social Work Degree

A bachelor’s degree in social work is generally the minimum entry-level requirement in the field. These programs place a strong emphasis on values and ethics, equipping students with the skills to effectively assess and intervene with clients.Applicants to these programs may be asked to confirm the completion of specific courses.A social work bachelor’s degree program prepares students to work as generalist social workers with families, groups, individuals, communities and organizations.Social work graduates will be qualified to work in settings such as schools,prisons, hospitals, women’s shelters, foster care services and treatment centers.Social work students develop the clinical and administrative skills necessary to assist underserved populations. Accredited social work degrees typically require at least 400 hours of supervised field experience.Some schools require students complete introductory social work, interpersonal communication and psychology coursework before beginning the social work major.

Coursework

1-Human behavior in the social environment
2-Social work research
3-Addictive behaviors and social functioning
4-Problematic family functioning,Family Services
5-Social welfare policy
6-Social work practice

Continuing Education

Although not required for entry-level social work employment, graduate studies are very popular among social work students. Many positions now require a minimum of a master’s degree in social work, including many clinical, administrative and supervisory positions. Upon completion of a social work bachelor’s degree, many students also pursue graduate degrees in related areas such as law, counseling or public administration.

Career Options

Social work generalists are needed in the following settings:

1-Public and private welfare agencies
2-Correctional institutions
3-Educational systems
4-Health care settings
5-Mental health centers

Top U.S. Schools with Social Work Programs

1- Washington University in Saint Louis
According to U.S. News & World Report in 2008, Washington University in St. Louis had the number one social work program in the U.S. This private research school also ranked as the 13th-best college in the country by USN&WR in 2011. Through the George Warren Brown School of Social Work, students can pursue an accredited Master of Social Work (MSW) program; the school also offers a Doctor of Philosophy  in Social Work, as well as a dual MSW/Master of Public Health.

2-University of Michigan – Ann Arbor
The School of Social Work at the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor ranked second in the nation in 2008, as designated by U.S. News & World Report. In 2011, the school also placed 29th on the USN&WR list of best universities. Programs include an undergraduate minor in social work, an MSW and a Ph.D. in Social Work; additionally, undergraduates in advanced standing can pursue a Bachelor of Social Work.

3-University of Georgia in Athens
In 2011, the University of Georgia was ranked as one of the top 20 public universities in the nation by U.S. News & World Report. In the same year, it also ranked as a Best Southeastern College, as well as placed fifth on The Princeton Review’s ‘Best Value Public College’ list. The university’s School of Social Work offers accredited programs leading to a BSW, MSW or Ph.D. in Social Work.

Salary Info

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics  reported that employment of social workers is expected to increase at a faster pace than average, growing by 25% between 2010 and 2020. Social workers who work with the elderly or those with mental health or substance abuse problems may have the best job prospects.Social workers median annual earnings can vary depending on specialty. For example, in May 2012, the Bureau of Labor Statistics reported that child, family and school social workers earned a median yearly salary of $41,685, while healthcare social workers earned a median annual salary of $49,984.