Social Work Graduate Programs in America

Do you enjoy helping people improve their lives and solve stressful problems? Do you want a job where you can make a difference every day? If so, a career as a social worker may be right for you.

Social workers help communities in need by helping vulnerable people overcome complicated health, financial, psychological, and social issues. They work in a variety of settings, including government agencies, hospitals, nursing homes, and schools.

Some social workers start working in the field immediately after graduating from college with a bachelor of social work (BSW) or a related degree. However, a master's in social work (MSW) can boost your income and open up new career opportunities.

What Is a Master of Social Work?

A master of social work is an advanced degree that prepares students for administrative and clinical practice jobs in social work. You can expect to develop strong research skills, gain clinical experience, and learn advanced social work theories.

Generally, graduate students who pursue an MSW should expect the program to take two years — or four semesters — of coursework. However, some schools offer an accelerated one-year program for incoming students who already hold a BSW.

If you have a bachelor’s degree in a different field, such as English or psychology, you're still eligible for two-year MSW programs. The degree will provide you with a strong foundation in social work as well as more advanced knowledge.

Selecting a Specialization

Hundreds of colleges and universities offer graduate programs in social work. Many MSW programs allow students to specialize in particular areas of social work, depending on factors like available electives and faculty expertise.

Specialties include child and family social work, clinical social work, criminal justice social work, domestic abuse and trauma, geriatric social work, and substance abuse counseling. If you’re interested in working with particular groups or in specific settings, search for programs that align with your personal career goals.

Not sure what you want to specialize in yet? In advanced generalist MSW programs, you can gain a variety of skills that will allow you to succeed in any social work job.

Challenges in Master of Social Work Programs

Graduate degrees are more difficult and time-consuming than undergraduate programs. No matter the degree and school you choose, you can expect to spend long hours learning advanced theories, studying, and writing research papers. However, an MSW can pose unique emotional and mental challenges.

For instance, as an MSW student, you may:

• Encounter disturbing or upsetting course materials
• Experience burnout
• Work with people facing extreme difficulties, like homelessness and substance abuse

Despite these obstacles, an MSW can lead to a meaningful career that gives you a chance to make a tangible difference in your community.

Applying to Graduate Programs in Social Work

If you’ve decided to pursue an MSW, the next step is to apply to graduate schools. Although each program has individual application requirements, you can expect to submit materials such as:

• An application fee
• Letters of recommendation
• A personal statement
• Undergraduate transcripts

By pursuing a master's in social work, you'll be well on your way to developing advanced social work knowledge and launching a career that will have a positive impact.