Tag: social work

Social worker Audra Jordan’s journey to a Master in the Study of Law 

Master in the Study of Law graduate Audra Jordan is using her education to help her patients navigate the legal system. As a social worker at The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, she works with pregnant women struggling with substance abuse disorders. 

“[Their circumstances] are very intertwined with the legal system,” Audra explained. “So I completed the Master in the Study of Law program to provide better understanding and services for my patients.” 

In her day-to-day work at the hospital, Audra felt she was “googling a lot,” to find the best legal path forward for her patients – some of whom weren’t compliant with the law or had been served warrants.  

Armed with a better understanding of the legal system from the MSL program, Audra says she now feels more confident in her ability to advocate for her patients. In one situation, her expertise helped a woman address outstanding legal issues without needing to serve jail time. 

While the program has been valuable to her social work career, Audra said it’s also ignited her interest in other master of legal studies job opportunities, such as health care compliance. 

A flexible and customizable MSL program

Ohio State’s Master in the Study of Law program offers a customizable legal foundation, in which students can choose specializations such as Health Law, Compliance or Alternative Dispute Resolution.  

The ability to customize her curriculum was a huge draw for Audra, as she worked to enhance her legal expertise within her social work role. A course called “Opioids and the Law” was especially relevant to her career in substance abuse treatment. 

Audra also appreciated the variety of experiences among the faculty, who showed her the many different jobs that a master’s in legal studies could prepare her for. 

“There was just such diversity in the faculty,” she said. “I learned about so many legal social work jobs that I had never even heard of.” 

Additionally, the online program’s flexibility meant Audra could balance family responsibilities – including caring for her father who was ill – without needing to put her education on pause. 

“Being able to complete coursework from my father’s bedside while he was in the hospital was huge,” she said. “I couldn’t have done it without that flexibility.” 

Ready to become a legal expert like Audra? A master’s in legal studies can be worth it. Contact our Enrollment Advisors to learn more about Ohio State’s impactful Master in the Study of the Law. 

What Can You Do With a Master’s in Social Work?

If you want to join the ranks of dedicated and compassionate social workers, there’s no time like the present. Social workers are in demand, and careers in social work are on the rise. But to truly advance in the field of social work, you need more than an undergraduate degree. A Bachelor of Social Work is a great foundation, but to practice social work in some states, you’ll need a master’s degree. 

Ohio State’s online Master of Social Work (MSW) degree can prepare you for higher levels of social worker licensure, so you can become, for example, a Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker (LICSW) or Licensed Master Social Worker (LMSW). A Master of Social Work can open doors to leadership roles and higher salaries, too. 

Are you looking for a career shift into social work? A Master of Social Work is also a great path if you want to embark on a career in social work but earned your bachelor’s degree in another field. 

To learn if a Master of Social Work is right for you, let’s discover what you can do with a master’s degree in social work, and explore the different types of social workers. 

What Are the Different Types of Social Workers?

There are many different types of social workers, and a Master of Social Work can prepare you to work as a therapist or mental health counselor, school social worker, or even a travel social worker, among other social work careers. Social workers of all types are in demand, with mental health counselors and substance abuse social worker jobs in particular expected to grow 12 percent by 2033. 

First, let’s talk about the social workers who assess, diagnose, treat and help prevent mental illness, also known as clinical social workers. These social workers operate in a variety of settings and can work with individuals, groups or families. A master’s in social work is often the minimum requirement to earn licensure as a clinical social worker. In Ohio, for example, to work as a clinical social worker, you’ll need a Master of Social Work degree and 3,000 hours of supervised clinical experience. 

Licensed clinical social workers may work as mental health counselors or therapists – either for an organization or in private practice. These social workers help clients with issues such as self-esteem and stress management, while working to promote overall mental and emotional health. 

Other types of social workers (who may also be trained as clinical social workers) include health care social workers, substance abuse social workers and school social workers. Health care social workers, as you may have guessed, work in health care settings and assist patients with the transition from the hospital to their homes as they manage their illness or recover from their hospital stay. Substance abuse social workers help clients who are recovering from addiction by connecting them with support groups and treatment programs. School social workers help students succeed academically and socially while partnering with the student’s teachers and family to support positive growth and development. 

