while others might focus heavily on medical social work.
- Requirements for admission – Admission requirements vary school-by-school, so its best to make a checklist.
- Length of program – Different programs will require differing levels of participation. Full-time participation for two years is standard for many degree programs and others will allow for part-time participation for three to four years.
- Acceptance rate – It can take applying to several different schools and programs before getting accepted into an MSW program. So make sure and set reasonable expectations about getting into a social work graduate school program. Luckily, admission rates and the data is usually available from each school to help with expectation setting. According to 2015 data from the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE), the acceptance rate into a master’s program is higher than into a Ph.D. program. Data from 2015 indicated that 45,640 people had applied nationally to an MSW program and 29,793 applicants were granted admission (CSWE, 2015). It is likely that the increasing need for social workers in recent years will drive an increase in MSW program applicants. Of course, top-ranked schools can have very low acceptance rates. For example, the University of California at Berkeley is ranked among the top 10 schools nationally and had an acceptance rate of 27.5 percent in 2015 (MSW Programs, 2020).
- Ranking — Not all MSW programs are created equal. Check out the rankings for degree programs over the past few years.
Understand MSW degree requirements
Just as some programs have different prerequisite requirements than others, the degree completion requirements also vary from school-to-school. The MSW program at the University of Washington, for example, does not have a thesis requirement (while many MSW programs do). Instead, the University of Washington’s program requires a capstone project.
Another place where schools differ is that some require social work research-related courses to complete an MSW. While others do not.
Core MSW classes will include a historical perspective of social work, policy courses, behavioral health and assessing/diagnosing courses, individual, group, and family counseling courses, research courses, and the chosen electives based.
Understand the admission requirements and process
Most universities have similar admission requirements for an MSW application. These could include the following but are subject to change depending on the chosen university for application:
- Transcripts from previous universities/colleges showing proof of completion of all pre-requisite courses and grade point average
- Letters of recommendation from previous professors and/or employers
- Completion of a personal statement or essay indicating why the potential student wants to earn a master of social work degree and what life experiences brought them to this application
- Completion of a personal statement or essay indicating why the potential student is a good fit for that specific university’s degree program
- Graduate Record Examination (GRE) scores for many programs
Universities will have very specific timelines regarding when applications are due. Most will be approximately nine months to one year prior to the start of the program.
It can take universities many months to accept or deny potential students. Some students may be given a preliminary acceptance letter that will become a full acceptance after completion of additional prerequisites (for example a more recent statistics course).
Generally upon receiving an acceptance letter, there will be a timeline for accepting or denying the place in the MSW program.
Once you accept an offer to join a program, there is usually an orientation component, which will allow you to meet your advisor, program professors, and other students.
Because there will be a practicum course eventually where students will be required to work under supervision with community members, they will also likely to complete a health physical, ensure proof of vaccinations, and receive a flu shot. These requirements will change depending on the specific program as well.
Increasing the chances for MSW admission
If you know what university or universities you are interested in applying to, there are several common strategies for increasing the chances of getting accepted.
Meet with an advisor or program students to ask questions
Meeting with the advisors at the university is an incredible way to understand the program’s ideal student profile. This information will allow you to tailor your application materials, especially with things like the personal statement and essays. Additionally, previous students will be able to offer inside information about the application process and what might stand out.
Retake classes
It can be helpful for some students who do not have stellar GPA scores to retake a few classes to increase their GPA. If you fall into this group, retaking select course could increase your chances of acceptance.
Enroll in a GRE study program
Good GRE scores are of the cornerstone of a strong admissions application. Because it is a difficult and expensive test to take, enrolling in a study course or paying for private study from a professional is an incredible way to boost GRE score results.
Tuition cost
According to the National Center for Education Services, the average cost of an MSW degree per year at public universities is $13,800.00 (Cost Helper, 2020). The average cost per year at a private university is $36,000.00. You also need to include the cost of textbooks as well as account for any time they may have to take off from work to complete their degree. For example, during practicum requirements it becomes difficult to work full-time because you may have to complete 10 to 20 hours per week of practicum hours that are usually unpaid.
Social work career outlook
There is currently a great demand for social workers as the baby boomer generation continues to age. This segment of our population will require social work services at high rates. There is also a crisis nationally with homelessness, substance use, disability, and mental health supports that are needed.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (2018), between 2016 and 2026 the number of social work jobs added to the workforce will be 109,700 jobs overall. This shows a 16 percent growth rate in the upcoming years. (Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2018).
Because of these factors, social workers finishing school should expect to find employment rather quickly. While community health work and public health work like this may not pay extremely well, generally the benefits are great. Because an individual with an MSW can earn licensure to independently practice counseling, there is an opportunity to launch a private practice, where clinicians generally may very good salaries for themselves. According to 2017 data, the average social worker salary was $47,980.00.
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Future social workers will be able to support and help individuals in all different life situations. Social workers service patients across the lifespan: from birth until death. This makes the profession one that is both satisfying and readily available for employment. Because the need for social workers is expected to grow so much, choosing the right program becomes necessary for future professionals.
Expert advice for aspiring graduate students
- What are the most important factors when deciding on an MSW program?
- How can students best prepare for an MSW program?
- How has the recent pandemic changed your MSW program?
What are the most important factors when deciding on an MSW program?
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.
How can students best prepare for an MSW program?
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.
How has the recent pandemic changed your MSW program?
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.
What are the most important factors for students deciding on an MSW program?
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.
How can students best prepare 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!
What are the most important factors for students deciding on an MSW program?
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.
How can students best prepare for an MSW program?
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.
How has the recent pandemic changed your MSW program?
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.
What does it take to be successful as an MSW student?
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.
What types of jobs are MSW graduates finding?
Many graduates are finding opportunity in behavioral health settings and in child welfare settings.
What are the most important factors for students deciding on an MSW program?
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
How can students best prepare for an MSW program?
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.
How has the recent pandemic changed your MSW program?
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.
What does it take to be successful as an MSW student?
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.
What types of jobs are MSW graduates finding?
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.
What are the most important factors for students deciding on an MSW program?
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.
How can students best prepare for an MSW program?
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.
How has the recent pandemic changed your MSW program?
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.
What does it take to be successful as an MSW student?
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.
What types of jobs are MSW graduates finding?
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.
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?
· 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