Is it Better to Get a BSW or An MSW?
If you’re thinking about pursuing a career in social work, you may be trying to decide between pursuing a BSW or an MSW. Although there are many similarities, there are a few key differences between the program options that can shape your career as a social worker. In this post, I’ll break down the career opportunities and salary ranges with a BSW vs MSW to help you get a better idea of which path is right for you.
What can you do with a BSW?
The Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) is an undergraduate degree program. Typically, the programs are non-direct entry, meaning that you will need to complete some university courses before applying to BSW programs. After completing a BSW, there are a wide variety of career opportunities available. BSW programs tend to be generalist in nature, meaning that they cover a broad range of topics and areas of work. Because of this, it allows you to work in many different areas of social work practice.
Some examples of common jobs that BSW holders may pursue include being a case manager, community outreach worker, intake coordinator. These roles can be in a variety of different practice areas, including mental health, substance use, youth work, immigration support, housing services, child protection, healthcare, and more. Commonly, BSWs will work in settings such as non-profit agencies, government organizations, schools, hospitals, or shelters.
By completing a BSW, you will typically gain a great foundation of knowledge which will allow you to pursue a career in a variety of different areas. The job opportunities available to BSWs tend to emphasize front-line work, and you may be working under the supervision of someone with an MSW or another experienced professional.
What can you do with an MSW?
A Master of Social Work (MSW) is a masters-level program in social work that typically offers advanced training and will often include an area of specialization for practice. Some examples of specializations include clinical practice, international social work, healthcare social work, children and families, gerontology, and social justice. Completing an MSW in one of these specializations doesn’t necessarily mean that you can’t work in another area; rather, it simply allows you to develop a deeper knowledge base in one area of social work practice, which may be beneficial to your social work career.
With an MSW, you are typically qualified to do all of the jobs that a BSW is able to do, but there are also additional options available. One area that tends to be specific to MSW holders is leadership roles. Often, the requirements for jobs like Program Director or Clinical Supervisor require advanced training such as an MSW. Generally speaking, MSW programs tend to open the door to leadership positions that may not be available to someone with a BSW.
In addition, MSW programs tend to prepare students for clinical work, especially programs that specialize in clinical social work. Although you may be able to do clinical work with a BSW, many organizations will require an MSW for jobs like Mental Health Clinician, Counsellor, or Clinical Social Worker.
Can you do private practice with a BSW?
The answer to this question can vary depending on where you live. In some places, such as British Columbia, any Registered Social Worker (RSW) can engage in private practice. Similarly, the OCSWSSW in Ontario does not explicitly prohibit BSW holders from engaging in private practice, it strongly advises social workers to ensure they have extensive experience before engaging in private practice. However, depending on your state/province, you may need to hold an MSW to be licensed to engage in private practice with clients.
Ultimately, even if your local registration or licensing organization allows you to engage in private practice with a BSW, clinical work is often considered an advanced social work skill, which typically requires extensive experience. Additionally, if your aim is to work with a group therapy practice, they will often require an MSW to be hired as a counsellor or therapist. Regardless, it is important to check with your local licensing or registering body to confirm whether you will be eligible to engage in private practice with a BSW.
So, what is the difference between BSW vs MSW jobs?
While the BSW and MSW both open many doors for your career, there are certain limitations on the scope of practice as a BSW, such as advanced clinical work. Completing an MSW allows you to engage not only in clinical practice, but also creates opportunities to pursue roles related to leadership or advanced policy work. In sum, BSW roles tend to be more generalist in nature, while an MSW can allow you to become more specialized in your career.
What Is the Average Salary for BSW Social Workers?
The salary range for BSWs can vary greatly depending on where you live and what area of social work practice you hope to work in. Entry-level jobs such as Caseworkers, Intake Coordinators, or Support Workers can start from anywhere between $20 - $30 per hour. However, other areas such as healthcare settings can have higher starting salaries depending on the contract. For entry-level roles, new BSWs can expect to find a salary in the $40,000 - $60,000 range, with some opportunities offering more.
What Is the Average Salary for MSW Social Workers?
As an MSW, you will likely have the opportunity to pursue specialized roles, which often come with a higher wage. Again, the salary for a new MSW can vary depending on the role or area of practice you are interested in. Clinical mental health roles tend to start around $30 per hour in community settings and can be higher in private practice or group practice settings. Additionally, given the specialized training that MSWs hold, the salary opportunities may be higher if you decide to pursue a role in a leadership position for example. Depending on the role, a new MSW can expect a starting salary of anywhere between $40,000 - $80,000 annually, and this varies based on the area of practice and the setting.
Do BSW’s or MSW’s get paid more?
Early in your career, BSWs and MSWs will likely earn a similar salary. However, as your career progresses, MSWs may find that they are able to earn a higher salary given that there are greater opportunities for career growth into higher-level positions such as management and leadership. Additionally, the opportunity to engage in clinical practice can mean that MSWs are able to earn higher wages in a private practice setting than they would otherwise be able to with a community organization. In sum, the wage differential between BSWs and MSWs is minimal to start, but can increase throughout your career.
So, is it better to get a BSW or MSW?
The answer to which is better really depends on where you are at in your career and what your goals are. If you already hold a degree and have been working in the social services field for a while, an MSW may be a good choice to help you advance your career further. On the other hand, if you don’t yet hold a degree or are passionate about front-line social work, a BSW may be the best choice for you. Ultimately, the decision on which is best is personal. However, either option will allow you to pursue a career in the field and will provide a wide variety of career paths and options to choose from!
Read more: Applying to Social Work Programs
