Online Masters in Social Work Degree Programs

A masters in social work online degree prepares an individual for a professional job in social welfare counseling and administration. The focus of the study is on finding basic support services for people and groups that are vulnerable.

The coursework would include instruction on social welfare policies, planning of casework, social counseling strategies and intervention as well as administrative regulations and procedures. Students will be taught special applications for use in cases of child welfare and family services, disability counseling, employment services and probation cases. Social workers will help to arrange funding for essential medical procedures. They will keep a watchful eye on people in their care that are receiving health care at home, nursing homes or in hospitals. They will deal with both the patient and the family to make sure the well being of their client is taken care of and make sure that their rights are protected and attended to. Sometimes they will also find suitable educational facilities for people and manage support groups for people dealing with a similar problem. These professionals sometimes pursue careers as employee counselors or public relations experts.

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Selected Human Services Degree Programs

Capella University

• MS - General Human Services
• MS - Social and Community Services

Post University

• M.S. in Human Services
• M.S. in Human Services - Clinical Counseling
• M.S. in Human Services - Drug and Alcohol Counseling
• M.S. in Human Services - Program Administration

Liberty University

• Master of Arts in Human Services - Health and Wellness
• Master of Arts in Human Services - Executive Leadership
• Master of Arts in Human Services - Christian Ministries

Social Work Education and Training

Courses of this nature involve a lot of reading. Along with case studies, one would read literature that is fictional and non-fiction and make observations. The student will write his or her own research papers as well as case studies. These degrees involve a lot of courses rich in cultural studies, anthropology, social sciences, history, psychology, English literacy and composition. Subjects such as laboratory based sciences, advanced math and physics will usually not be needed, although one should understand statistics. Human Services curriculum courses are non-sequential. This enables a student to take online master of social work program courses for his or her major along with basic classes that are relevant to all freshmen. Thus, a student could complete the degree in two to three years. Additionally, someone who already has an associate degree could complete a Human Services program in as little as 18 months.

Social Work Careers

Degree programs are available online, however the field is wide. It might be helpful to narrow down the search for masters in social work schools by deciding which field one wants to specialize in, or which field one is most interested in. For instance, if one wanted to do teen counseling, one could look for a degree with subjects which would open doors to a career in a public school, community family services, high school counselor or a youth pastor. Social workers who wish to work in a public school setting, may be required to have a degree in education, specializing in counseling.

Expected Salary and Projected Career Growth

Salaries for graduates of social work masters programs vary, depending on the organization for which the person works. Those who have been practicing for less than a year earn an average annual income of $30,000 to $35,000, while those who have four years or more of experience earn $35,000 to $40,000. Social workers with five to nine years of experience make between $35,000 to $45,000 while those with ten to nineteen years of experience make approximately $40,000 to $45,000. Finally, social workers with twenty years or more earn $45,000 to $60,000.

Faith-based organizations and non-profit organizations usually pay less than government organizations and health care facilities. Rehabilitation and educational organizations usually pay the most. The actual salary is often determined by the geographic location of the organization as well as the experience and education of the applicant. There is a demand in the United States for skilled social workers. They are needed to help health maintenance organizations and private companies with various problems. The profession and masters in social work is committed to pursuing social justice and development of people, communities and society.