MSW Programs in Georgia | No GRE/CSWE Accredited Masters

Living and working in Georgia can give you unique access to a variety of social work opportunities. Sperling’s Best Places reports that the cost of living in Georgia is about 8% lower than the national average, which can be beneficial while you are a student and a beginning social worker. As a result of the low cost of living, the U.S. Census Bureau reports that the average house cost in Georgia is $25,000 lower than the national average.

There are almost 10 million people in Georgia, many of whom live in large cities like Atlanta, Augusta, and Columbus. However, there are also large rural areas that lack access to mental health services. This presents an opportunity for you if you are willing to practice independently in rural areas.

Tuition and Admission Information for MSW Programs in Georgia

Georgia is home to nine schools with MSW degrees, with an average statewide tuition cost of $8,349. The average acceptance rate in Georgia is 57%, so a strong application can give you a large advantage. Most Georgia MSW schools are located in urban areas; this can give you access to a greater array of field practicum sites.

What Will I Learn in an Georgia MSW Program?

As you evaluate different MSW schools, it’s important to look at the concentrations available at each school. A concentration in a specific field can be extremely beneficial if you know that you want to work in a specific area. Georgia State University gives you the chance to focus on community partnerships, while North Georgia College & State University and Georgia Institute of Technology focus on public policy issues.

Each MSW program is composed of two main parts: your classroom coursework and your field experience. The coursework gives you the practical knowledge you need to treat patients from a variety of backgrounds. Higher-level courses in your program will help you explore the root causes of social issues, different social issues that affect specific demographic groups, and how to override these issues on a societal level.

Field Work

Your field work hours start in your first semester and continue throughout the duration of the program. Depending on where your program is located, you may have access to many different clinical sites. Many professors recommending using your field experience time to figure out what type of social work you want to do and what work environment you want to be in.

MSW Salary and Job Outlook in Georgia

There are a huge variety of social work employers in Georgia, due to the diverse layout of the state. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the majority of social workers are hired by government agencies, healthcare organizations, and social assistance organizations. Some of the main social work employers in Georgia include New Century Hospice, LHC Group, Avita Community Partners, and SouthernCare Inc.

If you reach the level of Licensed Clinical Social Worker, there are an array of opportunities for private independent practice. Many rural communities of Georgia do not have access to mental health care, so you may be able to bring counseling/therapy services to underserved areas.

Social Worker Salary in Georgia

Salaries for social workers vary widely in Georgia. LCSWs tend to earn more money than LMSWs, and the highest earning potential goes to those who work in private independent practice.

In general, the highest salaries are earned by healthcare social workers. O*Net reports that the average salary for healthcare social workers in Georgia is $44,900. Mental health social workers earn a similar salary; O*Net lists their average salary as $41,300. Family social workers earn, on average, $35,500 per year (O*Net, 2012).

Social Worker Job Outlook in Georgia

Now that the Affordable Care Act has started rolling out, there are large pockets of people throughout Georgia that have health insurance for the first time. There are lots of people who are now seeking mental health services. This has led to a huge increase in the need for mental health social workers; in fact, job openings for mental health social workers are expected to increase by 30% between 2010 and 2020 (O*Net, 2012). Healthcare social workers are also in high demand, with job openings in that field expected to increase by 25% through 2020 (O*Net, 2012). With expected job growth of 18%, family social workers are needed throughout the state as well (O*Net, 2012).

Social Work Licensure in Georgia

After you have graduated from a Georgia MSW program, you can seek licensure from the Georgia Board of Professional Counselors, Social Workers, and Marriage & Family Therapists. The initial level of licensure involves sitting for a Board exam and becoming a Licensed Master Social Worker.

Once you are an LMSW, you can begin the process of LCSW licensure. You must complete two years of supervised work experience and then sit for an advanced social work exam.