Social Work

Careers

What can you do with a major in Social Work?

Social work is a profession concerned with promoting the well being of people. It includes assisting individuals, families, groups, organizations and communities to achieve life-enhancing goals as they learn to cope with or shape the social and environmental forces affecting daily life.

Relevant coursework includes classes in sociology, psychology, urban problems, criminal justice, human development, social work methods, and field experience.

Important skills and traits include:

  • Desire to help others
  • Sensitivity
  • Emotional maturity
  • Advising skills
  • Listening skills
  • Establishing good relationships
  • Record keeping
  • Written/verbal communication
  • Knowledge of a second language (especially Spanish) is helpful

Outlook for Field

Employment opportunities in social work are projected to grow much faster than average, due to an aging population, additional home health care services, an increasing number of children living in poverty, increased social work needs in schools, and greater emphasis on substance abuse treatment rather than imprisonment for drug offenders. About half of social work jobs are expected to be in health care and social assistance industries, with about 30 percent of jobs in government agencies.

Salary

Median annual earnings of child, family and school social workers were $37,480 in May 2006. Median annual earnings of medical and public health social workers were $43,040 in May 2006. Median annual earnings of mental health and substance abuse social workers were $35,410 in May 2006. For additional career information, visit the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Outlook Handbook for Social Workers.

Possible Career Paths

  • Group Worker
  • Community Social Worker
  • Clinical Social Worker
  • Family Service Worker
  • Social Work Educator
  • Hospital Social Worker
  • Child Welfare Worker
  • Public Health Social Worker
  • Medical Social Worker
  • Case Manager
  • Geriatric Social Worker
  • Counselor

Academic Resources

Prospective Students

Carthage In-Depth

Carthage Symposium

Art Meets Biology. Students photograph biodiversity in Tucson, Ariz.


J-Term

A special month-long period of study in January to experiment, create and dream. Read more ...