Online training in social work prepares students for a career that enables workers to offer aid and advice to individual people and families. Earning an education in social services allows students to work with a number of different people and agencies. There are an increasing number of online schools and colleges that provide degrees in this category.

The sought after result for this work is to assist individuals and families with social, interpersonal, monetary, and medical situations. The majority of people who make up this field of study earn careers as social workers or social service assistants. Work is conducted in hospitals, substance abuse clinics, and government agencies. Specific job related duties include establishing therapy sessions, helping clients apply for assistance programs, and managing client records. Work can be expanded to help people in areas like poverty and domestic disputes. The ability to become a social worker is readily available through online study.

Social services is becoming a highly education based career. Students should consider this before entering a degree program. It is suggested that students review all of their options before deciding on an education path to take. These options include what online college will be attended and what degree program can be entered. Answering these questions before entering a college program can be helpful because students can see if their thoughts on these matters coincide with actual options and industry requirements. Students can earn all degree levels from an associate's degree to a doctorate in social service. Graduate certificates can also be gained.

Gaining an associate's degree is the best way to earn an entry-level job such as a social service assistant. Students learn about social services through online courses in developmental psychology, abnormal psychology, and communication. To finish out a program students are usually required to successfully obtain an internship where they will gain practical experience. To enter the field as a social worker students need to gain a bachelor's degree.

Obtaining a bachelor's degree is the basic minimum to be an entry-level social worker. Students are taught in both general education courses and field specific courses to create a well-rounded education. Programs teach students how to function in the work environment through online studies in government, abuse, neglect, poverty, mental illness, and juvenile crime. Social welfare policies, social research methods, and family services are a few specific courses taken. Already working professionals can gain further education through specialized certificate programs.

Earning a certificate in social work tends to be for already working professionals who want to widen their knowledge base and study a more concentrated area of the field. Certificates for this major are short programs that may include anywhere from four to ten courses. Programs of this nature center on teaching individuals one area of social work to further knowledge and procedural understanding that can be directly applied to social work.

Students have many options in earning online degrees in social services that all provide a route to enter the industry and become social service workers. Students should consider their options and research if the specific job they want requires a degree. If it does students should incorporate their gained knowledge into their educational path when working towards earning a degree.