Some folks
spend their careers behind a computer screen. But social workers spend theirs elbow-deep in the rawest and most vulnerable moments of other people's lives. In a world where people feel increasingly disconnected from the suffering of others and helpless in the face of societal problems like poverty, loneliness, oppression, or addiction, social workers are the ones who always step up — determined to help and with the training to do it. — Bridget Washington, MSW student If that sounds like you, all you need now is the right training — and an online master's degree in social work is a great way to get it. Here's how to get started: Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by
contacting the universities below. An MSW is a
specialized graduate degree that gives you the advanced training required for clinical practice as a licensed social worker. On the micro-level, you will use evidence-based approaches to enhance the well-being of individuals, families, and their communities. On the macro-level, you will work to uphold human dignity, eradicate poverty, promote social justice, and contribute to political and institutional change. Wherever you find human need, you'll find social workers — in schools, hospitals, shelters, workplaces, universities, nursing homes, and politics. Why Should I Get an Online MSW?A social work bachelor's degree qualifies you for entry level positions. But a social work master's degree is your ticket to better opportunities, better pay, and greater impact. You'll have far fewer opportunities, professionally, without a graduate degree, said Ada Dye, LCSW, MBA. Social workers who get their MSWs online can expect to be very successful on the job market. Everyone needs social workers right now. It's an especially great option for parents or students looking for a little more flexibility. Benefits of an MSW
Reasons to Get Your MSW Online
"I was a teacher before I took some time off to raise my kids. Then I went back to school to become a social worker. It seemed like a good opportunity because it aligned with my interests and provided so many avenues and settings to work in." — Sue English, MSW, LCSW, CADC How to Become a Social Worker Clinical vs. Direct Practice Social Work: What's the Difference?What Are The Best Online MSW Programs?Rankings compiled by the BestColleges Ranking Team Is your school on this list? Get the BestColleges ranking seal. How We Rank SchoolsAt BestColleges, we believe a college education is one of the most important investments you can make. We want to help you navigate the college selection process by offering transparent, inclusive, and relevant school rankings. Our rankings are grounded in a few guiding principles and use the latest statistical data available from trusted sources. Read our ranking methodology. We hope our approach helps you find the school that is best for you. How Much Does an Online Master's Degree Cost?Average Annual Cost of a Graduate DegreePublic institution | 2020-2021 Private institution | 2020-2021 Source: National Center for Education Statistics How Much Does Online College Cost? Scholarships for Social Work MajorsHow Long Does an Online MSW Take?Without a Bachelor's DegreeIf you don't have a bachelor's degree in social work, MSW coursework typically takes about two years of full-time study to complete. Course Credits Required Field Education Required* With a Bachelor's DegreeIf you do have a bachelor's degree in social work, you may qualify for an accelerated master's program, which typically takes 12 months of full-time study to complete. Course Credits Required Field Education Required* How Much Money Will I Make With an MSW Degree?As you probably already know, social workers aren't exactly famous for raking in the big bucks. It's not the most lucrative field, but that's also not why people choose it. This is heart-work, said Kenna Hamm, LMSW. If you want a six-digit starting salary, you're going to be disappointed. But that doesn't mean you'll be financially insecure, either. I love my job, I'm fulfilling my purpose, and I make enough to take care of my family. Child and family services is the most common field of practice for MSW graduates. Social workers in this field tend to earn lower salaries than those in healthcare or private practice. Hover over the map to see how much child, family, and school social workers made in your state in 2021: How to Consider Your ROIEven though you're probably not pursuing an MSW to get rich, it's still important to consider the return on your investment:
Keep in mind that your ROI can also be influenced by further licensing, which is often compensated at a higher rate, said Melissa Goolsaran, LCSW. How to Become a Licensed Social Worker How to Become a Licensed Clinical Social WorkerWhat Jobs Can I Get With a Master's Degree in Social Work?Social work is a vast profession with a ton of job options. "Since earning my MSW, I have worked in an outpatient clinic, a group home, treatment for foster care, schools, a university, and my own private therapy practice. So: do your research, decide what you want to do, and take classes that will help you reach that goal." — Wendy B. Pitts, LCSW-C Here are eight common fields of social work for MSW graduates: 15 Social Work Jobs Micro, Mezzo, and Macro Social Work: What's the Difference? Job Outlook for Social WorkersThe job outlook for social workers is strong and growing. The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects 12% overall job growth from 2020-2030. Certain specializations have even better projections: Healthcare Mental Health Substance Misuse An MSW can also make you more competitive for jobs outside the field of social work. The skills and experience social workers bring to the table are becoming more and more valuable across the board, said Ada Dye, LCSW, MBA. After a decade of practice, I went back to school for an MBA. I wanted to bring my insight as