Finally, if you want to be a social work leader, you may be interested in becoming a supervisory social worker. A supervisory social worker leads a team of other social workers, ensuring their practice meets ethical standards, while supporting each team member’s professional development. 

Can I Start a Social Work Private Practice?

Social workers with an MSW degree and the appropriate licensure, such as their LICSW, can open their own private social work practice. These private social workers can independently diagnose and treat mental and emotional health issues in their clients, without the need for supervision. Opening your own social work private practice allows for greater flexibility in setting your schedule and determining your caseload. While being your own boss can be freeing, “going it alone” as a private practice social worker comes with its own pros and cons.

What Is Travel Social Work?

Travel social work is an exciting career for social workers with a master’s degree. Similar to travel nursing, travel social workers accept short-term contracts in communities around the country, or even internationally. Travel social workers can fill in where they are needed most, often working for hospitals or local government agencies. It’s important to note that social work licensing varies by location, but multi-state licenses may soon become a reality, making social workers more mobile – and marketable – than ever. 

What Else Can You Do With a Master’s in Social Work?

Master of Social Work graduates are also qualified for roles in education and benefits administration at the local or state government level.  

If you’re interested in teaching, a master’s degree is a must. Post-secondary social work instructors teach courses, conduct research and prepare students for their own careers in social work. These positions are on the rise, and social work teachers can earn $80,000 per year on average, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). 

Social workers in benefits administration learn the landscape of public assistance and work to connect their clients to critical resources, such as welfare, unemployment benefits, social security and public housing. In May 2023, the median annual wages for social workers in local and state government was between $59,000 and $64,000 annually, per the BLS. 

There’s a lot you can do with a Master of Social Work, whether you want to work one-on-one with clients, serve in a school setting, or prepare future social workers for the field. No matter their specialty or work environment, social workers must possess a strong understanding of the resources available to support their clients. Put simply, social workers are advocates – for their clients, their communities and the profession as a whole. 

Now that you’ve discovered what you can do with a Master of Social Work, are you ready to join the field? To learn more about Ohio State’s online Master of Social Work program, contact our enrollment team today and begin your journey to a rewarding social work career. 

How Do I Become a Social Worker?

Social workers play a critical role in the communities they serve. They support society’s most vulnerable populations and promote social, economic, environmental, and institutional well-being. Social workers operate in various settings, including schools, hospitals, and community organizations. 

 Social work is also a growing field: The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects that social work jobs will increase by 7% from 2023 to 2033, faster than the average for all occupations. 

 If you’ve been thinking about becoming a social worker, Ohio State Online has answers to all your questions.  

How do I become a social worker?

In order to become a social worker, you’ll first need to hit the books. An online Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) or Bachelor of Science in Social Work (BSSW) will prepare you for entry-level social work jobs; for instance, as a substance abuse counselor or health care social worker in a hospital. 

A bachelor’s of social work will equip you with the skills you need to succeed in the field and support your clients. Classes, such as social welfare policy and professional ethics, will provide a strong foundation, while a hands-on practical experience in your community allows you to put your skills to the test under the supervision of an expert faculty advisor. 

How do I earn social work licensure?

As you research careers in social work, the topic of social work licensure may come up. Like nursing or other high-impact fields, states regulate the practice of social work to protect the public by ensuring licensed social workers meet the necessary education, experience, and educational training requirements. To qualify for many social work jobs, you will need to become a licensed social worker. 

In many states, earning a bachelor’s of social work is the first step toward becoming a licensed social worker. No matter where you live, you must complete certain educational requirements to qualify for social work licensure. 

Good news: Although requirements for social work licensure vary, Ohio State’s online Bachelor of Social Work is accredited by the Council on Social Work Education and will qualify you to sit for the social work licensure exam in most states.  

