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Why Choose A Career in Social Work

Have you ever wanted to really help people? To make a difference in someone’s life? To create a fairer, more equitable, more just world? That’s what social workers do—every single day. They are on the front lines of some of our country’s most important issues, like managing mental health crises, assisting those victimized by the opioid crisis, caring for foster children, tackling food insecurity, and improving access to affordable housing and health care. Learn more about this essential profession below, and how to plan for your social work education.

 

What is Social Work?

Do you like to help people? Are you good at maneuvering through complex situations? If so, social work should be on your list of career options! Social work professionals are found in a wide variety of environments, from hospitals and universities to communities of all types.

Three Types of Social Work Practice
  • Micro-level practice: Work directly with individuals and help them cope with their situations.
  • Mezzo-level practice: Work with groups instead of individual clients. 
  • Macro-level practice: Lead and establish social change on a large scale through organizing, policy change, and administration. Social workers share a commitment to promoting social welfare, helping people of all backgrounds overcome their unique challenges, advocating for social and economic justice for all members of the community, and embodying a professional code of ethics.
 

What Do Social Workers Do?

Social workers are a diverse group of professionals who share a commitment to helping enhance the well-being of people, communities, and society. They have a rich history of striving for social, economic, and environmental justice, advocating for human rights, competently providing services for clients at every stage of life, and engaging in lifelong learning. Defining what social workers do can be difficult because they work in a wide range of situations. Examples include:
  • Identifying individuals, families, groups, organizations, and communities in need of help
  • Assessing clients’ needs, environments, strengths, and support networks to help them identify their goals
  • Providing psychotherapy services
  • Researching, referring, and advocating for community resources, such as nutrition assistance or child care
  • Developing and evaluating programs and services to ensure that basic client needs are met
  • Advocating for policy change on the local, state, and federal levels
  • Working on interprofessional teams and leading organizations to fulfill their mission and goals
  • Organizing groups, task forces, and communities for social change events and movements


National Social Work Organizations

Joining a national professional organization is a valuable way to learn more about the profession and stay connected to the social work community. Some of the benefits of membership include opportunities for mentoring, networking, and professional development. Start by exploring these organizations:

Council on Social Work Education (CSWE): Starting with...us! CSWE has the information you need to plan your social work education. Our members include more than 950 accredited baccalaureate, master’s, and doctorate social work programs, as well as individual social work educators, practitioners, and agencies dedicated to advancing quality social work education. Because our organization is the sole accrediting authority in the United States for social work, we are a great go-to resource for getting started on your education path.

National Association of Social Work (NASW): Founded in 1955, the National Association of Social Workers (NASW) is the largest membership organization of professional social workers in the world. NASW works to enhance the professional growth and development of its members, to create and maintain professional standards, and to advance sound social policies. 

Association of Social Work Boards (ASWB): This nonprofit organization comprises and is owned by social work boards and colleges across the United States. ASWB is focused on social work regulation. It owns and maintains social work licensing exams, and its website has sections dedicated to continuing education. Along with an annual conference, membership benefits at ASWB include assistance with license application and issues, updates on changes in regulations, and access to its social work registry.
 

Preparing For Your Social Work Education

Social work education at the baccalaureate, master’s, and doctoral levels shapes the profession’s future through the instruction of competent professionals.

  • Bachelor’s Degree in Social Work (BSW): A BSW is the minimum requirement for most social work positions. The BSW degree prepares individuals for generalist practice positions (such as casework), where you engage with clients (e.g., individuals, families, communities), assess their needs, link them to services, and monitor their progress. Accredited BSW programs require a minimum of 400 hours of supervised field experience.
  • Master’s Degree in Social Work (MSW): MSW programs prepare graduates for work in their chosen field of concentration or specialization and include developing skills required to perform clinical assessments, manage large caseloads, take on supervisory roles, engage in policy-level advocacy, and explore new ways of drawing on social services to meet the needs of clients and communities. MSW programs last 2 years and include a minimum of 900 hours of supervised field instruction. If you have a BSW, you may be eligible for an advanced standing program that allows you to complete your MSW in just 1 year.
  • Doctorate Degree in Social Work: There are two types of social work doctorate degrees: the practice doctorate, typically referred to as doctor of social work (DSW) and the doctor of philosophy (PhD). The practice doctorate curriculum varies from program to program, but it generally emphasizes advanced training beyond the BSW and MSW degrees. The PhD largely prepares individuals for research and academic careers. For more information, visit the Group for the Advancement of Doctoral Education in Social Work (GADE) website.


