Bachelor's Degree

• The minimum requirement to work as a social worker is a bachelor's degree in social work, also known as a BSW, or a related field such as sociology or psychology. Obtaining this degree typically takes four years. With a bachelor's degree, you may qualify for jobs with small nonprofit agencies along with positions with private and state agencies. Typical jobs that are filled by people holding a BSW are positions with child protective services and working in residential treatment facilities. The type of social work job you get with a bachelor's degree is unlikely to include any supervisory duties.
  
  

Master's Degree

• With a master's degree, otherwise known as an MSW, in social work, you will qualify for many more jobs. A master's degree in social work takes two to three additional years of coursework after you receive your bachelor's degree. Get your master's degree, and you could become a school social worker or work as a social worker in a hospital or other medical center. With an MSW in social work, you can also set up a private counseling practice.
  
  Individuals who want to teach social work at the university level must usually have a Ph.D. or DSW to work at this level. Gaining this degree will take upwards to three years to complete in addition to prior coursework.
  
  

Licensure

• Both bachelor's and master's level social workers can obtain licensure. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, in most states this requires two years or 3,000 hours of supervised clinical experience. This experience consists of practicing as a social worker under the guidance of a licensed social worker who reviews and evaluates your work and signs off on the necessary paperwork. After licensure, a person holding a BSW will have the initials LBSW after her name, while a licensed holder of an MSW will have the initials LMSW, with the "L" signifying professional licensure.
  
  

Work Experience

• When preparing for a career in social work, don't overlook the value of work experience. Many agencies value "real-world" experience as it demonstrates that the candidate can handle the stresses of the job and has previously demonstrated good decision-making skills. While you are in college, work part-time at a social-service agency or offer your services as a volunteer. This may make all the difference once you are competing in the job market.