Your Guide to a Master’s Degree in Social Work

Would you like to learn how to make a positive impact? Are you passionate about understanding and striving to improve the lives of people in society? Choosing to study a master’s degree in Social Work would be the optimum choice for you. As with such an amazing program you will be able to fulfill people’s needs of all ages so they can cope and improve their quality of life. 

The core purpose of social work is to promote human well-being and meet the basic and complex needs of people, paying special attention to the vulnerable, oppressed and poor. Hence, it helps people solve or overcome personal and social problems. 

Social Work is a combination of social stability and social change; Social stability promotes the well-being of people and society, and social change aims to change the negative aspects of society. For that reason, the importance of social work lies in solving social problems in all aspects of life, from supporting each other for family well-being to developing legal principles to eradicate systemic injustice. Social work involves helping others overcome problems.

What is the Definition of Social Work?

Social work is a professional and academic field that focuses on practices that promote social change and development, social cohesion, and the empowerment and liberation of people. Social work is based on the principle of social justice, human rights, collective responsibility, and respect for diversity.

In that sense, social work is concerned with meeting the basic needs of individuals, families, groups, communities, and society as a whole to enhance their individual and collective well-being.

To be a qualified social worker, you need to obtain a four-year university program in social work. Then you can join various service fields including community development, child protection, child and family welfare, youth programs, disability, health, education, addiction, the workplace, and social policy development.

The more education you get, the more doors will open for you. A master’s degree in social work would be a great chance to boost your career and give you greater prospects.

What is a Master’s Degree in Social Work (MSW)?

A master’s degree in Social Work, also known as a Master of Social Work (MSW) is a graduate program that prepares social workers for national licensure. It focuses on clinical social work and is available in a variety of formats, such as online or extended MSW programs, to meet student needs.

If you decided to study a master’s degree in this unique discipline, you receive benefits like qualifying you for clinical or supervisory licensure and gaining a deep education in the field 

Read More: An Overview of Master’s Degree in Psychology

The Difference Between MSW and MA in Social Work

An MA in social work is a simple master’s degree while an MSW is a specialized master’s degree in social work. Also, an MA is theoretical but a MSW is practical. Accordingly, you get more on-the-job training in an MSW than in a regular master’s.

The 2 degrees do not necessarily directly translate to the same fields of work. Sociologists tend to earn an MA, or master of arts, in sociology while Social workers earn an MSW, or master of social work, so they can become Licensed Clinical Social Workers (LCSWs).

Whether you choose a profession in social work or sociology depends on your intended focus. If you are looking for work that requires research, an MA in sociology may be suitable for you but an MSW may be better for you if you seek to work directly with clients. Furthermore, the holder of a master’s degree in social work (LCSW) is licensed to provide diagnoses and counseling services to individuals suffering from mental, behavioral, and other emotional issues.

How Hard to Get a Master’s Degree in Social Work?

If you want to work practically in the field after graduation, regardless of its tough studies, obtaining a master’s degree in social work is the right choice for you. In addition, the program challenges qualify you for the challenges of everyday life as a competent and effective professional social worker. It’s worth it because of the difficulties, not in spite of them. 

Social work is one of the most demanding professions to do well. Therefore, a master’s degree in Social Work is the best thing you could add to your educational background. Not only because it’s challenging, but a master’s degree in social work offers you great career options in the future and many other awesome prospects.

Read More: An Overview of Master’s Degree in Nursing

How Long Does it Take to Earn a Master’s Degree in Social Work?

Most master’s degrees take an average of 2 years from start to finish, which is half the time of a bachelor’s degree.

A Master’s in Social Work degree can take you anywhere from 1 to 4 years. It all depends on the school and admission status. If you are eligible for a permanent extended program, this can take up to 1 year.

Why Should You Pursue a Master’s Degree in Social Work?

If you aspire to have a career where you help humanity and contribute to making the world a better place, a master’s degree in social work is the one for you. This graduate program is usually pursued by a candidate who chose to study a bachelor’s degree in the major or related one. Thus, any graduate who has at least 55% pass marks can apply for this course.

The outcome of this graduate program is not only an academic certification, but has many other benefits! Earning a master’s degree in social work turns you into a more competitive job vacancy applicant and eases the way to progress in your career path. As a social worker with more credentials and expertise, you will be able to secure positions where you would make a huge difference in clients’ lives.

Read More: Your Guide to a Master’s Degree in Education

What Can You Do with a Master’s Degree in Social Work?

With a master’s degree in social work, you can work with individuals, families, groups, and entire communities. For job opportunities, you would have a wide range of career options and possibilities; you can take several professional tracks such as a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW), a child and family social worker, a school social worker, or a health care social worker.

Additionally, with a social work degree, you will be able to do most of what a psychologist can do. If you were starting fresh, it is recommended to follow the psychology degree, but given that you are almost done with your MSW, you will be best served by completing an MSW degree with specific required classes.

If you wish to study in the US for whichever degree level in the social work field generally, which is the best country to work as a social worker, candidates after the completion of the MSW program are absorbed by the welfare department of the government or different NGOs. 

After graduation with a master’s degree in social work, here are several field prospects to work either with the certificate itself or as a social worker: 

5 Easy Entry-Level Social Work Jobs

1. Group Home Workers.
2. Substance Abuse Counselors.
3. Community Social Workers.
4. Healthcare Social Workers.
5. Case Managers.

Other Social Work Professions:

• Social Worker.
• Care Home Manager. 
• Education Welfare Officer. 
• Family Support Worker. 
• Psychological Wellbeing Practitioner. 
• Probation Officer. 
• Youth Offending Team Officer. 
• Advice Worker.

But what if you are considering quitting social work? Here are other career opportunities to consider when leaving the social work profession:

• Caseworker.
• High School Teacher.
• Probation Officer.
• Paralegal.
• Community Manager.
• Mediator.
• Mental Health Counselor.
• Human Resources Manager.

A master’s degree in social work hits differently, no doubt! Social work is about understanding and trying to improve the lives of people in the community. From young children to those struggling with addiction, social workers listen to people’s needs and help them deal with problems and improve their quality of life. In fact, Social work differs from other professions in that they focus on both the person and their environment, rather than just the environment. Social workers deal with external factors that really affect a person’s situation and attitude. Reach out to us at UniApp if you consider such an amazing career.