Is an MSW Degree Right for Me?

For many career paths in social work, a Master of Social Work (MSW) degree is required. This means that students will need to spend extra time in school and will need to pay extra in tuition or secure additional financial aid.

Many students find that it's worth it to earn an MSW, as it opens up more career opportunities. Keep reading to learn more about MSW degrees and learn how to determine if an MSW degree is the right choice for you.

What Is an MSW Degree?

Master of Social Work degrees are master's degrees for those who want to pursue careers in social work. MSW degrees are required to become a licensed clinical social worker (LCSW).

MSW programs train students how to work with individuals, families, and communities. They usually take two years of full-time study to complete, although accelerated and part-time programs may be available.

What Does a Social Work Major Study?

Social work majors study social work practice and the welfare system. Coursework often covers topics such as:

• clinical assessment and diagnosis
• diversity, oppression, and social justice
• human behavior
• social welfare policy
• social work research

Master's level social work degrees often include in-person practicum experience so that students can get a first-hand look at the social work field.

Some master's in social work programs offer concentrations or specializations so you can tailor your degree to your intended social work career. Examples of social work specializations include:

• clinical mental health
• community practice
• families and children
• health, disabilities, and aging
• management and policy

Why You Should Consider a Master's Degree in Social Work

Most people go into the field of social work because they want to help people. Social workers focus on advocacy and the well-being of their clients and can make a huge difference in people's lives. However, there are other reasons you should consider a master's degree in social work, and we've listed a few below.

You Can Become a Licensed Clinical Social Worker

While you can start a career path in social work with a Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) degree, you'll be mainly eligible for entry-level jobs like a case worker. With an MSW, you can be on your way to becoming a licensed clinical social worker.

LCSW are able to assess, diagnose, and develop treatment plans for clients in a clinical setting. To become a LCSW you'll need:

• an MSW from a school of social work accredited by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE)
• a certain amount of supervised work experience (the amount varies by state)
• to pass the clinical exam required by your state

Specific licensure requirements vary by state; you can learn more through the Association of Social Work Boards.

An MSW Can Further Your Career

As we mentioned above, earning an MSW prepares you to become a licensed clinical social worker. However, an MSW can further your career in other ways, too.

By having an advanced degree, you'll be able to move to positions that require more responsibility. An MSW makes it easier to move from caseworker to case manager or to land roles in other areas of management.

Dual BSW-MSW Programs Are Available

If you haven't earned a bachelor's degree yet and are just looking ahead at your options, you should know that many social work schools offer joint BSW-MSW degrees. These allow you to complete both degrees in less time.

Typically, a bachelor's degree takes four years of full-time study, while a master's degree takes two. Most BSW-MSW programs take a total of five years, allowing you to shave one year off the total and start your career sooner.

You Don't Have To Have a BSW To Earn an MSW

While a bachelor's degree is usually required to enter an MSW program, it doesn't have to be a bachelor's degree in social work. Many students enter MSW programs with bachelor's degrees in related fields like:

• criminal justice
• psychology
• social justice
• social sciences

That being said, some MSW programs offer advanced standing or accelerated pathways for students who have a BSW and some social work experience.

Online MSW Programs Are Available

Today, many schools of social work offer online Master of Social Work programs. Online programs allow students more flexibility so they can still work or care for their families.

These programs offer courses online, but any fieldwork will still need to be done in person. Students who work in the social work field may be able to complete their practicum hours while on the job.

Job Opportunities for MSW Degree Holders

Most social work professionals find social work jobs as social workers. There are several different types of social workers which are explained below.

• Child and family social workers may work for social services organizations like the Department of Child and Family Services or Child Protective Services. They help connect families to resources and intervene when children are in danger.
• Healthcare social workers help clients who are undergoing major life changes due to injury or illness. They do things like help clients transition from the hospital to home care or help clients manage their disease.
• Mental health and substance abuse social workers who are LCSWs assess, diagnose, and develop treatment plans for those struggling with their mental health or substance abuse. These social workers may work for social services, in private practice, or for healthcare facilities.
• School social workers help students with learning, social, or behavioral disabilities at a school. They may help develop individualized education plans or advocate on behalf of students.

MSW Degree: Questions To Ask Yourself

If you still aren't sure if an MSW degree is right for you, there are a few questions you can ask yourself. These include:

• Is an MSW degree required for me to reach my career goals?
• Do I have the time to devote to completing an MSW program?
• Do I get compassion fatigue easily?
• Do I meet the requirements to enter an MSW program?