As the backbone of the Canadian social infrastructure, social workers are on the front lines, offering key services to people at risk. It can be a demanding line of work, and preparing to face the challenges that arise on the job takes a lot of mental and emotional stamina. University degrees in social work give a student the necessary skills, and the theoretical and practical background necessary to grapple with real-world problems. But knowing how far to pursue education to achieve one's career goals can be a dilemma in itself. If ÔÇÿMaster's or Bachelor's?' is a burning question in your mind when considering your career in social work, read on!
It's important to note that policies and programs differ from school to school in Canada, or even in Ontario alone. At Ryerson, we offer a one year Master's program to those who've completed a Bachelor's in Social Work, says Judith Sandys, Interim Director of the School of Social Work at the university. When screening applicants for the program, there are some important factors that come into play. We look for students who have demonstrated a high academic achievement in the Bachelor's program, she continues. Also, ideally, people with substantial social work experience. At some universities, however, it's not necessary to have a Bachelor's in Social Work to enter the master's program. A lot of people come from psychology, political science or women's studies backgrounds, or even other professions, such as law, nursing or teaching, observes Andrea Litvack, Director of the Master's of Social Work program at the University of Toronto. The first year of our two year master's program is generic, introducing students to various subjects that are important. By the end of the first year, however, the playing field is pretty level. Those with a Bachelor's in Social Work enter the second year of the program.
One of the differences between obtaining a master's and a bachelor's in social work is the question of focus. The bachelor's is a generalist degree that prepares students to work in a variety of settings, while the master's is characterized by particular areas of specialization, says Sandys. The master's curriculum includes theories, policies and practices relevant to a student's major area of social work practice. This is also the case at the University of Toronto. Our master's offers a specialized understanding of social work, explains Litvack. For example, if you choose to pursue a specialization in mental health, you'll have a much better grasp of issues, work and research in that area. It's not all theory, however, as Social Work is one of the more applied areas of the social sciences. At Ryerson, our master's program includes 450 hours of field experience, confirms Sandys.
As far as preparing to undertake a master's, there are some important things to keep in mind. It's an intellectually demanding degree, so the best way to prepare is through diligent work at the undergrad level, Sandys advises. Students should develop skills in critical analysis and reflective practice, and good, clear writing skills are a major asset. Also, experience working with diverse populations is a must ' the more, the better.
A master's degree can be a valuable asset for recent graduates and experienced social workers alike. It enhances one's employability in the short run, says Sandys, and increases the likelihood of moving into supervisory roles in the future. Of course, the decision to pursue further education should always be subject to a person's view of the big picture. I think it's important to have a clear understanding of what social work is, and why a student is choosing social work as a career, as opposed to law, sociology or another related field, says Litvack. A person's academic and practical background should also factor into the decision. Consider whether you've had a solid enough experiential background to get the benefit from advanced study, cautions Sandys. Students need to have a solid understanding of the societal factors that lead to the marginalization of certain groups within society, and be deeply committed to issues of social justice and equity. This commitment is important, as the stakes are high and the road is long. I would urge prospective students to consider whether they're up to the difficult but rewarding task of working to promote change," continues Sandys, even it requires years of dedicated effort.
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