At the beginning of your undergraduate study, the social sciences probably seemed like a good idea. They’re interesting, they help you learn about yourself and those around you, and they have some pretty practical applications. But now, the job market’s looking brutal, and you’re wondering whether that Bachelor’s in psychology, sociology, or social work will do you any good out in the real world. It might, or it might not. So you may be wondering whether you should go ahead and get your Master’s in social work.
If you’ve done well as an undergraduate student, you have options, especially if you pursued internships and other semi-professional experience. You can continue to pursue your interests in law school, for example. You can stay in academia and get a doctorate, which can eventually lead to a teaching position at a university. Or, you can take your degree out into the workforce, if you think you’re ready and can face an uncertain job market. A lot of people go for a Master’s in social work to get more credibility in their field.
This type of degree takes a couple of years to complete. Usually, it involves the equivalent of two years of coursework as well as two years of internships and other professional field experience. Students can usually pick between two distinct tracks. One track has more of a bird’s eye view approach. This type of approach focuses on the social political aspects of the profession, like public policy and community organizing. Another deals more with clinical applications, like rehabilitation and counseling.
If being a professional social worker has been your goal all along and you’re either majoring or about to get your Bachelor’s in social work, a Master’s in social work is an obvious choice. You’ll have a chance to get more hand-on experience that will allow you to build on what you already know. You’ll be able to meet a great deal more professional contacts. Plus, that graduate degree simply ups your chances of getting a good job as a case worker or community organizer. So, off the bat, an advanced degree in social work should be appealing.
For the right person, there are other benefits to pursuing a career in social work. For those who are inclined to work with people, this career can be very rewarding. Many people who want to have a direct impact on people’s lives find that this field is an apt calling. Social workers help a very broad range of people in a variety of ways. They help low-income families make it in an extremely tough economy and kids in abusive homes get to safer settings. They also help drug users get over their addictions. Such work is extremely stressful, but many in this field are attracted to the notion of changing, and sometimes even saving, lives.
As stated earlier, a graduate degree in social work can greatly increase your career options. The letters M.A. behind your name look great on a resume, but there is certainly more to it than that. The letters B.A. in a socially-oriented major is great, but a Master’s is proof that you’ve not only successfully completed some quite rigorous academic work, but also have some solid real-world experience under your belt.
There’s also the nuts and bolts factor of dollars. An advantaged degree in any field should net you higher earnings. Plus, in a tough economy where more people are competing for work, it broadens your scope when you look for jobs. You can apply for jobs only requiring a Bachelor’s if you need to, and you automatically qualify for those asking for candidates with higher degrees.