While a bachelors degree is a sufficient qualification for most positions in the social work field, individuals who wish to advance quickly may need to earn campus-based or online masters degrees. However, professionals who have already established close relationships with their clients may worry that their progress will be reversed if they leave their current positions to pursue an advanced college degree.
Consequently, many campus-based and online colleges are tweaking their offerings to cater to working students in this industry by offering online degree programs.
For example, Bluffton University recently announced some changes to its college degree programs in social work, which are intended to help social workers enhance their qualifications without letting their clients down, the Bluffton Icon reports. These alterations include more convenient scheduling options and more efficient coursework – characteristics that are typical of most online degree programs.
An online degree program could help social workers land the high-paying jobs that are expected to become available in the coming years.
The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that the demand for these professionals is slated to increase by 16 percent over the next eight years, and individuals who hold advanced college degrees are likely to see the best career prospects.
July 13, 2010
I would love to become a social worker. I already have my associates degree in leadership studies. What would it take to go back now and get my bachlors degree?
July 13, 2010
I have my bachelors degree and am a social work, which is a very rewarding career. I would like to go back to school and get my masters degree. Can I get financial aid for this?
July 17, 2010
I already have my associates degree in computers, but would like to go into social work. Is it reasonable to think that I can do this online?
July 29, 2010
Do I understand correctly that I can go to school online, at my own convenience, and get my degree in social work?
August 8, 2010
I am half way through my degree in social work and was wondering if it would be wise to switch to online classes at the point. It would make my life easier as I work all day. But are online courses considered with the same importance as on campus courses?
August 8, 2010
I am interested in getting my massters degree ins psychology. Is it wise to switch to a different (online) school to continue my education?
August 8, 2010
I am already a psychologist working in hr for a large comporation. I am thinking of going into private practice. Would it be wise to get my doctorate?
September 1, 2010
I already have a bachelors degree in social work. From this article I am thinking that it would be a good idea to go back to school and get a masters. Is that true?
September 15, 2010
What are the benefits of taking an online degree program as opposed to one in a traditional college atmosphere?
October 8, 2010
One of the biggest adavantages of an online degree program is that it fits your schedule. A student can attend a class from anywhere with a computer and internet connection. Colleges sometimes have recommendations from students who tried, succeeded and loved the programs.
November 28, 2010
I am currently working in the medical field and going to school onlline to get my PhD to become a anesthesiologist. I find going to schoo online fits my schedule much better than on campus schools.
November 28, 2010
Getting my degree as a social worker online sounds like a great idea. Do you need to be accepted to online school?
November 29, 2010
What kind of classes are needed to earn this degree? And could if be earned even quicker if you go at a faster pace?
December 11, 2010
I am interested in going into social work. What kind of social work can I do with an associates degree as opposed to bachelors or masters degrees.
December 11, 2010
I am already working as a teachers aide and would like to work in the school in social work. Can I start in a school with just an associates degree?
December 11, 2010
Can I get financial aid to go back to school and become a social worker?
December 25, 2010
I have been working as a school psychologist in an elementary school. If I want to open my own practice, I think I need to go back to school and get my PhD. Would it be wise to get that degree online and do many schools offer it?
December 25, 2010
I am getting ready to graduate high school and am looking at colleges and careers. I am interested in becoming a social worker. Can I start with a two year degree and begin working part time and then take the rest of my credits online?
December 25, 2010
My daughter has already finished a certificate course as an LPN, and now she want to become a psychologist. Can she use the credits she has and just continue on to become a psychologist, or does she need to start over?
January 12, 2011
Hey Levan. Yes! There are tons of great scholarships, grants and federal aid available for students seeking a masters degree.
January 12, 2011
Hi Sherri, getting a bachelors degree involves several more courses after obtaining an associate’s degree. The number of courses and credit hours vary on the college and university you attend.
January 18, 2011
If I want to go into a career in social work, specializing in teen problems, do I need to take any special courses?
January 19, 2011
Hey Kathy. Yes you can earn a bachelor’s of social work degree online. Best of luck!
January 20, 2011
Hi Very. You read correct!
February 20, 2011
Taking these degree courses online sounds like heaven. I have been taking classes at night on campus?
February 20, 2011
I have been getting my degree online. I have done very well with online school and I think I will achieve my goals.
March 3, 2011
I’ve been taking online classes, although not in this field. I love the flexibility and I’m more motivated to learn each day.
March 6, 2011
I will have to check this out. I took an online class because of availability and I really liked it. It was good not to stress over making it to class on time – I’m always running a little late! I was shocked that it was still tough and I had to study just as much as I do for my campus classes.
March 8, 2011
I have been taking classes online to get my degree in technology. Now I am thinking I would like to become a social worker in an elementary school. Will I be able to go back and get more financial aid to switch?
March 8, 2011
Is there a great need for social workers? I don’t want to put all of my time and effort that I will have a problem getting employment in.
March 10, 2011
Hi Tonisha. Yes financial aid is available for students, even if you are switching from one degree to another.
March 16, 2011
Hi Giles. Social work is a great field to get into. Courses vary from school to school, if you’re interested in working with teens you will want to see if your school offers any specialized courses in that field.
April 14, 2011
Hey Michelle. If your daughter has only begun taking her core courses than she may be okay, however her courses in her major may not transfer over into a psychology degree. She will need to speak with an advisor at her school to find out what she needs to do to transition into a different degree program.
April 14, 2011
Hey Charles. Many people start off with an associate’s degree first and then continue on their way to a bachelor’s or master’s degree. Incorporating work and school through an online program can make things much easier. You’ll want to speak with an advisor about your current game plan and see if this is the way to go.
May 3, 2011
Hi Gianna. Yes there are PhD programs available online, to find a school that offers this program go here.
June 17, 2011
Hey Marty. Financial aid is available for everyone whether it be through loans, grants or scholarships. Check out our financial aid page to learn more about getting financial aid for a degree in social work.
June 17, 2011
Hey Gigi. Many schools require that you are certified in a teaching program before you begin teaching. Check with your state to find out what you need to get started.
June 23, 2011
Hey Gene. The courses required for a degree in social work vary by school. It is possible to earn a degree faster by taking more courses, however, keep in mind that you don’t want to overwhelm yourself and should study at a pace that is right for you and fits into your lifestyle.
June 23, 2011
Hello Anna. Yes, the process for getting into an online college or university is similar to those on campus. You will need to apply and be accepted in order to begin enrolling in classes.
July 20, 2011
Hi Arnold. If you’re interested in in learning more about online education I’d recommend checking out the Education Connection homepage to learn more. You can view tons of online colleges and degree programs available, check out the section about the online experience, learn about financial aid and more. Good luck!
July 20, 2011
Hey Alyson. If you’re considered switching to online courses I’d suggest speaking with your college or university advisor to see if they offer an online program for social work. If you plan to switch to an online school then speak with an advisor at your school and the school you plan to attend to discuss transferring.
January 20, 2012
Hey Pat. There is no right or wrong answer, the decision to go back to school is ultimately up to you.
January 27, 2012
Hi Andra. You may want to consider speaking to a career advisor so they may better help you in your quest to open your own practice. Best of luck!