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Social workers play a pivotal role in society, providing much-needed services to individuals, families, and communities. Their dedication and commitment to improving the well-being of vulnerable populations make them indispensable to our society. 

Over the years, the social work profession has experienced remarkable growth, expanding its reach and impact across various sectors. People in search of a meaningful career path serving as advocates for those facing adversity, championing their rights, and promoting social justice can find becoming a social worker a fulfilling choice.

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, overall employment of social workers is projected to grow more than 10% by the end of the decade, faster than the average for all occupations. There are many benefits of a career in social work, especially for candidates holding a master’s degree in social work. Their specialized knowledge and skills will open up advancement opportunities and allow them to take on more complex challenges in leadership roles. 

The Master of Social Work Program (MSW) at Keuka College is taught by a distinguished faculty of licensed and experienced social work practitioners, guiding graduates for key leadership roles in various social work settings, including health care, education and community organizations.

Keuka College is recognized as the top BSW-conferring college in New York and is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE). Students who enroll in the online MSW program can study from any of Keuka’s authorized 49 states (all states except Colorado) without moving to campus. While the coursework is 100% online, Keuka’s clinical MSW program offers students the opportunity to engage in hands-on experiences through field placements in their local communities, allowing students to apply their knowledge and skills to real-world situations and gain valuable clinical experience working with diverse populations.

Importantly, with the support of the college’s field placement services and career advisory services, students have the opportunity to gain experience in field work within their locale, where they are more likely to meet potential employers.

Keuka College’s online MSW program may be taken on a part-time basis and students in the traditional track will complete their studies in three years, fulfilling 60 credit hours and 900 field practicum hours. Students who already possess a Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) only require 33 credit hours and 500 field practicum hours and can complete the program in 1.7 years. 

Keuka College’s MSW program equips students with clinical mental health treatment skills to address the growing need in today’s society for mental health services. Its comprehensive program syllabus, emphasizing hands-on learning in various social settings, prepares students to take on specialist and leadership positions in many fields, including mental health, addiction, family and youth services and more.

For more information on becoming a social worker, read https://onlinedegrees.keuka.edu/blog/become-social-worker

Earning a clinical MSW degree offers a fair degree of versatility in meeting the increasing demand for social workers. 

Among the two broad types of social work services – direct services and clinical social work – there are distinct differences which MSW candidates should note, with each area of practice focusing on supporting individuals, families, and communities with its unique approach and scope of work. 

The primary goal of direct services social work is to address critical needs to improve clients’ quality of life, working closely to help them access community services, financial aid, housing, healthcare and other essential resources. On the other hand, clinical social work encompasses a broader and yet more specialized approach, including assessing and diagnosing mental health disorders, providing psychotherapy and counseling services and developing treatment plans.

The recognition of mental health as an integral part of overall health has contributed to the increased demand for clinical social workers who often work as part of interdisciplinary teams, collaborating with psychiatrists, psychologists, nurses, and other healthcare professionals. Many healthcare systems and insurance providers now prioritize mental health services and this has led to a greater demand for qualified clinical social workers.

Keuka College’s online MSW program prepares students for the challenges that clinical social workers will face in private practice, hospitals, and mental health agencies. The online MSW program is designed to inculcate Keuka College’s values in service, inclusivity, compassion, and social justice—the very values that all social workers must possess to make a difference in the lives of their clients and in the world.

About the University: 

Keuka College is a private liberal arts college offering undergraduate and graduate programs in arts and sciences and professional programs in nursing and social work. Located on the shores of Keuka Lake in New York State’s Finger Lakes region, it now offers an online Master of Social Work program in traditional and advanced tracks to reach out to busy and professional adults. The fully online program is taught by a faculty of licensed and experienced social work practitioners. Along with top-quality learning, the college offers various resources and support services, including field placements in their local community.

Media Contact
Company Name: Keuka College
Contact Person: Kevin Frisch, Director of Communications and Media Relations
Email: Send Email
Address:141 Central Avenue
City: Keuka Park
State: NY 14478
Country: United States
Website: https://onlinedegrees.keuka.edu/