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Social Work Courses

Social work courses can help you learn case management, community outreach strategies, crisis intervention techniques, and the principles of social justice. You can build skills in effective communication with clients, conducting needs assessments, and developing intervention plans tailored to diverse populations. Many courses introduce tools like assessment frameworks, data analysis software, and client management systems, that support tracking progress and evaluating the impact of social work initiatives.


Popular Social Work Courses and Certifications


  • U

    University of Michigan

    Social Work Practice: Advocating Social Justice and Change

    Skills you'll gain: Social Work, Community and Social Work, Social Justice, Social and Human Services, Human Services, Cultural Responsiveness, Social Impact, Advocacy, Cultural Sensitivity, Diversity Awareness, Research, Systems Thinking, Policy Development, Ethical Standards And Conduct

    Build toward a degree

    4.8
    Rating, 4.8 out of 5 stars
    ·
    442 reviews

    Beginner · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks

  • U

    University of Michigan

    Using Public Policy for Social Change

    Skills you'll gain: Policy Analysis, Policy Development, Social Justice, Advocacy, Public Policies, Political Sciences, Health Policy, Social and Human Services, Social Impact, Economics, Policy, and Social Studies, Program Evaluation, Community and Social Work, Public Administration, Case Studies, Diversity Equity and Inclusion Initiatives, Research, Persuasive Communication, Problem Solving

    4.9
    Rating, 4.9 out of 5 stars
    ·
    184 reviews

    Beginner · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks

  • Status: Preview
    Preview
    U

    University of Toronto

    The Social Context of Mental Health and Illness

    Skills you'll gain: Community Mental Health Services, Mental Health Diseases and Disorders, Health Disparities, Mental Health, Social Determinants Of Health, Community Health, Social Studies, Socioeconomics, Culture, Cultural Diversity, Mental and Behavioral Health, Family Support, Cultural Sensitivity, Caregiving, Health Promotion

    4.7
    Rating, 4.7 out of 5 stars
    ·
    596 reviews

    Mixed · Course · 1 - 3 Months

  • Status: Preview
    Preview
    J

    Johns Hopkins University

    Psychological First Aid

    Skills you'll gain: Triage, Crisis Intervention, Active Listening, Stress First Aid, Rapport Building, Psychosocial Assessments, Emergency Response, Trauma Care, First Aid, Mental and Behavioral Health, Interpersonal Communications, Personal Care, Mitigation, Mental Health, Caregiving, Stress Management, Patient Referral, Empathy & Emotional Intelligence

    4.8
    Rating, 4.8 out of 5 stars
    ·
    20K reviews

    Mixed · Course · 1 - 3 Months

  • Status: Preview
    Preview
    Y

    Yale University

    Introduction to Psychology

    Skills you'll gain: Psychology, Mental Health Diseases and Disorders, Child Development, Human Development, Human Learning, Psychological Evaluations, Psychotherapy, Social Sciences, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Learning Theory, Sensory Systems Analysis, Scientific Methods, Critical Thinking, Problem Solving

    4.9
    Rating, 4.9 out of 5 stars
    ·
    33K reviews

    Beginner · Course · 1 - 3 Months

  • Status: Free Trial
    Free Trial
    A

    American Psychological Association

    Psychology of Anxiety, Mood, Substance Use, and Addictive Behaviors

    Skills you'll gain: Substance Abuse, Mental Health Diseases and Disorders, Clinical Psychology, Mental and Behavioral Health, Mental Health Therapies, Psychiatry, Psychological Evaluations, Mental Health, Substance Abuse Counseling, Psychology, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Psychiatric Assessments, Patient Evaluation, Behavioral Health, Psychotherapy, Culture, Cultural Sensitivity, Epidemiology, Pharmacology, Psychosocial Assessments

    4.8
    Rating, 4.8 out of 5 stars
    ·
    335 reviews

    Beginner · Specialization · 3 - 6 Months

What brings you to Coursera today?

  • Status: Free Trial
    Free Trial
    A

    American Psychological Association

    Psychology of Substance Use, Depressive Disorders, & Trauma

    Skills you'll gain: Mental Health Diseases and Disorders, Substance Abuse, Clinical Psychology, Mental Health Therapies, Mental and Behavioral Health, Psychiatry, Trauma Care, Mental Health, Substance Abuse Counseling, Psychology, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Behavioral Health, Pharmacology, Diagnostic Tests, Psychological Evaluations, Neurology, Cultural Diversity, Patient Treatment, Epidemiology, Patient Evaluation

    4.8
    Rating, 4.8 out of 5 stars
    ·
    164 reviews

    Beginner · Specialization · 3 - 6 Months

  • Status: Preview
    Preview
    W

    Wesleyan University

    Social Psychology

    Skills you'll gain: Social Sciences, Psychology, Persuasive Communication, Social Studies, Sociology, Social Justice, Empathy & Emotional Intelligence, Behavior Management, Conflict Management, Research, Diversity Awareness, Research Methodologies, Decision Intelligence, Experimentation

    4.7
    Rating, 4.7 out of 5 stars
    ·
    5.1K reviews

    Beginner · Course · 1 - 3 Months

  • Status: Free Trial
    Free Trial
    U

    University of California, Irvine

    Academic English: Writing

    Skills you'll gain: Grammar, Peer Review, Editing, Writing, Writing and Editing, Organizational Skills, Research, Proofreading, Report Writing, Research Methodologies, Critical Thinking, English Language, Literacy, Planning, Persuasive Communication, Style Guides, Reliability

