I want to work in social services, what degree program should I be looking for?

Question

I have an AS in Early Childhood Education and would like to get out of the classroom and do more work in the social services field, ie child advocacy and family advocacy. I want to go back to school for my BA but dont know what degree program would be best for what I want to do. Does anyone know?

Answer 1

The field of social work aims to improve the quality of life for people experiencing a broad range of problems due to societal and economic factors, such as poverty and homelessness, or involving personal and family issues like parent-child conflict, substance abuse, and caring for aged relatives. Social work functions include providing services directly to clients, as well as administrative responsibilities such as organizing and evaluating services, managing programs, and developing social policy.

Many social workers work within child welfare and family service agencies and in settings providing mental health, medical, educational, correctional, and gerontological services. These agencies may be in the public sector or under private auspices (for-profit or not-for-profit). Other social workers are self-employed. With a master's degree you may become licensed by the state to accept third party payments. Every state has some form of certification or licensure for social workers.

A bachelor's degree is usually required for entry level positions, although majors in psychology, sociology, and related
fields are sometimes considered for these jobs. A master's in social work (MSW) is generally required for positions involving clinical services. Supervisory and administrative positions often require an MSW. College teaching and research positions often require a doctoral degree in social work.

Answer 2

Your current degree is sufficient to get a job working for the state government in some form of child service. After you get a job, you will have a better idea of what kind of additional education would be most beneficial. For example, many advocacy positions require legal knowledge.

Answer 3

My cousin works in Social Services. She went to school for a degree in Social Work.

Answer 4

I have a couple of friends who work in Social Services. They did their undergrad degrees in Sociology or Psychology and did Master degrees in Social Work.

You can also contact someone in the same position as you are interested in and see what background they have.

Good luck!

Answer 5

I would spend the extra money and go to a traditional school. Online degrees are not highly regarded, and many professions won't even consider them. Trust me the college experience is worth it & you will be better prepared for the working world.

Answer 6

I'm sure your degree would be suffice...but I know social work also includes any degrees as psychology, sociology, and education degrees. My friend works as a social worker with her psychology degree.