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Top Tips For Successfully Completing Your Online Social Work Degree
If you’re looking to complete your social work degree online, then you’ll definitely want to make the most of your time in order to get the most out of your education. In order to successfully complete an online social work degree program,
Choose a focused, accredited program
Graduates from focused programs report higher employment rates, especially when it comes to social work licensure. Look for a program that has been accredited by one of these bodies: National
Association of Schools of Social Work (NASW), Council on Social Work Education (CSWE), or Council For Accreditation Of Counseling And Related Educational Programs (CACREP) There are more than 1,400 universities with programs accredited by CSWE alone.
Check program accreditation
Accreditation is important, especially if you want to get a job once you’ve completed your degree. If a program isn’t accredited, it doesn’t mean it’s not quality or that it won’t work for you—but make sure you know what accreditations each program has before you enroll.
Avoid programs with high student loan default rates
Programs with high default rates will saddle you with debt and may harm your ability to find a job when you graduate.
Default rates are one of many factors to consider when evaluating an online social work degree.
If a program has defaulted on loans in recent years, it’s likely because they don’t offer much value to students—and you shouldn’t attend it either.
Research the university’s job placement record
According to a 2013 study by Career Education Colleges and Universities, for-profit universities are less likely to help their graduates find jobs.
Before you enroll in an online social work degree program, ask your prospective university about its job placement record. If it’s not forthcoming, look elsewhere.
Understand your financial aid options
Students are often eligible for federal financial aid in addition to scholarships, grants and loans. Federal aid is provided by organizations such as: Department of Health and Human Services (HHS),
The Department of Veteran Affairs (VA) and The United States Department of Agriculture. It’s important to understand what types of financial aid you qualify for so that you can plan accordingly.
Find programs with diverse faculty members
A diverse faculty can help you understand social work from different perspectives, even if those perspectives differ from your own. Consider how a professor’s background might inform their teaching in unexpected ways, and choose a school that includes professors who share your values and approaches to social work.
Ask other students about their experiences with faculty members during class and at social events, or search for current or past alumni on LinkedIn to see what they have to say about your prospective school.
Compare other students reviews
The best way to succeed at online classes is to seek feedback from other students. Not only will you learn what parts of your education they struggled with, but it’s also a great way to network with other potential business contacts when you graduate. Don’t be afraid to reach out—your classmates are your greatest resource!
Create an academic plan of action
There’s no room for guesswork in an online social work degree; you have to plan how you’re going to complete your studies, and do it as efficiently as possible.
A solid academic plan of action will help keep you focused on your goals, set priorities and deadlines, and provide structure in your day-to-day life.
Adhere To Your Schedule As Much As Possible
If you skip too many classes or come in late, then there’s a good chance that your grade may suffer, which can affect future opportunities within your career field.
Take advantage of all study resources offered by your school
Students looking for an online social work degree should know that not every school offers free resources to their students. Make sure you’re checking your school’s website on a regular basis, as well as their Facebook and Twitter pages, so you can be up-to-date with everything related to your degree program. If there are special events or opportunities that would benefit you, make sure you take advantage of them in a timely manner.