Education programs dealing with social and
community services can be found through online or hybrid bachelor's or
master's degree programs in social work. Social workers help locate the
resources needed to support families, communities and individuals with
social and health-related issues.
Overview of an Online Social Work Bachelor's Degree Program
Online bachelor's degree programs in social work prepare students for
entry-level positions in areas such as public and private welfare
agencies, mental health facilities, women's shelters, senior services
and youth-related programs. Students learn skills in counseling and
support related to psychosocial issues. Graduates are usually awarded a
Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) degree. Some programs award a Bachelor of
Science (BS) degree in areas such as Interdisciplinary Social Science
(ISS), or general studies with a human service specialization.
Prospective students may need to complete prerequisite coursework, have a
minimum grade point average on previous studies, submit a personal
statement and complete competency testing in areas such as computer or
communication skills. An associate's degree in a related discipline is
also recommended by some schools.
These programs consist of general education and major requirements
totaling approximately 128 credit hours and four years of studies, or
less for students who transfer prior credits from other schools.
Registration, class participation, communication and assignments are all
completed online. Most schools also provide electronic library
resources and technical help desk access. However, programs often
require substantial field work that must be completed in person.
List of Common Courses
The coursework in bachelor's degree programs typically includes
general education requirements in humanities, social sciences, natural
science, English, history and math. Classes in the major commonly cover
topics in sociology, psychology, family dynamic, human behavior and
diversity.
Introduction to Sociological Theory Course
This course studies theories in sociology with a concentration on
oppression, social justice, historical foundations and social service
systems. The values, ethics, methods used, current practices and overall
profession of social work are explored in different settings.
Diversity and Human Behavior Course
The socioeconomic, historical, political and cultural issues in human
and social service work are studied in this class. Topics of
concentration include race, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation,
disabilities and economic status.
Marriage and Family Sociology Course
Family sociology courses explore techniques for applying social work
principles within family relationships. The class covers dating,
sexuality, marriage, divorce, parental and other relationships, as well
as discussing strategies for dealing with children and adolescents.
In 2008, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reported that
entry-level positions in social work required a bachelor's degree, as
well as licensing, certification or registration. The BLS also reported
that employment of
social workers was expected to increase sixteen percent between 2008 and 2018 (
www.bls.gov).
All states have specific requirements in licensing, certification and
registration in social work. Along with an accredited academic program,
most require a specific number of hours of fieldwork. Graduate degree
programs are available in several concentrations of social work for
those desiring further education.
Overview of an Online Social Work Master's Degree Program
Online master's degree programs in social work (MSW) include
higher-level education in social work techniques and in social research.
Many offer an advanced-track program in specialty social work
concentrations for those students already possessing a BSW degree. All
prospective students must possess a bachelor's degree, and typically
previous coursework in social work is also required before entry into
the MSW program.
Online traditional track social work master's degree programs take
approximately three to four years to complete part-time, while full-time
traditional or part-time advanced standing sequences take about two
years. Credit requirements range from 36 to 66 hours over the course of
six to12 semesters. Some programs require in-person education in a
social work setting before completion. Online courses consist of the
same education as traditional instruction, and are completed via the
webcast and other media delivery methods.
List of Common Courses
Core master's degree-level courses in social work concentrate on
quantitative and qualitative research topics, hypotheses, findings and
action plans. The curriculum also advances skills in human behavior and
overall knowledge of the theories and practices of sociology.
Social Environment and Human Behavior Course
Theories in social work related to human behaviors, motivations,
health issues and functions are studied in this class. Individual,
family and group systems are considered. Elements in society including
different value systems, justices, rights and conditions are also
examined.
Social Work Practices and Foundations Course
Advanced practice topics of social empowerment, justice, dynamics and
change are covered. Student learn to apply advanced methods in group,
individual, organizational and family social work.
Research in Social Work Course
Interpretive and analytical research models, framework, sampling,
measuring, design, issues, conclusions and reliability are explored in
this class. The class also emphasizes the use of critical thinking
skills in developing knowledge of social work.
According to the BLS, medical and public health social workers earned
a median annual wage of $46,300 in May of 2009. Some positions require a
master's degree in social work or a related discipline for employment (
www.bls.gov).
For those wishing to pursue further education, many schools offer
Ph.D. programs in social work and some are available online. These
programs can be helpful for those pursuing teaching, administrative or
scholarly positions in social work.
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