Looking for the best Master's Degree in Social Work (MSW) in Georgia? You should consider these top-tier institutions and jobs in the social work field.
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Choosing the best social work degree in Georgia is a great way to improve your career prospects. Master's degrees are an excellent way to prepare for work in diverse fields. Master's degree-seekers gain the skills needed to move into advanced roles.
Moreover, those with a master's degree earn an average of $1,574 per week, or $6,296 per month and $81,848 per year. For people with a master's, unemployment is at 2.6%, while those with a high school diploma are at 6.2%.
Social Work Master's Programs For You
Working and Living in Georgia in the Social Work Profession
A social work degree trains students to use a variety of skills and knowledge in order to help others who are struggling. The curriculum varies depending on the degree level, but programs commonly include classes like interpersonal development, group counseling, and community outreach. Successful completion of an accredited program results in career options like social work, child welfare, and aging services.
The average annual wage in Georgia is $38,340, or $18.43 per hour. This holds true for the 4,378,430 workers in the state. The BLS reports that the lowest 10% of earners take home $21,390 annually, while the highest 10% of earners take home $99,700 annually. The following provides a comparison of the earnings for social work professionals in Georgia.
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In terms of cost of living, Georgia is ranked number five among 51 states (including Washington D.C.). In the U.S., the cost of living index measures the average cost of living for specific states. As an example, the U.S. average is 100, and all locations within the U.S. experience either a higher or lower cost of living than the average (either more expensive or less expensive). On a 100-point scale, Georgia has a cost of living index of 87.8, which is -12.2% lower than the national average. Georgia is a great state in which to live. Check out how the cost of living here compares to other states.
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A 5.8% increase in jobs is projected for the social work profession over the next 10 years. It is projected that employment for the occupation will change from 71,400 in 2020 to 75,500 in 2030. Bachelor's degrees are typically required for entry-level positions in this field.
University of Georgia, located in Athens, enrolls students in its online master of social work program. The program strengthens industry-specific skills, preparing learners for leadership responsibilities. A master's degree allows candidates to move up the career ladder or pursue a new career path.
The curriculum covers theoretical and practical approaches to social work. Learners prepare for focused careers by choosing electives and concentrations. The program recommends that applicants bring a background in social work or a related field.
Online enrollees complete internships at approved sites in their own community. Students who attend on campus can access the library and gym, as well as other amenities and facilities available at most institutions. Various practicum activities also provide professional networking opportunities.
University of Georgia at a Glance:
Type of School: Public, 4-year or above
Admission Rate: 45%
Total Online Master's Programs: 16
Program Name: Master of social work
Graduate Tuition In State: $8,878
Graduate Tuition Out of State: $25,186
Average Tuition
In-state
$9,790
Out-of-state
$28,830
Retention Rate
94%
Admission Rate
48%
Students Enrolled
39,147
Institution Type
Public
Percent Online Enrollment
16%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
#2 Master’s Degrees in Social Work in Georgia
Kennesaw State University
Kennesaw, GA
4 years
Online + Campus
Kennesaw State University, located in Kennesaw, enrolls students in its online master of social work program. The program encourages career training throughout its curriculum, preparing graduates for leadership positions. Earning a master's degree helps candidates move into a new career path or advance in their current field.
The curriculum blends theory and practice to provide an advanced understanding of social work. Learners focus their training by choosing electives based on their interests and career goals. Applicants who majored in social work or a related field typically meet the admission requirements.
Online enrollees complete local internships to gain hands-on experience. On-campus students benefit from the library and gym facilities provided by many institutions. Graduate students expand their professional network through internships and online events.
Kennesaw State University at a Glance:
Type of School: Public, 4-year or above
Admission Rate: 75%
Total Online Master's Programs: 20
Program Name: Master of social work
Graduate Tuition In State: $5,328
Graduate Tuition Out of State: $19,188
Average Tuition
In-state
$4,450
Out-of-state
$15,704
Retention Rate
80%
Admission Rate
83%
Students Enrolled
41,181
Institution Type
Public
Percent Online Enrollment
94%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
#3 Master’s Degrees in Social Work in Georgia
Georgia State University
Atlanta, GA
4 years
Campus
The online master of social work at Georgia State University, located in Atlanta, prioritizes flexibility. The program helps graduates move into leadership roles and increase their earning potential. With a master's degree, candidates can advance their current career or move into new careers.
The curriculum explores theoretical and practical perspectives in the field. Learners prepare for focused careers by choosing electives and concentrations. Applicants without a social work background may need to complete prerequisites.
Online enrollees work with the program to identify internship opportunities at approved sites in their local communities. Campus students can access the library and gymnasium, as well as other equipment and facilities available at most institutions. Internships and other practicum activities also provide professional networking opportunities.
