Need a social work degree, or just in sociology?

Question

So I am seriously considering majoring in Social Work, but the college my dad prefers that I attend only offers Sociology; I was wondering if it is required, in order to be a social worker, that one must have a degree in social work. Or can one have a degree in sociology, with an emphasis on social work?

Also, if it is required to have a degree in social work, and not sociology, is there any hard evidence that supports this? (My dad likes to see the evidence...)

I have already searched a few different websites, but have come across nothing substantial; hopefully, one of you can help me with this.

Thank you for your time and answers.

Answer 1

It depends what your definition of a social worker is.  Technically you will not be a "social worker" (those with the degree get in a tizzy if you call yourself that and don't have the degree), however, you can work in the field of social services as a case manager, service worker, etc.

Answer 2

To be a social worker you need a minimum of a BSW from a program with a CSWE accredited program.  Now this will get you entry level jobs.  As others have pointed out the MSW (grad school MA level degree) is increasingly preferred and in order to get licensed at the clinical level you need the MSW (some states license or certify at the BA level.  Now all that said there are BA level positions in state agencies that will give you the title of social worker without a social work degree - however these are becoming less and less common as the field professionalizes.

Now you might also want to share with your father that with a BSW from a CSWE accredited program you can apply for Advanced Standing in an MSW program - thereby doing your MA in 1 year rather than two - So if you major in social work you can get your MA in 5 years rather than 6 if you do your BA in sociology (that is quite a savings of MONEY - Dad's usually understand this).

As for other evidence - Look at the job announcements for social worker in your local or regional paper - you will see very quickly that they are looking for BSW or in most cases MSW.

People with a BSW or MSW also make more and have more upward mobility in human service jobs than those with BA's in sociology or psychology

DA

Answer 3

Sociology will not get you a social work job.  I had a degree in History and it helped me get into the school of Social Work and then I got my B.S.W.  That way it took six years of University.  Social Work is a specialized field. The research components of sociology can help but it isn't enough. You need to understand the welfare system (even if you don't work in it) Gerontology and so much more.  I'd go to a school that specifically offers that program.  You need to remember to keep a balance in your life so keep your social contacts, some exercise and even an artistic talent.

You need the support and other things that take you out of that world occasionally and give you balance.

Good luck to you.  We can always use good social workers out there.

Answer 4

Well, I don't have "hard evidence," but I am a sociology major, so I'm pretty familiar with the field.

I do know that social work requires at least a Master's degree in social work, and sociology is an absolutely perfect area for you to study for an undergraduate degree if you plan to go into social work.  Sociology is a great field of study for people who want to go into social services, including social work.

Because social work requires a master's degree, you could study pretty much anything right now, but a degree in sociology will definitely provide you with a lot of valuable education in the area, and increase your chances to get into a graduate program in social work.  Hope I helped!

Answer 5

Hey there,

The only way to truly find the hard evidence that you need is to go to your states licensing board for social workers. It will list exactly what you need, down to the exact classes you have to take to get licensed.

I almost got a degree in social work because the college I began at only offered it. But, I transfered and got a degree in Psychology knowing that I wanted get a M.S. in Counseling and Human Development from that same school.

The social work degree is alot more marketable in my home state. I also want to say this........... Social work licensing boards have been around a long time. Its a beautiful degree. If you want to do social work you better stick to the social work degree.

Good luck and welcome to the field....

Answer 6

In order to get LICENSED for Social Work you must attend a  college approved only by your state's approved schools for social work studies.

The exam requires licensing and usually at the Master's level.

Here is some info that may help:

http://www.aswb.org/lic_req.shtml