Georgia MSW Programs
Schools with MSW Programs
Social Work Licensure
Social Work Careers
MSW programs were developed to give social work a higher focus for graduate level students. These programs cater to professionals that have experience with social work, as well as for those that are new to the field.
While in MSW programs in Georgia, students can learn how to assess individual lifestyles and behaviors to determine proper methods of improvement throughout the lifespan. Most MSW programs within the state should help prepare you for your Georgia licensure exam.
Social work professionals can be found in many diverse fields, making the curriculum a vital component in gaining the necessary knowledge for practice.
MSW Programs in Georgia
Social work professionals can be a providing resource for individuals from various walks of life. If you have decided that this career field is the right one for you, you may want to consider online MSW programs for your education.
Not only can online MSW programs provide you with a high-quality curriculum and self-practice, but they can allow you to continue with a full-time job while enrolled.
In the state of Georgia, students may have the option to pursue their MSW through hybrid programs available through Valdosta State University.
Valdosta State University MSW Program
While this university is located primarily in Valdosta, Georgia, it can provide educational opportunities to students all over the state. This program can help students learn more about social issues that can affect the quality of life of those around them.
Through a thorough curriculum, students can learn how to identify financial weaknesses and provide support to individuals or families that may need access to particular resources in their community. Some specializations for MSW programs may include Clinical Social Work, Child and Family Services, Medical Social Work and Leadership and Development.
Valdosta State University Also Has a Hybrid Online MSW
Valdosta State University can provide students with the option to complete their program through hybrid format. While not completely online, this program offers flexible components that can assist students with achieving their degree without having to attend classes full-time. The entire program consists of 60 credit hours that can be completed in around 2 years for most students. The curriculum at this university can prepare learners for careers as child and family specialists, client advocates, or occupational social workers.
University of Georgia MSW
At the University of Georgia, students can enroll in a MSW program that was designed to help students become more effective professionals. This program can be completed in around 2 years for most students, but flexibility is definitely an option for busy professionals.
Kennesaw State University MSW
Another university in Georgia offering this versatile degree program is Kennesaw State University. At this school, students can obtain a MSW through rigorous course work that includes courses such as Social Work Practice, Human Behavior in a Social Environment, and Social Work Forensics. Popular cities for MSW students in Georgia include Athens, Atlanta, and Kennesaw.
If You Do Not Yet Have a Bachelors: View BSW programs in Georgia(includes online).
Online MSW Programs in Georgia
With the 100% online Master of Social Work at the University of Kentucky, you can earn a CSWE-accredited MSW that meets all the requirements for licensure in Georgia through a school that’s been preparing social workers for more than 80 years.
The advantage of online MSW programs goes well beyond just attending class from home. In the world's current state, it is unrealistic to assume that all people can take time off of work and go back to college. At the master's level, students are typically already working in the field and just looking for extra education and experience to find better paying careers.
Online MSW programs can be attended from anywhere within the United States. The CSWE accredits programs from all over the country, opening up your options for obtaining a MSW in the most convenient way. Through online classrooms, teachers can provide study materials, communicate with students, and administer testing just like in a face-to-face environment.
Why consider studying your degree online?
If you are interested in taking part in online MSW programs as part of your plan for career advancement, take the time to research your state's requirements for licensure and locate a college that is open for enrollment today. Online MSW programs are a great way for students to become more educated about their field without having to dedicate many hours per week to traveling to class, as well as many hours within a classroom.
More students may be choosing the online route to their education due to the increase need for convenience surrounding a full-time job or busy family life. In Georgia, students can take part in programs that offer online classes and helpful weekend workshops on campus. This blend of educational resources can assist with maintaining current on social issues while gaining the skills necessary to help others in the field.
Georgia Social Worker Careers with an MSW Degree
If you are interested in learning more about what a career in Social Work looks like in Georgia, check out what is provided in the lists below. Salary information and treatment groups for each specialization can help you target which career might be the best option for you.
Child, Family, and School Social Workers
Average Salary - Median salary of $39,730 per year in Georgia. Child, Family, and School Social Workers can be extremely powerful supporters of children and families in need. Assistance with locating food and clothing resources, legal resources, and family therapy could be part of your role in this career, as well as advocating for the rights of those being treated.
The amount of social workers currently working in this specialty totals 5,420 for the state of Georgia. If you are interested in working with children, families, or within the school system, this area of expertise may be the right option for your MSW program.
Healthcare Social Workers
Average Salary - Median salary of $50,350 per year in Georgia. Healthcare Social Workers can help individuals as they work through diagnosed health-related illnesses and disorders. While in this position, you might assist clients with finding doctors or specialists for care, help with insurance company communication, and even find support groups to help them work through the emotional effects of long-term illnesses.
Healthcare social workers work hard to ensure that their clients are receiving the right type of care in a medical environment. There are 4,570 healthcare social workers in the state of Georgia, providing direct support and advocacy to their clients when dealing with the complex healthcare system.
Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workers
Average Salary - Median salary of $39,010 per year in Georgia. Social Workers in Georgia that are intrigued with the fields of Mental Health and Substance Abuse can become mentors and supporters of clients involved with these services. Treatment planning, locating additional services, and helping families understand addiction and mental illness may be an important part of your career on a daily basis.
Working in hospitals, mental health facilities, and rehabilitation centers, social workers within this field are needed to assist patients with receiving the right kind of services for their needs. In this field, 1,330 professionals are currently employed in the state of Georgia.
Social Workers, General / All Other
Average Salary - Median salary of $81,620 per year in Georgia. If you are interested in pursuing unique careers in Social Work, Georgia may offer many different alternative careers for you to pursue. Social Workers can work with clients working through the legal system, those involved with Children's or Adult's services, or even people seeking out specialized services for a wide variety of emotional, physical, or behavioral needs.
Social workers are an important component in gathering information, retaining services, and providing support to people in need. There are many different fields in society that call on social workers to help guide clients to a better lifestyle. In all other disciplines involving social work, there are 860 professionals employed in this state.
Social Worker Salaries in Georgia’s Metropolitan Areas
- Atlanta: $84,340 median salary per year
- Savannah: $79,720 median salary per year
- Augusta: $80,060 median salary per year
- Hinesville: $87,820 median salary per year
2021 US Bureau of Labor Statistics salary and employment figures for Child, Family, and School Social Workers; Healthcare Social Workers; Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workers; Social Workers, All other, reflect national data, not school-specific information. Conditions in your area may vary. Data accessed March 2023.
Georgia Social Work Licensure
The Georgia Board of Professional Counselors, Social Workers, and Marriage and Family Therapists is the responsible agency for licensing social work professionals in this state.
The most common license option for MSW graduates is the License Master Social Work (LMSW) option, which requires an accredited MSW degree and completion of the ASWB examination. Professionals interested in moving forward to licensure as Licensed Clinical Social Workers (LCSWs) may be required to engage in 3,000 hours of supervised field experience under a licensed supervisor.
Licensing Requirements for LCSW
In Georgia, upcoming LCSWs must obtain a minimum of a Master's degree in Social Work from a degree program accredited by the CSWE. After the completion of an accredited degree program, students can register for and begin gaining supervision hours under the direct supervision of a licensed clinical social worker.
Supervised clinical hours are required for field work/study
Georgia requires that students have a minimum of 3,000 supervised clinical hours accumulated in no less than 36 months. After prospective licensees have completed their field-work requirement, they may register for the board examination through Georgia's state board office. Successful completion of the board examination can place applicants in line for licensure after the appropriate background checks.