    4.7
    Rating, 4.7 out of 5 stars
    ·
    23K reviews

    Beginner · Specialization · 3 - 6 Months

  • Status: Free Trial
    Free Trial
    I

    IBM

    Developing Interpersonal Skills

    Skills you'll gain: Constructive Feedback, Interpersonal Communications, Social Skills, Active Listening, Trustworthiness, Conflict Management, Assertiveness, Communication, Professionalism, Rapport Building, Professional Development, Communication Strategies, Influencing, Empathy, Emotional Intelligence, Personal Attributes, People Management

    4.7
    Rating, 4.7 out of 5 stars
    ·
    3.3K reviews

    Beginner · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks

  • Status: Free Trial
    Free Trial
    U

    University of Colorado Boulder

    The Teacher and Social and Emotional Learning (SEL)

    Skills you'll gain: Teaching, Social Justice, Emotional Intelligence, Social Skills, Empathy, Self-Awareness, Higher Education, Behavior Management, Classroom Management, Cultural Responsiveness, Curriculum Planning, School Psychology, Empowerment, Personal Development, Childhood Education and Development, Program Evaluation, Advocacy, Professional Development, Growth Mindedness, Mindfulness

    4.7
    Rating, 4.7 out of 5 stars
    ·
    973 reviews

    Beginner · Specialization · 3 - 6 Months

  • Status: Free Trial
    Free Trial
    A

    Adobe

    Social Media Content and Strategy

    Skills you'll gain: Content Scheduling, Adobe Express, Social Media Content, Social Media, Social Media Analytics, Content Creation, Social Media Strategy, Social Media Marketing, Social Media Management, Intellectual Property, Target Audience, Visual Storytelling, Driving engagement, AI powered creativity, Drive Engagement, Content Strategy, Ethical Standards And Conduct, Regulation and Legal Compliance, Multimedia, Branding

    4.7
    Rating, 4.7 out of 5 stars
    ·
    388 reviews

    Beginner · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks

1234…640

In summary, here are 10 of our most popular social work courses

  • Social Work Practice: Advocating Social Justice and Change: University of Michigan
  • Using Public Policy for Social Change: University of Michigan
  • The Social Context of Mental Health and Illness: University of Toronto
  • Psychological First Aid: Johns Hopkins University
  • Introduction to Psychology : Yale University
  • Psychology of Anxiety, Mood, Substance Use, and Addictive Behaviors: American Psychological Association
  • Psychology of Substance Use, Depressive Disorders, & Trauma: American Psychological Association
  • Social Psychology: Wesleyan University
  • Academic English: Writing: University of California, Irvine
  • Developing Interpersonal Skills : IBM

Skills you can learn in Leadership And Management

Leadership (53)
Project Management (30)
Plan (25)
Planning (24)
Modeling (17)
Analytics (16)
Human Resources (16)
Decision-making (15)
Change Management (14)
Innovation (14)
Negotiation (14)
Human Resource Management (13)

Frequently Asked Questions about Social Work

Social work is a profession dedicated to helping individuals, families, and communities enhance their well-being. It plays a crucial role in addressing social issues, advocating for social justice, and providing support to those in need. Social workers engage with diverse populations, helping them navigate challenges such as poverty, mental health issues, and family dynamics. The importance of social work lies in its commitment to improving lives and fostering social change, making it a vital component of a healthy society.‎

A career in social work can lead to various job opportunities across multiple settings. Common roles include clinical social worker, school social worker, healthcare social worker, and community service manager. These positions often involve direct interaction with clients, providing counseling, support, and resources. Additionally, social workers can find roles in policy advocacy, research, and program management, contributing to systemic change and community development.‎

To succeed in social work, certain skills are essential. These include strong communication and interpersonal skills, empathy, problem-solving abilities, and cultural competence. Social workers must also be adept at critical thinking and possess a solid understanding of social policies and ethical standards. Learning these skills can empower individuals to effectively support their clients and navigate complex social systems.‎

There are several online courses available that can help you gain knowledge and skills in social work. Notable options include Social Work Practice: Advocating Social Justice and Change, which focuses on advocacy and social justice, and Visualizing Women's Work: Using Art Media for Social Justice, which explores creative approaches to social issues. These courses provide valuable insights and practical skills relevant to the field.‎

Yes. You can start learning social work on Coursera for free in two ways:

  1. Preview the first module of many social work courses at no cost. This includes video lessons, readings, graded assignments, and Coursera Coach (where available).
  2. Start a 7-day free trial for Specializations or Coursera Plus. This gives you full access to all course content across eligible programs within the timeframe of your trial.

If you want to keep learning, earn a certificate in social work, or unlock full course access after the preview or trial, you can upgrade or apply for financial aid.‎

Learning social work involves a combination of theoretical knowledge and practical experience. You can start by enrolling in online courses that cover essential topics and skills. Engaging in volunteer work or internships can also provide hands-on experience, allowing you to apply what you've learned in real-world settings. Networking with professionals in the field and seeking mentorship can further enhance your learning journey."‎

Social work courses typically cover a range of topics, including human behavior, social welfare policies, ethics in social work, and intervention strategies. Courses may also explore specific areas such as mental health, child welfare, and community organizing. This comprehensive curriculum equips learners with the knowledge needed to address diverse social issues effectively."‎

For training and upskilling employees in social work, courses like Social Work Practice: Advocating Social Justice and Change can be particularly beneficial. These programs focus on practical skills and knowledge that can enhance the effectiveness of social work professionals in various settings, making them valuable for workforce development.‎

This FAQ content has been made available for informational purposes only. Learners are advised to conduct additional research to ensure that courses and other credentials pursued meet their personal, professional, and financial goals.

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