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Masters in Social Work: An In-depth Look

A Masters in Social Work prepares you to work in public service in many capacities. Those obtaining a Masters in Social Work usually have undergrad backgrounds of public service or social studies. You may also have a background in health. There are many career options for someone with a Masters in Social Work. A masters degree allows you to work in a directorial or management position for the government or a non-profit agency. Those working in social work should have a genuine compassion for the welfare of others and the drive to pioneer change. Social work is posed to be a major area for government and school officials to work with to oversee new policies for social change. These areas include, but are not limited to, finance, health and education.

A career in social work requires you to be patient, compassionate and motivated. There are many areas of society that need a makeover and a successful social worker sees where these changes can be made. With a Masters in Social Work you may be responsible for projects under the direction of a government official or a non-profit agency. Social workers typically begin their careers by interning with government or non-profit agencies and many times, go on to work for these same entities. It is no uncommon for a social worker to change jobs many times in the course of their career. Some social workers work on a contract basis per project and leave a company after that project is completed.

Studying for a Masters in Social Work, you will learn the state of society, how we got here and what changes must be made for a successful future. Social workers see people from all walks of life, so it’s important to be comfortable with people of all ethnic and social backgrounds. You should also feel comfortable with children, since some jobs ventures may place you working with children. Usually social works specializing in work with children have some background in education or child development. Other areas social workers commonly study are psychology, social studies and race relations. Social workers must complete 900 intern hours along with two years of studying for a Masters in Social Work.

What kind of career can I have with a Masters in Social Work?

Program coordinator

With a Masters in Social Work, one can serve as a program coordinator for a government or non-profit agency. You will oversee a program and sometimes take a project from start to finish. It is important to think outside of the box and able to work with changing circumstances in a position like this. You will also be required to stick to a budget for projects. Program coordinators and directors are high in demand in urban areas. It is difficult to find a job like this outside of a large city, although some mid-size cities are expanding their public service efforts, so we may see growth in this department in the coming years. For now social workers are set to experience a 16% job increase through 2018. This is higher than most industries. Salary depends on which type of project or organization you’re involved in. It can range greatly, starting around $32,000 and going up to $60,000.

Specialized social worker

In this position, you specialize in a particular area. Your focus may be children with special learning needs or the elderly. Social workers work in gerontology and with the elderly will see a major boom in work in the coming decade. There will be many elderly people in society in the coming years as the population ages. These people will need help learning how to live on their own with new conditions. Elderly people often need help on how to care for themselves on a day to day basis as they age, as well as help with what to eat, how to keep up with bills and the like. Social workers focusing on the elderly will have ample job opportunities. Specialized social workers focused on low income families will also see an increase in work as many Americans struggle to gain footing post-recession. Social works will deal with everything from helping families fill out welfare paperwork to ensuring teens are signed up for free programs to aid with FAFSA and college applications.

Use the degree finder below, and we'll help you find a social work program.

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