A Master's Degree In Social Work Will Open Up Many Great Opportunities!






by Michelle Conner


Students who are thinking about a Master's degree in Social Work have a lot of work ahead of them researching and applying to graduate programs. A Master's degree in this discipline involves completion of a challenging program and rigorous 900 hours of field work, so it is not for everyone. If you think you can handle the demands of the program, it's time to get started on the application process.

CSWE, or Council on Social Work Education, accredits Master's degree programs in Social Work. It is important to enter an accredited Master's program, and you currently have 209 choices. You might be interested in viewing school rankings, such as those offered by a credible report. These can help influence your decision, but mainly exist to get you started in the research process. Remember that rankings can be inaccurate, and you will need to find out more about each school before you begin applying. If you are interested in top graduate school then you should learn more about this.

Some things to keep in mind when looking into various programs are the focus of the program, the interests and backgrounds of faculty members who will be instructing you, and the areas of concentration you can select from. You will also want to consider the size of the program, location, and availability of financial aid.

Knowing a lot about each school you are applying to can help you write your application essay, or statement of purpose. Each application essay should reflect what you find to be attractive about the program that you are applying to. Explain how each program can help you to meet your personal and career-related goals.

It is not necessary for your Bachelor's degree to be in Social Work in order to be admitted to a Master's in the field. However, your major or minor should be in a related subject. You should have taken classes in the social and behavioral sciences and demonstrated an interest in social service. If you want to know more about Masters degree in Social Work then you are headed in the right track to becoming a great asset to the Social Work world.

Many programs look specifically for candidates who have had social service experience as an active volunteer. Your community service is good work experience and also demonstrates your commitment to your field. If you have a year or two before you must apply to graduate programs, now is the time to begin actively pursuing community service opportunities. If not, taking a year between degrees to perform volunteer work will likely make you more competitive when you apply to graduate programs.

Remember that the school you select will also have to select you, meaning you may not be accepted into your first choice. Applying to a variety of schools that suit your needs, at least five to seven schools, is a good way to ensure that you are accepted into a program. You should ultimately feel that the program you end up in will prepare you well for a future in Social Work, even if it wasn't your first choice.




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