Liberty University : MSW: Social Work (100% online, 8-week courses)
Case Western Reserve University : Master of Social Work (Earn your Master of Social Work online at CWRU in as little as two and a half years. No GRE required. CSWE accredited.)
Fordham University : Master of Social Work (Earn an MSW online. Traditional and advanced standing online MSW options are available. Accredited by the CSWE.)
Syracuse University : Master of Social Work (CSWE accredited. Standard and Advanced Standing tracks. No GRE required.)
University of Denver : Master of Social Work (Earn an MSW in as few as 12 months. No GRE required. CSWE accredited)
National University : Master of Social Work (Accredited. No GRE. Scholarships Available)
Northern Kentucky University : Master of Social Work (100% Online, Prepare for LCSW/LISW)What Is Social Work?
Before considering the average salary for a social worker, it may be helpful to consider the field more generally. The National Association of Social Workers (NASW) states that the profession is “devoted to helping people function the best they can in their environment.” This may mean equipping people to flourish in the context of their workplace, their family, or society in general through various services and techniques.
Social Worker Job Description
As regards day-to-day responsibilities, a social worker’s job description may vary. However, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), social workers generally help their clients cope with problems that arise in their everyday lives. They may also treat and diagnose various mental health or emotional issues.
The BLS also explains various responsibilities associated with social work. These include the following:
- Identifying individuals and communities requiring help
- Assessing clients’ needs and helping to determine their goals
- Researching and recommending community resources, whether that means food assistance or mental health services
- Responding to crisis situations, including mental health situations or child abuse
- Providing psychotherapy services
Consider a Featured Online Counseling Program
| School and Program Information | Online Program? Entry Requirements |
Course Information |
|---|---|---|
| Liberty University
MSW: Social Work
SACSCOC |
✔ Online
100% online, 8-week courses |
This program offers a general cognate and an individual and family clinical cognate. No matter which option you choose, you’ll receive advanced generalist training in social policy, research, and practice — as well as the opportunity to apply what you’ve learned in your field. Online and on campus. Training Champions for Christ since 1971. Learn More |
| Case Western Reserve University
Master of Social Work
CSWE accredited. |
✔ Online
No GRE Required Bachelor's Degree |
Lead lasting change in your community. With no GRE required, you can earn a CSWE-accredited Master of Social Work online through Case Western Reserve University's top-10 ranked school of social work and prepare to pursue licensure. The online program curriculum offers three paths of study: Children, Youth and Families; Community Practice for Social Change; and Mental Health with Adults. Complete in as little as 2.5 years for the traditional track or 1.5 years for students with advance standing. Learn More |
| Fordham University
Master of Social Work
Accredited by the CSWE. |
✔ Online
Bachelor's Degree |
Fordham’s top-ranked Graduate School of Social Service offers a future-focused online MSW program, preparing students for integrated practice with all populations. Bachelor's degree required. Learn More |
| Syracuse University
Master of Social Work
CSWE accredited |
✔ Online
No GRE Required |
Syracuse University’s CSWE-accredited online Master of Social Work program is preparing the next generation of social work leaders through an emphasis on digital innovation and social justice. Learn More |
| University of Denver
Master of Social Work
CSWE accredited. Designed to adhere to CACREP standards. |
✔ Campus, Online
No GRE Required Minimum GPA 2.5 |
Earn your CSWE-accredited MSW online from Denver's GSSW, a top-15 school of social work. Gain a strong foundation for social work practice with a concentration in Mental Health and Trauma or Health, Equity and Wellness. GRE scores are not required. Students with a BSW can earn their MSW in as few as 12 months in the online advanced-standing track; students without a BSW can earn an MSW in as few as 21 months. Learn More |
| National University
Master of Social Work
COAMFTE Accredited |
✔ Online
GRE Scores Not Required |
Our Master of Social Work (MSW) degree program will prepare students for diverse career opportunities within a variety of social service settings. Learn More |
| Northern Kentucky University
Master of Social Work
|
✔ Online
100% Online, Prepare for LCSW/LISW |
This flexible program is for individuals who have earned an undergraduate degree in a field other than social work. It provides the path to help you transition into this sector and take on leadership roles as a clinical practitioner. Learn More |
*Sponsored Counseling Programs
Online CACREP Accredited programs | Online MPCAC Accredited programs
Social Work Careers by Education Level
Many career trajectories are open to those in the social work profession. Your career and salary options as a social worker may vary according to the level of education you attain.