Georgia State University at a Glance:
Type of School: Public, 4-year or above
Admission Rate: 76%
Total Online Master's Programs: 7
Program name: Master of social work
Graduate Tuition In State: $7,164
Graduate Tuition Out of State: $22,662
Average Tuition
In-state
$7,158
Out-of-state
$22,389
Retention Rate
81%
Admission Rate
82%
Students Enrolled
36,360
Institution Type
Public
Percent Online Enrollment
92%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
#4 Master’s Degrees in Social Work in Georgia
Valdosta State University
Valdosta, GA
4 years
Campus
The master of social work at Valdosta State University, located in Valdosta, uses a flexible distance learning format. Students train for leadership roles in the field while earning their degree. A master's degree can also train candidates for roles in new industries.
The curriculum covers methodological and research perspectives. Learners specialize the program by choosing from a variety of electives. Applicants without a social work background may need to complete prerequisites.
Online enrollees meet any in-person requirements, such as internships, at approved sites in their local area. Those who attend on campus can enjoy the common amenities and facilities available at most institutions, such as the library or gym. Graduate students expand their professional connections by attending virtual networking events.
Valdosta State University at a Glance:
Type of School: Public, 4-year or above
Admission Rate: 57%
Total Online Master's Programs: 11
Program Name: Master of social work
Graduate Tuition In State: $4,572
Graduate Tuition Out of State: $16,470
Average Tuition
In-state
$4,371
Out-of-state
$15,426
Retention Rate
73%
Admission Rate
78%
Students Enrolled
12,304
Institution Type
Public
Percent Online Enrollment
79%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
#5 Master’s Degrees in Social Work in Georgia
Savannah State University
Savannah, GA
4 years
Campus
The online master of social work at Savannah State University, located in Savannah, offers high academic quality. The rigorous curriculum prepares graduates for advanced roles in the field. A master's degree allows candidates to move up the career ladder or pursue a new career path.
The curriculum explores advanced methodologies and research in social work. Learners specialize their course of study to prepare for the job market. The program recommends a background in social work before applying to the program.
Online enrollees meet any in-person requirements, such as internships, at approved sites in their local area. On-campus students benefit from the library and gym facilities provided by many institutions. The program encourages graduate students to expand their professional connections through internships and networking events.
Savannah State University at a Glance:
Type of School: Public, 4-year or above
Admission Rate: 33%
Total Online Master's Programs: Data not available
Program name: Master of social work
Graduate Tuition In State: $3,528
Graduate Tuition Out of State: $13,068
Average Tuition
In-state
$4,064
Out-of-state
$14,786
Retention Rate
69%
Admission Rate
46%
Students Enrolled
3,488
Institution Type
Public
Percent Online Enrollment
86%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
Financing a Master's Degree in Social Work
There are plenty of financial aid options to help pay for college. It is possible to receive financial aid by applying for scholarships, grants, fellowships, and work-study programs. Students may be eligible to receive federal student loans and some may qualify for private student loans directly. The college's financial aid office works with applicants to find scholarships and grants for applicants.
Checklist for Maximizing Your Financial Aid:
The FAFSA helps many students cover their educational expenses.
Students should contact the university's financial aid department for scholarships, grants, work-study opportunities, and loan opportunities.
Average Cost of Attending College in Georgia
In Georgia, college tuition varies by institution. The public and private sectors do, however, share some commonalities. Find out whether attending a public institution is the right choice for you by reviewing the information listed below.
Public 4-Year School Tuition Rates: Georgia vs. National Average
Key
Georgia
National Average
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What about attending a private university? As a general rule, private colleges charge more. A graph that provides information about attending private colleges in Georgia is shown below.
Private 4-Year School Tuition Rates: Georgia vs. National Average
Key
Georgia
National Average
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Federal Student Loan Information
Do you plan to take out student loans to fund your degree? You should take certain factors into consideration before taking out a loan.
It is imperative to be sure you can make on-time payments and repay the loan at the end of the term.
If you are considering obtaining a degree from a particular institution, it is important to consider whether it will benefit you in your career objectives.
Before beginning your loan, it is important to understand the type of repayment schedule that will apply to your loan.
Review the data below to help you know what students typically borrow.
Undergraduate Federal Loans
Demographic
Percent who borrowed
Amount borrowed
Total
66.6%
$27,400
Female
69.6%
$28,100
Male
62.5%
$26,500
White, not Hispanic or Latino
66.1%
$26,700
Black, not Hispanic or Latino
85.7%
$34,800
Hispanic or Latino/a, of any race
67.7%
$25,700
Asian, not Hispanic or Latino
43%
$22,700
Other or Two or more races,
not Hispanic or Latino
The main differences between an online degree and a degree completed on campus are the cost and the class size. Online programs offer numerous advantages, including flexibility, affordability, and convenience. On-campus programs are more costly on average because of student fees. Attending classes has, however, certain advantages.
There are several differences between public and private colleges. The cost of education at public colleges is generally higher than that at private colleges. There is a requirement that grants and scholarships be funded to cover the costs at public institutions. Merit scholarships at private schools are often available to students who demonstrate superior academic performance.
The lower student-to-teacher ratio at private colleges allows students to receive more personal interaction with faculty. Here are some benefits and disadvantages of attending a private institution as opposed to a public one.