If you want to go beyond initial licensure, you may need a master’s degree in social work. An online Master of Social Work (MSW) degree can prepare you for higher levels of licensure, so you can become, for example, a Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker (LICSW) or Licensed Master Social Worker (LMSW). Social workers with master’s degrees and advanced levels of licensure can transition into leadership roles and earn higher salaries. 

How long does it take to become a social worker?

Before diving into this fulfilling career, you’re likely considering the time commitment of a social work degree program. So it’s natural to wonder: How long does it take to become a social worker? Put simply, how long it takes to complete the online bachelor of social work degree depends on if you attend classes full time or part time. Your enrollment status will determine how long it takes for you to complete the social worker degree requirements. 

What are the social worker degree requirements?

In the online bachelor’s program at Ohio State, the social worker degree requirements will teach you to apply the latest research to your social work practice. You will learn how to successfully advocate for vulnerable populations and develop the interviewing skills critical to social work. 

Students in the online social work bachelor’s program must complete 120 total hours of coursework to meet Ohio State’s social worker degree requirements. These 120 hours include prerequisites, general education classes, and courses in the social work major, so transferred credits from another CSWE-accredited institution can decrease the number of credits you may need to take at Ohio State. Students who transfer to Ohio State often enter the online Bachelor of Science in Social Work program having completed 30-60 credit hours through an associate degree program at a college or university accredited by the Council on Social Work Education. 

Additionally, during your final year in the program, you will complete a social work field experience. For this two-semester internship, you’ll be matched with a social work agency near you that fits your goals and desired learning experiences. This invaluable experience will help you integrate your classroom knowledge and skills with practical experiences in mental health, schools, hospitals, criminal justice, community organizing and more. Students will dedicate 13-15 hours per week to their field experience, totaling 400 hours over two semesters. 

What is the weekly time commitment for the Bachelor of Social Work degree?

While an online degree allows you more flexibility than most on-campus degrees, you’ll need to invest time into your coursework, like any other degree. A good rule of thumb: Expect to dedicate at least four hours per week to each course. 

It’s also important to remember that some classes in the social work bachelor’s program are synchronous, meaning they require attendance at live, virtual class sessions (think Zoom) at a set time each week, usually in the evenings. Other classes are asynchronous, meaning you can complete the assignments at times that work best for you, within a certain time frame. 

These time commitments, plus other commitments in your life such as your employment or family responsibilities, can impact your decision to enroll full time or part time. An Ohio State Enrollment Advisor can help you decide what pace works best for your situation. 

How long does it take to complete the Master of Social Work?

Online Master of Social Work students have a few options to earn their degree. Students can choose between two pathways to the master’s degree: the Traditional pathway of 2-4 years and the Advanced Standing Alternative Program (ASAP) pathway of 1-2 years. Most students complete the program via the Traditional pathway, which is typically completed in 4-11 semesters, which can take from a little over 1 year to up to 4 years, depending on your course load.  

Students who earned a Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) in the past 5 years and meet certain GPA requirements (a 3.0 undergraduate GPA and a “B” or better in all required social work courses) are eligible for the Master of Social Work ASAP pathway. This accelerated path to your master’s degree allows students to complete the program in 3-6 semesters over 1-2 years.  

In both options, you can attend part-time or full-time. An Enrollment Advisor can help you decide what pace works best for you and your situation.  

What skills are needed to become a social worker?

Now that you know the educational and licensing requirements to become a social worker, you may still be wondering: Is a career in social work a good fit for me? What skills are needed to become a social worker? 

Developing certain soft skills will help you become a successful social worker. For example, while the social work degree will teach you to hone your interviewing skills, a knack for active listening and a strong sense of compassion are necessary. Other social worker skills include empathy, patience, and a mind for advocacy. Strong organizational and problem-solving skills will make you a great social worker – not to mention a stellar student!  

What Can I Do with a Bachelor of Social Work Degree?

A bachelor’s degree in social work will allow you to positively impact your community regardless of which career you choose. By earning a Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) or Bachelor of Science in Social Work (BSSW), you can apply your degree to a variety of fields and industries to drive meaningful change in people’s lives.  