Bachelor’s Degree Career Options
According to the BLS, those with a Bachelor of Social Work may work as social workers. These social workers tend to work with organizations, institutions, and policymakers to develop better plans and strategies to help communities in need. Other career paths that are available to those with a Bachelor of Social Work include roles as child advocates, case managers, educators, and research assistants. These roles are generally considered entry level, while more advanced roles are available to those who pursue a Master of Social Work.
Master’s Degree Career Options
Those who earn an MSW and complete two years of supervised practice may apply to become a licensed clinical social worker (LCSW). As an LCSW, you may provide individual, family, couples, or group therapy. Your work may also entail working directly with clients to help develop solutions for ongoing life problems. When necessary, you may refer clients to psychiatric health professionals, including those with medical or nursing licenses.
Many distinct career paths are available even within the LCSW field, including the following:
- Child and family social worker, serving the needs of vulnerable families or children who have endured neglect, abuse, or trauma
- School social worker, working alongside school administrators and teachers to help kids experiencing different kinds of crises
- Health care social worker, helping patients transition from the hospital or a long-term care facility back to regular life
- Substance abuse social worker, helping clients who express a desire to go through the rehabilitation process
Liberty University - MSW: Social Work (SACSCOC Accredited)
Case Western Reserve University - Master of Social Work (CSWE Accredited)
Fordham University - Master of Social Work (CSWE Accredited)
Syracuse University - Master of Social Work (CSWE Accredited)
University of Denver - Master of Social Work (CSWE Accredited)
National University - Master of Social Work (COAMFTE Accredited)
Northern Kentucky University - Master of Social Work (CSWE Accredited)
What Is the Typical Social Worker Salary?
As a baseline, the BLS reports that the median annual social worker salary was $51,760 as of 2020. For the highest 10% of social workers, the median annual salary was at least $85,820. For the lowest 10% of earners, the salary was $33,020 or less.
The BLS also projects that the field of social work will grow by 12% between 2020 and 2030, faster than the projected average for all occupations.
The typical social work salary can vary depending on your level of education. Other factors can also impact the salary, including licensing status, type of organization, years of experience, and geographic location.
Bachelor of Social Work Salary
Bachelor of Social Work holders may command slightly lower salaries than their counterparts with graduate education. According to PayScale, the average Bachelor of Social Work salary is approximately $47,075. As stated, a number of factors can affect this salary.
Master of Social Work Salary
Naturally, earning a more advanced degree can open the door to a more robust salary. According to PayScale, the average Master of Social Work salary is roughly $56,000. Various mitigating factors can affect this salary.
Learn More About Social Work Degree Salary Expectations
Understanding the different social work degree salary expectations, career trajectories, and responsibilities is important when considering what career path to take. If you think social work is the right profession for you, explore different degree programs, including online programs, designed to equip you with the skills you need to become successful in the field. Find out which programs offer your chosen specialties and are open for applications, and start your career in social work.
Sources:
Council on Social Work Education, What Is Social Work?
Indeed, How to Become a Clinical Social Worker: Guide to Becoming an LCSW
National Association of Social Workers, Why Choose the Social Work Profession?
PayScale, Bachelor of Social Work (BSW/BSocW) Salary
PayScale, Master of Social Work (MSW) Salary
The Balance Careers, “What Does a Social Worker Do?”
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Social Workers
