A Master’s Degree in Social Work (MSW) is a graduate degree that normally takes about two years to complete. A MSW program can be useful for work in a variety of fields. For example, a MSW may be helpful for policy-related work concerning specific populations like the aging population. Alternatively, an MSW might be a prerequisite to become a social worker who helps place children with foster parents; or it can be helpful if you plan on becoming a private therapist or school counselor.

Because jurisdictions and schools granting MSWs vary in their eligibility requirements, it's best to contact a school in the area you plan on working in to be sure what requirements you'll be held to. Still, some general requirements can be listed. The first is an undergraduate degree; this can be a Bachelor of Arts (BA) or a Bachelor of Science (BS). While BAs in social work (i.e., BSW) are available at some institutions, you will usually be able to satisfy the undergraduate requirement with a degree in any of the liberal arts such as psychology, sociology, or anthropology. BS degrees will also meet the undergraduate requirement.

Another important preparatory step to getting accepted into an MSW program is volunteering. Most MSW programs look very kindly on students who have volunteered in the social sciences. This could be accomplished by volunteering at a psychiatric hospital, a senior center, or a children’s home. Having some background experience in the areas that you might use your MSW can be helpful.

Generally, the MSW takes approximately two years of full time school to complete. Courses focus on a variety of social-related topics including social policy, human behavior and growth, methodology, and social work research. Generally, programs also have an internship requirement, also known as a practicum or field experience. Schools vary in how long this internship must be, but some require 900 hours or 1 year. Frequently, students start working towards satisfying this requirement in their second year of the program. The internship typically can be satisfied in a broad range of fields, but usually must be pre-approved by an appointed person in the program's administration. Practicum work may be paid, but more often it is unpaid.

Different MSW programs have different emphases. Some focus on therapy. Others have a more broad-spectrum approach or may specifically focus on working for different social work agencies. Some MSW programs do not like to take applicants that plan to use their degree for therapy, in which case some students with an eye towards therapy keep that quiet until graduation.

The MSW is often considered very useful if one wishes to become a therapist although other degrees are used in preparation for therapy. In addition to the PhD in psychology (i.e., psychologist), other degrees, including a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) and Marriage and Family Therapist (MFT), allow for work as a therapist as well.

Students who wish to further their studies beyond the MSW can also apply to Ph.D. or Doctor of Social Work (DSW) programs. Those who wish to write, research, teach, or influence social policy may want this degree instead of the MSW because it usually offers greater opportunities for work in academia and government agencies that impact social policy.