Generally, social workers help individuals and communities prevent, solve, and cope with problems in their lives. Social workers are able to assess their clients’ needs and situations to address the challenges they are facing, advocating for awareness and positive outcomes.  

Social work professionals can also work in more broad roles within their communities, partnering with organizations, public entities, and policymakers to develop social programs that can fundamentally improve life for large groups of individuals.  

What jobs can you get with a bachelor of social work?

One of the best parts of earning a bachelor’s degree in social work is that the degree opens up doors in nearly every field. Social work professionals can make a difference in any industry, including health care, government agencies, non-profit agencies, schools, and mental health facilities.  

The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects that social work jobs will increase by 7% from 2023 to 2033, which is above average growth across all job markets. Common career pathways for graduates with a bachelor of social work include:  

  • Child, family, and school social workers: 

Child, family, and school social workers provide social services and assistance for children and their families to improve the well-being and development of children. Examples of job titles in this field include Case Manager, Family Resource Coordinator, or Foster Care Social Worker.  

  • Substance abuse, behavioral health, and mental health counselors 

Substance abuse, behavioral health, and mental health counselors assess and treat individuals with individual and group therapy, crisis intervention, case management, client advocacy, prevention, and education. Examples of job titles in this field include Clinical Therapist or Counselor.  

  • Social and community service managers 

Social and community service managers plan, direct, or coordinate social service and community outreach organizations. Examples of job titles include Community Services Director, Social Services Director, or Vocational Rehabilitation Administrator.  

  • Health care social workers 

Health care social workers provide psychosocial support for groups experiencing chronic, acute, or terminal illness. Examples of job titles include Hospice Social Worker or Medical Social Worker.  

How can I earn a bachelor of social work?

The Ohio State University’s Bachelor of Science in Social Work offers flexibility to accommodate the learning needs of full-time working students, adult learners, students with families, and part-time students. The BSSW program accepts transfer credit from any university accredited by the Council on Social Work education (CSWE), and an Ohio State enrollment advisor can help determine how previously earned credits will transfer into the program. Ohio State’s Bachelor of Social Work is accredited through the Council on Social Work Education’s Board of Accreditation, which is recognized by the Council for Higher Education Accreditation as the sole accrediting agency for social work education in the United States and its territories. 

How do I become a social worker?

Professional licensure demonstrates a commitment to ethical practice and adherence to professional standards. A bachelor of social work will prepare you to sit for a social work licensure exam, subject to state educational requirements for licensure and certification. Some states may require a master’s degree prior to sitting for a licensure exam. 

How do I advance my social work career?

Various certifications and credentials may help you hone your skills and expertise. If you are looking to advance your career in social work, you can consider earning a Master of Social Work (MSW). The advanced knowledge from an MSW degree will help you better assist your community. Social workers with an MSW can earn higher salaries and are more likely to qualify for higher-paying jobs and leadership roles than those with a bachelor’s degree.  

4 best jobs for the future

BLS announces the fastest-growing jobs of the next decade

Want to “future-proof” your career? It might help to know the most in-demand jobs for the future. Although we don’t have a crystal ball to tell you for certain what the best careers for the next 10 years will be, we can show you the next best thing: data-informed projections.

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) releases a list of the fastest-growing occupations by education level. According to the experts, these are some of the best jobs for the future within the top occupations, as they are predicted to see the most job openings requiring at least a bachelor’s degree over the coming decade.

First, consider where you are now and where you’d like to be in five to 10 years. Perhaps you’re a registered nurse hoping to earn a bachelor’s degree or dreaming of becoming a nurse practitioner. Maybe you’re looking to change careers and want to take the first step by checking out a master’s degree in a new field. No matter what your career goals and educational aspirations are, Ohio State can help you reach your potential.

In this article, we’ll examine four of the fastest-growing jobs, their salaries, and educational requirements.

