What Can You Do With a Social Work Degree?

A social work degree’s versatility can lead to many rewarding career paths that make a difference. Social workers can serve their communities in settings like counseling, case management, nonprofit leadership, and clinical research. Most importantly, a social work education equips graduates with interpersonal skills, leadership abilities, and cultural competence that is widely applicable across industries and professional roles.

There are many career pathways for professionals with social work degrees. Social work jobs include medical social worker, school social worker, child and family therapist, and mental health counselor.

Social workers who want to branch out after graduation can explore roles in nonprofit leadership, healthcare administration, research and academic positions, and human resources. With plenty of transferable skills provided by a social work degree, graduates can select the career paths that fit their passion.

Many social work graduates find employment in the medical industry as healthcare social workers or clinical social workers. They interview, assess, and counsel people with physical, mental, and behavioral health issues in hospitals, residential care facilities, and private practices.

Since most social workers in the medical industry work at a clinical level, a master’s in social work is usually necessary. Students on this academic path should consider taking courses in substance use counseling, mental health counseling, or disability services.

Many social workers find jobs in childcare or educational settings, where they promote a safe learning environment and help students with their academic and personal progress. They may provide students with guidance on personal issues affecting their conduct and grades, along with helping them build post-graduation plans.

Most states require school social workers and counselors to hold clinical licensure, so earning a master’s in social work is the best choice for students on this career path. A concentration in school social work or additional coursework in human development, adolescent mental health, and family and youth relationships can benefit these learners.

Many social workers seek employment in community health settings, like nonprofit mental health organizations or state and county health service centers. They work in case management, health outcome assessment, and public advocacy for community health issues.

Community health social work operates mostly on the macro level rather than independently. Careers in this field only require a bachelor’s degree in most states. Course topics include macro social work practice, research methods, and social policy and social justice.

Psychiatric social workers specialize in mental health. This social work path includes conducting psychiatric and mental health assessments in individual or group settings.

Forensic social work occurs within criminal justice system contexts. These professionals assess and treat incarcerated or formerly incarcerated individuals, including juveniles, and facilitate issues involving child custody. They may also work in correctional facilities or jails or testify in court.

Many MSW graduates pursue clinical licensure in their state to work as counselors or therapists. Therapists assist individuals, couples, and families in addressing mental health and relationship concerns, helping them achieve their personal goals.

To become a therapist, an MSW student must complete a clinical internship as part of their graduate program and apply for limited licensure in their state upon graduation. Then, they go on to work as therapists under supervision for a certain number of hours, which varies by state, and will often complete a proctored exam. Finally, the social worker can apply for full, independent licensure to practice as a counselor in their state.

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), social workers earn a median wage of $58,380 per year. Healthcare social workers make an average of $62,940 annually, while mental health and substance use social workers earn an average of $55,960 each year. Child, family, and school social workers earn around $53,940 per year. Like many professions, earning a more advanced degree can lead to increased earning potential.

Note: some of the following data points reflect fewer than 50 respondents.

How can you thrive in a social work program? Social work graduate Wendy Pitts shares expert advice on how to make the most of your time in school and put your degree to work.

Accreditation ensures that students receive a quality education. It is one of the best ways to vet prospective social work programs. The strongest programs, including those offered by online schools, come from regionally accredited institutions. Programs can also hold accreditation from organizations like CSWE.

Before selecting a program, make sure to understand the importance of accreditation. Use our CSWE Accreditation guide to learn more about accredited social work programs.

If you are a prospective social work student wondering how to secure recommendation letters or submit a successful admission application, look no further.

The admission process can be competitive, and getting started is not always easy. Our guides offer a step-by-step overview of the application process and explain how to set yourself apart as an applicant.

Financing a master of social work (MSW) degree can be confusing and challenging. Our guides to the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) can get you started with applications for grants, loans, or work-study funding, and our student loan resources may help you avoid unnecessary costs and headaches.

Page last reviewed on June 4, 2024