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Learn social work

From responding to mental health crises to protecting child welfare, social workers play critical roles in helping people and families navigate life’s challenges. Gain important skills for a career in social work with online courses delivered through edX.

What is social work?

Social workers help to enhance the well-being of individuals and communities. The social work profession advocates for social and economic justice and works directly with communities, families, and individuals to empower them to overcome obstacles to their health, safety, and success. Social workers can devote their careers to addressing a variety of issues including homelessness, poverty, child welfare, mental health, addiction, veterans’ health, domestic violence, and much more. Their work shines the light on the needs of the most vulnerable communities, pushing those with power to create better systems that meet the needs of all individuals. 

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Why learn social work?

Social work involves a combination of social welfare, social justice, and human services. Programs designed to raise living standards can be challenging for people to access. Social workers can make navigating those programs easier. Social workers typically learn about case management, public health challenges, and human behavior so they can provide the best solutions to the people they serve. By gaining a solid foundation of both technical and soft skills, you can join the ranks of individuals who are helping others live better lives.

Social work courses and certifications/curriculum

From foundational tutorials to advanced courses and degree programs, a variety of educational opportunities are available that can fit different learners’ needs. edX makes it easy to explore all available training and certificate options in social work.

To understand specific disciplines under the umbrella of social work, learners may pursue coursework in a variety of specialized topics including child protection, suicide prevention, conflict resolution, and economic development. Courses can cover the macro, mezzo and micro levels of social work. Due to licensing requirements, many professionals in the field earn bachelor’s degrees and move on to master’s programs to be able to perform their tasks. 

Careers in social work

Social work can offer a rewarding career for anyone who wants to help others in need. Social workers strive to provide better standards of living for communities and individuals. They work in schools, hospitals, community centers, government, and businesses. Whether you have a calling to work on child welfare, substance misuse, mental health, or senior care, the field of social work offers many opportunities to make a positive impact on communities around the world. Explore how online social work courses can help you achieve your personal and professional goals and begin your learning journey today with edX.

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