Getting an Online MSW Degree: How Does It Work?
There are a lot of questions that come with deciding to study for your MSW, especially if you select an online social work degree. Most students just have experience with a traditional classroom, so it’s only natural to ask yourself: how exactly is my online degree program going to work?
Web-Based Learning
Convenience is one of the major reasons for choosing an online social work degree. The web-based option allows you to pursue your dreams of attending an accredited, respected university without any scheduling worries.
Many schools offer a fully asynchronous curriculum, which means that you don’t have to be online at any specific time of day. All learning activities are available when you are, whether you want to attend a lecture, watch a video, or collaborate with fellow students. Some professors keep virtual office hours to meet with students, and all are readily accessible via e-mail.
Students often find that web-based study has an unexpected advantage of strengthening their writing and communication skills. They are also surprised when they form relationships with other students who may be located thousands of miles away.
Self-Managed Study
While you will have complete flexibility in scheduling your learning, you will also need the initiative and discipline to meet class deadlines and goals. Time management skills are vital to completing your online social work degree within the allotted time.
Professors understand that many students are also working professionals and busy parents, who may be faced with unexpected emergencies and competing priorities. Nonetheless, you should expect to have to make some sacrifices to fit your studies into the rest of your life. Activities may have to be postponed in order for you to write a paper or finish an assignment on deadline.
School-Supported Success
Schools that offer online social work degrees know that students are going to need support along the way. Whether it’s answering your questions about technology or helping you prepare to test for licensure, an experienced online university will know how to assist you in reaching your goals.
You’ll have a team of experts to call on for assistance, be it your professors, your advisor or other university personnel dedicated to your individual achievement. They know that your success as a social worker goes beyond the school, into the world at large, where you will surely make a difference.