Tuesday, 29 May 2012

Online Social and Community Services Degree Program Overviews

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.

Program Information and Requirements

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.

Career Information for Graduates

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).

Licensing, Certification, Registration and Continuing Education Information

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.

Program Information and Requirements

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.

Career Information for Graduates

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).

Continuing Education Information

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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