Can I Become a Social Worker With a Sociology Degree?
If you're curious about how an undergraduate degree in sociology may help your career in social work, read the benefits of studying social sciences and find the steps to social work.
Social work is a profession that centers around the health and well-being of individuals within a community. Social workers are often responsible for early intervention on mental health challenges, assessing risk factors, and instilling positive lifestyle skills in their clients.
Social services directly support people and sometimes groups if working with a family. Because of this, a degree in sociology may be a good fit for professionals who wish to earn their social work degree. In this article, we'll discuss the meaning of sociology, what types of skills you can build in this field of study, and how it directly applies to the profession of social work.
What Is a Sociology Degree?
Sociology is the study of human groups, and how these groups function within a society. The topic has a broad range and accounts for the many different types of organizations, such as:
- families
- friend groups
- religious institutions
- political affiliations
- professional organizations
Sociologists strive to understand how individual behavior changes within a group and how groups affect each member.
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Is It Possible To Become a Social Worker With a Sociology Degree?
Becoming a social worker with a sociology degree is possible, but a few steps should be considered before starting your undergrad program. The sociology program should be completed as a bachelor's degree. This will ensure that students have a strong foundation for advocacy and develop a deep understanding of human behavior.
Before a student can start working full-time as a social worker, they need to earn an advanced degree through a school of social work and obtain the necessary licensure. This is all done at the graduate level, so an undergrad education in the social sciences is possible.
Students must earn either their Master of Social Work (MSW) or a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW). An LSW is the license and job title of a professional cleared to conduct clinical work. Each state has a different set of requirements and credentialing processes to obtain a proper social work license, so students should check the specifics of their location.
Benefits of a Sociology Degree for Social Workers
Social work positions can offer a great purpose to professionals in this field. These individuals are on the front line of social justice, fostering positive change, and building healthy, productive lives in their patients.
Social work jobs allow you to directly impact individuals and groups positively. You can handle case management, working with one person for several years, and witness their personal growth. Plus, this is part of the healthcare career paths, so choosing this position ensures you will be working toward the betterment of people.
Steps for Becoming a Licensed Social Worker With a Sociology Degree
If you're interested in starting a social work program, you may be curious about the steps you need to take after completing your undergrad. The most important steps are to earn your master's in social work, and then obtain your licensure. Continue reading for the steps to become a social worker, starting with entry-level experience.
Gain Relevant Experience
After graduating with your sociology degree from an accredited university, search for positions that will give you social work practice. For a head start, you may also consider earning a Bachelor of Social Work (BSW), which will help you gain a contextual understanding of the responsibilities.
You may work in different healthcare facilities, or take an apprenticeship with a licensed therapist. This step is necessary for learning about the types of patients you will be helping and the best way to provide support. The reasons patients get set up with a social worker can vary, from issues with substance abuse and poverty to domestic and child abuse. You must prove competencies with the law and demonstrate procedural steps toward child welfare and human services.
Obtain a Master's Degree in Social Work
Once you gain relevant work experience before obtaining your degree, the next step is to apply for an MSW program. These degree programs can be taken full-time or part-time while you continue your job. Look for a university with accreditation from the Council on Social Work Education. A CSWE-accredited program will ensure that the program is up-to-date with the standard operating procedures and best practices of social workers.
During your master's program, you will take coursework that teaches essential skills for social work careers, like problem-solving, dealing with government agencies, and narrowing your social work niche down to specific specializations. At this time, you may also decide to further build your network in the social work community by joining the National Association of Social Workers, a nonprofit community engagement program for people in the profession.
Acquire Social Work Licensure
Upon completing your education requirements in the master of social work program, the next step is obtaining the necessary licensure for your state. However, you may be able to take one exam through the Association of Social Work Boards, where you will demonstrate your understanding of the profession.
Once you become a licensed social worker (LMSW), you may move on to working one-on-one with different cases.
