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What Is a Master of Social Work (MSW)?
For those who wish to make this their career, completing a master’s degree may be necessary. Individuals entering a master’s degree in social work may not have to have industry experience yet. They may obtain that as a part of clinical studies during their educational program.
What does an MSW teach students?
Those completing a social work master’s program may have a wide range of skill-development courses as well as courses to take in their chosen concentration. Some of the areas that students may learn with the goal of becoming proficient in include the following:
- Critical thinking skills
- Case management tools and skills
- Entrepreneurial attitude
- Advocacy approaches
- Therapeutic intervention experience
- Research skills
- Technology literacy
What Types of Concentrations Are Available in an MSW Degree?
Many students may wish to complete their Master of Social Work in a specific area of social work to allow them to work in these fields with as much skill and insight as possible. Concentrations often allow students to have a very focused among of education in the field. This may include options such as mental health, adult social work, substance abuse disorders, children and youth social work, community organizations and planning, and family social work.
Some specific concentrations you may find in universities and colleges include:
- Child Welfare
- Sexual Abuse
- Trauma
- Healthcare Social Work
- Crisis Intervention and Trauma Response
- Military Social Work
- Veteran Social Work
- Death, Loss, and Grief Social Work
- Mental Health and Mental Illness Social Work
- Substance Abuse Social Work
A student does not have to spend all of their time in one area. Rather, some of the coursework they complete may be more focused on this particular area rather than others. This may help to prepare them for the circumstances surrounding their work later within their career.
Who May Wish to Pursue an MSW Degree?
What Are Some Common Courses Completed in an MSW degree?
Coursework is often tied to the specific concentration a student takes. However, some of the common courses students take in their master’s degree could include:
- Human Behaviour and Social Environment
- Social Work Research
- Diversity and Social Justice
- Social Work Practice with Individuals and Families
- Social Work Policy Analysis
Courses may range widely to meet the needs of a student who wishes to work in one of the aforementioned concentrations. One key thing to note, too, is that this program often has some clinical components. That means some students may spend time in the field working with those who need support in one or more areas. That may provide hands-on learning for students.
Common Types of MSW Degrees to Consider
Traditional MSW Pathway
MSW Advanced Standing Alternative Program
Dual Degree

Metro Area | Annual Mean Salary | Employment |
---|---|---|
San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA | $89,150 | 0 |
Springfield, MA-CT | $88,010 | 60 |
Houston-The Woodlands-Sugar Land, TX | $84,900 | 230 |
San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward, CA | $82,900 | 1,190 |
Worcester, MA-CT | $81,800 | 40 |
State | Employment | Annual Mean Wage |
---|---|---|
California | 10,600 | $67,130 |
New York | 7,940 | $64,170 |
Illinois | 4,940 | $69,390 |
Ohio | 3,420 | $45,250 |
South Carolina | 2,500 | $41,830 |