Where will your master’s degree in Social Work take you?

Where will your master’s degree in Social Work take you?

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    The University of Louisville’s online Master of Science in Social Work (MSSW) program prepares students for a rewarding career in the field of helping others, becoming change makers and giving back to their community. Within the highly ranked and accredited MSSW program, offered through the Raymond A. Kent School of Social Work & Family Science, students have the option of customizing their degree to align with their specific interests by choosing from one of five concentration paths. The five concentrations include Alcohol and Drug Counseling, Gerontology, Mental Health, Military Social Work and Psychosocial Oncology. Upon completion of UofL’s online Master’s in Social Work degree, graduates will be eligible to become Certified Social Worker (CSW) or Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) in their respected state. As requirements vary by state, students are encouraged to view the licensing requirements for their specific state(s) in which they wish to practice in, prior to completing their degree.  

    As within any field of study, the job opportunities vary depending on a student’s interest of study. Earning your MSSW with a concentration will better prepare graduates for the diverse and ever-changing field of social work. The following information highlights the specific concentrations within the MSSW degree and highlights the various places of employment graduates can work post-graduation. 

    Alcohol & Drug Counseling Concentration: 

    The Alcohol & Drug Counseling concentration prepares graduates with the knowledge and background needed to secure and succeed in a career as a substance abuse counselor or case manager. As substance abuse continues to climb throughout the United States, graduates within the Alcohol and Drug Concentration are prepared with the knowledge and skills to combat the epidemic. The coursework also fulfills some requirements needed to earn the Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor (CADC) certification. Some occupational career paths post-graduation include: 

    • Medical, psychiatric, and substance abuse hospitals 
    • Outpatient substance abuse clinics 
    • Inpatient detoxification and rehabilitation facilities  
    • Residential intellectual and developmental disability, mental health, and substance abuse facilities 
    • Private practice 
    • Physicians’ offices 

    Gerontology Concentration: 

    Gerontology concentration empowers students to become leaders in the dynamic field of aging and social work. This concentration is geared towards meeting the demand for social workers trained to respond to the needs of older adults and their families. Students who graduate with their MSSW concentration in Gerontology will benefit from field practice in a variety of gerontology programs as well as affording graduates the opportunities to network with professionals and build meaningful relationships with older adults. Some occupational career paths post-graduation include: 

    • All-inclusive care for the elderly facilities 
    • Specialized senior assistance programs 
    • Hospices 
    • Nursing homes 
    • Residential care facilities 

    Mental Health Concentration: 

    The Mental Health concentration delivers the necessary preparation and knowledge for anyone considering entering the mental health field as a social worker. Studies in this specialization focus around theories on the progression and cause of mental illness as well as diagnostic and assessment skills, all in the context of social work practice. Students will learn about the available mental health services and policies and experience the field firsthand with an advanced practicum rotation. Some occupational career paths post-graduation include: 

    • Private practice 
    • Hospitals  
    • Mental health clinics 
    • Rehabilitation treatment facilities 
    • Community health organizations 
    • Residential care facilities 

    Military Concentration: 

    The Military Social Work concentration prepares students to support active-duty service members, veterans and their families. Coursework focuses on theoretical perspectives and policy implications relevant to these groups, as well as programs and application of interventions to ameliorate them. Some occupational career paths post-graduation include: 

    • Military bases and units 
    • Medical facilities 
    • Military support centers 
    • Veteran Affairs health centers 
    • Community service organizations  
    • Private practices 

    Psychosocial Oncology Concentration: 

    The Psychosocial Oncology online concentration addresses an evolving demand for skilled professionals who understand the complexities surrounding the psychosocial health needs of persons with cancer. Coursework emphasizes application of clinical skills across the cancer continuum. Graduates of this concentration receive a Certificate in Psychosocial Oncology in tandem with their master’s degree. Some occupational career paths post-graduation include: 

    • Hospice  
    • Cancer treatment centers 
    • Private practice 
    • Hospitals  
    • Rehabilitation treatment facilities 
    • Community health organizations 

