Being a social worker is an important job because it allows you to help people through difficult times, while also ensuring that vulnerable people, such as children and older adults, are protected from harm. Social work revolves around social justice and makes a real difference in people’s lives.
In this article, you will learn how to choose a major for social work and what degree for social workers is required for prospective students to begin their social work careers. If you think this is the right career path for you, keep reading to learn everything you need to know about the best majors for social workers.
Why Choose a Career in Social Work
People choose a career in social work because they want to help people and fight for social justice. It is versatile because there is a wide range of career opportunities available domestically and internationally in government agencies or private sectors.
Social workers can be therapists, community health advocates, mental health professionals, policy analysts, or special needs teachers. Social workers join demanding work environments to assist people facing difficult challenges, and they frequently find themselves helping with crises or emergencies, such as neglect or abuse.
Social Worker Job Outlook
The US Bureau of Labor Statistics projects that the overall employment growth of social workers should increase by 12 percent between 2020 and 2030, which is faster than the national average. Over the next ten years, an average of 78,300 job opportunities for social workers should be available due to the need to replace people who change occupations or leave the workforce for other reasons, such as retirement.
Social Worker Job Satisfaction
Reports from Glassdoor show that social workers rated their job 4.2 out of 5-stars. Of everyone who participated in the survey, 76 percent of social workers stated that they would suggest social work to a friend, and 58 percent are optimistic about the field’s future. Over the previous 12 months, this rating has improved.
Social Worker Salary Potential
| Career | Minimum Level of Education | Average Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Psychologist | Master’s Degree | $80,980 |
| School Counselor | Master’s Degree | $51,609 |
| Caseworker | Bachelor’s Degree | $48,284 |
| Community Healthcare Worker | High School Diploma | $40,808 |
| Childcare Worker | High School Diploma | $33,775 |
How to Choose a Major for Social Work: Tips for Selecting the Right Social Work Degree
Tip 1: Do Research
Research is a key factor to consider before deciding on the best social work major. It is critical to conduct thorough research on the institution and the specific major you wish to pursue. It is critical to confirm that the institution is accredited, has a solid reputation, and offers social work programs with a suitable focus on what you want to study.
Tip 2: Consider Your Budget
You should consider your budget when selecting a social work major. Despite how expensive education is, many top social work programs provide exceptional financial aid packages, including scholarships. Some schools for master’s and doctoral degree programs also provide fellowships that pay for students’ studies with the agreement that students work in education or research.
Tip 3: Assess the Level of Education
The three types of degrees available to social work students, include a bachelor’s degree, master’s degree, and doctorate degree. With a BSW program, you can work as a case manager or caseworker. A Master of Social Work (MSW), you would qualify for many more jobs. A doctoral degree is generally recommended for students who want to be researchers or professors.
Tip 4: Closely examine the School
After choosing the school you want to obtain your social work degree, you must ensure that it offers much more than the course requirements. Also, check to see if its faculty have affiliations with any social service agencies. Affiliations are essential for future networking, especially for social work graduates.
Tip 5: Think about the Future
Make sure you’re pursuing the area of social work that most resonates with you by asking yourself why you’re going into it. This will help you determine which social work degree is best-suited to you. With the numerous social work positions available, you may choose to work in a clinical setting, nonprofit organization, public school, or your own private practice.
What Degree for Social Work: Best Majors for Social Work Career
Child Advocacy and Policy
A career in mental health, social work, or other social work professions is possible for child advocacy professionals. Graduates work for government agencies, law firms, school districts, nonprofit organizations, and community-based groups. The focus of this field is to protect children from child abuse and provide them with resources for development and rehabilitation.
- Associated Career Paths: Mental Health Counselor, Community Organizer, School Social Worker
- Levels of Education: Bachelor’s Degree, Master’s Degree
Social Work
Social work majors are typically available in jobs that require listening to what others are saying, taking the time to understand what they are saying, asking pertinent questions, and refraining from interrupting at inappropriate times. For occupations linked to this major, communicating successfully with others, being aware of people’s reactions, and understanding why they react the way they do are all needed skills.
- Associated Career Paths: Healthcare Social Worker, Social and Community Service Manager, Substance Abuse Social Worker
- Levels of Education: Associate Degree, Bachelor’s Degree, Master’s Degree
Human Services
Human Services entails a broad study of human behavior and practical field experience to discover how to enhance people’s lives and promote human rights. Human services generalists will be able to work in both public and private agencies and organizations. Since this major requires you to interact with people from all backgrounds, establish a trusting relationship with your clients, and build communication and interpersonal skills.
- Associated Career Paths: Social and Community Service Manager, Social and Human Service Assistant, Community and Social Service Specialist
- Levels of Education: Associate Degree, Bachelor’s Degree, Master’s Degree
Public Policy
A public policy major allows you to explore politics behind the scenes to discover how and why politicians make public policies. Students interested in public policy should be interested in politics and have excellent interpersonal and active listening skills. Working in groups, giving speeches, resolving issues, writing for numerous audiences, and engaging in political networking will be necessary.
- Associated Career Paths: Social Scientists, Medical and Health Services Manager, Legislator
- Levels of Education: Associate Degree, Bachelor’s Degree, Master’s Degree
Community Organization and Advocacy
A major in community organization and advocacy will prepare you to achieve significant social changes that benefit thousands of people in your community. As you will be rallying others to join social change efforts, effective public relations and media communication skills are crucial for this major.
- Associated Career Paths: Social and Community Service Manager, Community and Social Service Specialist
- Levels of Education: Associate Degree, Bachelor’s Degree, Master’s Degree
Other Social Work Related Majors
Social work majors help you decide which social work fields you are interested in. Choosing your major coursework helps you with decision-making and prepares you for entry-level positions. Below are some of the other social work-related majors.
- Psychology
- Social Work
- Human Development
- Sociology and Social Sciences
Is a Career in Social Work Right for Me?
Yes, a career in social work is right for you. It has the most significant impact on senior citizens, women, children, and the community. Social work is a great career for you if you enjoy helping others and supporting equality, social advancement, and economic fairness.
If you want to be a social worker, you need to have social work education to succeed. Social workers set an excellent example because of their dedication to activism, family services, social justice, child welfare, and assisting communities in need. Consider a career in social work if you desire a job that has significance, satisfaction, action, diversity, and a wide range of options.
Best Major for Social Worker FAQ
To work as a social worker, you typically need a master’s degree, although some jurisdictions allow social workers to obtain a bachelor’s-level license. It is necessary for clinical social workers to have an advanced degree in social work.
By gaining relevant experience and achieving high-level degrees, you can enhance your profession as a social worker. You can take social work courses to learn about issues such as public health, behavioral disorders, criminal justice, and more.
Yes, it is. A master’s degree in social work is a requirement for social workers who want to practice clinically. MSWs have a competitive advantage over BSWs when searching for jobs and practicing clinically or creating an independent practice.
The cost of continuing education to keep your social worker license is dependent on the state where they work. Continuing education courses are mandatory for at least 10 hours each year in most states. Some states require specific ethics or domestic violence courses.
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