What is a Master of Social Work (M.S.W.) Degree?

Author: University of North Dakota
February 6, 2024

Social workers, recognized as creative problem solvers, play a pivotal role in advocating for equitable societal structures.

Amidst the challenges of our intricate and rapidly evolving world, it is these professionals who serve as essential guides, assisting individuals and communities in navigating complexities and fostering resilience.

So, what is an M.S.W. degree? It’s an advanced degree that extends beyond the foundational principles of social work. It prepares professionals to drive positive change and make significant contributions to societal well-being. Continue reading to discover more about this degree, its various forms and the career opportunities it offers.

What Is an M.S.W. Degree?

A master’s in Social Work, commonly abbreviated as M.S.W. degree, represents an advanced level of education. It is a graduate degree in social work, equipping individuals with the knowledge and skills necessary to engage in advanced social work practice.

The M.S.W. curriculum dives deeply into social work theories and methodologies, bridging these with practical application. This comprehensive approach ensures graduates are well-prepared for a spectrum of roles in the social work field, seamlessly integrating theoretical insights with hands-on experience.

The Importance of an M.S.W.

The importance of earning an M.S.W. lies in the elevated level of expertise and specialized knowledge the degree imparts. It not only advances one’s understanding of social work principles but also cultivates advanced soft skills that are essential for addressing complex social issues. M.S.W. holders are equipped to engage with individuals, families and communities in a more profound and impactful way.

In addition, an M.S.W. often opens doors to specialized fields within social work, offering opportunities for research, policy development and clinical practice. The degree enhances one’s ability to effect positive change on a systemic level, making it an essential qualification for those aspiring to impact the world through social work and human services.

Types of M.S.W. Degrees Programs

There are various M.S.W. program options, each tailored to accommodate varying needs and career aspirations. These programs differ not only in their lengths, ranging from the conventional two-year tracks to more accelerated formats, but also in what they focus on within social work.

Traditional

Traditional M.S.W. degree programs generally require a full-time study period of two years. During this time, students are taught foundational coursework in social work, with some specialized topics that address areas such as child and family welfare. This format provides a comprehensive education in social work principles and practices, which caters to individuals seeking a well-rounded understanding of social work across diverse contexts.

Clinical

The clinical M.S.W. program is a specialization within the broader M.S.W. landscape, preparing students for licensure as clinical social workers (LCSWs).

This program focuses on practical coursework, including behavioral assessment and intervention techniques, to equip graduates with the skills for engaging in therapeutic interventions and mental health services. It is designed for individuals aspiring to work directly with clients in clinical settings and aims to contribute to the evolving mental health field.

Advanced Standing

The Advanced Standing M.S.W. program is designed for individuals who have already earned a BSW degree. This program recognizes previous coursework, allowing students to skip the first-year general curriculum. As a result, students can complete their M.S.W. in less time and with a more focused educational experience.

This option particularly benefits BSW graduates who want to build on their foundational knowledge and skills without revisiting introductory concepts.

Accelerated

Another excellent option for individuals looking for a quicker way to earn an M.S.W. degree is an accelerated program. This program packs the entire coursework into a timeframe of 12-16 months, which is significantly shorter than the traditional two-year track.

Not all M.S.W. programs offer the accelerated option, but those that do provide a rigorous and focused learning experience. It is ideal for people who have a clear career path in mind and want to acquire advanced social work skills to enter the workforce quickly.

Prospective students should conduct thorough research on programs that offer accelerated M.S.W. options to find the one that best suits their goals.

Dual

Lastly, dual M.S.W. programs make it possible to earn two master’s degrees simultaneously. Such programs allow students to combine the M.S.W. with another discipline, like a Master’s in Public Health (MPH) or Master’s in Business Administration (MBA).

Graduates of dual programs possess a more diverse skill set, which enables them to navigate interdisciplinary challenges and contribute to social change across multiple sectors.

M.S.W. Curriculum

A standard M.S.W. curriculum is designed to equip students with a comprehensive and specialized education for effective social work practice. The core courses cover fundamental aspects of the discipline and subjects related to social policy and human behavior, illuminating the multifaceted dimensions of human experiences and helping understand the broader societal structures and policies that affect the well-being of individuals and communities.

As students advance in the program, the curriculum introduces more specialized courses that deepen their expertise. These include Advanced Generalist Practice courses focusing on individuals, families and treatment groups. Such courses emphasize the real-world application of social work theories across diverse environments, ensuring students gain practical experience and refine their intervention abilities.

This comprehensive curriculum ensures that M.S.W. graduates emerge not only with a deep understanding of social work principles but also with the practical skills and knowledge necessary to navigate the dynamic and evolving field of social services.

M.S.W. Candidate Requirements

Admission into an M.S.W. program and the degree requirements for each program vary among colleges and universities, with requirements tailored to each institution’s standards.

For example, here at the University of North Dakota (UND), applicants without a BSW degree must have another bachelor’s degree in any other field from an accredited institution, complete at least 30 credit hours of liberal arts courses and demonstrate their willingness to adhere to the National Association of Social Worker’s Code of Ethics and the UND Code of Student Life. Even if the applicant holds a BSW degree, they must still meet specific standards, such as a GPA of 3.0, a grade of C or higher in a statistics course and adherence to ethical codes.

After admission, the M.S.W. degree requirements at UND involve completing 60 credit hours for students without a BSW, including Foundation and Concentration courses, while those with a BSW complete 36 credit hours, focusing on Advanced Generalist Concentration core courses. Both paths culminate in a research capstone.

M.S.W. Degree Cost

The tuition cost for pursuing an M.S.W. degree can vary significantly depending on the specific program and institution. Across the United States, data indicates that the average cost of obtaining a degree in social work is estimated to be around $81,430.

However, the University of North Dakota distinguishes itself by offering a more affordable option. Check out UND's online and on-campus M.S.W. costs and you'll find it is a cost-effective and reputable option.

UND’s commitment to providing affordable education ensures aspiring social work professionals can pursue their academic goals without shouldering excessive financial burdens.

Career Opportunities With an M.S.W.

An M.S.W. degree opens up diverse career opportunities for those wanting to make a positive impact. Some potential roles include:

• Clinical social worker
• Medical social worker
• Adult community mental health practitioner
• Chemical dependency and mental health counselor
• Mental health practitioner
• Social work program director
• School social worker
• Geriatric social worker
• Criminal justice social worker
• Policy analyst

In other cases, graduates may use their M.S.W. degree as a stepping stone to pursuing a law degree or performing social work research. Overall, the degree allows professionals to contribute to various fields and make a meaningful difference.

Should you get an M.S.W. degree?

Deciding whether to pursue an M.S.W. degree depends on your goals, interests and career aspirations. For those passionate about social justice and eager to drive societal change, an M.S.W. offers a solid foundation to effectively address complex social challenges. It’s particularly beneficial for aspiring specialists in clinical, medical or school social work, as well as for those eyeing leadership roles in the social work arena.

The degree is also ideal for individuals committed to influencing social policies and advocating for systemic transformation, equipping them with vital tools and insights for policy development and execution.

However, if your interest in direct social work practices—such as counseling, community engagement or policy-making—is limited, or if the alternative career paths offered by an M.S.W. do not align with your career goals, then this degree may not be the best fit for you.

Conclusion

Ultimately, an M.S.W. degree stands as a cornerstone in the field, reflecting the profound importance of social work in our society. Such degrees not only equip individuals with the knowledge and skills to navigate the complexities of social issues but also empower them to make a tangible impact in the lives of individuals and communities. So, explore our M.S.W. program and join us in making a difference in social work—where every action counts.

FAQs