Does Strayer University Have an Online Social Work Degree?
Strayer University, renowned for its flexible, career-focused programs, is a popular choice for working professionals seeking online education. However, Strayer does not currently offer a degree explicitly titled “Social Work” in its online or on-campus catalog. This absence of a dedicated social work program might lead prospective students to explore alternative paths at Strayer or other institutions. Let’s explore Strayer’s offerings, alternatives, and how aspiring social workers can approach their educational goals.
Strayer University’s Program Overview
While social work as a discipline is not part of Strayer’s curriculum, the university offers degrees in fields that share some overlap with the skills and knowledge needed in social work. These include:
- Master of Public Administration (MPA):
- Focuses on leadership roles within public service, including areas such as nonprofit management, community development, and policy analysis.
- While not specific to social work, this program can prepare students for administrative roles in organizations that serve vulnerable populations.
- Bachelor’s in Health Services Administration (HSA):
- Prepares students to manage healthcare systems, which often intersect with social work roles in hospitals, clinics, and community organizations.
- Offers insights into patient advocacy and support services, valuable in settings requiring coordination between health and social services.
- Bachelor’s or Master’s in Criminal Justice:
- A strong option for students interested in working with justice-involved populations, a common area of social work practice.
What Does Strayer Offer for Aspiring Social Workers?
Although Strayer lacks a direct social work degree, its programs emphasize leadership, communication, and organizational management, which are critical in social work careers. Additionally, Strayer’s emphasis on flexibility and accessibility allows students to pursue education while maintaining employment, a key benefit for individuals transitioning into social work roles.
Skills and Knowledge Areas That Overlap with Social Work:
- Leadership and Administration: Strayer programs like the MPA train students to manage teams and design programs, skills essential for supervisory roles in social services.
- Community Engagement: Public administration courses at Strayer include components on community outreach, aligning with the advocacy aspect of social work.
- Ethics and Policy Understanding: Social workers must navigate complex ethical challenges and public policies—skills cultivated in Strayer’s public administration and criminal justice programs.
Support for Working Professionals:
- Flexible course schedules and online learning make Strayer a good choice for individuals who want to work while studying.
- Practical, career-focused assignments help bridge academic learning and real-world application, which is relevant for those entering social service roles.
Alternatives for Social Work Education
For students specifically interested in social work, pursuing an accredited Bachelor’s (BSW) or Master’s (MSW) degree is the best route. Unlike Strayer, many universities offer these programs with accreditation by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE), a necessity for licensure in most states.
Top Institutions Offering Online Social Work Degrees:
- University of Southern California (USC):
- Offers a robust online MSW program with specializations in clinical practice, community organizing, and social work in healthcare.
- Walden University:
- Provides online BSW and MSW programs focused on leadership in social work practice.
- Arizona State University (ASU):
- Features a fully online BSW with a focus on diverse populations and social justice.
- University of Denver:
- Offers a CSWE-accredited online MSW program emphasizing trauma-informed care and integrated health services.
Licensure Considerations in Social Work
Unlike Strayer University’s generalist degrees, accredited social work programs prepare graduates for licensure, a crucial step for professional practice in many roles. Common licenses include:
- Licensed Social Worker (LSW): Requires a BSW or MSW and successful completion of a state exam.
- Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW): Requires an MSW, additional supervised clinical experience, and passing a licensing exam.
Students enrolled in non-social work programs at Strayer may face challenges transitioning directly into licensed social work roles, as most states require a degree in social work.
When Strayer Might Be a Good Fit
Strayer’s offerings might appeal to students who:
- Are interested in administrative or policy roles within social service organizations rather than direct client care.
- Seek a stepping stone degree before transferring credits to a social work-specific program.
- Want a flexible, online education platform to prepare for related fields like health services management or criminal justice.
How Strayer Supports Career Transitions
Strayer offers career services that may help students align their studies with roles in human services. For example:
- Students pursuing a Bachelor’s in Health Services Administration could target entry-level roles in case management or patient advocacy.
- Those in criminal justice programs might transition to roles in corrections-focused social work or community reintegration.
Conclusion: Strayer’s Place in the Path to Social Work
While Strayer University does not provide an online social work degree, its related programs in public administration, health services, and criminal justice could serve as stepping stones for students interested in administrative, policy-oriented, or organizational aspects of social services. However, for those seeking a direct path to clinical practice or licensure, pursuing a CSWE-accredited BSW or MSW at another institution is essential.
