Social Work Jobs Outlook and Graduate Degree Programs

As a social worker, I am biased.  But here is some information about the profession and future employment outlook.

A Master’s in Social Work (MSW) degree provides an array of career options. Social workers have the opportunity to serve individuals, families, and communities. Direct-service social workers help people solve and cope with problems in their everyday lives, while clinical social workers diagnose and treat behavioral, mental, and emotional issues. Clinical social workers are required to have a master’s degree. Some direct-service positions and settings also require a master’s degree. Those with a Master of Social Work degree usually work as social workers, counselors, or therapists. 

Full-time students typically complete a master’s degree in social work in two years. However, many schools offer advanced-standing MSW programs to students with a bachelor’s degree in social work. These programs take less time to complete. 

SalariesAccording to the U.S. Department of Labor’s Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the average salary in 2011 for social workers was $53,900.  The annual mean wage for social workers in industries with the highest level of employment for the occupation was the following, in descending order: Federal executive branch; general, medical, and surgical hospitals; local government; state government; and individual and family services. 

The median salaries by skill/specialty of employees with a Master of Social Work degree are shown below:

• Counseling: $49,500

• Case Management: $54,267

• Geriatrics: $40,976

• Spanish language: $45,750

• Psychiatric: $51,000

• Operations Management: $64,709

• Fundraising: $49,500

• Program Management: $57,250

(Source: PayScale, April 2012) 

Employment GrowthThe BLS forecasts a 25% employment growth for social workers, faster than the average for all occupations. The expected job growth is due to an increase in demand for social services and healthcare, but will vary by specialty. The BLS forecasts a 34% employment growth for healthcare social workers, 31% for mental health and substance abuse social workers, and 20% for child, family, and school social workers.Some of the employment opportunities for people with an MSW are shown below:

• Aging

• Public welfare

• Child welfare

• Justice corrections

• School social Work

• Health care

• Employment/occupational social work

• Developmental disabilities

• Community organization

• Mental health/clinical social work

• Management/administration

• International social work

• Research

• Politics

• Policy and planning

• Adoption and foster care agencies

• Private practice

• Employee assistance programs

• Advocacy and coalition groups

• Domestic violence agencies

• Drug and alcohol rehabilitation centers

• Nursing homes/skilled nursing facilities

• Homelessness & hunger advocacy networks

• Women’s shelters

• Long-term care facilities

• Military counseling offices

• Assisted living facilities

• Senior centers

• Social and human services centers

MSW programs include classroom learning and practical field experience. There’s a large number of Master of Social Work degree programs to choose from, so it’s not easy selecting a school. We’ve thoroughly evaluated the top schools. We base our rankings on academic quality, reputation, awards, rankings, internship opportunities, and facilities.

Link: http://www.thebestschools.org/blog/2012/04/16/25-master-social-work-degree-programs/