Does a Master’s Degree in Social Work Require a Thesis?

does-a-masters-degree-in-social-work-require-a-thesisPursuing a master's degree in social work can open up career opportunities and provide added potential for financial rewards for successful students. Each college or university establishes its own requirements for obtaining these advanced degrees. In most cases, a thesis, research study or practicum is required to ensure that degree applicants have acquired the necessary skills to manage workplace tasks. Students can determine whether a master's in social work thesis will be required for their particular degree by asking their academic advisor or by perusing the course requirements laid out in the print or online catalog of their institution.

What Is a Thesis?

A master's in social work thesis paper is designed to showcase the knowledge acquired by a student during the course of their studies both in formal classroom settings and in independent settings. Thesis papers must generally be between 12,000 and 15,000 words of original argument supported by scholarly research. Academic advisors can provide guidance regarding the selection of a topic and the presentation of information in these extensive research papers, but the primary responsibility for the content and format of the thesis remains with the individual student.

The Thesis Process

Most institutions of higher learning require similar processes for approval and submission of thesis topics and papers that include some or all of the following steps:

• A brief abstract of the general topic to be explored in the thesis and an outline of the planned flow of this paper
• A bibliography that includes many of the sources to be used in the final thesis
• Applying to the appropriate department and obtaining approval for the thesis topic
• Regular meetings with the assigned academic advisor to report on progress and to ensure that benchmarks for completion are met in a timely manner
• Submission of the master's in social work thesis first to the advisor and then to an individual reader or a committee of faculty members for final approval

After these steps have been completed and the thesis has been accepted, the student is usually eligible for graduation with their master's degree in social work.

Alternatives to Theses

Practicums and participation in research studies are the most common alternatives to thesis papers in the college and university environment. These hands-on learning options can provide practical experience for students that can serve them well in their later careers.

• Practicums are for-credit college-level courses that allow students to perform the same duties in a supervised setting that they will be expected to do in real-world work situations. These experiences can provide aspiring social workers with the opportunity to work with patients directly while receiving guidance from trained professionals already in this important field.

• By playing an active role in research studies, prospective social workers can earn college credits while performing a valuable service for others in the field. Students typically work with an established team to collate data, interview subjects and perform other duties associated with the work performed by the research group.

While theses remain the most popular way of testing the knowledge acquired during university studies, these alternative methods can offer practical, hands-on experience for students in degree programs that incorporate them.

Graduate students working toward a master's in social work should consult directly with their academic advisors and other counselors to determine if a thesis will be required for their degree. Preparations for this project should begin as early as possible to ensure both the quality of the work and its timely completion. This can pave the way for a fulfilling career in social work for successful master's degree applicants.

Sources:

http://www.bls.gov/ooh/community-and-social-service/social-workers.htm#tab-6

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK7267/