For those who are interested in Social Work and already have an undergraduate degree in Social Work or a moderately related field, pursuing a Masters Degree in Social Work is a great way to expand your knowledge base and expand your career options. By going on to earn your Master Degree in Social Work you can open doors that may otherwise remain closed.
Most Masters Programs in Social Work take two years to complete. This includes working during those two years in a field experience internship, along with attending traditional classes. The program you choose to attend should also be accredited by the Council of Social Work Education in order to ensure you receive adequate credit. There are usually two separate tracks that students pursuing a Masters in Social Work can take. There is the clinical track and a macro track. In a clinical track students work hands on with clients and in the macro track students work to develop skills in advocacy, community organization, and human services management. Keeping in mind how online MSW Program will impact your goals is smart.
While there are many colleges that offer Masters Programs in Social Work, the University of Pennsylvania’s program is a clear stand out. The University of Pennsylvania turns out students who are able to garner success in the field of Social Work as valuable professionals and leaders. Their program is designed so students can offer their services to individuals, families, and the community. University of Pennsylvania offers students one of the well-respected Social Work programs in the country.
The Masters Program in Social Work at University of Pennsylvania requires students to meet certain standards before being accepted into the program. Students should have an undergraduate degree in Social Work or in Liberal Arts. Those with an undergraduate degree in the Liberal Arts should be able to demonstrate a knowledge base in history, formal reasoning and analysis, and other pertinent areas. If you do not have enough of a base knowledge in Social Work related areas, it could be necessary to take extra classes before being admitted into the program. The University of Pennsylvania also asks candidates of the program to showcase their qualifications in their commitment to social work.
The first year of the two-year Masters in Social Work program at the University of Pennsylvania consists of taking a series of foundation classes that are held on two days out of the week. The other three days of your week will consist of participating in your field experience. During the second year of the program, students choose a concentration track of either clinical or macro. Students are also required to complete one research course per semester in their second year. Students are provided guidance by an advisor within the program; this can help students design individual plans of study to best serve their needs along with the requirements of the program.
Enabling and requiring students to complete a field experience during their Social Work program allows students the ability to work by doing. Combining both traditional classes along with the field experience allows for the most effective way to learn and apply the skills necessary to be an effective Social Worker. Students are placed in their field experiences by evaluating the students’ needs and their learning objectives. Students are provided with valuable learning experiences that are directly connected with what is being learned in the classroom, and are also given the opportunity to test what they have learned and evaluate their work in a practical setting. Researching more possibilities, as well as grad school is a smart move.
The tuition at the University of Pennsylvania is far from inexpensive, but the knowledge and expertise gained are well worth the cost. Tuition for the Masters of Social Work program costs around $80,000 for the full two years. Both financial aid scholarships are readily available for students who wish to pursue this degree.
There are a great number of Masters Programs in Social Work available for students who wish to enhance their education. The University of Pennsylvania offers one of the best graduate school programs in the country and gives its students a great education. It would be to your advantage to check out Grad Schools for additional information on the top graduate schools for Masters Programs in Social Work.