What to Expect from an Online Master's Program in Social Work
What Does This Degree Cover?
An online master's degree in social work gives you the knowledge and training you need to pass your licensure and certification exams and thus to practice as a social worker. Furthering the studies provided by a bachelor's program, the master's program teachers students more about social change, community resources, cultural awareness, public policy, and case management. You will also be required to complete an internship in a real-world field placement, in accordance with guidelines laid out by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE). Courses in this degree program can include such topics as:
- Human Development and Behavior
- Scope of Human Services
- Ethnic and Cultural Awareness
- Direct Practice with Families
- Research Methods
- Social Change and Public Policy
- History of Social Welfare
- Utilization of Community Resources
- Philosophy of Social Work
- Social Welfare Policy and Services
- Diagnostic Assessment
- Social Policy and Social Justice
What Does it Prepare Students For After Graduation?
While a bachelor's degree only enables students to work in the lower levels of service work, a master's degree is the requisite needed for most full-fledged careers in social work today. Often, a program will allow students to choose a specialization within the field, which prepares them for work in that niche.
Specialties can include Alcohol and Substance Abuse, Gerontology, Child and Family Studies, and Social Services Administration. In addition, a MSW, or Master's in Social Work, prepares students for many positions in the realm of social work, such as community service, clinical social work, social services administration, and case management.
How Long Does it Take?
Some programs can be completed in as little as 18 months, while others take up to 24 months. The time taken to complete varies depending on if you enroll part or full time, and depending on the school's course and internship requirements.
How Much Does it Cost?
The cost varies greatly for students depending on the program, enrollment, previous coursework, and other factors. Part-time cost per credit hour usually ranges from $300 to $500 depending on the school. An example of one online university's published costs is $423 per credit for part-time students, and for full-time students, $11,925 for one year's tuition.
What Should You Look For When Choosing a Program?
You should look for accredited programs – those that have received the equivalent of a “stamp of approval” from a nationally recognized accrediting agency, guaranteeing that the education offered at that institution has passed inspection and is reputable.
Also, you should ask faculty and graduates of the program about the assistance offered in helping students find an internship in their field during the course of their degree. It is a good sign when many graduates say that their field placement was valuable and time well spent.
It is also important to find out about payment options and graduation requirements, which vary from school to school. The type of coursework and the cost of tuition are likely to be big factors in your choice of a program in social work. Finally, you should ask what social work experience the faculty had had in the real world prior to becoming teachers.
Article Resources:
Capella University
Texas State University, San Marcos: "Frequently Asked Questions"
Texas State University, San Marcos: "MSW On-Line Degree Plan"
University of Illinois