How to Become a Social Worker if You Already Have a Different Bachelor’s Degree
Many people discover their true calling later in life. Perhaps you spent your twenties in marketing, retail, or a corporate office, only to realize that your heart is in community advocacy and mental health support. If you already hold a Bachelor’s degree in a non-social work field—such as Psychology, Sociology, English, or even Business—you are actually in a fantastic position to pivot.
Transitioning into the social work profession does not mean starting your education from scratch. In fact, your diverse background can be a significant asset in the human services field. Here is the definitive roadmap to becoming a social worker using online classes to be a social worker as your primary vehicle for change.
Step 1: Confirm Your Eligibility for an MSW
If you have a Bachelor’s degree in any subject from an accredited institution, you are typically eligible to apply directly for a Master of Social Work (MSW). Unlike many other professions, you do not necessarily need a "pre-social work" degree to enter a graduate program.
Most universities look for a "liberal arts" foundation, which includes courses in:
Human Biology
Sociology or Psychology
Research Methods or Statistics
English Composition
If you are missing one of these, many online programs allow you to take "bridge" courses or prerequisites before officially starting your graduate curriculum.
Step 2: Choose the "Traditional Track" MSW
Because your undergraduate degree is in a different field, you will enroll in what is known as a Traditional Track MSW.
Duration: Typically 2 years of full-time study or 3–4 years of part-time study.
Foundation Year: The first half of your program covers the basics of social policy, human behavior, and ethics—essentially catching you up on what BSW students learned in undergrad.
Specialization Year: The second half focuses on your chosen area, such as clinical practice, school social work, or macro-level advocacy.
Step 3: Leverage the Power of Online Learning
For career changers, online classes to be a social worker offer the highest level of efficiency. Since you likely have financial responsibilities or a current job, a virtual program allows you to:
Maintain Your Income: Transition slowly by taking evening or weekend virtual modules.
Access Top Faculty: You aren't limited to the university in your town; you can attend a prestigious program in a different state that specializes in your specific area of interest.
Lower Your Overhead: Avoid the "student lifestyle" costs of moving or commuting.
Step 4: Complete Your Field Education (Practicum)
Even as an online student, you will participate in an internship. This is where your previous career experience shines. If you worked in HR, you might excel in an agency’s administrative branch. If you were a teacher, you’ll have a head start in school social work.
The university’s field office will coordinate with agencies in your local area to ensure you get the 900 to 1,200 hours of supervised experience required for graduation.
Is It Financially Worth the Pivot?
Switching careers is an investment. However, the social work field offers unique financial incentives for those with a Master’s degree.
| Previous Field | Typical Entry Social Work Role | Potential Salary (MSW) |
| Education/Teaching | School Social Worker | $65,000 – $80,000 |
| Corporate/Admin | Social Service Manager | $75,000 – $95,000 |
| Healthcare/Nursing | Medical Social Worker | $70,000 – $88,000 |
[Image comparing the career hierarchy and salary potential of a BSW vs. an MSW in the United States]
Essential Checklist for Career Changers
Before you hit "apply," make sure you have checked these boxes:
CSWE Accreditation: Ensure the online program is accredited by the Council on Social Work Education so you can sit for licensing exams later.
Resume Refresh: Highlight your "transferable skills," such as communication, conflict resolution, and project management.
Letters of Recommendation: Reach out to former supervisors or professors who can vouch for your empathy and work ethic.
Why Your "Non-Social Work" Background is a Strength
Agencies love hiring career changers. A social worker who understands business operations, legal frameworks, or educational systems brings a perspective that a "pure" social work student might lack. You aren't just starting over; you are layering your skills to become a more effective advocate.
The path from your current desk to a career of deep purpose is shorter than you think. With the right online MSW program, you can begin the transition this semester.
Launch Your Career with Ease: The Ultimate Guide to Online Classes to Be a Social Worker