How to become a social worker: The education and degrees you’ll need

Social workers are professionals that focus on providing assistance to individuals, families and communities as they navigate various challenges in their lives. Dedicated to improving the well-being and life quality of vulnerable populations, this field is both diverse and impactful. Based on your area of expertise, you can focus on providing support for mental health, poverty, child welfare, crisis intervention and more.

“For any student interested in social work, you’ll want to figure out what your “why” is,” said Dr. Elisa Kawam, a professor and MSW program coordinator at Arizona State University’s School of Social Work. “Oftentimes, students go into social work because of a personal experience or because they saw someone experience a certain type of difficulty in their lives. Knowing why, even if it’s as simple as wanting to help people or make a change, sets the foundation”.

“If you’re interested in helping people while growing and developing your skill set in a meaningful career, social work is an excellent choice,” said Dr. Marcos Martinez, an assistant teaching professor and the online program coordinator at ASU’s School of Social Work.

Social work is also an in-demand profession. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the employment of social workers is projected to grow 7% between 2023-2033, which is faster than the average for all occupations. Additionally, this career path allows you to work in a range of settings, such as mental health clinics, non-profit organizations, schools, hospitals or government agencies.

The steps to take to become a social worker

• Education

To begin a career in social work, you’ll need to complete an undergraduate degree in a related field, with the most relevant being a bachelor’s in social work or psychology. Earning a degree in social work helps you develop many valuable skills that can be applied to various career paths.

“Some of the most important skills for a social worker to have include active listening, empathy, being able to communicate effectively and organization,” shared Dr. Martinez. These skills are very important when working with people whether that’s in one-on-one settings or group dynamics.

“Being able to engage people individually as well as in community based settings is essential, in addition to being able to evaluate the work,” said Dr. Kawam. “Social work is all about helping people and we want to make sure that what we are doing is working!”

For more advanced roles or working in a clinical setting, a master’s degree in social work may be required or encouraged.

• Training and internships

Completing internships and other additional training provides you with hands-on practical experience, providing you with tangible skills and a competitive edge in the job market.

During ASU Online’s Bachelor of Social Work, you’ll complete a supervised 480-hour practicum that solidifies your competencies as a practitioner. You’ll work with Arizona State University’s School of Social Work’s practicum education office to identify a site in your geographic region that will make an impact in your community. You’ll also be able to tailor the experience based on your interests by choosing from settings such as schools, hospitals, nursing homes, correctional facilities and more.

“Take every opportunity to learn from your professors, your peers, your supervisor in your internship, and from your clients,” encouraged Dr. Kawam. “Soak up every opportunity to learn about other people and other worldviews. Be open to what you don't know.”

• Licensure

Depending on the state you live in, you may need to obtain licensure from the Association of Social Work Boards (ASWB) to practice as a clinical social worker. The licensure qualifications vary significantly between each state so it’s important to check with your state’s licensing board to ensure you have met all the requirements. In addition, you might need to complete a set amount of supervised clinical hours and fulfill other educational requirements to qualify.

ASU Online's social work degree generally satisfies the applicable educational requirements for licensure or certification in most states. However, certain states require specific coursework that should be completed as an elective course. Please confirm with your academic advisor the courses you should take depending on your state’s educational requirements.

Earn the degrees you’ll need with ASU Online

Bachelor of Social Work

• The curriculum in this program is designed to help you build a foundation in social work concepts and then be able to apply them in practice. You’ll develop career-focused skills centered around assessment, evaluation, intervention, research and more.
• Additionally, if you want to pursue advanced positions in social work, you can earn an advanced standing Master of Social Work in as little as one year after graduating with your BSW. Please note: you must meet all admission requirements to be admitted.

Bachelor of Arts in psychology

• This program is versatile and equips you with many transferable skills that can be applied to careers focused on mental health, social services, public policy and more. You’ll gain a comprehensive view of the psychology as well as opportunities to explore different specializations in the field based on your goals.

Master of Social Work

• This MSW builds upon the framework set during an undergraduate program and teaches advanced levels of practical social work. You’ll focus on key areas such as behavioral and mental health, cultural humility, research methods, social work ethics and more. To graduate, you must complete 960 hours of practical experience in two separate, year-long internships.