Online Social Work Degrees and Certificate Programs

Social workers assist people with emotional and practical issues impacting daily life, such as family, job, health and relationship issues. A master's degree is highly sought after for managerial positions within the field. Individuals interested in distance learning can take advantage of online master's programs and hybrid doctoral programs.

Online Master's Degree Programs in Social Work Overview

Social workers work with individuals and families coping with emotional and practical issues related to work, school, family and relationships, with the goal of mental and situational improvement. Additionally, social workers can advocate for better standards and services, conduct research and become active in policy improvement and implementation. Clinical social workers need a Master of Social Work (MSW), and employers may prefer candidates with an MSW for managerial and supervisory positions.

Program Information and Requirements

A Master of Social Work program can typically be completed in 2-3 years. Distance learners will need a computer and high-speed Internet to access course management systems and online presentations. Communication with instructors and classmates is conducted by e-mail. Since academic papers may be required for certain courses, students need word processing software.

List of Common Master of Social Work Courses

At the master's level, students take more specific, advanced courses in sociology and psychology than in a bachelor's degree. Courses focus on positive human social adjustment, policies, procedures and human social development.

Social Development from Birth to Adolescence Course

Students focus on human developmental patterns from birth through adolescence, using eco-systems and development frameworks. Students look at development in context of the individual, family and other groups.

Basics of Social Policy Course

This course gives a comprehensive overview of current policies and procedures governed by social legislation. It focuses on policy analysis as it affects disadvantaged persons, using precedent to promote advocacy in today's society and working towards social justice.

Basics of Assessment and Diagnostic Testing Course

Students analyze the mental health and adaptive capabilities of individuals, families and groups in the context of social environment. The course also features a brief history of the development of mental emotional disorders and the impact society has on mental health.

Career Info

Social workers may focus on an area such as adoption, child protective services, domestic violence or homelessness. According to a December 2009 report by the U. S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (www.bls.gov), 54% of social workers work in healthcare and social assistance and another 31% work for government agencies. In September 2010, Salary.com reported the median annual salary for social workers with an MSW to be $54,244.

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Online Doctorate Degree Program Social Work Overview

Doctor of Philosophy focus on human social development, the state of current social services, patient advocacy and policy change. A master's degree is a prerequisite.

Program Information and Requirements

A Ph.D. program in social work can usually be completed in about 2-3 years. Although no degree programs offer a Ph.D. completely online, hybrid programs combine online coursework with short on-campus residencies. For online coursework, students need a computer with high-speed internet access. Because some courses require academic papers, a word processing software program is necessary.

List of Common Courses in Social Work at the Doctoral Level

A doctoral program curriculum consists primarily of advanced seminars and extensive self-directed research with the goal of a completed dissertation. Courses explore in-depth the relationship with and the successful functioning of challenged individuals in society.

Quantitative Analysis and Reasoning Course

Students learn and practice quantitative research at the doctorate level with a focus on data analysis and using statistics. Students look at quality assurance, ethical and social outcomes of research, appropriate analytical tests, and statistics.

Psychology and Culture Course

Students focus on global impact of cross-culture in contemporary society and psychology. This courses give a broad overview of issues related to human development, such as the relationship between culture and social behaviors, general mental health and social disorders.

Human Development Over the Lifespan Course

This course gives students a comprehensive overview of human development and changes that occur in childhood, adolescence, adulthood and mature age. Students study basic physical, emotional and cognitive milestones that occur in each stage. The role of diversity throughout the life experience is a focal point.

Career Information

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (www.bls.gov) expected 20% growth in employment of mental health and substance abuse social workers and a 22% growth for medical and public health social workers from 2008-2018. Salary.com reported a median salary of $75,322 for social workers in September 2010.
Besides working as social workers and researchers, individuals with a Ph.D. in social work are able to teach college and university social work courses. A September 2010 report by Salary.com showed the median annual salary of university professors to be $81,017.