Individuals who desire to work and ensure the change, equality, and improvement of the quality of life in communities would be successful in the field of social work. Many professionals who work in the profession have a post graduate degree. Those who have a higher degree generally have a master’s degree. However, in the United States, in order to gain a master degree in this profession, the degree must come from an accredited institution.
Program requirements
In order to attain a master of social work, students must complete two years of graduate study. This amounts to approximately sixty credits, depending on the institution’s requirements. After completing the two years of graduate work, students must complete another two years of field experience. Field experience is similar to an internship, where students are able to get real world experience in the field. The field experience can last up to approximately nine hundred hours.
Individuals interested in attaining a master degree should be aware that they do not necessarily need a bachelor degree in social work to be accepted into the program. Many individuals have various liberal arts degrees before they decide to pursue a masters in this program.
There are two tracks that one can take when pursuing this higher education degree. The first type of track is a clinical track. A clinical track has a direct focus on helping individual clients. The second type of track is a macro practice track. This program has a focus on community organizing and political advocacy.
Some students who wish to graduate with a more specialized degree have the option to complete a joint degree program. For example, in some institutions there are joint social work degrees such as Master of Social Work and Law, and Master of Social Work and Public Administration. These degrees give the student the opportunity to learn more specialized information and practice of specific industries.
Continuing education
Students who wish to gain another educational degree can attain a Doctorate or a Ph.D. in Social Work. A Doctorate of Social Work is for students who wish to work in a professional practice, as the program is more clinical. A Ph.D. in the area is ideal for professionals who want to teach or conduct research. A doctorate also means a much more competitive pay scale, for those willing to put in the time.
Careers
There are various careers for individuals attaining their master degree. The program will prepare students for practice of social welfare, counseling, and administration. Typical careers include working with social welfare policy, case work planning, social counseling, family services, employment services, and disability counseling.
