How to Choose the Right Social Work Degree Program
Choosing the right degree program is important if you aspire to impact individuals, families, and communities as a social worker. Fortunately, there are many options available. As a result, you must pick one that aligns with your learning style, interests, and career goals. To do this, consider important factors like the format, accreditation, specialization, and cost. Here are the important considerations for choosing a social work degree program.
Do You Need a Degree as a Social Worker?
If you’re pursuing a career as a social worker, earning a degree gives you several advantages. This credential pushes you closer to your personal and professional goals. For example, it increases your chances of getting admission to go further in the field.
A degree is a common prerequisite if you’re applying for generalist and non-clinical social work positions. Essentially, this degree readies you for entry-level jobs in human services. When learning, you’ll be exposed to real-life experiences to understand the most common issues in the field.
What to Consider When Choosing a Social Work Degree Program
When considering your options for social work degree programs, determine the requirements and costs involved. Then, determine what best fits your needs and interests before picking one. Here are the factors to consider beforehand.
1. Accreditation
Confirm that prospective degree programs have the Council for Social Work Education (CSWE) accreditation. This accreditation shows that the program has gone through a thorough review and meets the standards in the field. Completing a non-accredited program affects you when it’s time to further your career.
2. Cost
Compare different social work degree programs for cost, tuition, and other costs. Private schools are typically more expensive than state institutions. On average, undergraduates pay $10,000-$50,000 yearly, yet these fees vary significantly. Prestigious institutions and those in big cities cost more comparatively.
3. Available Financial Aid
Financial aid plays a big role in social workers’ choices of degree programs. For instance, you may still prefer private institutions with robust aid over public universities if you aren’t getting any support. Aid often comes from grants, federal loans, and scholarships, also available if you enroll for a master’s in social work.
4. Admission Requirements
Since different programs have different criteria for admission, always browse them to determine which one fits you best. Some programs may offer you conditional admission if your college or high school GPA is less than 3.0. Consider applying to schools with lower GPA requirements. Also, ask questions to determine if you’ll need SAT or ACT scores.
5. Program Format
Another important factor is determining whether you’ll enroll for an in-person or an online bachelor’s degree in social work. Online degrees are generally more flexible, allowing you to work while completing your program from home.
What Can You Learn From Social Work Degree Programs?
While different programs have varying curriculums for social work degrees, they all offer courses that introduce you to the field. These programs also cover social work policies, principles, a social worker’s duties, and fieldwork, giving you experience. Here is what you’ll learn from these programs:
- Introduction to social work
- Social work and legal considerations
- Social work research
- Field experience
Endnote
Picking the right degree is one of the most important things to do as a social worker. To get the right option, enroll in accredited programs while weighing the costs and admission requirements. Choose a format that fits your needs and look for any available financial aid.
