Explore different types of social work in MSW programs

The world of social work involves many different contexts, environments, and focus areas. Which track and specialization you choose as an MSW candidate depends on your background, professional interests, and schedule. Read on to discover what type of social work degree makes sense for you.

Find the right online master's in social work program for you

Types of MSW degrees

No matter what you plan to do within the social work field, there's an online MSW degree that can suit your schedule and goals. Here are some of the options available for different schedules:

Traditional MSW

If you don't have a bachelor's degree in social work (BSW) and want to become a clinical social worker, a traditional MSW program may make the most sense for you. In addition to providing you with an educational foundation for social work, a traditional MSW program can be completed full or part-time, depending on the university. These programs typically take longer to complete than advanced standing and accelerated MSW programs.

Online MSW

Online MSW programs — like in-person programs — equip you with the knowledge and supervised field training you need to succeed. In addition to Council on Social Work (CSWE)-accredited curricula, quality online MSW programs offer students flexible schedules so they can maintain their personal and professional responsibilities.

Advanced Standing MSW

Advanced standing MSW programs are designed for students with a BSW who want to build upon their existing social work skills. They can be completed full time, part time, in person, or online and take less time to complete than traditional programs.

Dual Degree MSW

A dual degree MSW allows you to earn both a master's in social work and a master's in a complementary field. What you choose as your second degree depends on what you plan to do after graduation. Some students pair their MSW with a master's in legal studies, education, criminology, or public administration. These programs can be completed online or in person. Check with your university to see if a dual degree MSW is an option for you.

Types of MSW degree specializations

Some MSW programs offer specializations that allow you to tailor your studies to a particular career path within the social work field. Below are some of the different specializations you may be able to pursue:

Clinical Social Work

A clinical social work — sometimes called direct practice — specialization is for students who want to work with clients at the micro level after graduation. This specialization prepares you for the assessment, discharge planning, counseling, crisis management, and advocacy tasks clinical social workers face in the field.

Child and Family Social Work

A child and family social work specialization is for students who plan to work primarily with these groups on a micro level after graduation. Course topics within this specialization typically include youth and family policy, advocacy, and current issues facing children and families. This specialization may be a good choice if you plan to practice social work in the welfare, family systems, or child development spaces.

Community Practice Social Work

You may consider a community practice social work specialization if you plan to work in a community-based area of social work or at the macro level after graduation. Coursework within this specialization may include social work administration, grant writing, social justice, and public policy.

Healthcare Social Work

A healthcare social work specialization allows you to take focused coursework centered around medical policy, assessment and discharge planning, trauma skills, and crisis work. This specialization may be a good choice for those who plan to work in medical environments like hospitals, rehabilitation centers, and hospice centers.

School Social Work

A school social work specialization allows you to learn about social justice in school settings, assessing students, multicultural perspectives in schools, and educational policy. This specialization is ideal if you plan to become a school social worker.

Substance Use and Addiction Social Work

A substance use and addiction specialization prepares students for a career working with individuals managing drug and/or alcohol addiction. This specialization covers the underlying causes of substance use, counseling, diagnostic criteria, and community outreach.

Forensic Social Work

A forensic social work specialization prepares students for a career helping individuals and families involved in the legal system. This specialization covers coursework relevant to those who have an interest in law and plan to work with communities impacted by domestic violence, child neglect, custody, and civil disputes.

How to find the best MSW for you

As you search for the MSW program that fits you best, consider:

• Your interests: Do you want to help people find housing or counsel children in a school setting? Are you interested in researching public policy or assisting clients as they manage a severe illness? Your interests should inform the types of social work specializations you choose.
• Your level of education: Whether you have a BSW affects your program eligibility. Check individual program details to determine which program is right for you.
• Your career goals: Consider what you want to do after earning your MSW. Choose a program with a curriculum and specialization suited to your goals.