Beginning a Human Services Career

I would like to pursue a career in human services to become a social worker. In particular, I would like to work with mentally and developmentally handicapped clients. What degree should I pursue and what will it involve?

A bachelor's degree in social work would be a good choice. If you already have your bachelor's degree, consider earning a master's degree in social work (MSW), as many organizations now require one for direct work with clients. You should be able to find a degree program that offers courses specifically focused on working with mentally and developmentally handicapped individuals. In addition to traditional campus settings, many online degree programs are available in social work, at both the bachelor's and master's level.

Whether you study online or on campus, make sure your degree program is accredited by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE). The CSWE website offers a search page, so you can check to see if individual degree programs are accredited. If you earn your degree from a CSWE-accredited program, you should be eligible to take a state exam to become a licensed social worker.

In most Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) programs, you should complete general education courses in the first two years and take classes specific to your field during the last two. In either BSW or MSW (Master of Social Work) programs, you should expect to complete an unpaid internship, for which you can gain both college credit and real work experience in the field.

Good luck!