Online Degrees in Social Work

Social work is a career that requires a college education. The BLS reports that a bachelor's degree in social work (BSW) is the most common minimum education requirement for social work positions. However, the bureau notes that some small community agencies may hire those with degrees in psychology, sociology and related fields as well.

For those who want to work in a health or school setting or who plan clinical work, a master's degree in social work (MSW) is often required. Those wishing to complete research in the field or teach at the post-secondary level often go on to earn a doctoral degree.

The Council on Social Work Education (CSWE) accredits bachelor and master's degree programs in social work and is recognized as the only accrediting body for social work education by the Council for Higher Education Accreditation. Coursework at accredited schools covers a variety of topics:

• Human behavior
• Social work ethics
• Economic justice
• Social work practice
• Social research methods

While the CSWE does accredit online degrees in social work, there are relatively few programs that meet the council's requirements. Although the CSWE has accredited nearly 700 programs nationwide, it reports that only a small number offer distance learning opportunities. Those programs that are accredited may use a variety of instruction methods including online chats, streaming lectures and interactive webcasting.

Although many social work degree programs require a supervised internship for students that must be completed in person, online degree programs in social work are taking advantage of an intriguing array of new technologies to help teach people skills in the virtual realm. For example, in a presentation hosted by the Sloan Consortium, an online education advocacy body, two social work professors describe how they had students use avatars to participate in various online group simulations that helped them gain insight into the real-life challenges and emotions that social workers confront.

After graduation, social work students may be employed by school, health care or government entities. Those with a graduate degree may work independently offering private counseling services. According to BLS figures, 54 percent of social work jobs in 2010 were in the health care and social assistance industries. Another 31 percent of jobs could be found in the government sector.

While the BLS reports on data from all those employed as social workers, information from members of the National Association of Social Workers (NASW) is somewhat different. The association indicates that only 8 percent of its members are employed in the health sector. However, 90 percent of the association's members have an MSW, which may suggest that health care positions are generally filled by those with a BSW. Instead, 40 percent of NASW members say mental health is their primary field of focus.

• Minimum education requirement: Bachelor's degree
• Major industries of employment: Health care and social assistance, mental health
• Mean salary range, 2010: $41,880 (mental health and substance abuse social workers) to $52,270 (all other social workers), according to the BLS
• Fastest-growing specialties: Medical and public health social workers (22 percent from 2008 to 2018) and mental health and substance abuse social workers (20 percent from 2008 to 2018), according to the BLS.