Master of Social Work Degree

About this field

Social workers help individuals, families, groups, organizations and communities restore and enhance their capacity for social functioning. Social Workers care about their fellow citizens, want to help people improve their situations and strive to make a positive difference in people’s lives. The social work program at Valdosta State University prepares students for clinical practice and licensure in social work and produces graduates who are qualified to practice with diverse populations in multiple settings.

The Valdosta State Difference

The Master of Social Work program at Valdosta State is offered in a hybrid format. All social work faculty members have practiced as professional social workers, are knowledgeable in a variety of areas and have experience working with many different client populations. Students in the program gain invaluable field experience by completing two separate year-long practicum placements. Students have opportunities to gain additional experience by participating in My Friend's House, a program sponsored by the Valdosta State social work department. My Friend’s House is dedicated to providing a safe environment for those who are impaired by Alzheimer's disease and dementia.

What You'll Learn

The Master of Social Work program at Valdosta State prepares students for advanced generalist practice. Social workers in advanced generalist practice use their skills as direct service providers in interventions with individuals, families, groups, organizations and communities. Students in the social work program learn about both clinical and community practice and are able to develop the requisite skills to practice in many settings such as schools, hospitals, mental health, residential treatment, child welfare, forensic, geriatric, hospice and more. The program combines coursework and practicums to prepare graduates for careers in the field.

Careers

• Case Manager
• Caseworker
• Child and Family Specialist
• Child Welfare Worker
• Client Advocate
• Clinical Social Worker
• Community Living Specialist
• Community Services Agency Director
• Crisis Counselor
• Director of Social Services
• Family Counselor

• Family Services Social Worker
• Geriatric Social Worker
• International Social Worker
• Medical Social Worker
• Mental Health Social Worker
• Occupational Social Worker
• Policy and Planning Specialist
• School Social Worker
• Social Work Researcher
• Social Worker
• Substance Use Counselor