CBU’s Master of Social Work delivers upon region’s demand for qualified experts

Each year, there are nearly 64,000 social work job openings across the country (U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics). As prospective students consider their options in higher education, many are prioritizing career paths with purpose and meaning outside of themselves – opportunities to give back to the community and contribute to the “greater good.” This desire for altruistic work lends itself to the nature of social work, a field with constant demand for qualified workers.

California Baptist University offers undergraduate and graduate degrees in social work, including a master’s of social work, which can be completed online or on campus. The MSW program prepares graduates to meet the demand to enhance human well-being and help those in need, especially vulnerable populations.

The MSW program – which currently has over 300 students – provides graduates with the knowledge and skills necessary to work in clinical and community practices. Classes include human behavior and social environments, marginalized populations, social research and social welfare policy. Students are grouped into cohorts and move through the program with the same group of people from start to finish.

CBU partners with organizations that serve marginalized populations in the Inland Empire and throughout California, including school districts, foster care agencies and inmate services, helping students complete the required 900 hours of field work. Strong community connections, community presence and community service are central to the program. 

Graduates go on to work in the fields of medical, family, legal, child protection and education. They conduct research, provide agency leadership and work to change policy. They serve diverse and underserved populations, address a variety of social issues and improve the well-being of individuals, families and communities. 

Currently, the demand for social workers exceeds the supply. This need is expected to grow exponentially in the next decade, especially within the state of California. MSW graduates will be prepared to meet this need and find employment opportunities in a variety of fields.

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, careers in the social work field are expected to grow 7% between 2022 and 2032, with around 64,000 openings for social workers each year. Additionally, a 2022 Lever report found that 42% of Gen Zers would choose to work at a company whose values align with theirs, over one that offers a higher paycheck. Besides working to earn a living, Gen Z also want to feel like they are enacting real change in their fields. (Source: entrepreneur.com)

With the breadth and variety of career opportunities available, an MSW is a strong option for those returning to school. It can be coupled with a variety of undergraduate degrees, making you a standout candidate to any employer. CBU’s MSW program online provides even more flexibility for those who are currently working in social services, those looking for a career change while working full time, veterans and military families and those who live outside the immediate area but want to attend CBU.