Online master's degree programs in social work

• Social Work & Human Services
• Public Health
• Psychology & Behavior
• more

You've always wanted to help those in need. You are always among the first to offer assistance. If empathy and kindness are core to your identity, and you would like to use these traits to make differences in people's lives, social work is an excellent way to make a career out of your passion to help.

Coursework to expect from online master's degree programs in social work

Completing online master's degree programs in social work or obtaining master's degrees in human and community services entail similar curriculum as classroom-based Master of Social Work (MSW) degree programs. Each program will help prepare you to perform clinical assessments, manage large caseloads and take on supervisory positions.

Unlike traditional campus-based programs, online master's degree programs in social work allow you greater flexibility, especially in regard to scheduling constraints. Coursework tends to vary depending on your program and specialization, but some common classes may include:

• Social work values and ethics
• Social welfare
• Human behavior
• Ethnocultural issues
• Community organization

Master of Social Work programs may also require the completion of at least 400 hours of supervised field experience. These hours can generally be fulfilled anywhere there are licensed social workers, including healthcare and social assistance offices, government agencies and public school districts. Your MSW program can assist you in finding valuable field experience.

To be considered for acceptance into MSW programs, you will need to have a bachelor's degree. Your degree does not have to be in social work, but programs prefer candidates with academic background in social work, psychology, biology, economics, political science and sociology.

Career specializations for Master of Social Work (MSW) graduates

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reports there were 642,000 social workers in the United States in 2008. Very few were employed in rural areas; the vast majority worked in suburban and urban settings. The BLS projects greater-than-average growth for social work positions between 2008 and 2018: 16 percent, roughly translating to 103,400 new jobs.

Below are some potential fields for social work, along with relevant BLS statistics.

• Child, family and school social workers: Approximately 292,600 individuals were employed in this field in 2008; anticipated growth of 12 percent between 2008 and 2018; 2009 median salary: $39,960.


• Medical and public health social workers: Approximately 138,700 individuals were employed in this field in 2008; anticipated growth of 22 percent between 2008 and 2018; 2009 median salary: $46,300.


• Mental health and substance abuse social workers: Approximately 137,300 individuals were employed in this field in 2008; anticipated growth of 20 percent between 2008 and 2018; 2009 median salary: $38,200.


• All other social workers: Approximately 73,400 individuals were employed in this category; anticipated growth of 13 percent between 2008 and 2018; 2009 median salary: $49,420.

Find a Master of Social Work program that is right for you. WorldWideLearn.com's Guide to Majors in Social Work is a valuable resource. The Guide to Master's Degrees provides further insight on possible graduate-level programs. You can find specific specializations in social work, sociology and educational psychology.

You can also browse below to compare social work degrees, such as a master's degrees in human and community services, Master of Public Health (MPH) and Master of Social Work. Don't delay. Start your new career now.

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