    According to the Bureau of Labor and Statistics, employment of social workers is projected to grow 9 percent from 2021 to 2031. The online Master of Science in Social Work degree is designed for the next generation of social workers, preparing them to promote social justice and be positive change agents in their community. Whether you are looking to work in a hospital, residential treatment center or a wide variety of other occupational career paths; earning your master’s degree from University of Louisville will position you for a successful career in social work. If you are interested in learning more about the various concentrations or the program as a whole, click here.   
    Student Spotlight: Healthcare Leadership Student Answers 5 of Our Questions

    Student Spotlight: Healthcare Leadership Student Answers 5 of Our Questions

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    Jenna Braden is a UofL Online student pursuing a BS in Organizational Leadership & Learning, with a track focus in Healthcare Leadership. She is also currently employed at Humana as a Manager for HPS Clinical Formulary Administration. Today, we’ll be reviewing her answers to some of our student spotlight questions to better understand her program and how it will prepare her for future career success! As Jenna notes, “This program was designed to transform the learning and college experience, making a degree possible for anyone, at any stage of life.”  

    Let’s dive into her responses to our questions!  

    1. Why did you select the HCL program? I am currently in a Healthcare Leadership role and was looking for a degree program that would directly tie back to my career aspirations. While my college background was in Biology/Chemistry, I didn’t feel that continuing down that degree path would be as meaningful to my future success. The HCL program focus was exactly what I was looking for in a degree, so I knew right away it was the right program for me.

    2. What are you enjoying most about the program? The professors. The support and encouragement from the staff are outstanding. While I also love learning from the courses, I am most driven by how obvious it is that my professors also care about my success. They are great at giving direct, meaningful feedback and are thoughtful and encouraging in their responses. While I am motivated to succeed for my own career and personal growth, the support and motivation from the HCL staff makes it even easier to push myself to get there.

    3. Do you feel the program is providing the skills you need to be successful in your career? Definitely. The content covered in the program is specifically designed to help you develop skills rather than just learn information. The coursework helps you understand how to apply those skills in real ways, and the professors are great at guiding you through the content and application.  

    4. Would you recommend the program? Why? I would absolutely recommend the program, and I actually have recommended it to many of my colleagues and friends. The flexibility and applicability in the design of the program make it a great option for anyone looking for a career in healthcare leadership. It is tailored to individuals already in the workforce which is a unique quality of this program. It gives you the freedom to balance your life, job, and schoolwork in a way that works best for your lifestyle. In addition to the schedule flexibility, it is made up of course content that can and will be applied in a healthcare leadership role, another quality of the program that is not always as apparent in other programs.  

    5. Any additional comments you would like to share! For anyone out there in the workforce with no degree but wanting more from their career and for themselves, take the leap. I put it off for years, overwhelmed by the thought of being in school while raising a family and working full-time. I wish I had done it sooner. There is no better time than now! Don’t be scared or intimidated. This program was designed to transform the learning and college experience, making a degree possible for anyone, at any stage of life.    

    Curious about the Healthcare Leadership track? Click here and learn more!  
    We Thrive Together – Top 6 Centers and Resources for Online Students:

    We Thrive Together – Top 6 Centers and Resources for Online Students:

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    The University of Louisville offers a wide array of resources for our students, whether they are on-campus or online.  Check out this list of the top 6 resources available to students at UofL:

