Are You a Good Fit for an MSW Degree? Ask Yourself These 5 Questions.

Key Takeaways

• The article outlines five questions to ask before pursuing a Master of Social Work (MSW): passion for social issues, professional goals, licensure needs, interest in fieldwork, and a desire to build helping skills.
• The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics confirms that clinical social work requires a master’s degree, supervised clinical experience, and a state license.¹
• The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects 6% employment growth for social workers from 2025 to 2035, faster than the average for all occupations.¹
• Chamberlain University’s online MSW program is Council on Social Work Education (CSWE)-accredited and can be completed in as few as two years.

Every day, social workers step into some of life’s hardest moments—a family in crisis, a veteran facing trauma, a community rebuilding after loss—and help people find a path forward. And these allied health professionals are in demand. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects a 6% employment growth for social workers from 2025 to 2035, which is faster than the average for all occupations.¹

If that kind of work speaks to you, it may be time to consider a Master of Social Work (MSW) degree. This article explores the social work field, the degrees and licenses you may need, and the opportunities an MSW may present. Let’s delve into five questions that can help you decide if pursuing a degree in social work is the right move for you.

1. Am I passionate about social issues?

Think about topics like poverty, immigration, community development, grief and loss, domestic violence, and homelessness. Many people feel some level of compassion for people facing hardships, but if you feel compelled to help improve the lives of others, then a future in social work may be the right fit for you.

2. Can an MSW lead to interesting professional opportunities? 

Earning a master's degree in social work can help prepare you to pursue state licensure and, ultimately, a variety of fulfilling roles in the field, including: 

• Clinical social worker²
• Medical social worker²
• Social work case manager²
• School social worker³
• Case manager³
• Child protective services social worker (CPS social worker)³
• Licensed clinical social worker (LCSW)⁴
• Mental health therapist⁴

A bachelor’s degree is often the entry point for many nonclinical social work positions, while clinical social work and many advanced social work roles typically require an MSW and may require state licensure.¹ Additional education, supervised experience, examination, and/or state licensure requirements may apply. Licensure requirements vary by state. Clinical social workers need a master's degree, supervised clinical experience, and a state license.

3. Can earning an MSW degree prepare me for licensure?

Yes. All states require social workers to be licensed to practice, though specific requirements and license types vary.⁵ In many states, social work licenses require a master’s degree in social work.⁶ For instance, to become a licensed clinical social worker, or LCSW, many states require that you hold a Council on Social Work Education (CSWE)-accredited MSW degree.¹

4. Do I want to gain real-world experience in social work?

In addition to teaching social work theory, most MSW degree programs provide real-world experiences to prepare students to do social work, including immersion experiences and fieldwork in a specialized area. That experience can help you build confidence as a practitioner of social work.

5. Do I want to be better at helping others?

Social work is known as a helping profession. Earning a graduate degree in social work is a great way to gain additional skills that, in turn, can provide you with more ways to help your clients. With more knowledge and more experience, you may be better equipped to find solutions to problems and help create meaningful change. 

Start Your MSW Journey With Chamberlain

Are you a good fit for an MSW degree? Only you can answer that question. If your answer is yes, Chamberlain University offers an online Master of Social Work (MSW) degree program with two paths to fit your background. 

• The Traditional option (48 credits, completed in as few as two years) for those who have a bachelor’s degree in a field other than social work.
• The Advanced Standing option (30 credits, completed in as little as one year) for BSW graduates with a 3.0+ GPA.

Students can also tailor their coursework with a specialization track in Medical Social Work, Crisis and Response Interventions, or Trauma—or design their own focus. Chamberlain’s MSW program is accredited by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE).

Online education also has its benefits. It enables you to learn from anywhere with a Wi-Fi connection, without commuting to campus. You can complete your coursework in the evenings, during breaks from work or on weekends, and still work full time while you earn a degree. 

To learn more or to connect with an Enrollment Representative, call 877.507.8157 or reach out online.

Chamberlain University, an HLC-accredited institution, offers bachelor’s, master’s, doctoral, and certificate programs in nursing and healthcare professions. With a growing network of campuses and robust online programs, Chamberlain continues to build on more than 135 years of excellence in preparing extraordinary healthcare professionals.

¹Source: www.bls.gov/ooh/community-and-social-service/social-workers.htm 
²Source: www.onetonline.org/link/summary/21-1022.00 
³Source: www.onetonline.org/link/custom/21-1021.00 
⁴Source: www.onetonline.org/link/details/21-1023.00 
⁵Source: www.aswb.org/licenses/rules-for-licensure/ 
⁶Source: www.aswb.org/licenses/

Frequently Asked Questions 

What is an MSW, and should I get one? 

A Master of Social Work (MSW) is a graduate-level degree that may help prepare students for advanced social work practice, including clinical, specialized, and leadership roles. An MSW may be a good fit for individuals who are passionate about addressing social issues, interested in pursuing advanced social work practice, or seeking to meet educational requirements for certain social work licenses, subject to state-specific requirements.

Do social workers need an MSW to become a licensed clinical social worker (LCSW)? 

In many states, yes. An LCSW credential typically requires an MSW from an accredited program, supervised experience, and a passing score on a licensing exam; exact requirements vary by state.

What occupations can someone pursue with an MSW? 

There are many roles requiring an MSW, including clinical social worker, hospital and school social worker, case manager, therapist, substance abuse counselor, and leadership roles such as director of social work. Some positions may require additional education, supervised experience, certification, or state licensure. Requirements vary by role, employer, and state.

Is job growth strong for social workers? 

Yes. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects 6% employment growth for social workers from 2025 to 2035, faster than the average for all occupations.1
How long does it take to earn an MSW online at Chamberlain University? 
Chamberlain’s online MSW program can be completed in as few as two years.