Social Workers

High School

To prepare for a social work career, you should take courses in high school that will improve your communications skills, such as English, speech, composition, and and a foreign language (such as Spanish). On a debate team, you could further develop your skills in communication as well as research and analysis. History, social studies, and sociology courses are important in understanding the concerns and issues of society. Although limited work is available for those with only an associate's degree (as a social work aide or social services technician), the most opportunities exist for people with more advanced degrees in social work.

Postsecondary Training

There are approximately 549 accredited B.S.W. (bachelor's in social work) programs and 345 accredited M.S.W. (master's in social work) programs accredited by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE). The Group for the Advancement of Doctoral Education lists more than 100 doctoral programs for Ph.D.'s in social work or D.S.W.'s (doctor of social work). The CSWE requires that five areas be covered in accredited bachelor's degree social work programs: human behavior and the social environment; social welfare policy and services; social work practice; research; and field practicum. Most programs require two years of liberal arts study followed by two years of study in the social work major. Also, students must complete a field practicum of at least 400 hours. Graduates of these programs can find work in public assistance or they can work with the elderly or with people with mental or developmental disabilities.

The CSWE offers a directory of accredited social work programs at https://www.cswe.org/accreditation/about/directory/?.

Although no clear lines of classification are drawn in the social work profession, most supervisory and administrative positions require at least an M.S.W. degree. Master's programs are organized according to fields of practice (such as mental health care), problem areas (substance abuse), population groups (the elderly), and practice roles (practice with individuals, families, or communities). They are usually two-year programs that require at least 900 hours of field practice. Most positions in mental health care facilities require an M.S.W. Doctoral degrees are also available and prepare students for research and teaching. Most social workers with doctorates go to work in community organizations.

Other Education or Training

The National Association of Social Workers offers online courses, webinars, and other continuing education opportunities. Topics include everyday practice issues, social media, career planning, and ethics. The Association for Childhood Education International, Council on Social Work Education, and the Canadian Association of Social Workers also provide professional development courses. Contact these organizations for more information.