New USF social work program will meet growing area need
To meet a growing need in the Will, Grundy and Kendall counties area, the University of St. Francis has instituted a new master’s degree in social work that is designed for working professionals as well as those interested in a career change to a helping profession.
The new master of social work program began this fall and has already been recommended for candidacy for accreditation by the Council for Social Work Education (CSWE), according to Billie Terrell, chair/MSW program director. USF’s bachelor’s degree program in social work has been accredited since 1980.
The need for social workers will continue to grow as more and more societal pressure is put on families and individuals. Also, as the baby boomers age, there will be more need for people to assist the elderly, added Terrell. To learn more about the master’s degree in social work, attend an open house on Tuesday, Feb. 20 from 4:30 p.m. to 7 p.m. in the university’s Moser Performing Arts Center studio theater. For information about the open house, call (800) 735-7500.
The U.S. Department of Labor, in 2000, identified social work as the second most needed profession. The need for social workers could increase as much as 33 percent by 2012. The burgeoning population of the greater Will County area combined with the area’s urban growth and development will create a need for 40 percent more social workers to help residents of all ages address a variety of societal pressures, according to Terrell.
The new master’s degree in social work at the University of St. Francis is unique in that it will focus on knowledge and skills for advanced generalists who will be trained in a holistic approach to provide therapy for individuals and families. Graduates of USF’s MSW program will understand the impact that multiple systems have on an individual and family, and plan treatment that addresses all aspects of life, explained Terrell.
Working professionals will have easy access to USF’s MSW program, in which classes will meet on Friday afternoons and all day Saturdays. The classes will meet in an interactive classroom setting, added Terrell, which allows students to support each other and serve as a professional resource for one another.
The MSW program can be completed in about two years. Those with a bachelor’s degree in social work from a CSWE accredited program may be eligible for advanced standing, which would allow them to complete the program in one year.
“By preparing advanced practitioners, we have greater outreach and greater opportunity to help make our community and society better for all,” Terrell said.
Social workers with an MSW degree and no experience can expect to make about $10,000 more in salary than those with a bachelor’s degree. Salaries for social workers with master's degrees and experience is the mid-to-high $50,000 range.
“We expect USF’s master in social work program to grow quickly,” said Terrell, “both in the number of students and in the many partnerships we expand upon with community agencies. Our students will be out in the community doing internships and other work. We plan to be a resource for the profession and the community.”