Finding accessible social work programs can be crucial for those passionate about helping others but concerned about competitive admissions. Social work programs mentioned in this article prioritize inclusivity, offering flexible entry requirements and supportive learning environments. These programs ensure that more individuals have the opportunity to pursue a rewarding career in social work.
Many of these programs are designed to accommodate non-traditional students, including working professionals and those with prior commitments. By focusing on essential skills and practical experience, these programs prepare graduates for impactful roles in various social services fields, making a difference in communities and individuals’ lives.
Easy Social Work Programs To Get Into
Grand Canyon University
Bachelor of Social Work
The Bachelor of Social Work program at Grand Canyon University (GCU) is designed to equip students with the knowledge and skills necessary to improve the well-being of individuals, families, and communities in a variety of settings.
Bachelor of Social Work online program, offered through the College of Humanities and Social Sciences, follows the social work standards and competencies set by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE). While the program is not yet accredited, it is in Candidacy status with the Council on Social Work Education’s Commission on Accreditation.
The BSW program focuses on critical analysis of human behavior in the social environment and develops skills in cultural competency and advocacy. Students will study biopsychosocial development from conception to late adulthood through integrative, multidimensional perspectives. The coursework offers hands-on experience throughout the intake, assessment, treatment, evaluation, and termination process.
To complete the program, students must take a minimum of 120 credits and pass courses such as Human Biology and Social Work Practice, Introduction to Social Welfare, Methods of Research in Social Work, Social Service Delivery Systems, and Social Work Ethics and Decision Making.
The program concludes with a capstone course where students integrate and apply previous learning through a final project and presentation highlighting their knowledge of assessment, theory application, practice skills, ethics, and cultural sensitivity.
With an estimated 64,000 new jobs for social workers projected from 2021 to 2031, the BSW program at GCU offers a path towards a fulfilling and in-demand career. Whether you choose to attend on-campus or online, the program will provide you with the opportunity to make a significant impact on families and individuals in need.
Master of Social Work
Grand Canyon University’s Master of Social Work program is designed to equip students with the knowledge and skills necessary to help individuals, families, and communities overcome various social and behavioral health issues. This program focuses on advanced generalist social work practice, aiming to shape students into well-rounded practitioners who can offer a wide range of services to a diverse range of populations.
Through this program, students will learn to actively engage in social justice issues, employ evidence-based practices, and develop critical thinking and leadership skills. This approach equips social work professionals to diagnose and treat issues, while providing access to resources and improving the lives of at-risk populations. This career path is ideal for those who are passionate about helping people and are dedicated to promoting social and economic justice for vulnerable populations.
The Master of Social Work program at Grand Canyon University is accredited by CSWE. By earning a Master of Social Work, students can advance their careers in the helping profession, and become advocates who fight alongside those in need and help them lead more fulfilling lives.
In this program, students will develop competencies in ethical and professional behavior, diversity and difference in practice, human rights and social, economic, and environmental justice, practice-informed research, and research-informed practice. They will learn how to engage, assess, intervene, and evaluate practice with individuals, families, groups, organizations, and communities in preparation for crisis situations and to help people overcome challenges.
Master of Social Work (Advanced Standing)
If you have already obtained a Bachelor of Social Work degree, consider taking your education to the next level by enrolling in Grand Canyon University’s Master of Social Work (Advance Standing) program. This advanced standing program will allow you to build upon your existing knowledge and skills, and graduate in a shorter period of time.
The Master of Social Work (Advance Standing) degree will equip you with specialized knowledge and skills in the areas of social work theory, practice, and ethics. Upon completion, you will be well-prepared to work effectively with a wide range of individuals, families, groups, organizations, and communities on various social and behavioral health issues.
As an advanced standing MSW student, you will focus on advanced generalist practice and be equipped to actively engage in social justice issues affecting diverse populations. Through this specialization, you will develop the ability to employ evidence-based practice strategies and interventions. With your background in social work and a Bachelor of Social Work degree from a CSWE-accredited program, you are well-positioned to make a positive impact on the lives of others.
A career in social work offers a wide variety of paths to choose from, including working in schools, healthcare organizations, or with families and individuals. You may choose to specialize in areas such as gerontology, criminal justice, or healthcare.
You may choose to pursue a career as a licensed clinical social worker or therapist, although this requires certification as a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) and post-graduate supervised practice, which varies by state. It is important to familiarize yourself with the requirements for licensure in your state as you work towards this career goal.
Northcentral University
Master of Social Work
Northcentral University offers a Master of Social Work program that can be completed entirely online, providing the flexibility and convenience necessary for busy individuals.
Despite the online format, students still receive personalized support and guidance through the university’s one-to-one learning model. There are no residency requirements, no GRE/GMAT requirements, and no group projects, making this program accessible to a wider range of students.
