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.
Community-based Social Worker
Clinical Therapist
Social Work Educator
Hospital Social Worker
Child Welfare Worker
Public Health Social Worker
Medical Social Worker
Case Manager
Geriatric Social Worker
Counselor
Non-profit Administrator
Community Organizer
School Social Worker
Public Policy Advocate
Refugee and Resettlement Social Worker
International Social Work
Social work majors may also decide to pursue a master’s degree. Here is a list of graduate schools that recent social work alumni have attended.
Loyola University Chicago
New York University
University of Illinois at Chicago
University of Wisconsin-Madison
Passion for social justice
Ability to advocate for equity and inclusion
Strong cross-cultural skills
Advocacy skills
Courage to challenge injustice and to work for social change
Creative problem solving
Emotional maturity
Listening skills
Establishing trusting relationships
Written/verbal communication
Knowledge of a second language (especially Spanish) is helpful
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts higher-than- average (9 percent) job growth for social workers through 2031, particularly in health care and mental health settings.
According to the U.S. Department of Labor, the median annual earnings of child, family, and school social workers were $49,150 in May 2021. The median annual earnings of healthcare social workers were $60,840 in May 2021. The median annual earnings of mental health and substance abuse social workers were $49,130 in May 2021. For additional career information, visit the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Outlook Handbook for Social Workers.
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