Do you consider yourself a compassionate and driven individual? Are you eager to make a lasting impact? If so, an MSW, Master of Social Work, might be your next step.
Imagine helping a family find stable housing after their primary breadwinner loses their job.
Or supporting a patient through the challenges of medical care after receiving a cancer diagnosis by connecting them to treatment options and financial aid.
A career in social work is more than a job — it’s a calling to create meaningful change in lives and communities.
If you have a Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) or degree in a related field, PLNU’s Master of Social Work program can help strengthen your impact and advance your career.
PLNU’s MSW degree program teaches practical skills. It emphasizes strong values aimed at helping students serve others with integrity. The moment our graduates receive their diplomas they’re ready to head into the world and lead in mental health, policy change, and program development.
Learn more about PLNU’s MSW degree program.
Maybe you’re asking, “Should I get an MSW degree? Do I have the qualifications? How long will it take?”
All great questions.
In this article, you’ll discover:
- What an MSW is and the skills it provides.
- The key benefits and career opportunities of earning an MSW.
- Why PLNU is the ideal place to pursue this degree.
Let’s begin by discussing what an MSW entails.
What is an MSW Degree?
An MSW builds on the foundation of a BSW or similar degrees. This degree prepares students for advanced social work roles, such as clinical practice, leadership, and policy advocacy.
Earning an MSW equips students with the specialized skills necessary to make a greater impact, enabling them to tackle the root causes of social challenges. These challenges include addiction, homelessness, unemployment, disability, and lack of access to healthcare.
The MSW curriculum at PLNU focuses on:
- Clinical and community-based social work
- Advanced research and policy creation
- Leadership development
Our students develop expertise in mental health counseling, advocacy for marginalized groups, and program development. These skills open the doors to diverse MSW careers and empower graduates to drive lasting change.
If you’re passionate about leadership, serving others, and creating brighter futures, this degree might be the right move for you.
4 Key Benefits of an MSW Degree
The benefits of an MSW for social workers ready to take their careers to the next level include:
1. Expanded Career Opportunities
An MSW degree qualifies you for specialized clinical and macro social work roles. Clinical social work involves providing direct care and therapeutic services to individuals, families, and groups.
MSW job opportunities in clinical social work include:
- Licensed clinical social worker (LCSW)
- School social worker
- Healthcare social worker
- Substance abuse counselor
- Family and marriage therapist
Macro social work focuses on the bigger picture. Macro social workers improve social systems at the community or societal level.
Careers with an MSW in macro social work include:
- Program administrator
- Policy analyst or advisor
- Community organizer
- Nonprofit executive director
- Corporate social responsibility (CSR) specialist
Clinical and macro social work aims to improve people’s lives and communities. They both have a client-centered focus and a commitment to social justice.
2. Advanced Skills
PLNU’s MSW degree program teaches students how to advance in social work through proficiency in clinical counseling, case management, and leadership.
Graduates gain knowledge in:
- Trauma-informed care
- Mental health counseling
- Client advocacy
- Program administration
Our curriculum and hands-on fieldwork ensure you graduate with practical experience. This way you’re ready to make an immediate impact once entering the workforce.
3. Increased Earning Potential
The average salary for MSW professionals in the United States is $79,318 as of 2024, roughly $10,000–$15,000 higher than those with a Bachelor of Social Work (BSW).
Due to the high demand and expertise required, specialized fields offer competitive salaries. These fields include criminal justice, social work, and disaster crisis intervention.
And with social work employment expected to grow by 9% by 2031, an MSW degree is a smart investment in your future.
4. Professional Credibility and Impact.
An MSW enhances your credibility, establishing you as a trusted expert in the field. This credibility allows you to lead, advocate for underrepresented populations, and drive systemic change.
With an MSW, you can:
- Empower individuals and families
- Advance community well-being
- Promote social justice
- Support crisis response
One of the top reasons to pursue an MSW is the combination of meaningful work and professional authority.
Let’s discuss the diverse career paths available to those with an MSW.
Career Opportunities with an MSW
Here’s a closer look at some of the most rewarding MSW job opportunities available.
Clinical social work jobs include:
- Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW): Provides therapy, diagnoses mental health conditions, and develops treatment plans.
- School Social Worker: Addresses students’ social, emotional, and academic challenges by collaborating with teachers, families, and administrators.
- Healthcare Social Worker: Helps patients and families navigate the medical system and coordinate end-of-life care.
- Substance Abuse Counselor: Supports individuals struggling with addiction through therapy, recovery plans, and community resource connections.
- Family and Marriage Therapist: Strengthens relationships, resolves conflicts, and improves communication for couples and families.
- Geriatric Social Worker: Provides counseling, referrals, and coordinates care to elderly people.
Macro Social Work Jobs Include:
- Program Administrator: Manages the creation, execution, and evaluation of social service programs for nonprofits and government agencies.
- Policy Analyst or Advisor: Develops policies for advocacy groups and government offices to address poverty, healthcare, and housing inequality.
- Community Organizer: Empowers communities to address issues, secure resources, and influence decision-making at all levels.
- Nonprofit Executive Director: Leads social cause organizations, managing budgets, staff, and strategic service delivery.
- Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) Specialist: Partners with businesses to develop initiatives supporting community development and sustainability.
- Grant Writer: Secures funding for social service programs by researching, drafting, and submitting proposals on behalf of an organization.
If you’re excited about earning an MSW degree, it’s more attainable than you think.
Here’s how.
______
Who are you called to be?
Pursue your purpose at PLNU.
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The Path to Obtaining an MSW Degree
Earning an MSW degree at PLNU equips you with the skills, experience, and support to thrive as a social worker immediately after graduation.
Here’s what you can expect on your path to earning an MSW degree at PLNU.
Academic Prerequisites Required
- A BSW or a related undergraduate degree.
- Applicants without a BSW can substitute relevant coursework in psychology, sociology, or human services.
- A GPA of at least 3.00 in your most recent 60 semester units.
The Application Process
- Complete an online application with transcripts, letters of recommendation, and a personal statement.
- Include a required $50 non-refundable application fee.
The MSW Program at PLNU
- The curriculum covers clinical counseling, program administration, research, and team management.
- Hands-on fieldwork ensures you’re ready to succeed immediately in the workforce.
- Prepares you for licensure in all U.S. states and Canada.
- Specialized concentrations include Clinical Practice, Medical Social Work, Child Welfare, and Community Advocacy and Program Administration.
Program Timeline
- The full-time program takes 12–24 months to complete.
- The part-time program takes 3–4 years, offering flexibility for working professionals.
Practical Training and Mentorship
- Field placements are a cornerstone of PLNU’s MSW program, providing direct experience with clients and communities.
- The curriculum integrates fieldwork, ensuring graduates gain real-world experience.
- PLNU provides mentorship from experienced staff with expertise in clinical, community, and public sectors.
Contact our enrollment counselors with any questions about your qualifications or the program.
Pursue Your MSW with PLNU
While the tangible benefits of an MSW degree are important, few careers offer the same potential for meaningful change as social work. Pursuing an MSW at PLNU means joining a faith-driven community focused on servant leadership, hands-on learning, and meaningful engagement with your community.
PLNU’s Master of Social Work program is launching in Fall 2025. Now is the perfect time to take the next step toward earning your MSW degree. Explore PLNU’s MSW program features, application details, and extra resources.
Earn your MSW and empower a youth in foster care.
Help break the cycle of addiction.
Or tackle hunger by creating community programs.
Most of all, it influences the systems that shape people’s futures. Start your journey with PLNU. Take the first step toward earning an MSW to transform lives and create a lasting legacy for individuals and communities.
