Masters in Social Work
What Do You Learn in a Masters in Social Work?
Featured Social Work Online Programs
:Top 25 Schools Graduating Students with a Masters in Social Work
According to the NCES, these are the schools graduating the highest number of students in social work in the U.S. for the 2019-2020 school year.
| College / University | Graduates | Acceptance Rate |
|---|---|---|
| University of Southern California | 1200 | 11% |
| Fordham University | 1050 | 46% |
| Walden University | 671 | N/A |
| Rutgers University-New Brunswick | 667 | 61% |
| The University of Texas at Arlington | 648 | 83% |
| New York University | 578 | 16% |
| Simmons University | 571 | 73% |
| CUNY Hunter College | 544 | 35% |
| Columbia University in the City of New York | 502 | 5% |
| University of Maryland Baltimore | 468 | N/A |
| Aurora University | 460 | 87% |
| Indiana University-Purdue University-Indianapolis | 425 | 81% |
| University of Denver | 417 | 59% |
| University of Michigan-Ann Arbor | 379 | 23% |
| Ohio State University-Main Campus | 365 | 54% |
| Our Lady of the Lake University | 358 | 68% |
| Boston University | 355 | 19% |
| Arizona State University Digital Immersion | 328 | 64% |
| Wayne State University | 322 | 73% |
| Louisiana State University and Agricultural & Mechanical College | 319 | 75% |
| Widener University | 296 | 72% |
| The University of Alabama | 255 | 83% |
| Loyola University Chicago | 249 | 67% |
| Portland State University | 249 | 96% |
| University of Illinois Chicago | 248 | 73% |
Social Work Courses May Include
Research in Social Work Practice
This course often covers the tools needed for performing research in the field of social work. Skills may include planning and conducting research and assessing the research of others. The relationship between social work and research may be big parts of this course.
Social Welfare History, Policy and Practice
In this course, students may analyze domestic social policies and the history of social welfare. Students may gain knowledge in best social work practices and issues of social and economic justice. The human rights of people of all ages, families, and communities may all be topics for this program.
Human Behavior and the Social Environment
The main portion of this course is often the study of the systems approach and how to apply it to social work. The use of theory, how to analyze and approach various issues, and analysis of research..
Micro Social Work Practice
This course is designed to help with the understanding of practice skills needed for a generalist social work practice. Planned change and problem solving practice may be applied in this course. Students may learn to conceptualize the well-being of people and to analyze all environmental conditions that may adversely affect them..
Social Planning and Policy in Human Service
This course typically analyzes the history of social work and how it is applied. Politics, origins, and processes of this field are often all topics of discussion. The role of a social worker is usually analyzed and explained in this course. The difference between social work values and cultural diversity may be examined..
Mezzo Social Work Practice
In this course, the focus is often on the best way to work with small and medium sized groups in the field. The analysis of environment, ethical concerns, and research literature may all be applied. How to integrate technology and apply the policies in this course. This is often applied to individuals, families and groups..
- GRE scores are not required to apply.
- Complete the online MSW program in as few as 18 months if you have a BSW; if you do not have a BSW, the program may be completed in as few as 27 months.
- There are two online MSW program tracks: traditional and advanced standing.
- Earn your degree from a university with a “Whole Human Education” approach that focuses on assisting you in all aspects of your education: academic, emotional, career, financial, and family.
- Choose from 75+ programs: Whether you’re starting fresh or seeking advancement, our career-focused programs are designed to help you make an impact in your chosen field.
- National University is regionally accredited by the WASC Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC).
How Much Does A Masters in Social Work Cost?
Paying for a graduate school education may seem daunting, but there are multiple funding options that may be available to many students. Financial aid may be available to those who qualify. The NCES, reports that in the 2018 to 2019 school year, a student completing a master’s degree at a public institution was likely to spend, on average, $19,314 per year to do so.
Social Work Scholarships
Patty Gibbs-Wahlberg Scholarship
Who Can Apply: Each year, the Patty Gibbs-Wahlberg Scholarship is offered in the amounts of $1,000, $2,000, and $3,000. The awards go to three college students in the United States who are pursuing a CSWE-accredited bachelor’s degree in social work. Eligible recipients must be active Phi Alpha members, demonstrate academic excellence and much more.
