IRONTON — It is called one of the top growth fields of the decade: social work. And a new program starting at Ohio University Southern will offer the needed training for those wishing to advance.

In the second summer semester, beginning in July 27, OU-P will offer a degree in master of social work program. The program will be also offered at Ohio University Proctorville and the Chillicothe campus as well as at the Ironton branch.

“We have had requests for the program out there for a long time,” said Dr. Susan Sarnoff, chair of the department of social work at Athens. “The MSW is about the No. 1 job of the decade. Easily a half-million jobs only MSWs can fill. It is really diverse, hospital social work, mental health counseling, child protection work, in prisons. You name it. It’s across the board.”

The program is open to students with a bachelor’s degree in social work and for those whose degree is in another discipline, Sarnoff said.

“If you have a degree in any other area as long as it’s liberal arts, you can apply for the program,” she said.

There will be classes offered that will allow non-majors in social work the necessary background to fulfill the requirements of the advanced degree.

“I am excited about this opportunity for the people in our community,” Stephanie Burcham, director of Ohio University Proctorville, said.

Those interested in the program should contact Sarnoff by June 1 at (740) 593-1301 or Sarnoff@ohio.edu.