A Discussion of the Doctorate and Masters in Social Work

Masters in Social Work

The most commonly opted-for social work courses would have to be those for a master's and a doctorate in the course. Basically, a Masters in Social Work is an initial professional degree that prepares students for a career in social work. Should the student desire a more theory and analysis-focused study, the doctorate awaits.

You have a wide and intriguing range of subjects in a masters program of this type. Most students graduate well under the 3-year mark. There are a great many scholarships being given for this particular academic option.

Aside from completing coursework, students of MSW programs must also complete at least 900 hours of fieldwork in an accredited agency. Since social work actually does involve a lot of working with society, people in MSW courses shall find their lives to be rich with activities for the organizations for which they work. Usually, you shall need to have a specialization, preferably an area of interest to you.

Students of masters in social welfare may also specialize in public policy, methodology or even psychotherapy. You can seek out whatever job interests you most: just know that the most popular settings for those studying social work would be in the category of public works agencies. It is possible to sign up for a joint degree instead.

The Council on Social Work Education (CSWE) is the leading accrediting body of MSW degrees. The council's list of accredited schools all boast excellent social work courses that can be continued with doctoral courses. Students are then able to finish their Masters program within a year's time.

If your goal is to become a true expert in the theories and concepts as well as analytical models used for social work, you can seek out a doctorate program. A few universities call it a doctoral, others call it a PhD. Generally, there is no difference between the two as some schools just prefer to use one name over the other.

You are probably going to be working as a theoretician, analyst, professor, or even researcher with a doctorate in the field. That means that your focus will be more on the academic side of the field. If you enjoy the idea of yourself as an instructor or published writer, get a doctorate.

You shall be specializing in the research-centered side of social work and activity. Like all other doctoral degrees, a DSW requires students to complete dissertations. Dissertations are extensive research projects about a subject field related to social work that usually take more than a year to finish.

Both the PhD and the masters degree you need to get to it shall require more than a few years of your life. It is possible to work in the field even if you are a doctorate-holder in social work, even if most of your colleagues shall be opting for the academe. It might be an option for those who cannot choose either one to work in both town and gown, so to speak.

In contrast to the masters in social work course, doctorates for the field are not accredited by the CSWE. Those short on funds shall have to reconsider a doctorate program application because it does not usually have any scholarship offers. The admissions requirements for doctorate students are tougher too, demanding strong academic background and better experience.