5 Reasons to Get an Online Master’s in Social Work

In every community there are people who need an advocate, someone who can give a voice to the voiceless. If you are passionate about helping others, that person could be you. As a social worker, you could help children, families, or individuals with mental health and addiction issues receive the care and resources they need. But you’ll need a degree.

An online Master of Social Work (MSW) degree will prepare you for a satisfying and rewarding career in a field that’s expected to grow throughout the next decade. And you’ll be able to complete your program in a way that fits your lifestyle.  

1. You Can Make a Difference as a Social Work Professional

   As a social worker, you’ll have the opportunity to make a difference in the lives of others. You’ll advocate for those who are most vulnerable in your community, whether they be:

   • Children
   • Older adults 
   • Veterans or military personnel
   • Incarcerated
   • Those who struggle with mental health or substance abuse issues
      
   Through your efforts, people will receive the care or resources they need to turn their lives around. 

2. Social Work Employment is Projected to Grow

   Employment of social workers is expected to grow much faster than average through 2029. This means that opportunities for employment in this field should continue to grow even after you earn your degree. The prospects are particularly good in South Carolina, which has the number one highest concentration of jobs in the country and is among the top five states for employment in the field.

3. Your MSW Provides Many Career Options

   What makes social work unique is the variety of specialties the field has to offer. You can serve diverse populations across multiple settings. If you’re passionate about children, for example, you could work in a school. You would monitor students for signs of abuse or neglect, assist students and families with language barriers, educate students on healthy lifestyles, and offer counsel during times of crisis. Here are a few other areas you might specialize in:

   • Mental Health—You could work in a hospital setting with those who need mental health care. You would help individuals and their families understand the laws and long-term care options and provide referrals and resources for therapy.
   • Criminal Justice—You could also work within the criminal justice system, where you would advocate for victims of crime and connect them with the resources they need to heal and recover. Or you might provide therapy to those who are incarcerated. Or you might be tasked with providing expert testimony during criminal trials. 
   • Community—If you want to help the people in your city or town, you could serve as a community social worker. You would help residents of underserved areas receive the aid they need, such as Medicaid or food assistance. You’d also develop action plans for parts of the community that need to be improved and help areas that need to be rebuilt after a disaster.
   • Incarcerated
   • Those who struggle with mental health or substance abuse issues

4. You Have Flexibility in an Online Social Work Program

   An online MSW offers a lot of flexibility. It can be difficult to juggle work, family time, and school, but in an online environment, you can adapt your class time to your already busy schedule. You can also complete your coursework anywhere Wi-Fi is available, whether that’s at home, during your lunch break, or in the bleachers at your child’s basketball game.

5. Your Online MSW Degree Program Will Provide Experience with Technology

   In an online environment, you’ll gain technology experience that will help you now and later in your career. For example, you may need to meet with your instructor during their virtual office hours via a video conferencing platform. That practice in class will show you what to do if you need to meet with clients virtually. This helps individuals who don’t have the means to travel, and it may also allow you to check in on more clients because there will be no commute time. In addition, you’ll learn about electronic notes, tools, and technology to keep records accurate, safe, and private.