Amount: $6,000
Deadline: May 31
James R. Reville Scholarship
Who Can Apply: Two $3,000 scholarships are presented annually. It is paid in two installments of $1,500 per semester for any year the student is enrolled in college in a program related to the field of intellectual or other developmental disabilities. The funds must be claimed within a four-year period from the time the scholarship is awarded
Amount: $3,000
Deadline: Jan 11
Consuelo W. Gosnell Scholarship
Who Can Apply: The Consuelo W. Gosnell Memorial Scholarship is awarded to master’s degree candidates in social work who have demonstrated a commitment to working with, or who have a special affinity with, American Indian/Alaska Native and Hispanic/Latino populations. Candidates who have demonstrated a commitment to working with public are also eligible.
Amount: $40,000
Deadline: March 01
Federal Loans
Federal loans are those backed by the federal government. Several programs may be available to help cover the cost of a master’s in social work. Here are a few examples of potential options.
There are three types of loans available at this level:
- Direct Unsubsidized Loans: These may be available to graduate schools and professional students. Unlike direct subsidized loans, which are made available to undergraduate students with demonstrated financial need, direct unsubsidized loans often do not have a need based requirement. More students may be eligible for them.
- Direct PLUS Loans: These are often made available to professional or graduate level students. They are designed to pay for educational expenses that are typically not paid for through other loans. Eligibility for these loans is often not based on financial need. However, some may require a credit check to be performed, and borrowers may not qualify without meeting other requirements in some cases.
- Direct Consolidation Loans: These loans may enable a student to combine all of their undergraduate and graduate level federal debt into one new loan. This consolidation loan is typically provided after a student completes their education.
Private Student Loans
For those seeking other options for paying for college for a master’s degree in social work, private student loans may offer some help. These are loans provided by providing institutions and lenders. As a result, they typically have varied interest rates (sometimes higher than federal student loan rates) as well as a wide range of different terms. Be sure to learn as much as possible about the loan before applying, including the costs, fees, prepayment penalties, consolidation options, and any forbearance options that may (or may not) be available.
Is a mental health and substance abuse social worker a good career?
A career as a mental health and substance abuse social worker typically involves treating and assessing the mental health, emotional well-being, and substance use problems of a person. This may include providing individual and group therapy sessions, crisis intervention services, advocacy, education, and prevention strategies for both individuals and communities.
Typically, these individuals work to counsel individuals or groups and often work with counselors, doctors, or nurses to plan the care an individual needs for mental health disorders and substance use disorders, including choosing the proper therapies those individuals need. They typically need some technology skills
Other skills these social workers need to have may include good social perceptiveness, active listening skills, good communications, critical thinking, and the ability to monitor individuals for changes and needs (as well as monitoring themselves for needed improvements).
Work activities typically include assisting and caring for other people, including providing close care for those who are facing mental health disorders. They may work with supervisors and peers, document and record information from communications with clients, and establish and maintain interpersonal relationships. Typically, these social workers counsel patients and clients, collaborate with other professionals to provide care, maintain client records, and evaluate the progression of treatment.
As a result of this type of work, these careers may require at least a master’s degree, with some requiring Ph.D. education. Many come into the job with these skills on how to assess and treat patients, which means little on-the-job education is provided. Employees typically need to have 5 or more years of experience in the field.
2023 Median Salary for a Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Worker
Is a mental health counselor a good career?
Work activities typically include assisting others in their mental health needs, establishing and maintaining interpersonal relationships, getting information and data to use for creating treatment plans, and then organizing and planning those treatments. They often oversee care for individuals and may work with supervisors and peers in the process.
The work done here is high level, which is why most mental health counselor positions may require at least a master’s degree, with some employers seeking out doctoral level experience. Many may want students to obtain working experience in a related field as well. There is often little to no on-the-job learning aside from getting accustomed to the location’s specific workday.
2023 Median Salary for Mental Health Counselors
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Sandy Baker
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Sandy has extensive experience writing educational articles for topics ranging from online education to college degrees. She’s worked with several Ivy League colleges to create blogs, newsletters, sales material for recruiting as well as “how to manage” college lifestyle pieces. Additionally, she’s written for well-respected study abroad programs helping students to find international opportunities spanning the globe from South America to Africa and Asia.
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