If you are considering a career in social work, you are likely looking into your educational options to determine the best way to reach your goals. This research may have you wondering, do you need a master’s to be a social worker?

While you can qualify for more advanced social work positions after graduating with a master’s degree in social work, you do not need a graduate degree for every job in the social work profession—it is a common misconception that all social workers have graduate degrees.

However, graduating with a master of social work (MSW) can open up doors in the field that aren’t available to undergrads.

In this guide, we are exploring all of the above and more: social work careers, educational requirements, and considerations for a prospective MSW student.

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What Does It Mean to Be a Social Worker?

Social workers wear many hats. Generally speaking, they help people:¹

• Address challenges in their everyday lives.
• Maintain healthy relationships with family members and their communities
• Resolve personal and family issues

Social workers can find careers in a variety of contexts, including:

• Schools (both public and private institutions)
• Healthcare
• Government agencies
• Non-profit organizations

Plus, there are different categories of social workers, like:

• Clinical social workers – Social workers in clinical roles use mental and social health approaches to help patients reach their goals and improve their quality of life.
• Social service managers – Social workers employed with state agencies and other municipal organizations help clients find and leverage resources they need, like financial support, housing options, food assistance, and more.
• School social workers – School social workers devote their time to helping school-aged children (and sometimes their families) navigate challenges in the education system and at home.

Educational Requirements for Social Workers

There are numerous opportunities for prospective social workers to find their niches and support the communities they care about. So, educational requirements for the social work profession can vary.

Prospective social workers often seek out one of two educational programs:

• Bachelor of social work (BSW) – With a BSW, social workers can qualify for entry-level positions, advocacy roles, and community support roles. While most BSW graduates don’t qualify for management and supervisory positions, they can still unlock fulfilling careers in the field. BSW programs cover social work practice, ethics, and theory concepts.
• Master of social work (MSW) – A master of social work is a graduate degree that can qualify graduates for licensing (as a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, or LSCW), leadership roles, or both—plus countless other careers. An MSW is often required for clinical roles and advanced practice positions in the field.

Learning how to get a master’s in social work is part and parcel of entering this field. But do you really need an MSW to succeed in social work?

Do You Need a Master's Degree to Be a Social Worker?

In short, an MSW isn’t mandatory for all social work careers. There are alternative pathways for people looking to make a difference and pursue social work:

• A BSW – A BSW program prepares prospective social workers for entry-level positions, policy assistance, client advocacy, community program development—and so much more.
• A bachelor’s degree in a related field – People with bachelor’s degrees in related fields (like mental health, community health, or administration) can sometimes qualify for positions in social work.
• Field experience – If you started working in community advocacy, mental health, or public services without a degree, you may qualify for social work jobs based on experience alone (but these aren’t as common).

What can you do with a master of social work if you do decide to pursue one? Ultimately, you can qualify for more advanced positions in clinical social work, apply for licensure, and pursue leadership roles.

When exploring career paths, comparing master of social work vs. counseling may also be helpful. Both fields involve supporting others, but counseling often focuses on therapeutic methods, while social work incorporates broader advocacy and social systems.

Pros and Cons of Pursuing a Master's in Social Work

While you don’t need a master’s degree to pursue a social work career, there are certainly advantages to getting one:

• MSW graduates unlock more career opportunities—especially those with more responsibilities.
• Many of these career opportunities can increase social workers’ earning potential (depending on their specialties, geographic location, and other factors).
• An MSW gives students the opportunity to discover niches in the field and get the expertise they need to pursue more specialized work.

In short, a master of social work can open more doors for future helping professionals.

That said, MSW programs also:

• Cost more money – Master’s programs are typically more expensive than bachelor’s degree programs; however, many established social workers can receive tuition assistance from their employers if they decide to advance their education.²
• Add to your educational timeline – MSW degree programs typically take two years to complete—after you’ve completed your four-year bachelor’s degree. However, there are social work degree programs that offer part-time enrollment. In fact, many social workers continue their existing careers during their master’s degree program.

Still wondering if a social work degree is worth it? If your goal is to make a difference while qualifying for leadership roles, then pursuing this path might be ideal.

Further Your Education at Alliant International University

While a master’s degree in social work isn’t required to enter the field, many social workers (current and prospective) recognize that pursuing an MSW degree can open doors for career advancement.

Ready to explore an MSW and enroll in a program? Request information and work directly with an admissions officer. As a certified social worker, your training is critical to your career success—our MSW program is designed to equip you with the skills, practical experience, and network you need to further your career.

Learn more about our online social work master’s program and apply today.

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Sources: 

1. “About Social Workers.” National Association of Social Workers. 2024. http://www.socialworkers.org/News/Facts/Social-Workers. Accessed December 13, 2024. 
2. “Social Worker Career Benefits Guide – 2024.” September 26, 2024. Social Worker License. http://www.socialworkerlicense.com/social-worker-career-benefits/. Accessed December 13, 2024.