What is social work?
Social work is an academic and professional field focused on improving the well-being of people’s everyday lives at both an individual and community level. Those with careers in this discipline may work in a variety of settings, including health care, education, mental health, substance abuse, and more.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, overall employment of social workers is projected to grow 12% from 2020 to 2030, much faster than the average for all occupations. Employment growth will be driven by increased demand for health care and social services, but will vary by specialization.
Why choose a social work degree from Pacific Oaks?
Pacific Oaks College’s Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) and Master of Social Work (MSW) programs combine our historical commitment to social justice with access to urban and rural practice opportunities.
Each program educates and trains social work professionals who can promote social equity and ethically integrate the holistic competencies and dimensions as established by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE). This fosters the growth of practice wisdom and scientific inquiry with an overarching purpose of enhancing the quality of life in the diverse communities our graduates serve as culturally intelligent agents of change.
While the BSW program provides foundational knowledge and hands-on training relevant for entry-level positions within the field of social work, the MSW program builds upon this foundation with supervised field work experience and prepares graduates to become licensed clinical social workers in the state of California.
Potential careers with a degree in social work
- Licensed clinical social worker
- Behavioral management aide
- Case management aide
- Community outreach worker
- Juvenile court liaison
- Probation officer
- Rehabilitation case worker
- Eligibility worker
- Human services specialist
Watch our Social Work Information Session
During this information session you’ll discover how the flexibility of online BSW or MSW degree in Social Work from Pacific Oaks College allows you to gain knowledge in theory and practice while you balance real-world responsibilities. Obtain an understanding of the impact a career in Social Work can have in the lives of individuals, the community, and our society as you hear from Dr. Cassandra Peel, Master of Social Work Program Director/Administrative Faculty, and Kathryn Hughes, LCSW, Core Faculty, from the online Social Work program.
Frequently Asked Questions About the Online Social Work Degree Programs:
Q: Is fieldwork required to complete the Online Social Work Degree Programs?
A: Real-world training is an integral part of the Online BSW and MSW programs. Research demonstrates that students consistently remember their field experience as the most important aspect of their social work education, and a meaningful relationship with their supervisor is essential to their growth as social workers.
Q: How long does the MSW and BSW take to complete?
A: The Online BSW is a 120-credit program, which can be completed in three to four years depending on full-time or part-time student status. The Online MSW is a 60-credit program, which full-time students can complete in two years and part-time students can complete in three years.
Q: Are the Online Social Work Degree Programs 100% online?
A: Yes! Both the MSW and BSW programs are offered 100% online to support easy access and flexible scheduling.