The Best Guide to Online Social Work Degrees

Social workers are found in private offices, government agencies, and even in court settings. These professionals provide a voice for different individuals and groups that do not have the power to represent themselves in cases of welfare, health, or safety. If you are the type of person that genuinely is interested in helping others, than this is likely an ideal field for you. Social work can be applied to many different forums and consists of a variety of responsibilities, depending on the client. If this is a field you are considering, take a look below at what our experts have discovered about this great field.

Social Work Degrees

School Degrees Program Areas Admissions
Utica University Bachelor, Master, Doctorate 50+ Programs: Business, Criminal Justice, Cybersecurity, Data Science, Nursing, Social Work Website
George Mason University Master 30+ Programs: Business, Computer/Data Science, Psychology Website
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With population growth a continuing factor, social work is growing into one of the leading fields in the professional work environment. The field of social work touches on some of the most sensitive aspects of society and provides services to people from all age groups.

Online Bachelors Options

Online degree programs are a great way to get the degree you desire without having to lose valuable personal time. In the field of social work, the quality of an education decides how much you can contribute to your career and how well your clients will be maintained.

Online degree programs in social work consist of relevant and practical courses that contribute to a better understanding of society as a whole, as well as the various local, state, and government resources that have been put into place to aid society. If you are just starting on your path to a great career, then the online BSW is an excellent starting point. Take a look below at the BSW program and some sample courses.

Online Bachelor of Social Work

As with other online bachelor’s program, the Bachelor of Social Work program requires 4 years for completion. During this time period, you will be introduced to the very bare aspects of human nature and society from an outside standpoint. Bachelor’s programs require that students complete a set of prerequisite general education courses prior to entering major-oriented courses. These general classes include college level mathematics, arts, science, and history.

Throughout your experience in this degree program, you will learn about how those in society interact with each other, as well as the differences that can be observed in different cultures and social groups. Our education experts have taken some of the most popular courses in this undergraduate program and listed them below for your convenience.

Sample Courses

Human Behavior and the Social Environment
Social Work Practice
Social Issues and Policy
Introduction to Field Work
General Methods of Social Work

Online Masters Options

In order to become a licensed clinical social worker, professionals in this field must carry a minimum of a Master’s degree in Social Work. This is the most profitable degree level of the two and provides a more in depth look into social work.

Online master’s programs require students to take part in a lot of independent research and studying, which contributes to their overall self-motivation in the field. If you are searching for a degree option that can give you the freedom to find employment in a larger variety of fields, than this is the option for you.

Online Master of Social Work

Obtaining a Master’s in Social Work online is a great idea for individuals that are busy working in the field, or just simply cannot make the extra time to attend traditional classes. The convenience of online learning and the accreditation of online degrees is what has caused these types of educational programs to grow in popularity. Most online MSW programs only take 2 years to complete, and touch on the clinical aspects of social work as a main component.

Course work in higher degree programs includes deeper aspects of society education and can include a more in-depth look into diversity as well as religion. Most online MSW programs also require students to take part in clinical practice, which is usually conducted at pre-approved locations near the student. If this is a degree program that you are considering, online options are the most effective at preserving free time as well as full-time employment.

Sample Courses

Social Welfare History and Policy
Field Internship
Human Diversity and Oppression
Differential Diagnosis
Community and Agency Contexts for Direct Practice

Career Options with a Bachelors

Probation Officer – $49,360 on average per year (BLS; 2015).

Social and Community Service Manager – $63,530 on average per year (BLS; 2015).

Behavioral or Substance Abuse Case Manager – $39,980 on average per year (BLS; 2015).

Foster Care or Family Social Worker – $42,350 on average per year (BLS; 2015).

Career Options with a Masters

Licensed Clinical Social Worker – $58,560 on average per year (BLS; 2015).

Health Care Social Worker – $54,020 on average per year (BLS; 2015).

Clinical Mental Health Social Worker – $53,520 on average per year (BLS; 2015).

Top Organizations to Know

Council on Social Work Education

When choosing a degree program, it is completely necessary to locate the accreditation information on the school’s website. The Council on Social Work Education is the leading accrediting agency for social work educational programs. Their seal of approval on a program can assure you that it provides a relevant curriculum that can contribute to your success in the field. Accreditation is continuously reviewed to ensure that educational programs stay up to date on the requirements of their program and provide learners with a profitable learning experience.

National Association of Social Workers

Professional organizations are important to professionals that are already working in the field. For social workers, the National Association of Social Workers provides resources, data, and information about the field as well as support to its members. It is extremely important to remain informed in your field as you progress through your professional career, which is why organizations such as this one exist. Since the membership in organizations like this one are so high, these are also popular places to network with other professionals and find available job openings in your area.

Search Online Colleges by State

There are over 2,500 colleges with online degrees in our database. Many students find that there are universities that offer their programs online, but are in their vicinity. The majority of students studying online actually chose a college that is close to them, or at least within their region. Simply click on the state of your choice to view all of the online colleges in your state.