Social work is often considered interchangeable with counseling or therapy, but, depending on the role, you might work in direct service, case management, crisis support, advocacy, policy work or community-based support. Social workers often serve children, families, older adults, veterans, students, patients and underserved communities, depending on the setting and specialization.
That variety means you can find a path that fits your interests, values and community — whether you're drawn to direct service or systemic change. Some social workers spend their time helping people navigate services and resources, while others focus on systems-level work like policy or community programs. If you want a career that lets you support people in different ways, social work gives you that flexibility.
"For any student interested in social work, you'll want to figure out what your "why" is," said Dr. Elisa Kawam, a professor and MSW program coordinator at Arizona State University's School of Social Work. "Oftentimes, students go into social work because of a personal experience or because they saw someone experience a certain type of difficulty in their lives. Knowing why, even if it's as simple as wanting to help people or make a change, sets the foundation".
"If you're interested in helping people while growing and developing your skill set in a meaningful career, social work is an excellent choice," said Dr. Marcos Martinez, an assistant teaching professor and the online program coordinator at ASU's School of Social Work.
What degree do you need to become a social worker?
The degree you need depends on the role you want to pursue. For many entry-level positions, a bachelor's degree is the first major step. If you want to move into advanced practice, leadership, or licensure, a master's degree is often required.
ASU Online offers both an online Bachelor of Social Work and an online Master of Social Work, which creates a clear route from undergraduate preparation to graduate-level advancement. If you want a path that can grow with your goals, that kind of structure can make the process feel more manageable.
What courses do you need to become a social worker?
In your coursework, you'll study areas like human behavior and the social environment, social welfare policy, research methods, ethics and professional practice, diversity and cultural competence, and practice with individuals, families and communities. These subjects help you understand both the people you serve and the systems around them.
You also build practical skills that matter in real-world work. That includes communication, assessment, advocacy and problem-solving, along with field education that helps you apply what you learn in practice settings. At ASU Online, the Bachelor of Social Work includes a 480-hour practicum in your geographic region, and the Master of Social Work includes 960 hours of applied practicum education at two distinct internship sites that are near where you're based.
You can explore our degree pages linked above to learn more about the courses we offer. But some example courses for both undergraduate and graduate students include:
- Foundations of social work practice
- Ethics in social services
- Statistics for social workers
- Advanced social work practice
- Assessment of mental disorders
- Human/behavior/social environment
These types of experiences are helpful in building your knowledge through practical scenarios. You'll also be better prepared for a successful career upon graduation due to the expertise you gained both through your courses and these practicums.
How a social work degree prepares you for licensure
Depending on the state you live in, you may need to obtain licensure from the Association of Social Work Boards (ASWB) to practice as a clinical social worker. The licensure qualifications vary significantly between each state so it's important to check with your state's licensing board to ensure you have met all the requirements. In addition, you might need to complete a set amount of supervised clinical hours and fulfill other educational requirements to qualify.
ASU Online's social work degree generally satisfies the applicable educational requirements for licensure or certification in most states. However, certain states require specific coursework that should be completed as an elective course. Please confirm with your academic advisor the courses you should take depending on your state's educational requirements.
Social work careers you can pursue after graduation
Social work careers can be found in schools, hospitals, agencies, nonprofits, mental health settings and community organizations. Because the field touches so many parts of public life, it offers a wide range of possible work environments and service areas.
The profession also carries a strong public-service mission, which can make it especially meaningful over the long term.
Additionally, the need for social work is growing. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, social work employment is projected to grow 6% from 2024 to 2034, and the median annual wage for all social workers was $61,330 in May 2024. That combination of mission and stability makes social work both purposeful and practical.
Misconceptions about pursuing a social work degree online
There are still a lot of assumptions about what it means to earn a social work degree online. Some of them can make the path feel less credible or less accessible than it actually is. Here are a few common myths:
- "Online social work programs are not as rigorous as in-person programs."
- All of ASU's online programs, including its social work degrees, follow the same academic standards as their in-person counterparts. You'll still complete coursework in areas like human behavior, policy, ethics and research, and you'll be expected to meet the same learning outcomes. The format is different, but the expectations and depth of learning are comparable.
- "You cannot get real field experience through an online program."
- Field education is a core part of social work training, regardless of how you take your classes. Online programs like ASU Online include practicum placements in your local area, so you can gain hands-on experience in real settings like schools, clinics or community organizations. That means you're still applying what you learn in meaningful, supervised environments.
- "Social work is only about therapy or counseling."
- Therapy is one path, but it's far from the only one. Social workers also focus on case management, advocacy, crisis support, community programs and policy work. An online program prepares you for that same range of roles, not just clinical practice.
- "You need to live near campus to succeed in the program."
- Online learning is designed to meet you where you are. You don't need to relocate to access coursework, faculty or support resources. At the same time, you're not learning in isolation. You'll still engage in discussions, complete applied assignments and build skills that connect directly to real-world practice.
Taken together, these programs are built to balance flexibility with structure. You can complete your coursework online while still gaining practical experience, building professional skills and preparing for the realities of social work in your own community.
How does an online social work degree work?
ASU Online supports social work learners through flexible scheduling and access to coursework from anywhere. You follow the same curriculum and earn the same degree as what's available on campus, which gives you a clear academic connection to a well-established program.
The platform is still designed to include applied learning and practical experiences that prepare you for real-world work. That means you can keep moving toward your goals without relocating or putting your life on hold.
Curious to learn more? Explore our online social work programs: