We are independent & ad-supported. We may earn a commission for purchases made through our links.
Advertiser Disclosure
Our website is an independent, advertising-supported platform. We provide our content free of charge to our readers, and to keep it that way, we rely on revenue generated through advertisements and affiliate partnerships. This means that when you click on certain links on our site and make a purchase, we may earn a commission. Learn more.
How We Make Money
We sustain our operations through affiliate commissions and advertising. If you click on an affiliate link and make a purchase, we may receive a commission from the merchant at no additional cost to you. We also display advertisements on our website, which help generate revenue to support our work and keep our content free for readers. Our editorial team operates independently of our advertising and affiliate partnerships to ensure that our content remains unbiased and focused on providing you with the best information and recommendations based on thorough research and honest evaluations. To remain transparent, we’ve provided a list of our current affiliate partners here.
Education

Our Promise to you

Founded in 2002, our company has been a trusted resource for readers seeking informative and engaging content. Our dedication to quality remains unwavering—and will never change. We follow a strict editorial policy, ensuring that our content is authored by highly qualified professionals and edited by subject matter experts. This guarantees that everything we publish is objective, accurate, and trustworthy.

Over the years, we've refined our approach to cover a wide range of topics, providing readers with reliable and practical advice to enhance their knowledge and skills. That's why millions of readers turn to us each year. Join us in celebrating the joy of learning, guided by standards you can trust.

How do I Choose the Best Social Worker Classes?

Tricia Christensen
By
Updated: May 17, 2024
Views: 3,043
Share

Determining the best social worker classes may depend on a number of factors. These include the level of study of the student; some students are pursuing a bachelor’s degree, while others are studying for their master’s or doctorate in social work (MSW and DSW). Additionally, many people possess a license in social work, usually a licensed clinical social worker (LCSW) designation and may need to take classes as part of continuing education requirements. These considerations are matched by others, like requirements of a program or interest in different types of social work.

In any formal education setting certain social worker classes might be required for graduation. These will vary depending on the school and the level of degree being earned, but most people will have to take some required courses. At the same time, there is usually a certain amount of elective material, and what is offered at each college may differ slightly.

For those people working on a bachelor’s in social work and planning to eventually earn an MSW, elective courses that could be attractive include graduate level work. It’s possible that taking some senior level or graduate work may shorten a master’s program by as much as a year. Students will need to verify this with colleges to which they plan to apply.

At the MSW level, elective social worker classes often help people determine what area of the profession they’d like to enter. They could take classes that focus on family systems therapy, other forms of psychotherapy, community organization, or medical social work, for example. If people haven’t yet made a decision about how they’ll pursue their social work career, experimenting and taking classes in a couple of areas is advised.

Many MSW and DSW programs have thesis or dissertation requirements. This might also be a way people choose social worker classes. It can make sense to take courses that are closely tied to thesis/dissertation topics, since these may help with gaining more knowledge about particular subjects.

Some social workers are particularly interested in getting as much work experience as possible. Though most programs have a work component, there may be elective classes that allow for more opportunities to work in different fields. This could be of interest to certain students.

LCSWs typically have continuing education requirements. Some subjects might also be non-elective, particularly if there are major changes in regional laws to which a social worker will have to adhere. Other courses are very open and there are many potential electives.

Inexpensive classes might be offered through regional social worker licensing boards and some of these are online, taking little time to complete. Social worker classes of many other types exist and are taught by numerous sources. Professionals should simply verify that any classes meet regional board requirements

Share
WiseGeek is dedicated to providing accurate and trustworthy information. We carefully select reputable sources and employ a rigorous fact-checking process to maintain the highest standards. To learn more about our commitment to accuracy, read our editorial process.
Tricia Christensen
By Tricia Christensen
With a Literature degree from Sonoma State University and years of experience as a WiseGeek contributor, Tricia Christensen is based in Northern California and brings a wealth of knowledge and passion to her writing. Her wide-ranging interests include reading, writing, medicine, art, film, history, politics, ethics, and religion, all of which she incorporates into her informative articles. Tricia is currently working on her first novel.

Editors' Picks

Discussion Comments
Tricia Christensen
Tricia Christensen
With a Literature degree from Sonoma State University and years of experience as a WiseGeek contributor, Tricia...
Learn more
Share
https://www.wisegeek.net/how-do-i-choose-the-best-social-worker-classes.htm
Copy this link
WiseGeek, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.

WiseGeek, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.