Social workers seek to improve the quality of life for others. They tackle both big-picture social problems, and their local impact on individuals, families and communities. Students can gain some insight into this rewarding, but often difficult field, through several online social work courses made available free of charge from universities across the country.
The International Federation of Social Workers defines the profession as promoting social change, problem solving in human relationships and providing means of empowerment and liberation to enhance the well-being of others. Social workers are agents of change in society and in the lives of the individuals, families and communities they serve, figuring out ways to help others reach their full potential.
Social workers are most often separated into two categories: direct-service social workers are those who help people with everyday problems, while clinical social workers diagnose and treat mental, behavioral, and emotional issues. Both direct-service and clinical social workers often specialize within their field to focus on a particular population, such as children and families, schools, healthcare, gerontology, hospice and palliative care, mental health and substance abuse.
Sample Courses
A social work degree includes courses on major social ills, as well as how to solve those problems through client management and social work theory. The following is a sample course list taken from the University of Washington's School of Social Work bachelor's degree program, and the undergraduate program at the University of Pittsburgh.
- Human Behavior and the Social Environment
- Social Welfare Policy
- Cultural Diversity and Justice
- Case Management
- Aging in a Multicultural Society
- Economics and Social Work
- African-American Health Issues
- Introduction to Social Work Research
- Community Service Learning
Internships or supervised fieldwork are common in nearly all types of bachelor programs.
Possible Specializations
Students usually only specialize above the undergraduate level. Some bachelor's programs allow students to focus their studies through a minor or a designated focus during undergraduate work, which can serve as a foundation for someone wishing to pursue a master's degree or licensure as a clinical social worker. Here are some options to get you thinking:
The Simmons School of Social Work, for example, offers specializations including child and family; trauma and interpersonal violence; mental health and addictions; and health and aging. Simmons also offers a specialized course on training social workers to deal with larger issues in their urban community through the Urban Leadership Program in Clinical Social Work (ULP).
Boston University offers options to earn certificates or specializations in the following: clinical social work and behavioral medicine; family therapy; group work; human services management; and gerontology.
Ohio State University offers specializations in disability studies, early childhood intervention, international studies, literacy studies, sexuality studies, African American studies, research methods in human resource development, statistical data analysis and women's studies.
Degree Types
There are credentialing opportunities at all levels of higher education. At the community college level, student's can obtain an associate's degree in social work through programs like this one at El Paso Community College. A two-year degree will get you an entry-level position in the field. Community colleges and vocational schools often offer certificates that enable advancement or employment in specialized fields, such as a Drug/Alcohol Abuse Counseling Certificate of Completion, or a human services certificate.
A bachelor's degree is required for most direct-service social work positions, but some positions and settings require a master's. Clinical social workers will need a master's degree and a license to practice. A Ph.D. in social work is geared for those who want to pursue a career in academic research or teaching at the university level.
Ideal Candidates for Social Work
Compassion might be one of the most important traits for a social worker. The ability to understand and empathize with people who are going through a hard time is critical to developing relationships and impacting the lives of others.
Being a good listener, who can work with a diverse number of people is critical — social workers have to listen to others to understand their needs and offer services or direction.
Social workers are also notoriously over-worked, so time-management skills and organization are important. Caseloads are often full, and social workers must manage paperwork, documents, and needs for all their clients, all at the same time.
Career Pathway
The field of social work is expected to grow by more than 25 percent through 2020. Especially in arenas that deal with the aging baby boomer populations, such as gerontology and rehab. The demand for mental health and substance abuse social workers is also expected to grow by 31 percent, as more people seek treatment for mental illness and addiction, and the justice system continues to use treatment programs as an alternative to jail time.
The median annual wage for social workers in May 2010 was as follows:
- $47,230 for healthcare social workers
- $40,210 for child, family, and schools social workers
- $38,600 for mental health and substance abuse social workers
- $51,500 for all other social workers
Conclusion
The field of social work can be demanding and stressful, but it's in high demand and incredibly important for the health and vitality of communities. Research is important for finding your way in this diverse field, so volunteer and talk to experts in potential programs and universities. There are plenty of jobs and plenty of specializations in the field, so take proactive steps to find which direction inspires you the most before committing to an academic program.
Related Subjects
- Bachelor's in Social Science
- Bachelor's in Social Work
- Master's in Social Psychology
- Master's in Social Work
- Ph.D. in Social Work
- Ph.D. in Social Psychology
13 Courses
Get More Out of Your Online Social Work Courses
Journals
A journal on current issues, challenges, and responses facing social work practice and education.
A journal for Columbia social work students to share their research, experiences, and views with faculty, fellow students, and the wider scholarly community.
Contemporary Rural Social Work
This journal is dedicated to the development of knowledge about rural social work and the promotion of excellence in rural practice.
Intersectionalities : A Global Journal of Social Work Analysis, Research, Polity and Practice
A journal publishing articles relating to social work analysis, research, polity, and practice.
