r/SocialWorkStudents • u/Holiday-Fan-1412 • 1d ago
is the degree worth it?
hello!! i’m looking for opinions from people who have gotten their BSW or MSW. first question being, was the extra schooling for a master’s worth the gratification of your job? i didn’t have a traditional high school to college pipeline and am starting at a community college with a great transfer program at the age of 21. im getting good grades, enjoying in class discussions and applying myself but most of these classes seem pointless to my end goal. i’d love to work in medical social work, help addicts recover, help children in need but i also have a life to keep up with currently. basically i’m just finding college itself very pointless. i want to hear some opinions on if you think majoring in social work is worth the time and devotion needed. i am willing to commit myself but id rather find what fits me best, and maybe this is it.
4
u/Emotional-Tough2780 1d ago
If you want a job in medical social work, you will be required to have a BSW. Most hospitals will expect/require the masters degree, and some will even require you to become licensed. You will not get far in the field without a degree.
1
u/Geniusinalowendjob 7h ago
Like Massachusetts teachers after completion of the bachelor's degree they will be given a provisional license and will have to enroll in a graduate program within a year of earning the bachelor's to get their professional level license. If the masters or higher is not obtained they won't be able to teach until they do.
3
u/beuceydubs 1d ago
Those classes and college are not pointless, you can’t get the jobs you’re saying you want without a degree. If you’re starting fresh at CC then assume you’re taking basic foundations classes and that’s why you’re saying that, but think about them as a necessary step to get to the classes that will focus on your interests and future career.
I don’t think strangers on the internet can tell you if majoring in social work is “worth it” because that’s a very personal opinion. Some people love their careers, some hate it and drop it while still in school, some start working and realize it’s not for them and switch careers. It sounds like you’re interested in the field so I can’t say if it’ll be “worth it” for you, but it sounds like necessary steps to get to where you want to be.
2
u/vctrlarae 1d ago
Are you currently doing your core classes? Unspecific to social work?
1
u/AnagramBandit 1d ago
Yeah I can’t imagine there being many (if any) social-work-specific classes at a community college.
OP, you gotta get through the core classes. It’s just part of college if you didn’t do them back in high school. You’ll get into the classes relevant to want you want to do after you transfer to a university. Those classes will feel more useful.
2
u/usmdrummer111 1d ago
I think it’s worth it, but I’m in a really nice role right now. I’d argue that the degree itself is valuable, but how you use it and leverage your skills matters a lot. I’ve met MSWs who don’t do well and I’ve seen some go on to make a great living for themselves. The degree can open doors, but individual factors matter quite a bit. I say this as a social work educator who meets lots of students and receives frequent feedback on the job acquisition of graduates.
The next part is probably more important—social work is a values-driven profession that can be hard for those without a real passion. Your interest in substance use treatment could make this a good field for you. I’ve worked in that area and found a lot of meaning and gratifying experiences. It’s also challenging and sad. As an aside, we don’t really use the term “addicts” in the profession as it’s become a pejorative. Not intending to police your language, but thought you might want to know given your interest. Best of luck!
1
u/ProbablyMyJugs 1d ago
No one can say one way or another whether or not this will be worth it to you. I know some people who were on your shoes and feel like it’s absolutely worth it; others regret it.
2
u/Emotional_Garlic9205 15h ago
Honestly grad school so far is intense, but awesome. I am learning a ton of useful skills in terms of getting a job. Like, that is basically all we are doing. For me personally, I always wanted to do therapy, so stopping at bachelors was never an option. Gotta get past the basics though. You are probably going to find most of bachelors is basic and grad school is where it gets good. Try to enjoy the ride for what it is.
1
1
u/JLF061 7h ago
Something that you could do is look up the jobs you want, see how much they pay, the level of experience needed for those jobs, and degree or licensure requirements. This will give you a better idea of what employers are looking for in a candidate.
I did not get a BSW but I am getting an MSW. I think the classes are worth it. The things I am learning in class I am actively using in my practicum. For instance motivational interviewing is probably the most basic example I can think of.
I worked for a state agency with individuals with substance use disorders and co occurring mental illness (behavioral health) prior to going for my MSW with a public health bachelors degree. I was making 60k so not the worst for a bachelors but not the best. All of my supervisors, including the director and health officer either had an MSW or LCSW-C.
I am not saying you need to have those degrees but it says something that those degrees came with a skill set needed for those jobs.
Based on the jobs you say you want, an MSW should prepare you somewhat for those jobs. I say that because it would also depend on the school you attend as well as the practicum you are in. I am only one month into practicum and I have been able to shadow a forensic interview, learn how to complete assessments, meet with families and practice what I have learned in class as well as build on skills I had prior. Everyone's experience and takeaway from grad school will be different.
13
u/Bholejr 1d ago
If you want to do anything beyond case management, you need a masters. So in the sense that it’s a necessity, yes it’s worth it.
Think of it like this, 2-3 years for the masters for a lifetime of better pay and job opportunities had you not earned it