A Master’s Degree in Social work, also called a Master of Social Work (MSW) Degree is a post-graduate qualification that prepares students for advanced clinical social work roles. It is a required qualification to be a clinical social worker in all U.S states currently. But what exactly does it involve, and what are the career prospects?
An MSW degree usually takes two years full time study, although students with an existing Bachelors of Social Work degree can sometimes complete it in one. Work will be a mix of classroom study, independent research and supervised field placements or internships. The US employs over 800,000 social workers according to Department of Labor statistics, and that is only expected to grow considerably over the next decade. So MSW roles are in demand, and there are a variety of specializations to choose from.
What a Master of Social Work Is
An MSW is needed to become a licensed clinical social worker in any US state. It prepares graduates to provide psychotherapy, diagnose mental conditions and work in an in-demand field that, while not easy, can be financially and holistically rewarding for the right kind of person.
While studies have been traditionally undertaken on campus, online learning and qualifications are now not only possible but common. Masters social work online programs are designed around working professional life, and can be completed part time. Expect these courses to take longer, but they are adaptable around students’ locations and work/life balance needs.
Even the work placements can be arranged locally to students studying online – meaning whether study is online or in person, the core syllabus and the strength of the ultimate qualification in the job market remain the same.
Core subjects studied in the curriculum include:
- Psychology basics
- Ethics
- Research practices
- Clinical social work practice
- Case management
- Advocacy skills
An MSW can be studied full time, part time, online or in person. The only non-negotiable is that you must complete a supervised field placement, alongside your studies. The degree takes one to two years full time, or up to three years part time. Those with an existing Bachelors of Social Work qualify for Advanced Standing, meaning they can skip the foundation year and complete an MSW in just one year.
As well as online and in person, a MSW can be combined into a dual degree with a related field – such as medicine, law, administration or science.
A Master of Social work degree suits someone who is personable and emotionally resilient, with the drive to do their best to help people in need. Dealing with social work cases can be incredibly rewarding, but also highly emotionally challenging.
Why Demand for Social Work is Rising in the U.S.
An MSW can be a well paid middle class career, with opportunities for income to rise in related senior roles as you progress. The average US salary for a social worker is around $60,000 a year. Although experienced clinical social workers can expect to earn slightly more in areas where demand is high.
And demand is relatively high right now. The US has an aging population, meaning more senior citizen care needed, and increasing mental health awareness has opened up more roles in the corporate space. Some institutions that are in regular need of new social care workers, especially in senior positions, include:
- Schools
- Hospitals
- Charities
- Local government
- Mental health and addiction support
- Veteran’s services
MSW Degrees Offer a Variety of Career Opportunities
Many MSW graduates often go on to a complete a Licensed Clinical Social Worker certification. Whether this is needed for clinical practice depends on which state you live or plan to work in, but it is a common route for many. This requires many supervised clinical working hours though, and so can often be treated as an early career role as well as study.
The employment prospects in the social work sector are expected to grow about 5% to 7% between now and 2034 – which is above the US average for most occupations. That equates to around 70,000 new jobs a year.
The highest paid positions for an MSW degree holder include teaching social work at a high level, such as at a university, managing community development with local or state government, or senior managerial positions in corporate employee assistance programs. These jobs can pay upwards of $100,000 a year or more, depending on experience and location.
Other jobs that aren’t clinical social work that an MSW degree and skills will still be very relevant to include:
- Non profit leadership
- Policy advisers
- Consultancy
- Community management
Even if not looking to get to the highest levels of the career explicitly, a Master of Social Work will prepare students for a well paid role in a rewarding sector that really makes a difference in people’s lives. At the top levels roles can still make a big difference – but expect to be less hands on and more involved in management and setting policy, the further you rise up the social work career ladder.