Journal of Global Social Work Practice
This journal addresses global social work practice and encourages mutual scholarly exchange about practice methods, skills building, theoretical framework development, tactics and techniques.
Journal of Indigenous Voices in Social Work
Advances education, practice, research and policymaking relevant to indigenous peoples' social and economic wellbeing.
Journal of the Society for Social Work and Research
The official publication of the Society for Social Work and Research purposed to advance social work research.
Contains articles on issues dealing with the social, cultural, economic, political, and philosophical problems associated with the struggle for social justice.
The Journal of Social Work Values and Ethics
Examines the ethical and values issues that impact and blend with social work practice, research, and theory development.
Trade Magazines
A bi-monthly magazine for social work professionals.
The magazine for the Columbia University School of Social Work with research, experience, and views of CUSSW faculty, students, and alumni.
A quarterly magazine for social work students, recent graduates, and those new to the profession that focuses on social work careers.
Scholarships
Deadline: April 30
Award Amount: $5,000
A scholarship for students with a passion for community service and raising awareness of tabacco's harmful impact.
American Cancer Society: Doctoral Training Grants in Oncology Social Work
Deadline: October 15
Award Amount: $20,000
A scholarship for doctoral students at schools of social work that train individuals to conduct research relevant to oncology social work.
Council on Social Work Education: Scholarships and Fellowships
Deadline: varies
Award Amount: varies
The Council of Social Work Education offers several funding opportunities for students and faculty members.
CSWE: Carl A. Scott Memorial Fund
Deadline: May
Award Amount: $500
Developed to continue the legacy of equity and social justice in social work furthering knowledge and the well being of individuals and their communities.
Epilepsy Foundation: Behavioral Sciences Student Fellowship
Deadline: Spring
Award Amount: $3,000
A fellowship for undergraduate and graduate students whose studies are related to epilepsy research or clinical care.
Deadline: June 1
Award Amount: $1,000
Scholarships support the professional development of doctoral students and bring visibility to the their research and service.
Harry S. Truman Scholarship Foundation
Deadline: February
Award Amount: varies
Sociology majors interested in pursuing careers in public service can apply to become a Truman Scholar.
Hartford Pre-Dissertation Award Program in Geriatric Social Work
Deadline: May 1
Award Amount: varies
This award's purpose is toincrease the number of social work doctoral dissertations regarding the health of older persons.
NASW Foundation Fellowship, Scholarship and Research Awards
Deadline: varies
Award Amount: varies
Fellowship, scholarships, and research awards from the National Association of Social Workers Foundation.
National Academy of Social Insurance: John Heinz Dissertation Award
Deadline: November 1
Award Amount: $2,500
Recognizes outstanding research by new scholars addressing social insurance policy questions.
Deadline: varies
Award Amount: varies
Several awards are available from the Society for Social Work and Research.
Deadline: varies
Students interested in changing children's lives can contact a local agency for information regarding available internships.
Child Welfare League of America
Deadline: varies
Various internship opportunities for students wanting to work in child and family advocacy.
Deadline: varies
Appropriate for undergraduates with a strong interest in child advocacy and public policy.
International Justice Mission: Internships and Fellowships
Deadline: varies
Internships for students interested in protecting the rights of those subject to violent forms of human rights abuses.
Deadline: varies
Offers undergraduate and graduate internships for students who are aspiring international relief and development practitioners.
National Council for Adoption: Social Work Intern
Deadline: July 31
NCFA internships allow students to work in the departments of General Administration, Training and Agency Services, Communications, Development, and Government Relations.
Deadline: March
Opportunity to work with at-risk kids helping to build their self-motivation, decision-making skills, and social skills.
Deadline: varies
YAI internship programs in the field of developmental and learning disabilities are available to undergraduate or graduate students looking to gain experience in health and human services.
Youth Villages: Summer Internship Program
Deadline: varies
Undergraduate and graduate students in social work, psychology, or related fields can intern with Youth Villages' professional staff helping seriously troubled children.
Student Organizations
Council on Social Work Education
A nonprofit, accrediting organization, the CSWE strives to maintain the quality of social work education and professional practice.
National Association of Social Workers – Student Membership
Providing resources to those studying social work, NASW aims to prepare students for their future work in the profession.
National Association of Social Workers WebEd
Free online social work courses for members of the National Association of Social Workers.
The national honor society for social work, Phi Kappa values and promotes high education standards and humanitarian efforts.
Resource for social work students created by the National Association of Social Workers.
Society for Social Work and Research Doctoral Student Center
Resource center for social work students sponsored by the Society for Social Work and Research.
Professional Organizations
National Association of Social Workers
Striving to maintain and advance standards and policies, the NASW works with its professional members to stay up to date on developments in social work.
Working jointly with all who are invested in social work, SWAN advocates and campaigns for the betterment of the fields and those who rely on its services.
The SWPI brings together professionals and social work consumers to discuss "current and future issues in health care and social service delivery."
Society for Social Work and Research
Members of the SSWR-including academicians, researchers, and postgraduate students-come together to advance social work research and support.