To become a social worker what degrees do you have to have in order to become one?

A bachelor's degree is the minimum requirement for entry into the occupation, but many positions require an advanced degree. All States and the District of Columbia have some licensure, certification, or registration requirement, but the regulations vary.

Education and training. A bachelor's degree in social work (BSW) is the most common minimum requirement to qualify for a job as a social worker; however, majors in psychology, sociology, and related fields may qualify for some entry-level jobs, especially in small community agencies. Although a bachelor's degree is sufficient for entry into the field, an advanced degree has become the standard for many positions. A master's degree in social work (MSW) is typically required for positions in health settings and is required for clinical work as well. Some jobs in public and private agencies also may require an advanced degree, such as a master's degree in social services policy or administration. Supervisory, administrative, and staff training positions usually require an advanced degree. College and university teaching positions and most research appointments normally require a doctorate in social work (DSW or Ph.D.).

As of 2006, the Council on Social Work Education accredited 458 bachelor's programs and 181 master's programs. The Group for the Advancement of Doctoral Education listed 74 doctoral programs in social work (DSW or Ph. D.) in the United States. Bachelor's degree programs prepare graduates for direct service positions, such as caseworker, and include courses in social work values and ethics, dealing with a culturally diverse clientele and at-risk populations, promotion of social and economic justice, human behavior and the social environment, social welfare policy and services, social work practice, social research methods, and field education. Accredited programs require a minimum of 400 hours of supervised field experience.

Master's degree programs prepare graduates for work in their chosen field of concentration and continue to develop the skills required to perform clinical assessments, manage large caseloads, take on supervisory roles, and explore new ways of drawing upon social services to meet the needs of clients. Master's programs last 2 years and include a minimum of 900 hours of supervised field instruction or internship. A part-time program may take 4 years. Entry into a master's program does not require a bachelor's degree in social work, but courses in psychology, biology, sociology, economics, political science, and social work are recommended. In addition, a second language can be very helpful. Most master's programs offer advanced standing for those with a bachelor's degree from an accredited social work program.

Licensure. All States and the District of Columbia have licensing, certification, or registration requirements regarding social work practice and the use of professional titles. Although standards for licensing vary by State, a growing number of States are placing greater emphasis on communications skills, professional ethics, and sensitivity to cultural diversity issues. Most States require 2 years (3,000 hours) of supervised clinical experience for licensure of clinical social workers.

Other qualifications. Social workers should be emotionally mature, objective, and sensitive to people and their problems. They must be able to handle responsibility, work independently, and maintain good working relationships with clients and coworkers. Volunteer or paid jobs as a social work aide can help people test their interest in this field.

Certification and advancement. The National Association of Social Workers offers voluntary credentials. Social workers with a master's degree in social work may be eligible for the Academy of Certified Social Workers (ACSW), the Qualified Clinical Social Worker (QCSW), or the Diplomate in Clinical Social Work (DCSW) credential, based on their professional experience. Credentials are particularly important for those in private practice; some health insurance providers require social workers to have them in order to be reimbursed for services.

Advancement to supervisor, program manager, assistant director, or executive director of a social service agency or department usually requires an advanced degree and related work experience. Other career options for social workers include teaching, research, and consulting. Some of these workers also help formulate government policies by analyzing and advocating policy positions in government agencies, in research institutions, and on legislators' staffs.

Some social workers go into private practice. Most private practitioners are clinical social workers who provide psychotherapy, usually paid for through health insurance or by the client themselves. Private practitioners must have at least a master's degree and a period of supervised work experience. A network of contacts for referrals also is essential. Many private practitioners split their time between working for an agency or hospital and working in their private practice. They may continue to hold a position at a hospital or agency in order to receive health and life insurance.

For the source and more detailed information concerning this subject, click on the related links section (U.S. Department of Labor) indicated below.

NETWORK OF PROFESSIONAL SOCIAL WORKERS (NPSW) is a professional networking group connecting Social Workers across the globe, beyond boundaries.
It's a common platform for Social Workers to meet, connect, and network with Fellow Social Workers from all parts of the world.
Professional Social Workers from any country, practicing in any setting, working with any population, members of any Local or Regional or National Social Work Associations are most welcome to join this Network of Professional Social Workers.

Professional Social Workers are members of our local or regional or national Social Work Associations. Network of Professional Social Workers, connects Social Workers from all over the world with fellow Social Workers beyond your Local, Regional and National Social Work Associations. Network of Professional Social Workers enable its members to connect with Fellow Social Workers from all nook and corner of the world. Social Workers in the US,UK, Australia and other countries have their own National Social Workers Association. Network of Professional Social workers is a network connecting Social Workers from all the countries, across the globe.

Network of Professional Social Workers invite all Social Workers irrespective of their professional license, professional education, or specialization and practice. All Professional Social Workers with any qualifying Social Work Education, like BSW, MSW, Phd, or BA/BS in Social Work/Social Welfare, MA/MS in Social Work, or any similar professional Social Work education, with any professional credential, with any professional license are welcome to join our Network of Professional Social Workers. Social Work students undergoing professional Social Education are also most welcome to join our Network and connect with fellow Social Workers across the globe.


VISION: Global network of Social Workers beyond any boundaries

MISSION: Networking Social Workers across the globe beyond the boundaries for effective sharing and support to make this world a better place through their commitment as Change Agents.

OBJECTIVES:
- To connect Social Workers from all over the globe for effective networking
- To network with Social workers from various parts of the world and join hands with local and national Social Workers professional associations in their local and global efforts
- To support Social Work professional code of ethics, causes and advocacy efforts across the globe and promote Professional Recognition for Social Work Profession all across the globe
- To provide opportunity for Social Workers to share and discuss their views, opinions on various issues related to our profession through networking
- To enable Social Workers in sharing various resources, their professional challenges, lessons learned from their practices, best practices from various settings, experiences from various individual, group, micro and macro social work practice models, creativity, innovation in our professional practice, and more with fellow Social Workers across the globe.
- To support our fellow Social Workers in advocacy, educational, and professional efforts as progressive and positive change agents in our society.
- To provide opportunity for Social Workers from various countries to learn about professional Social Work practices around the globe.

Links to Network of Professional Social Workers forums:

http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=28661323349&ref=ts

http://www.linkedin.com/groups?about=&gid=91372&trk=anet_ug_grppro

http://twitter.com/NPSW

http://groups.google.com/group/NPSW

http://apps.facebook.com/causes/273092/18445677?m=6d54c0aa