Social Worker
Career Description
Social workers aid individuals, groups and communities. In a medical setting, they help patients and their families manage problems related to physical, mental or emotional illness and disability.
Academic Requirements
An individual may qualify as a social worker at several educational levels. A bachelor’s degree in social work (BSW) can be obtained from nearly 400 programs in the United States. A master’s degree in social work is offered by more than 125 colleges and universities, requires 900 hours of fieldwork and takes two years to complete. The master’s degree is appropriate for those interested in health and mental health social work. The doctor of social work degree (DSW), with approximately 63 programs nationwide, is required for college and university teaching positions and any formal social work research positions.
Schools
Lindenwood University
636/949-4949
Saint Louis University
800/SLU-FORU
University of Missouri-St. Louis
314/516-5000
Washington University
800/638-0700
Professional Associations
National
National Association of Social Workers
State
Missouri State Committee for Social Workers
National Association of Social Workers — Missouri Chapter
Additional Information
Learn More About Mental and Social HealthRead Personal Accounts of Current Social Workers
