No matter what kind of social worker you want to be, you’ve probably seen one phrase again and again as you’ve investigated your future career: MSW degree. But what is an MSW degree exactly? On the surface, that’s a relatively easy question to answer.
An MSW, which stands for Master of Social Work, is an advanced graduate-level degree that prepares students to become social workers. You must have a bachelor’s degree to enroll in an MSW program and it typically takes about two years to complete. Many social work jobs heavily favor applicants with MSWs or even require them.
However, that answer, while helpful, doesn’t answer why it’s important, how it prepares students for rewarding careers, and how surprisingly accessible earning an MSW can be. If you’re not sure if an MSW is right for you, here’s why you may want to consider it.
An MSW Is One Requirement for Social Work Licensure in Illinois
Social work is built on trust. Before turning to a social worker for help, a person must feel confident that their new advocate is knowledgeable, capable, and compassionate. Without trust, the field may very well crumble and countless people would fall through the cracks.
For that reason, not just anyone can call themselves a social worker in Illinois. To earn that distinction, you must first acquire a social work license through the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation.
One of the most fundamental requirements of earning a social work license in Illinois is having a degree in social work. To become a Licensed Social Worker (LSW), you must either hold an MSW or a bachelor of social work (BSW). However, if you have a BSW, you must complete three years of supervised experience before being eligible for a license.
To become a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) in Illinois, you must have an MSW. BSWs are not accepted. This is because LCSWs perform complex mental health interventions and can even diagnose mental health issues. Due to their extensive training, LCSWs are some of the most trusted professionals in the field.
An MSW Is Hands-on
If you asked a social worker, “What is an MSW degree?” they would likely discuss one of the major things that sets social work education apart: the fieldwork experience.
At their fieldwork placements, MSW students get the unique opportunity to:
- Observe licensed social workers.
- Assess clients.
- Use intervention techniques they’ve learned in class.
- Help agencies plan events and programming.
- Participate in intake, case management, and discharge planning.
- Learn how different types of agencies work together.
In other types of graduate programs, hands-on learning opportunities are rare and competitive. In social work education, they’re a requirement.
According to the Council on Social Work Education, all accredited MSW programs must require students to complete at least 900 hours of supervised fieldwork. Some schools require more.
You won’t be alone in finding a placement, though. Schools of social work have staff dedicated to helping students through the entire process. Many also have long-standing partnerships with local agencies.
An MSW Is Customizable
To meet the needs of every segment of society, the world needs social workers of all kinds. It needs those who specialize in senior care, child welfare, substance abuse, public policy, and more. And as the social landscape shifts, more types of social workers will be needed.
Fortunately, social work education does a great job of keeping up by allowing students to specialize in the field of their choosing.
If you take on a degree specialization, you’ll likely take advanced classes that deal specifically with your chosen subfield. For example, a gerontology specialist might take a class on dementia while a substance abuse specialist might dive deeper into dual diagnoses. Your fieldwork advisor can help you find a fieldwork placement that fits in your speciality.
Some MSW programs even offer certifications and dual degrees in fields like school social work, public health, and criminal justice. Options vary between schools, but MSW programs are committed to preparing students to serve exactly where they’re called and needed.
An MSW Is For All Students — No Matter What Your Background Is
A common misconception about social work education is that you need to earn a BSW before pursuing an MSW. In the vast majority of cases, that’s not true. Most MSW programs in Illinois accept students with bachelor’s degrees in just about any discipline.
If you don’t have a background in social work, the basic principles of the field will be covered in your first year of study. You’ll move into more advanced specialist classes in your second year. The timeline for part-time students might be a little different.
Students who do have BSWs, however, can apply for Advanced Standing MSW programs that take as little as one year to complete. These types of programs typically skip basic courses and jump right into complex classes.
But that’s not the only way Illinois’ MSW programs make themselves more accessible. Today, more schools than ever offer:
- Online and hybrid MSW programs.
- Part-time MSW programs.
- Night and weekend classes.
These learning formats ensure impassioned professionals, whether they work or have family obligations, can take the first step towards becoming a social worker. Additionally, MSW students (like other students going into high-demand public service careers) often qualify for scholarships, loan forgiveness programs, stipends, and other forms of financial aid.
What Is an MSW Degree? The Answer Is up to You
Armed with a basic understanding of what an MSW is, it’s time to take the next step: finding out how it can work for you.
You can start by reading our MSW career guide for Illinois. With a path in mind, explore MSW programs in Illinois and find one that offers the specializations and fieldwork opportunities you need. You have the drive. An MSW program can help you put it to good use.