Social Work - MSW Graduate Programs

Graduate Program and Coursework Overview

Master’s programs in social work prepare graduates for a future in specialized research, assessment and social service distribution. Although every program is different, typically students are required to complete no less than 900 hours of internship work and two years of coursework, although 4 years is typical for part-time students, in order to graduate. A bachelor’s degree in social work is not always required for admittance into a social work graduate program, but an undergraduate degree in a related field of study such as psychology or sociology is best. It is generally expected that a social work professional holds a MSW degree in order to practice.

Some social work graduate programs offer coursework focused on the desired industry where students hope to work such as a hospital setting, government agency or school. Other specialized coursework may be specific to the types of clients students hope to treat such as children or adults, mental health patients or drug abusers.

In general, master’s in social work programs offer a broad range of coursework including:

• Social Work and the Law
• Child Abuse and Neglect
• Social Work with Alcohol and Drug Abuse
• Psychopathology
• Crisis Intervention and Emergency Treatment

In addition to classroom-based learning, students are typically required to complete a certain amount of field work as specified by their program. MSW students can choose from a variety of settings to complete this work such as:

• Hospitals
• Family services organizations
• Local governments
• Personal care agencies
• Schools

Whatever the setting, students may work with a variety of people including:

• Children, adults and elderly people
• Families
• Groups of peers

Several MSW programs allow students to choose from two tracks when completing their degree.

1. A clinical track focuses on direct practice with clients. This track is designed for students who wish to conduct fieldwork where they will directly counsel patients who may suffer from mental health issues, family conflicts, drug abuse and other issues seeking the help of a social worker.

2. A macro practice track focuses on political advocacy, community organizing, policy analysis and/or human services management. This track is designed for students who wish to pursue a job with governments in researching, analyzing and recommending policy. Typically, they will not directly treat or counsel patients.

Career Paths

A master’s degree in social work is usually required for entry level positions as practitioners, as almost always required to advance to senior-level positions. Career paths for social workers range from consulting, teaching or working with governments in researching, analyzing and recommending policy. There is a wide scope of opportunities for a social worker, but typically, there are four primary roles or specialties from which a social worker chooses for his or her career.

Child, family and school social workers

These practitioners work with families to enhance their home and academic welfare. Typically, this involves a range of responsibilities from working with neglected children and navigating the foster home system, to working in schools to promote student health and behavior. They also assist the elderly with housing, care, and transportation services. Social workers are engaged in all levels of government to promote various agencies dealing with families, children and education systems. Typically, these roles are classified under family, child welfare or protection, gerontology and occupational services.

Medical and public health social workers

These practitioners specialize in helping people cope with chronic illnesses through counseling, and are a part of a team of professionals who determine the best treatment for patients’ wellbeing. They can work in a variety of agency and organization settings including hospitals, family services organizations, local governments and personal care agencies.

Mental health and substance abuse social workers

These social workers are often referred to as clinical workers. They evaluate and assist people with substance addictions or mental ailments. They offer life-skills training, individual or group therapy, crisis intervention and rehabilitation services. These practitioners can typically be found in personal care treatment or family centers, substance abuse treatment facilities, local government agencies and hospitals.

Policymakers and planners

These workers are behind-the-scenes practitioners who are devoted to implementing new policies that streamline protocol and systems to improve the wellbeing of people. Instead of directly treating people, policymakers and planners research, analyze, develop, and implement programs for people experiencing different kinds of abuse or poverty. This helps those social workers who directly counsel patients to be more effective in their treatments. They also lobby for government action, when necessary, and lead fund raising efforts for programs in need of financial support.

Data according to

Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2010-11 Ed.

Job Outlook

Social workers will always be in demand to help people cope with major life events. Through 2012, job growth among social work is expected to increase at rates faster than the average for all other industries. Due to the baby boom generation, gerontology workers will be in high demand to accommodate the needs of the growing elderly population. During the next eight years, an increasing number of substance abuse workers will be needed as a result of a growing abuser placement into treatment centers as opposed to prisons. Employment opportunities are also expected to grow in the private sector, as well as the local and State government level and in education systems.