Registered nurses with bachelor’s degrees

The career outlook for registered nurses is strong. According to the BLS, demand will increase for health care services delivered by registered nurses due to an aging population and a rise in chronic health conditions. Between now and 2030, there will be an estimated 194,500 additional openings for RNs – making it the second fastest-growing occupation for people with bachelor’s degrees. The 2020 median annual salary for registered nurses is $75,330.

Earning a BSN degree online opens new career opportunities to registered nurses and can also set the foundation for a master’s in nursing or other graduate nursing certification.

Explore the online RN-BSN program

Nurse practitioners

Do you want to become a leader within your health care career? Consider becoming a nurse practitioner. Due to a growing emphasis on preventative care, employment of nurse practitioners, nurse anesthetists, and nurse midwives is projected to grow 45 percent from 2020 to 2030. Nurse practitioners often have more autonomy as they are qualified to diagnose, prescribe, and dictate the care of their patients. Nurse practitioners earned a median annual wage of $111,680 in 2020.

You can become a nurse practitioner with a nursing master’s degree or a Doctor of Nursing Practice, although the industry is shifting to favor nurses with doctoral degrees.

The Ohio State University College of Nursing offers two pathways to the DNP: The online BSN to DNP, a combined program that awards both the nursing master’s degree and the DNP degree and the online Post-Master’s DNP for nurses who already have a master’s degree.

Explore all online nursing programs

Health care social workers

Social worker roles in general are expected to grow over the next 10 years, with the BLS predicting we’ll see demand for these positions increase by 12 percent by 2030.

Employment of health care social workers specifically is projected to grow 13 percent – faster than the average for all occupations. Just as the demand for nurses like RNs and DNPs will grow due to an aging population, health care social workers will continue to be in demand to help these populations and their families navigate new lifestyles and medications and connect them to needed services. Health care social workers can expect to earn a median annual salary of $56,750.

Ohio State offers two paths to a Master of Social Work degree. If you’ve earned your Bachelor of Social Work within the past five years, you may be eligible for our Master of Social Advanced Standing Alternative Program (MSW-ASAP). The traditional MSW program is open to those with all undergraduate educational backgrounds and takes two years to complete. Both programs can be completed entirely online, with a field placement completed close to where you live.

Explore the online MSW program

Instructional coordinators

Instructional coordinators – master’s-prepared education professionals responsible for designing and assessing learning programs – are in demand. The BLS reports that instructional coordinator openings are expected to grow 10 percent from 2020 to 2030.

With the impact that the COVID-19 pandemic has had on education, instructional coordinators with an expertise in learning technology will be well prepared for the growing number of online and hybrid educational experiences.

Ohio State’s online graduate education programs – the Master of Learning Technologies and the Master of Arts in Art Education – were ranked No. 10 in the country by U.S. News & World Report for our online Educational and Instructional Media Design specialty.

Explore the online MLT program

Take the next step

No matter which route you choose, Ohio State’s top-ranked online programs can help make your educational dreams a reality and prepare you for the best careers for the future. Our degrees and certificates are taught by the same expert faculty that teach on campus – meaning you’ll have access to a world-renowned Ohio State education from wherever you call home. Once you’ve earned your degree, you’ll join one of the largest alumni networks in the nation and be well-positioned to secure one of these best jobs for the future.

Ready to take the plunge? Reach out for more information, and we’ll connect you with an advisor in your program of interest.

supplemental infographic showing projected growth and median salary for four occupations and related programs

Graduate’s Project on Homeless Housing Stability Wins Award

“In the words of Mahatma Gandhi, my career has embodied the hope of being the change I wish to see in the world,” said Joshua Raines, a recent graduate of the online Master of Social Work program.

He took inspiration from his work with National Church Residences, the largest non-profit provider of senior low-income housing in the United States, to do a capstone project on how a peer-support staff may impact housing stability for the homeless.

Raines was selected by his professor, Dr. Jerry Bean, to present his research project in a poster presentation event during the College of Social Work’s Annual Field Education Awards Breakfast. During that event, agency participants, guests, faculty and staff had an opportunity to engage with nominees about their research and vote on the most compelling one—Raines took the award home with his project.

