The Benefits of an Online Social Work Degree

If you’re ready to turn your career into a life calling, consider a degree in social work. You can earn your council on social work education (CSWE) accredited Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) online, qualify to become a Licensed Social Worker (LSW), and start using your passion to build a fulfilling career.

Why consider a social work degree?

An online social work degree can set you up for a great career. This degree is versatile, marketable, and impactful.

Versatility

Not sure what you want to do for your career? A social work degree can prepare you for various career paths and roles, so you can find the best fit for you without being hemmed into one specific job or work setting. These jobs can include titles such as Case Manager, Victim Advocate, School Social Worker, and more.  This versatility allows you to change jobs while still using your degree if you’re ready for a change.

Marketability

Social work is an extremely marketable degree with many applications. There is high demand for social workers across the board, making it easy to find a job you love in the field. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the demand for social workers is expected to grow 12 percent from 2020-30.

Impact

Social work is a demanding career but an extremely rewarding one. It allows you to make a real difference in the lives of individuals and your community. Going to work every day to serve others can help you find more passion in your career, enhancing not only your job satisfaction, but also your overall sense of meaning and purpose in life.

What degree is best to become a social worker?

One of the great things about studying social work is that you don’t need an advanced degree to begin working in the field. The rigorous coursework and practicum experience involved in an accredited BSW program makes you well qualified to apply for your social work license (LSW).

As an LSW with a bachelor’s degree in social work, you can fill various roles and even offer behavioral health services if you do so within an agency. For many professionals, the BSW offers the full breadth of education they need to launch and sustain a fulfilling career.

If you want to further your social work education and career, you can pursue a Master of Social Work (MSW) degree. With an MSW, you can expand your credentials and practice as a counselor independently. You may also choose to contribute to the profession by teaching social work courses at the undergraduate level.

Whatever level of degree you’re pursuing, an online social work degree is a great choice, as you’ll  see.

What makes an online social work degree a smart choice?

Attending an online school for a social work degree is a great option compared to a traditional on-campus program. There are a few reasons why an online degree program is a better fit for some learners. Let’s explore those reasons.

Flexibility for Working Professionals

One of the top benefits of online education—particularly an asynchronous program—is the flexibility it provides. Rather than having to make it to classes or watch lectures online at specified times, you can carve out time for schoolwork when it’s most convenient for you. Maybe it’s while you’re at your child’s dance practice or swim meet, in the evenings after work, or on the weekends.

This flexibility means you can continue working or fulfilling other responsibilities while you earn your social work degree online. That’s welcomed news for anyone who wants to invest in their future but doesn’t feel like they can put life on hold to go back to school.

Taking on a degree program will always be a serious time commitment. However, with asynchronous learning, you can get your education on your terms and start taking steps to enter a career field you’re passionate about.

A Strong Peer Community

You may worry that an online degree program will feel isolating, but programs from MVNU Online prioritize the importance of peer-to-peer interactions and an online learning community.

You can find a strong community in an online degree program just like an in-person one. In fact, you may find you relate better to classmates in an online program. If you’re a working professional with more life experience, you’re more likely to learn alongside others like you in an online program versus an on-campus experience.

You may also have peers from different geographical areas and backgrounds, helping you make new friends and professional connections.

Distance Learning with a Community Focus

Online learning is also referred to as distance learning because it allows you to study at any institution, regardless of location. This gives you more freedom to choose the right program for you.

Although your coursework is fully online, accredited BSW programs must include at least 400 hours of supervised field experience. An online social work degree program can still make this possible. At MVNU Online, we work to place learners in a field internship that is in their local community and aligns with their area of interest so they can start applying their skills and preparing for their careers.

In fact, many learners go on to secure job positions with organizations where they completed their practicum.

It’s time to pursue a degree program and career you’ll love!

Social workers can make a difference in their communities with the skills they learn in college. If you’re interested in pursuing this career path, MVNU Online’s BSW program is an excellent one to consider. This accredited program is fully online and uses a cohort model to help learners connect with classmates and instructors.

If you’re not ready to take the leap, that’s fine! We have more resources to help you learn about social work degree programs. Check out our e-book, Earning Your CSWE Accredited Online Social Work Degree!