An associate degree in social work, which takes about two years to complete, prepares students to work in a supporting role within a social services setting, but does not usually qualify students for direct service positions. Associate degrees, like doctorate degrees, are not accredited by the CSWE since neither prepares students to work as professional, licensed social workers. However, students who wish to become licensed may choose to complete their two-year degree and then transfer into a bachelor's of social work program or into another relevant degree program.
In order to gain an entry-level position in the social work field, students can complete a bachelor's degree in social work. Students with a Bachelor of Social Work, or BSW, are prepared for positions involving direct work with clients, such as in a mental health or casework setting. Though students can also find social work positions with related bachelor's degrees, such as psychology or sociology, BSW programs include a valuable fieldwork component. Courses provide a background in social policy and diversity, among other topics.
A Master of Social Work, or MSW, is the minimum degree required to be a licensed, practicing social worker. MSW programs allow specialization in assessments, supervisory experience and clinical skills. Like the BSW, the MSW has a clinical experience component. MSW programs generally take two years to complete. However, some schools offer an accelerated track for students who have completed a BSW. MSW graduates must pass an exam and complete around two years of supervised postgraduate work experience in order to earn a license to practice clinically, though specific requirements vary by state.
The field of social work offers two types of doctorate degrees: the DSW and the PhD. According to the CSWE, DSW programs traditionally offered more advanced clinical practice, while the PhD gave students a research focus. However, many schools today use the terms interchangeably. No matter the name of the degree, it generally takes between five and seven years for students to earn a doctorate, during which time they complete at least 45 hours of coursework, a qualifying exam and a dissertation. Doctorate-educated social workers may find positions at research institutions, universities, public policy organizations or consulting firms.
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts that employment opportunities in social work will grow 25 percent from 2010 to 2020, which is faster than average for all professions. Employment opportunities for healthcare social workers will grow even more -- 34 percent -- in that same time period. In May 2012, the Bureau reported that social workers in all fields earned an average of $47,370 per year. Child, school and family social workers earned $45,300 annually, while mental health and substance abuse social workers made $43,340. Health care social workers earned the most of any designated social work specialty, taking home $51,460 per year.