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Find MSW programs that teach generalist social work

Are you interested in becoming a generalist social worker? This page provides information about online MSW courses, career options, and salary potential.

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Why earn an MSW degree with courses in generalist level social work?

Professional versatility

A generalist MSW builds advanced social work skills without locking you into a specific field of practice, meaning you can find work in many different fields.

Preparation for licensure

Many MSW programs lead directly to state social worker licensure, preparing you for the highest levels of social work practice.

Great flexibility

An online MSW can give you the flexibility to work while you're still in school, which is ideal if you still have to work full time.


A generalist master's in social work (MSW) can help give you the flexibility to pursue social work careers in fields like healthcare, social services, and education. Learn more about top online MSW programs and the benefits of a generalist social work degree.

Browse MSW programs that teach generalist social work

Prestigious
An immersive cohort-based learning experience that is designed to optimize learning outcomes and ensure global networking opportunities.
Flexible
Choose your path with a range of completion options and class times.
Equivalent to on-campus
Earn the same degree and complete the same curriculum as on-campus students.

What is generalist social work practice?

Generalist social work practice is an approach to providing economic and social justice to individuals, families, and communities. Generalist social workers seek to address the root causes of major social issues such as poverty and homelessness.

While generalists do work with individual clients, they often take on administrative and organizational roles, working to improve community health through systemic change. Generalists may find jobs in many different types of social work, such as social services, education, and healthcare.

What to expect from an online MSW program that teaches generalist social work

An online MSW program with a generalist concentration builds broad, widely applicable social work skills, including research, evidence-based practice, and leadership.

A generalist program curriculum commonly covers topics such as human behavior, psychopathology, and social policy. Many programs may also let you specialize your studies with electives that focus on specific elements of social work practice or different client populations. Common elective topics include crisis intervention, child welfare, and rural social work.

A generalist MSW is a great choice if you want to concentrate on big picture social work rather than clinical practice. The program can help you build the skills to work with individual clients while also preparing you for management and leadership positions.

What generalist social work jobs can you get with an MSW degree?

As its name implies, generalist social work gives you general knowledge and skills for social work practice. The degree can prepare you for jobs in social services, K-12 schools, and medical and healthcare settings. Generalist jobs often focus more on organizational and community development work, rather than treating patients in a clinical setting.

Learn more about popular jobs for generalist social workers, including common duties, average salaries, and projected job growth, with salary and job outlook data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS):

Child and family social worker

These social workers focus on family wellbeing, helping children and parents with issues such as housing and childcare. They may intervene in child abuse situations and assist with adoption and foster care.

  • Median annual salary (May 2023): $58,940
  • Projected employment growth (2023-2033): +5%

School social worker

School social workers assist with students' emotional and social development at K-12 schools. Working with teachers, school administrators, and parents, they often address issues like bullying, truancy, and academic performance. School social workers may also advise teachers in dealing with behavioral problems.

  • Median annual salary (May 2023): $53,940
  • Projected employment growth (2023-2033): +5%

Mental health social worker

Working with clients who experience mental health conditions, these social workers commonly provide counseling and crisis intervention. Mental health social workers may also help devise treatment plans and connect clients to other resources, such as government services.

  • Median annual salary (May 2023): $55,960
  • Projected employment growth (2023-2033): +12%

Healthcare social worker

Healthcare social workers help clients navigate the healthcare system and adjust to life changes after injury or illness. They may advise caregivers, provide counseling services, and connect clients to additional resources, such as government assistance or support groups.

  • Median annual salary (May 2023): $62,940
  • Projected employment growth (2023-2033): +10%

Frequently asked questions

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