    1. Cultural Center – The vision of the Cultural Center is to offer an inclusive and accepting campus climate free of bias and hate where students, faculty, staff, and alumni work together to create positive change in the community.  The Cultural Center offers both in-person and virtual programs to help our students work together to create a positive change in the community. Some events offered by the Cultural Center include:
      • September – Celebrating Latinidad
      • October – Celebrating Pride
      • November – Celebrating Indigenous Heritage
      • January – Celebrating Martin Luther King Jr.
      • February – Celebrating Black History Month
      • March – Celebrating Women, Femmes and Non-Binary People
      • April – Celebrating AAPI History
    2. Disability Resource Center – In recognition of disability as an important part of the diversity of our community, the Disability Resource Center fosters an inclusive campus climate through education, service, collaboration, and outreach to the University of Louisville community.  The center provides support for students with documented disabilities by promoting equal access to all programs and services.
    3. International Center – The mission of the International Center is to promote and enhance the University’s goals by creating a community that appreciates global interdependence. The overarching goal of the International Center is to increase the number of international students at all academic levels; expand the number of students participating in study abroad programs; facilitate graduate student and faculty international research and travel; and provide quality services in support of these and other international initiatives.
    4. LGBT Center  – The University of Louisville LGBT Center is committed to dismantling CIS-heteropatriarchy and other systems of oppression. The Center strives to affirm LGBTQ+ students, staff and faculty through an anti-racist lens, rooted in social justice and intersectionality.
    5. Women’s Center  – Established in 1991, the Women’s Center serves as a resource on women’s issues and works to promote an atmosphere of diversity for students, faculty, staff, and the community. The Women’s Center assists the University in achieving its goals by implementing programs that enhance, support, and empower women on campus and online.  The Center and its programs are open to all students without regard to gender. 
    6. Four Career Service Centers – The University of Louisville offers a broad array of career services through several offices on campus.  Whether you are a current student, alumni, or staff member, the Career Services Center offers resources to enhance career opportunities and programs designed to prepare everyone to make the transition from college to their careers.  The four Career Centers to help our students find employment post-graduation include:

    No matter where you are on the journey to complete your degree, the University of Louisville wants to make sure you never feel alone. Our resources are available to all students in the hopes that you get involved – whether you are on-campus or remote.
    Resources for Military Students

    Resources for Military Students

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    The University of Louisville has a long-standing history of supporting members of the armed forces, both on campus and online through a multitude of resources. UofL is proud to have our Online Programs rated by U.S. News and World Report as “Best Online Programs for Veterans”,  honored to be a Military Friendly® Gold designated institution for 2022-2023, and a Military Times “Best for Vets College”. We are passionate about our military students, and we offer several benefits to help them succeed, both in and out of school.

    Discounted tuition rates and resources for Active-Duty members and qualifying members of the National Guard and Reserve:

     The University proudly offers tuition discounts to those members serving on Active-Duty, including members of the Coast Guard. The tuition rate for these members is $250 per credit hour for undergraduate and $250 per credit for most graduate programs (some exceptions apply). Members of the Reserve and National Guard who qualify for Title X Tuition Assistance programs are also eligible for the $250 per credit hour rate. Service members must contact their installation Education Office or unit Education Officer for questions about Military Tuition Assistant programs, and before they enroll in any program. To learn more about tuition rates and discounts offered to military members by the University of Louisville, click here. For tuition rates and information specifically for our MBA program, click here.

    Waived application fee and priority course registration for Military students:

    The University of Louisville currently waives the online application fee for personnel currently serving in the Armed Forces of the United States (all branches and all components).  This allows our service members the ability to focus on their application and program of interest without the monetary stress of an application fee.  In addition to the application fee waiver incentive, UofL also offers priority registration once the student is accepted and enrolled in one of our 50+ online programs.  Priority registration allows our military students the opportunity to schedule their classes before the regular online population, giving them the advantage and flexibility to take online courses around their busy schedules.

    On-campus and online resources:

    The University of Louisville’s online programs have a large military student population. In fact, 21% of students enrolled in UofL Online Programs are military-connected. Because of the large number of military-connected students, we offer a multitude of resources to help serve these students both on campus and online.  Some of these resources include:

    • Four Career Center’s to help our students find employment post-graduation:

    No matter where you are in the pursuit of your degree, the University of Louisville is proud to serve you, and to offer resources dedicated to your success.

    To learn more about our 50+ online programs, application deadlines, and how to get started, click here.

    For more information on military benefits visit https://louisville.edu/military-connected-students, or contact the Center for Military-Connected Students at milconstu@louisville.edu, (502) 852-2482.






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