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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