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A bachelor's degree is the minimum requirement for most entry-level social work jobs. Although a bachelor's degree in social work is beneficial, a degree in a related social science field, such as sociology or psychology, may suffice.
Students pursuing a bachelor's degree in social work can expect to take courses in social welfare, cultural diversity, intervention methods, social work values and ethics, youth and family issues, aging and the elderly, human behavior, and social work research. The number of credit hours required for a degree in social work varies across universities. In addition to social work courses, undergraduate students can expect to take a selection of courses in various social sciences, such as psychology, sociology, anthropology, economics and political science. -
A master's degree in social work is the standard for many jobs in the profession. Many state agencies and health care systems require their social workers to have master's degrees. In addition, the degree is necessary for a supervisory position, as well as for many state licenses and credentials issued to social workers.
Master's degree programs in social work include courses in social policies, methods of social work practice, human behavior and society, cultural diversity, and social work research methods. Because graduate students in social work specialize in a specific area, their chosen concentration will often determine the types of courses they will complete for their degrees.
The Council on Social Work Education is the accrediting agency for all undergraduate and graduate programs in social work. - Concentrations for master's degree programs in social work include, but are not limited to, child and family services, health care services, mental health, planning and administration and aging/gerontology. Concentrations vary by university and program.
- Both undergraduate and graduate degree programs in social work have field work requirements. Field work involves supervised practice in a social welfare agency or other social work setting. Undergraduate students can expect to spend 400 to 600 hours in supervised field education, which will translate to a certain number of credit hours toward their bachelor's degrees. For master's degree students, the field work requirements are higher, often 900 hours or more, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
- Because social work involves interaction with ethnically diverse populations, knowledge of a second language may be very helpful. Undergraduate students should consider including at least two years of foreign language study among their coursework.
- All 50 states and the District of Columbia have licensing and continuing education requirements for social workers. Requirements vary by state, but social workers should expect to complete continuing education on ethics, diversity issues and effective communication. The National Association of Social Workers offers courses that help social workers fulfill continuing education units.
