How to Change Careers by Earning an MSW Degree

If you think it’s too late to pursue a social work career, consider this: The average age at which people make a career change is 39.¹

Earning a Master of Social Work (MSW) degree is a great choice for anyone who wishes to pursue a career in social work, even if you’re already established in another profession. Here are answers to the questions many career-changers have about earning an MSW degree.

What is the social work job outlook?

This is an excellent first question when you’re exploring a move to a different profession. Fortunately, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) says social work is a fast-growing occupation. The BLS estimates that between 2022 and 2032, there will be an average of 63,800 openings for social workers each year.²

What kind of social work jobs require an MSW degree?

A master’s degree is becoming the preferred credential for all but entry-level social work jobs.³ Careers in program management and leadership in social work typically require an MSW.⁴ A master’s also has become the favored degree for many social work jobs in the federal government.⁵ If you want to become a licensed clinical social worker (LCSW), you’ll need an MSW degree.

There are jobs for all types of social workers, with education requirements ranging from a bachelor’s to a doctorate. By earning a master’s degree in social work, you can build a foundation that can qualify you for a wide range of social work career opportunities.

Do I need a BSW to earn an MSW?

You don’t need a bachelor’s degree in social work to earn your MSW at Chamberlain University. A bachelor’s degree is an admission requirement, but it can be from any discipline. If you do hold a BSW, however, you may be able to earn your MSW in as little as one year at a full-time pace.

As a career-changer, what should I look for in a social work master’s program?

You want to choose an MSW program that offers the education and training you need for the social work career you envision. Social work master’s degree programs can prepare you for generalist or specialist practice. Chamberlain’s specialty tracks let you focus your studies on crisis and response interventions, medical social work, and trauma social work.

Another important feature to look for as you plan your career change is Council on Social Work Education (CSWE) accreditation. CSWE accreditation means your online MSW program meets the highest standards for social work education. And to sit for licensure exams in most U.S. states, you’ll need a master’s degree from a CSWE-accredited program.

How can I earn an MSW degree while working full time?

With online learning, you can earn a college degree while staying active in your professional and personal activities. In Chamberlain’s online MSW degree program, the coursework is online and available 24/7. At a part-time pace, master’s candidates can earn an MSW online in three years.

Where can I learn more about social work careers and MSW degrees?

Check out our MSW eBook. This comprehensive guide can help you zero in on your social work career goals and plan your educational path. You can get more information about Chamberlain’s online MSW degree program by calling 877.751.5783.

If you’re ready to make a career change, enroll in an online MSW degree program and start building the knowledge and skills you need to help transform lives and communities.

Chamberlain University, an 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.zippia.com/advice/career-change-statistics
²Source: www.bls.gov/ooh/community-and-social-service/social-workers.htm#tab-1
³Source: www.chamberlain.edu/media/11556/msw-ebook.pdf
⁴Source: www.socialworkers.org/Careers/Career-Center/Explore-Social-Work/Types-of-Social-Work-Degrees
⁵Source: www.socialworkers.org/LinkClick.aspx?fileticket=Uxvwi_qOumU%3d&portalid=0

Chamberlain University’s Master of Social Work degree program is accredited by the Council on Social Work Education’s Commission on Accreditation.

Chamberlain University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (www.hlcommission.org), an institutional accreditation agency recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.

By Chamberlain University