Before applying to a social work graduate program, students must complete their undergraduate degree, preferably in a social science. After that, students must take the Graduate Record Examination, commonly known as the GRE, for admission to graduate school. They also must write a letter of intent, receive letters of recommendation, obtain transcripts from all colleges or universities attended, and fill out the necessary application forms.
Though an undergraduate degree in social work is not always required, it is helpful and can grant students advanced standing status in a graduate program. Other helpful undergraduate degree programs include psychology, human development, counseling, anthropology, criminology and child development. In addition, students should consider taking classes in social and biological sciences, basic statistics and research methodology.
While social work graduate programs vary, most have similar core classes. Students earning a Master in Social Work can expect to take courses in social work theory and methods, foundation field instruction, social welfare programs and policies, clinical care of children and human behavior in the social environment. Most programs allow students to further specialize their degree by taking electives and conducting fieldwork.
According to the Princeton Review website, accredited MSW programs require 900 hours of fieldwork to be completed over two years. In most programs, students complete their field assignments during their first year of study. Practicing social work requires a license. Students who complete an MSW program at a Council on Social Work Education-accredited school and pass their state's Association of Social Work Boards exam will become licensed. After completing their master's degree, graduates can work as counselors in hospitals, at family counseling services in community centers, in the court system and as counselors for addictive or physical disorders.