BYU Programs

The School of Social Work at Brigham Young University offers both undergraduate (BSW) and graduate (MSW) programs.

Both programs require the student to fill out an application. However, to be accepted into the MSW program you do not need to have an undergraduate degree in social work. For an application to these programs or more information please contact us (contact information is on the Social Work Home Page)

      About the BSW program

      About the MSW program

Educational and Licensing Requirements

To be a social worker, one must have a degree in social work from a college or university program accredited by the Council on Social Work Education. The undergraduate degree is the Bachelor of Social Work (BSW). Graduate degrees include the Master of Social Work (MSW) and the Doctorate in Social Work (DSW) or PhD. An MSW is required to provide therapy.

For information about accredited schools of social work, contact:

Council on Social Work Education (at www.cswe.org)
1600 Duke Street
Alexandria, VA 22314
703-683-8080

Degree programs involve classroom study as well as practical field experience. The bachelor's degree prepares graduates for generalist entry-level work, whereas the master's degree is for more advanced clinical practice. A DSW or PhD is useful for doing research or teaching at the university level.

Most states require practicing social workers to be licensed, certified, or registered, although standards vary. Contact the state regulatory board directly or the American Association of State Social Work Boards, www.aswb.org, 400 South Ridge Parkway, Suite B. Culpepper, VA 22701, 703-829-6880, for a list of regulatory agencies or for a comparison of state regulations.

Income

Those just starting out with a BSW can expect an annual salary ranging up to $30,000 depending on type of work, experience, and geographic factors. A social worker with an MSW degree can expect an annual income ranging to about $40,000; a DSW can anticipate an annual income of more than $40,000. A few experienced private practitioners and senior administrators earn as much as $100,000.

 

To learn more

Visit the NASW site on the web that this brochure was taken from:
www.naswdc.org/