- Accredited Programs Have a Higher Job Market
- Higher Salaries
- Accredited Programs Offer an Easy Access to Loans
- Credit Transfer
- Accreditation Provides Prerequisite for Graduate School
If you want to take up a social work degree, then choosing an accredited social work program as you earn your degree is recommended. The U.S Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates that the growth of social worker jobs will be above average in the next seven years. This data is an indication that the market for social workers will become saturated. As a result, it will be very competitive. Therefore, it is good to arm yourself with an accredited certificate to be on the safe side. Social work involves serving the community in different fields such as helping homeless people and working with orphaned children. One institute you should be familiar with is the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE). This body is the only accrediting body for social work programs in the U.S.
Accredited Programs Have a Higher Job Market
For an institute or program to receive accreditation, they must go through a rigorous evaluation process. As a result, there is a high emphasis on the quality of the program. Therefore, choosing an accredited social work program when doing your degree is highly advised. Employers gravitate more towards people with an accredited certificate. An accredited certification is proof that you have the necessary knowledge and skills.
Higher Salaries
Given that social workers are paid as per their education background, having an accredited certificate can increase your chances of receiving a higher salary. The reason for this is, many facilities believe that you have received the required education and are qualified for the job. Therefore, spending more money on such an individual is not a big deal to them.
Accredited Programs Offer an Easy Access to Loans
When doing your degree, choosing an accredited social work program can help increase your chances of acquiring student loans. To receive federal grants or loans, students must an accredited institution which is a proof of eligibility. Earning a degree from an institute that is not accredited means that you will not qualify for government financial aid. These loans are critical for your tuition.
Credit Transfer
Choosing an accredited social work program when earning your degree may come in handy if there is a need to change schools. Accredited schools make credit transfer possible. However, credits for your scores are only transferable to institutions that are accredited countrywide.
Accreditation Provides Prerequisite for Graduate School
With your undergraduate degree in place, you will probably want to take up graduate school. Therefore, as you earn your degree, it is wise to choose an accredited social work program. On the other hand, if you prefer a social work program without accreditation, your credits and classes may not be considered eligible for a lot of graduate programs.
In 2014, there were 649,300 social work jobs, and the number is expected to rise in the course of time according to BLS. Therefore, social work is a growing field in the market. However, do not make the mistake of choosing an institute that is not accredited because it will limit your abilities when it comes to employment and higher education. In countries like the U.S., accreditation is a sign that an institution meets the set standards. The government is not responsible for accrediting schools. Organizations recognized by the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA) or the Department of Education are authorized to provide accreditation to schools. Accredited institutes have a .edu web address, and you will find them listed in the World Report ranking of best colleges.
However, the .edu address may not be a guarantee that the institute is accredited. But the address was awarded to institutes certified by accredited agencies. Therefore, it is very crucial to choose an accredited social work program when earning your degree.
Related Resource: Top 10 Best Online Social Work Degree Programs