Upon graduation, students will have developed a range of skills and knowledge in the field of social work, including ethical and professional behavior, engagement with diverse individuals and communities, and a deep understanding of human rights and social, economic, and environmental justice.
Graduation will also be proficient in the areas of practice-informed research and research-informed practice, as well as in engaging, assessing, intervening, and evaluating individuals, families, groups, organizations, and communities. This comprehensive education prepares graduates for a rewarding career in social work, where they can make a positive impact on the lives of those in need.
Loyola University Chicago
Certificate in Empowering Women: South Asian Women and Girls
The Empowering Women Certificate Program at Loyola University Chicago provides students with a comprehensive online education focused on South Asian women and girls, a population that is in high need and often underserved.
This certificate is designed for students from various academic backgrounds, including Social Work, Theology, Business Management, Nursing, Law, Education, and Women and Gender Studies, and is available to both undergraduate and graduate students, as well as professionals.
This certificate program is unique in that it offers a structured curriculum specifically designed for working with South Asian women, a population that requires professionals who understand the intersections of poverty, gender, politics, and culture, and who possess both global and local sensitivity. The program aligns with the core Jesuit identity of Loyola University Chicago and is dedicated to empowering and advocating for marginalized people both globally and locally.
In addition to the comprehensive coursework, students also have the opportunity to participate in an optional three-country immersion trip, providing hands-on experience and further cultural immersion. This program is the only one of its kind in the United States, offering a rare opportunity for students to obtain specialized knowledge and skills in this important and growing field.
MSW Online Bilingual
Loyola School of Social Work was established in the year 1914 and has been dedicated to imparting education and training in clinical social work ever since. The School’s mission is to provide students with the necessary scholarship and practical skills to excel in their careers.
With the aim to bridge the gap in critical unmet needs, the school introduced the first of its kind, fully online Bilingual Spanish Master of Social Work program. This program has been designed to cater to the linguistic and cultural requirements of Latinx, immigrant and refugee populations, who face barriers in accessing mental health services.
The degree program can be completed in 8 continuous semesters, with an average time to completion of 2 and a half years. The program is fully online, with weekly synchronous contacts, ensuring students receive the support and guidance they need. For students who have completed their Bachelor of Social Work from an accredited institution within the past 5 years, Loyola also offers an Advanced Standing MSW program that can be completed in 4 continuous semesters.
The MSW program provides students with opportunities to gain hands-on experience by completing 1,200 fieldwork hours during two mandatory internships. With the help of local, national and international resources and partnerships, students can work in a range of settings such as public and private mental health settings, philanthropic organizations, government entities, schools, organizations serving immigrant and refugee populations, hospitals and other healthcare settings.
Once you earn your Master of Social Work degree, you’ll be equipped to work effectively in various settings and help remove barriers to service, become a force for justice, and empower marginalized populations.
Pacific Oaks College
Master of Social Work Advanced Standing Program (ASP)
The Master of Social Work (MSW) Advanced Standing Program (ASP) is a comprehensive online program designed specifically for students who hold a bachelor’s degree in social work (BSW).
This program is designed to provide students with the necessary training and education to become effective and impactful social work professionals in their respective communities. The MSW ASP is full-time, accelerated, and has a duration of one year and eight weeks, allowing students to complete their MSW degree in a shorter time frame compared to the traditional MSW program.
The program is structured in three semesters, with full-time 8-week terms, and requires the completion of 35 credits. The ASP builds on the foundation skills students have gained from their BSW degree and provides them with access to local fieldwork opportunities that can prepare them for their future careers. The program has a strong emphasis on social justice and aims to produce graduates who are purposeful agents of change, committed to enhancing the quality of life in underserved communities.
Pacific Oaks College’s Bachelor of Social Work and Master of Social Work programs have been granted Candidacy for Accreditation by the Council on Social Work Education’s Commission on Accreditation. This indicates that the programs have made progress towards meeting the criteria for program quality evaluation through a peer review process, and have demonstrated a commitment to meeting the compliance standards set by the Educational Policy and Accreditation Standards, but have not yet demonstrated full compliance.
What is the Lowest Degree in Social Work?
The lowest degree in social work is the Associate of Social Work (ASW). This two-year degree provides foundational knowledge in social work principles and practices. It prepares graduates for entry-level positions such as social work assistants or case management aides.
The ASW is also a stepping stone for further education, allowing students to transfer credits toward a Bachelor of Social Work. While an ASW can open doors to various support roles, a bachelor’s in social work is typically required for more advanced positions and licensure.
What is the Most Common Degree in the Field of Social Work?
The most common degree in the field of social work is the Bachelor of Social Work (BSW). This undergraduate degree provides in-depth training in social work theory, practice, and ethics, preparing graduates for various roles in social services.
The BSW is widely recognized and allows graduates to work in diverse settings such as schools, hospitals, community organizations, and government agencies. It also serves as a prerequisite for advanced studies, such as the Master of Social Work, which is required for clinical and specialized positions.
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