You may have always known that you wanted to help others. Maybe you have been volunteering since you were a kid or have spent your career thus far working in customer service. Either way, you want to make a difference in the world, and you are considering returning to school to earn your degree in social work. But you are not sure if it is worth your time and money. Learn more about why a social work degree is essential and what career paths it will open up to you.

Why Is a Social Work Degree Important?

A social work degree is vital in many ways. First, it will give you the knowledge and skills you need to help others. Social work is a complex field with a lot to learn. A degree program can teach you about topics like human behavior, social welfare policy, and research methods.

Second, a social work degree can help you get a job. Many employers require or prefer candidates with a social work degree. And in most states, you need a social work degree to become licensed. This license allows you to practice social work in various settings.

Third, a social work degree can allow you to specialize in a particular area of social work. For instance, you might choose to specialize in child welfare, gerontology, or mental health. Specializing can help you get a job that is a better match for your skills and interests, and it can make you more marketable to employers.

Online Social Work Programs

If you are thinking about going back to school to earn your social work degree, you may be wondering if an online program is right for you. There are various online social work programs, so it is essential to do your research to find the right fit. These programs include traditional online programs, hybrid programs, and accelerated programs.

The significant benefits of online programs are convenience and flexibility. This can be a great option if you have a busy lifestyle. You can complete your coursework on your own schedule, and you won't have to commute to campus. Whatever type of online social work program you choose, be sure to do your research. Ensure the program is accredited and offers the kind of coursework you are looking for.

What Do Social Workers Do?

Now that you know a little bit more about social work degrees, you might be wondering what social workers actually do. There are several different types of social work.

Some social workers help people who are dealing with problems in their everyday lives. For instance, they might help someone who is having trouble finding a job or housing. They might also provide counseling and support to people dealing with challenging life circumstances, such as divorce or the death of a loved one. This social work career path may have you working with community organizations or government agencies.

Other social workers help people who are dealing with more severe problems, such as mental illness or addiction. They might provide counseling, case management, and other services to people who are struggling with these issues. They might also offer support to the families of people who are dealing with these problems. Social workers who handle these types of problems may work in a drug treatment facility, hospital, or healthcare clinic. Criminal justice organizations also hire social workers to help with these issues.

Still, other social workers work in specific settings such as schools, nonprofit institutions, group homes, and foster care facilities. They might provide direct services to the people in these settings or work behind the scenes to ensure that the services offered in these settings are effective.

Regardless of the career path you choose to take in social work, you will have the opportunity to help individuals advance their lives. If you are interested in helping people and making a difference in your community, a career in social work might be right for you.