His study looked at whether permanent supportive housing with certified peer specialists had an effect on housing stability. These specialists are individuals who have personal experience in recovery from mental health or substance abuse and are trained to support their peers in moving forward in their own recovery. He found this model had fewer emergency medical runs, in-patient hospitalizations, 10-day eviction notices and police visits than traditional models.

This impact was personally felt by one of Raines’ anonymous subjects, a formerly incarcerated individual who was homeless for over four years.

“I suffer from high anxiety and the peer specialists brought my stress level way down,” he said. “If I needed someone to talk to, they were here for me and gave me some good insight on things that actually help.”

Since receiving this award and graduating, Raines continues his mission to help others through the Permanent Supportive Housing division of National Church Residences.

“As social workers, we have the unique ability to walk alongside those we serve, providing them with access to services and supports that can enable them to live greater, more fulfilling lives. I can’t think of a higher privilege than to serve those who our society has set aside and I’ll continue to do so for decades to come.”

Learn how you can make a difference with the online Master of Social Work program.

Meaningful Online Student Experience

  • Quality online courses
  • Distinguished faculty
  • Career preparation

These might be a few of the expectations you have for being an online student at The Ohio State University. But, what about the support you’ll receive outside the classroom?
Our online Master of Social Work (MSW) program focuses not only on the experience you’ll have in the classroom, but also outside the classroom. You’ll receive a quality academic experience, as well as the support you need to apply what you learn and feel a part of the Buckeye community.

Advising from a Program Student

Once you have enrolled in the online MSW program you will receive a program advisor to help with curriculum planning, career preparation, accessing student resources and more. One of the program advisors is also currently a student in the MSW program.

“As a program advisor it’s my job to help our online students navigate their way through the program,” Cassie Zahller, MSW Academic Counselor & Data Manager, said. “Since I’m also currently enrolled in the MSW Program as a student, I have that insider perspective. I not only can relate to my students on a more personal level, but I can also share tips and insights, which I think the students really appreciate.”

Recording Events for Students

Several times throughout the year, the College of Social Work puts on events for social work students. These are often in-person events; however, they don’t forget about students studying from a distance.

“We understand that not every student in our college can attend in-person events, which is why we record them,” Byron Roush, Director of Educational Technology, said. “We make many events from campus available via streaming on Mediasite and YouTube; including career panel discussions and orientation sessions, as well as videos like one that was created last autumn highlighting resources for supporting diverse populations.”

When you’re a student on campus, you have built in opportunities to stop by the admissions office, chat with staff and interact with other students. The College of Social Work Admissions team is bringing this same experience to online students through a Facebook group. This online space allows you to ask questions, engage with staff and get to know your peers. As soon as you’re admitted to the program, you’re added to the group.

Socializing on Facebook

“As a student of the first online Master of Social Work cohort at The Ohio State University, I feel it has been very beneficial to stay in contact with classmates through the Facebook group,” Alyssa Warner, a student in the MSW program said. “It is an easy way to communicate with everyone at once. Through the Facebook group, I have been able to discuss specific questions with a group of other individuals who are going through the same process. At times, I feel it has allowed for a sense of community in a distance learning environment.”

Live Stream of the Evening of Recognition

Graduation is one of the biggest accomplishments of your life, which is why even if you’re studying at a distance you should still be a part of it. The College of Social Work hosts an annual Evening of Recognition that has become one of its signature events and live streams the evening for both students studying at a distance and for families who might not be able to travel to Columbus.

“This is one of those life moments nobody wants to miss,” Lois Stepney, MSW Program Director said. “Live streaming the Evening of Recognition means that even if you can’t travel to campus, you and your family will have the opportunity to experience it and participate via social media. In addition to the video feed, we show a live feed of Twitter, Facebook and Instagram on the screen during the ceremony to let family and friends send well wishes to those in the auditorium.”

Do you want to learn more about our online MSW program? Schedule an information session to talk with an admissions counselor.