Online master's in social work (MSW) that teaches direct practice
Direct practice MSW programs prepare social workers for leadership, advocacy, and policy careers. Discover what a direct practice MSW program could do for you.
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Why earn an online MSW that teaches direct practice?
Meet licensure requirements
Earning an MSW allows you to sit for your Association of Social Work Boards master's exam and qualifies you for master's level state licensure.
Qualify for leadership roles
Holding an MSW degree may qualify you for leadership roles in direct practice such as program management or policy advocacy.
Complete coursework on your schedule
Enrolling in an online MSW allows you to work on most coursework from anywhere, making it easier to schedule courses around your responsibilities.
A online master's in social work that teaches direct practice can prepare you to become an master's-level social worker and pursue social work leadership roles. Find out what you can do and what you'll learn with an MSW focusing on direct practice.
Browse MSW programs that teach direct practice social work practices
Online MSWs for social workers in direct practice overview
focusing on direct practice cover public policy, advocacy, and community organization. You'll take courses on:
- Social work methods and how to apply them
- Social and community program evaluation
- Interventions with different populations
- Community organizing and administration
You'll also complete 900 hours of fieldwork experience, or 500 hours for . This experience allows you to meet accreditation and licensure requirements and gives you hands-on experience with direct practice social work.
What is the role of a social worker in direct practice?
Direct practice social work aims to connect people to the resources they need to help them improve their lives. Many social work duties that involve working directly with clients fall under direct practice social work.
Most direct practice social workers work with children and families. These social workers connect families to resources, intervene in cases of abuse or neglect, or arrange foster families.
Social workers in other specialties that focus on direct practice may:
- Advocate on behalf of clients to improve access to community services
- Develop plans to improve student performance
- Connect clients to resources such as home health
What jobs can you get with an MSW related to direct practice?
Direct practice social workers can work with various populations. Explore common direct social work roles and their salary potential and career outlook with data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). Your salary potential and job prospects will depend on your location, experience, and specialty.
Admissions requirements
You'll need at least a bachelor's degree in any field from an accredited institution to apply for an MSW program that teaches direct practice. Common bachelor's degrees for MSW students include political science, psychology, or sociology.
However, if you have a bachelor's degree in social work (BSW), you may qualify for advanced standing, which allows you to complete your MSW program in half the time.
allow you to transfer some of your BSW courses for credit and do not make you retake the foundational social work courses you already completed. Instead, they focus on advanced social work courses.