College Students Should Consider Degrees in Social Work

Posted on June 29, 2014 by

The Internet has improved higher education significantly. Busy adults can find the time to complete advanced programs and earn degrees by studying online. Long distance education is now available to anyone who has Internet access and a little bit of free time in between work and other personal responsibilities. Degrees that do not require any laboratory courses can be completed online without ever having to visit the campus of the institution that is offering the classes.


A degree in social work can be attained fully through online programs. Students may be able to receive a bachelor’s and even a master’s degree in this important field of study. A social worker needs to study various topics in history, economics, healthcare and cultural studies in order to become certified. It is also important to understand the psychology of various people when working in social services. The real world presents plenty of social issues for diverse demographics. Social work requires an understanding of the problems that different individuals face in U.S. society. Immigration is also an important issue that is dealt with by social workers throughout North America.

A traditional degree in social work involves a core curriculum that teaches students about the history of social services in the United States of America. Students must understand the foundations that led to the development of programs like medicaid, medicare and social security. Eventually, social work studies also cover advanced topics about all of the various government departments that provide funding for human services on a municipal, state and federal level.

Social workers also need to have compassion and empathy in order to help other people that are in need. It’s always a good idea to get some experience in the field by volunteering in the local community. The diverse demographics of the United States creates a need for social workers who are fluent in multiple languages. For example, many social service departments in the U.S. are seeking employees that speak Spanish to accommodate the increasing Latino population in the country. 

A university like UNE is an example of a higher education institution that offers online degrees in social work. Real world practice is vital to the successful completion of a degree for social workers. There are clinical courses that require students to actually work in local social service departments. Students may also major in specific concentrations, such as family and immigration issues. 

Dear readers, are any of you social workers? What would you recommend to college students? Note: I received compensation for this post.

Jennifer Wolfe

Jennifer Wolfe, a writer-teacher-mom, is dedicated to finding the extraordinary in the ordinary moments of life by thinking deeply, loving fiercely, and teaching audaciously. Jennifer is a Google Certified Educator, Hyperdoc fanatic, and a voracious reader. Read her stories on her blog, mamawolfe, and grab free copies of her teaching and parenting resources.

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Comments: 2

  • Bill Habicht

    June 29, 2014

    Definitely a good idea. I have an MSW with a macro focus. It provided me with actual tools I use everyday. Knowledge is important, but without the tools to actually implement or do something, knowledge isn’t too useful.
    Bill Habicht recently posted…The Sad Demise of Tithing. Now What?My Profile

    Reply
    • Jennifer Wolfe

      June 30, 2014

      Thanks, Bill. College is so about not only finding what you love, but figuring out how to use your talents. I’m always amazed to watch you use your skills in our community; you are such an asset to all of us. Thank you.

      Reply
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