There are few people who would likely dare to challenge the noble value of social work. So much of the world today has problems that, though playing out on a global scale, do little to downplay the reality of the necessity in service work done on the “front lines”. Social work is a very broad term attempting to categorize the nuances of services which are provided to individuals, communities, cities, and countries.
There really is no limitation to what may be considered a service that can be reached through social work. Being that social work takes on so many different roles, industries, and focuses, there are great benefits that can be had from the necessary schooling. While some positions can be held on a volunteer basis, and others may need a two-year or Bachelor’s degree, there is also a list of roles that can be best and most easily accessed through the completion of a Master degree.
As such, the following is a brief discussion as to why a Master’s degree is vital for career growth in the world of social work.
Master’s Degrees in Social Work
There is no question that a bachelor’s degree can help to earn a job as a social worker, but for anyone with a bit more ambition and drive, they may need the specialization that comes from a focused master’s degree program. This is where the benefits of a master’s degree in social work begin to unfold.
Specialization
Anyone who has completed their Bachelor’s degree in social work (BSW) has taken that first important step in the advancement of their career and options for future advancement. There are plenty of different roles that a bachelor’s degree holder can take on in social work. They may work in clinics, schools, healthcare organizations, various non-profit organizations working with community or NGOs, and even branch into rehabilitation centers or in the criminal justice system.
However, while a Bachelor’s degree does much to prepare a social worker for many different organization types and in a plethora of roles, there are some positions that are only open to master degree holders (MSW). Some of those roles simply require more specialized training and certification in order to meet the standards and criteria. Some of those roles are working within the rehabilitation of substance abusers, spending time as a child advocate or social services supervisor managing a collection of cases; overseeing the needs of special needs and or those persons that struggle with unique mental health diagnoses.
The point in going on to earn a Master’s degree in social work is that many states have higher requirements of study to work in various roles. One of those titles is that of a licensed clinical social worker (LSCW). Additionally, there may be other exam criteria and licensing which has to accompany those more specialized roles. Therefore, depending on the state and the desired role, a Master’s degree may not be just a good idea, but a necessary step in the advancement of one’s career.
Higher Earning Potential
It is hard to argue with facts, and the fact is that, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), there is a higher earning potential with a master’s degree in social work in comparison to simply a bachelor’s degree. The BLS reported in 2018 that the weekly average earning potential for a person with a Master’s degree was higher by $1,434 compared to those with a bachelors. That’s a 16.5% increase.
Additionally, the National Association of Social Workers Workforce Study showed that those with a master’s degree earned about $13,000 more per year. However, all that needs to be weighed against the reality of the costs of master degree programs and the financial obligations that can come from holding on to a long, large loan so social work scholarships should be seriously considered.
Additional Skill Sets
The workforce today is unique from past generations in that there is typically a requirement for a much broader skill set in order to do even the most basic of roles well. When getting into more detailed work, especially working with people, communicating with different organizations, and research, the breadth of knowledge that is helpful cannot be overstated. This is where a master’s degree can also come in handy.
Master’s degrees in social work are great at offering programs that weave in the necessary skills that are useful in the field. The training in advanced therapeutic techniques, experience in grant writing, and the necessities of technological literacy can be connected with in depth research practices; communication skills like public speaking, cross-organizational teamwork, and even experience in political policy does much.
Not just in making social workers feel equipped, but in advancing the mission of the organizations. Regardless of what type of work is being done, a broader skill set increases the number of doors and potential opportunities to Master’s degree holders.
This story originally appeared on CareerAttraction