a healthcare social worker to bear on the business side of hospital administration, to see if I could make a bigger systemic impact. And that's exactly what I'm doing. Show Me Some BestColleges' Sponsored MSW Programs!Is an MSW Degree Worth It? Grads Weigh InThe MSW graduates we spoke to want you to know that social work is hard work. You may be paid less than you're worth. You'll learn how to make things happen with limited resources. You'll probably face compassion fatigue, overwork, and burnout. But they also say that there is nothing more satisfying than empowering your clients and helping them thrive. "I have never regretted this career. I have never wavered. The privilege of being an ally for my clients and walking alongside them every day is something I could never give up." — Kenna Hamm, LMSW and assistant director of the Texas Adoption Center "It's a job unlike any other. The work that we do matters. After twelve years, I can honestly say that I would do it all over again." — Angela Clavijo, LMSW and instructor of social work at Lamar University "My MSW was worth it. It gives me flexibility to explore different roles. It allows me to balance micro work with macro work. It allows me to have a private practice where I can make my own schedule, have career independence, and make a difference." — Melissa Goolsaran, LMSW "I would tell anyone who wants to work in this field to get an MSW. Because if you do reach a point in your career where you want to make more money, you can eventually quadruple your pay by going into private practice." — Sue English, MSW, LCSW, CADC MSW vs. LCSW: What's the Difference?Everything Else You Need to Know About Starting Your Career in Social WorkAdmission Requirements for an Online Master's in Social Work ProgramEvery school is different, but most online MSW programs require a bachelor's degree in social work or a related subject from an accredited institution. Other common requirements include:
Social Work Licensing and CertificationsAll 50 states and the District of Columbia require social workers to graduate from a program accredited by the Council on Social Work Education and pass a licensure exam. Additional requirements vary by state. Licenses available to MSW graduates include:
Continuing Education in Your Social Work CareerMost states require social workers to complete continuing education units or courses in order to maintain licensure. Check out the Association of Social Work Boards (ASWB) for more details. Master's degree-holders who want to land even more advanced clinical positions can pursue a doctoral degree in social work. Those interested in teaching and research can enroll in a social work Ph.D. program. Online Doctorate in Social Work ProgramsThe Business Side: Preparing for Private PracticeI was lucky to have an instructor in my master's program who had a private practice. She emphasized that we needed to be thinking about the business side of opening our own practice. That means finding out how to get insurance, marketing your business, and networking with people who can help you get things off the ground, said Sue English, MSW, LCSW, CADC. If your program offers a course on building a private practice, take it. If not, consider getting a few course credits from the business program at your school. Compassion Fatigue: Awareness and PreventionWe get it: You're fired up. You want to change the world. But social work is physically, mentally, and emotionally demanding work. Have you thought about how to prepare yourself for the long haul? It's so common for social workers to experience compassion fatigue and to feel exploited by the systems they have to operate within, said Sue English, MSW, LCSW, CADC. These are problems you need to anticipate and prepare for ahead of time. As you empower your clients to set healthy boundaries and prioritize their own well-being, you must commit to doing the same for yourself. BestColleges.com is an advertising-supported site. Featured or trusted partner programs and all school search, finder, or match results are for schools that compensate us. This compensation does not influence our school rankings, resource guides, or other editorially-independent information published on this site. Compare your school options.View the most relevant school for your interests and compare them by tuition, programs, acceptance rate, and other factors important to find your college home. Are online MSW programs respected?Completing your degree in social work online is an affordable, flexible, and convenient option, and online MSW degrees from accredited graduate schools are considered just as valid and respected by employers in preparing students for a mid-level social work or private clinical practice position.
What is the difference between a LCSW and a Lmsw?In essence, the LMSW path is for social workers who are interested in effecting change on a macro level or working in case management roles, while the LCSW path is geared toward social workers who want to effect change with individuals through therapeutic interventions.
How do I become a licensed clinical social worker in Texas?Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW). Education: Complete an MSW program accredited by CSWE.. Field Requirement: Complete at least 3,000 hours of experience in a clinical setting under a Board-approved LCSW within 40 months.. Jurisprudence Exam: Pass the Texas Jurisprudence exam.. License Exam: ASWB Clinical Examination.. How much does an MSW at Rutgers cost?Tuition and Financial Aid
Students in the 100% Online MSW program pay a fixed credit price regardless of residency. The cost per credit is $950. Depending on the semester and the number of credits taken, the approximate cost per semester ranges from $4,275 to $10,450.
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Licensed clinical social worker online degree programs
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