Social work degrees are offered at the bachelor's, master's and doctorate levels. The most popular degree and the one required for many social work positions is the MSW (Master of Social Work). While many students work after having completed their undergraduate degree (BSW), they normally try to upgrade their education by taking the MSW at the same time in order to apply for higher paying social work jobs. The Ph.D is normally reserved for students who wish to enter teaching or research type social work jobs.

Bachelor of Social Work:

The BSW is offered by many universities as both on-campus studies and distance learning courses. Interestingly, several institutes offer it as well in a "blended" format meaning that students who have time conflicts with physical classes can take part of their degrees online and the remainder on-campus. Bachelor of Social Work courses include a general introduction to many facets of the human services field. To obtain a BSW, the student must also successfully complete an internship. In addition, in several states, in order to be a licensed social worker, the BSW is required.

Job descriptions vary for individuals who possess the BSW, as they may work in nursing homes, long-term care facilities, hospices, organizations that focus on substance dependency and abuse, schools, the judicial system, family oriented agencies, child protection and welfare agencies, as well as human resources departments of very large corporations. Some examples of the functions conducted by the social worker are interviewing clients for government assistance, crisis management or intervention, matching services with clients, and providing support with employee grievances.

Master of Social Work:

To be admitted into the MSW program, students at the very least must have completed a Bachelor's degree, as well as either volunteer or paid time in a social work related endeavor. For individuals who have completed a BSW, advanced standing is possible with some of the credits from the bachelor's being applied to the master's degree. And, although university entrance requirements vary considerably, it is understood that the higher the undergraduate degree performance, the better. Each university limits the number of available spots so only those with the best grades and resumés will be accepted.

Full time students can expect to complete the MSW in two years while those with advanced standing will finish in one year's time, unless they decide to study on a part time basis in which case, they will also complete the degree in two years. With the trends in both the US and Canada that require more social workers in broader fields than just social service agencies, it has become necessary for individuals to receive an MSW. General knowledge of social work alone is not enough today to get the best jobs. Employers are looking for individuals who have specific skill sets and who have proved competency in an identifiable sector. Some examples of the areas might include mental health, children and their families, social justice, geriatrics, and administration.

Ph.D. in Social Work:

Entering the social work doctoral program is a formidable undertaking. But, if the individual wishes to teach at a university, conduct research, or work in upper management social work administration, then a doctorate degree will be important. The courses are normally more of a scientific nature than the BSW or MSW. Interpreting and using empirical knowledge, statistical data, and research methods are the fundamentals of the Ph.D in Social Work. In addition, theory and the history of the principles of social work are pertinent. The courses look at societal issues in broad terms. After having completed the course and hour requirements, the individual then applies to write his/her dissertation.

Other Degrees:

Finally, in regards to other degrees, many potential students ask whether they are better served by obtaining a social work degree or a degree in counseling? It is generally believed that the social work degree is more advantageous because a greater number of organizations are specifically looking for this degree on r�sum�s, and also, those who receive this degree can be licensed in many states.

Further, today it is quite common for students to undertake a dual specialization in Social Work and Law. This seems to be a prudent move since much of the social work field interacts with the legal process in some way. For law degrees, try to avoid online education, as it's regarded as much less convincing on your CV.