Online Social Work Degree | Online Degrees in Social Work

Online Social Work Degree | Our TOP Recommendations
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Social work is for people with a passion to help improve people’s lives. Social workers help people cope with conflicts in their everyday lives, manage relationships, and solve family and personal problems.

• Nature of the Work - Many social workers help people who are disabled or have a life-threatening disease or are facing a social problem like inadequate housing, unemployment, or substance abuse. Social workers also help families that have serious domestic conflicts, often involving spousal or child abuse. Several social workers perform research, campaign for improved services, and work in systems design or plan and develop policies. Many social workers focus on serving a particular demographic or working in a specific environment.
• Online Social Work Degree - A bachelor’s degree in social work (BSW) is the minimum requirement to become eligible for a job as a social worker; however, people with majors in sociology, psychology, and related fields may be eligible for some entry-level positions, particularly in smaller community agencies. Although a bachelor’s degree is adequate for entry into social work, an advanced degree has become expected for many social work jobs.
• Licensing - All States and the District of Columbia require licensing, certification, or registration in some capacity for practicing social workers practicing under professional titles. Although regulations for licensing differ by state, an increasing number of states are emphasizing professional ethics, good communications skills, and sensitivity to cultural diversity. Most states require 2 years (3,000 hours) of supervised clinical experience for clinical social workers to become licensed.
  
  

Online Social Work Degree | Online Degrees in Social Work

The typical requirements for positions within a health setting are a master's degree in social work. A number of employment opportunities in private and public agencies may require an advanced degree, being either in social services administration or policy. University and College teaching positions and the majority of research positions require a doctorate in social work.

As of 2006, there were over accredited 450 bachelor’s programs and 180 master’s programs. A bachelor degree in social work prepares graduates for positions including field education, social research methods, social work practice, social welfare services and policy, social environment and human behavior, promotion of economic and social justice and caseworker. 400 supervised hours of field experience is required for accredited programs.


Online Social Work Degree - Graduate - Job Outlook

Employment for social workers is expected grow much faster than the average for all occupations through 2016. Job prospects are expected to be favorable, particularly for social workers who specialize in the aging population or work in rural areas.

Social workers held about 595,000 jobs in 2006. About 5 out of 10 jobs were in health care and social assistance industries and 3 out of 10 are employed by State and local government agencies, primarily in departments of health and human services.

Employment of social workers is expected to increase by 22 percent during the 2006-16 decade, which is much faster than the average for all occupations. The growing elderly population and the aging baby boom generation will create greater demand for health and social services, resulting in rapid job growth among gerontology social workers. Employment of social workers in private social service agencies also will increase.

Online Social Work Degree - Graduates - Earnings Statistics

The Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, reports in May 2006, median annual earnings of child, family, and school social workers were $37,500 in May 2006. The middle 50 percent earned between $29,500 and $49,000. The lowest 10 percent earned less than $24,500, and the top 10 percent earned more than $62,500.

Median annual earnings of medical and public health social workers were $43,000 in May 2006. The middle 50 percent earned between $34,000 and $53,770. The lowest 10 percent earned less than $27,250, and the top 10 percent earned more than $64,000.

Median annual earnings of mental health and substance abuse social workers were $35,000 in May 2006. The middle 50 percent earned between $27,750 and $45,750. The lowest 10 percent earned less than $22,500, and the top 10 percent earned more than $57,500.

Median annual earnings of social workers, all other were $43,500 in May 2006. The middle 50 percent earned between $32,500 and $56,500. The lowest 10 percent earned less than $25,500, and the top 10 percent earned more than $68,500.

Related Occupations: Through direct counseling or referral to other services, social workers help people solve a range of personal problems. Workers in occupations with similar duties include the clergy, counselors, probation officers and correctional treatment specialists, psychologists, and social and human services assistants.


Online Social Work Degree | Online Degrees in Social Work - Colleges and Universities

There are an excellent number of choices if you are looking to earn an online Social Work Degree. Online schools and colleges now provide the same curriculum as the traditional education. Learning online provides you with so much more flexibility to suit your lifestyle and current employment. We include our top recommendations for schools and classes for online Social Work Degrees.

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