Learners often pursue master's in social work degrees to prepare for careers as licensed clinical social workers (LCSWs). Graduates can also work as family therapists and career counselors. Applicants to social work programs typically need a bachelor's degree from an accredited school. Application materials may also include recommendation letters, a resume, and test scores.
Students earning a degree in social work commonly take classes in human behavior and the social environment. They also take mental health practice and integrative technology courses. Degree-seekers work with clients during a practicum and internship.
This guide covers typical costs and classes for social work degree-seekers. The following sections also detail earning potential and licensure requirements for graduates.
Featured Online MSW Programs
Why Get a Degree in Social Work?
People can earn a master's in social work degree to enter the growing field. The BLS projects employment for social workers to increase 12% from 2020-2030, faster than the average for all occupations. Additionally, master's degree-holders often earn higher salaries than professionals without a graduate degree.
Online education appeals to many working professionals. Students pursuing master's in social work degrees online often take classes asynchronously. These learners can schedule coursework around other responsibilities. Online learning also allows students to attend out-of-state programs without commuting or relocating.
How Much Does a Social Work Degree Cost?
Some of the best online social work degrees offer competitive tuition rates. However, graduate tuition usually costs more than undergraduate tuition. The average cost of a master's degree was $66,340 in 2021, according to the Education Data Initiative. In-state public schools generally offer the lowest tuition rates.
Working students can pursue tuition-reimbursement programs through their employer to save on costs. Students can also submit the FAFSA to apply for federal financial aid. The federal government provides grants and low-interest loans to qualifying students.
How Much Do Social Work Graduates Make?
According to the BLS, social workers earn a median salary of $51,760 per year. This figure includes licensed and unlicensed professionals. Local governments and ambulatory healthcare services offer the highest median salaries. Social workers in Hawaii, Massachusetts, and Nevada earn more than social workers in other states.
LCSWs with a master's degree often qualify for higher salaries than bachelor's degree-holders. This increased earning potential can make a graduate degree a wise investment. A master's degree in social work may also qualify graduates for management positions.
Courses in a Master's in Social Work Program
Social work degrees feature foundational coursework in topics such as human behavior and social policy and services. Most master's in social work degrees also require professional experiences classes. Students must complete up to 1,000 internship hours.
The sample curriculum below introduces three classes students often take before a practicum or internship. Available classes vary by program and can impact a student's academic experience and career options. Learners should compare prospective programs' curricula.
Foundations of Social Work
This class introduces social work's impact on society. Coursework explores social workers' responsibilities, social justice, diverse communities, and ethics. Learners examine challenges that social workers face. This course prepares students for upper-division requirements.Human Behavior and the Social Environment
Social workers must understand how people develop mentally and physically throughout their lives. Students in this class examine human development from various perspectives. Coursework explores social, psychosocial, and cognitive development theories.Social Welfare Policy
Social workers use local, state, and federal social welfare programs to help clients. Degree-seekers in this course research agencies and discuss welfare policy challenges. They also analyze social workers' role in the welfare system. Learners consider how social workers advance social justice.
How to Become a Social Worker
Bachelor's degree-holders can pursue administrative social work positions. These professionals often hold an undergraduate degree in social services or psychology. However, many careers in the field require a master's degree. Master's degree-seekers develop the clinical and management skills necessary to help clients. Graduate students complete a supervised practicum and internship to meet licensure requirements.
Social workers' responsibilities vary by employer and job title. However, these professionals typically interview clients, research resources, and complete paperwork. Professionals work with clients for extended periods and track each client's progress. Social workers can specialize in an area such as families, children, schools, or healthcare.
Best Master of Social Work Degrees
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Questions About Social Work Degrees
Can I get a social work degree online?
Yes. Many online social work degrees do not require any campus visits. However, learners generally complete in-person internship and practicum experiences.
Do social workers need a license?
LCSWs need a degree in social work and a license. Depending on their employer and job title, other professionals in the field may not need a license.
What type of social worker gets paid the most?
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the highest-paid professionals in the field include social and community service managers, school and career counselors, and marriage and family therapists.
