Why You Should Get a Master's in Social Work

Advocating on the behalf of others is a noble purpose and, for many people, a calling. Such is the profession of social worker. There are multiple career avenues you can explore with a master's in social work (MSW), although most social work specialties are considered clinical in nature so a master's is required.

While there are multiple specialties one can pursue with an MSW, the one thing they all have in common is that they help people in need. That core drive is what you will need to work in this field.

It's important to decide who you want to help and how, because the main motivation for entering a career in social work is a desire to help people.

• A social worker in child and family services advocates for families who are in need of housing or other essential assistance. You will also act on behalf of children who are deemed to be in dangerous situations in the home.
• Working as a school social worker, you would coordinate with teachers, parents and administrators to create strategies around academic performance and social dynamics, addressing specific student/teacher/family issues, as well as bullying and other behavioral matters.
• As a health care social worker, you would help patients and their families deal with a new diagnosis and transition from hospital to home with the proper resources and support that they need. In addition to logistical matters, you'll help patients and families with the emotional issues that come with serious and terminal diseases, including hospice support.
• Mental health social workers deal with everything from substance abuse to individual and couples' therapy. Like a psychologist, you provide counseling services to patients.

Those are the main specialties that social workers can pursue depending on where your passion lies, and passion is the key to enjoying a career in this field. With a 12% growth rate projected through 2030, its median income is around $51,760.