Social Work Licensure

In most states you can be licensed with a BSW, which prepares you for practice at the generalist level. Individuals with an MSW can also pursue a license. Clinical work typically requires an MSW, completion of a license exam, and supervised hours (post-MSW).

All states and the District of Columbia have licensing, certification, or registration requirements for social work practice. Each jurisdiction requires an individual to have a social work degree from a CSWE-accredited social work program to sit for a licensing exam. Licensing exists to provide state and provincial governments with a way to verify that a social worker has the skills and knowledge necessary to provide a safe level of practice. Licensing also establishes social work practice as a separate and distinct branch of mental health services and gives governments a way to monitor the professional conduct of social workers. For more information, visit the Association of Social Work Boards website.


Guidance for High School Students

Social work as a career field is growing rapidly. That means there will be a lot of opportunities for you to enter this field after graduating from high school. It’s never too early to start planning for your social work career. In fact, you can get started as early as your freshman year of high school. Here are three tips for high school students interested in social work:

Focus on your schoolwork: To be successful, social workers need a variety of skills, ranging from communication to foreign languages. Get a head start by studying hard in these classes:
  • Public speaking or debate: If you become a social worker, you’ll need to communicate with people from a variety of backgrounds. By becoming a confident public speaker, you’ll gain the skills needed to communicate effectively with any community member who needs your help.
  • Government: Taking this course will provide a foundation for understanding the history, structure, and functions of government. You can apply your understanding when voting, advocating for others, and speaking publicly.
  • Foreign languages (especially Spanish): There are an estimated 41 million native Spanish speakers living in the United States, and another 11.6 million people are bilingual Spanish speakers. Work on your Spanish skills so you're prepared to ensure that all community members get the support they need, whether they speak English or Spanish.
  • Mathematics (especially statistics): Managing data is essential for social workers. A strong base in social sciences and statistics will help you gain the knowledge you’ll need to assess the efficacy of treatment plans, services, and programs.
  • Psychology: Take an introductory psychology class to learn the basics and begin to understand what leads people to act the way they do. Then continue with advanced psychology courses when you’re in college.
Volunteer: The social work community is all about helping people, and volunteering is an excellent way to do just that. Your local community is bound to be full of volunteer opportunities. Consider contacting hospitals, schools, or other community organizations that may need help. Volunteering also gives you the opportunity to learn more about what social workers do, which will prepare you for the field education (or internship) component of a social work degree. 

Additionally, some high schools offer peer counseling programs. Volunteering as a student peer counselor can introduce you to the skills and information needed to build effective mentoring relationships and provide a foundation for a career in social work. Speak to your high school guidance counselor to see what options are available in your school.

Plan Ahead: When creating your list of colleges of interest, make sure each university/college has an accredited social work program. Browse the Council on Social Work Education’s Directory of Accredited Programs to see which schools and programs are accredited. Then, you can start researching programs and build a plan to knock the applications and requirements out of the park by the time you are applying for college.

As you can see, there’s no reason to wait until college or graduate school to get started on your social work path. Start today, and you’ll be well on the way to a great career of helping others!


Guidance for College Students

Did you know that almost a third of first-time college students change their majors at least once within 3 years of starting school? If you’re on another path and have just discovered the rewarding field of social work, it’s not too late to dedicate your life to this career.

Even if you have already graduated, you can still make a seamless transition. Select the scenario below that best fits your situation to learn more about your options.

I need to change my major...
If you've already started a degree program but would like to switch to studying social work instead, talk to your advisors as soon as possible. Core requirements for each degree program vary, but there are several ways your previous classes could count toward a degree in social work. Also keep in mind that a variety of backgrounds makes the social work field stronger.

Although you may feel as though those 2 years of business classes you just completed were a waste of time, they’re actually quite valuable in your new social work career.

I graduated with a different degree...
For those of you who have already graduated with a bachelor's degree, it's not too late to become a social worker. You can apply to a master’s program even if your undergraduate degree is in another discipline. For MSW applicants from other fields, it will be helpful to have taken courses in psychology, biology, sociology, economics, and political science.

Many social work programs offer a variety of learning options from part- to full-time on-campus to fully online, or somewhere in between.

Volunteering is another great way to add social work experience to your résumé. In fact, volunteering before you commit to a program can help you make sure you’re making the right career choice.

I'm interested in a master’s program...
Once you decided to pursue a master’s in social work degree, give yourself ample time to choose the school that's right for you. First, browse the Council on Social Work Education’s Directory of Accredited Programs. By starting here, you’ll avoid nonaccredited programs, which introduce a range of potential concerns.

If you already have a BSW from an accredited program, most schools offer an advanced standing option, which will save you time. To help you narrow down your choices, answer these questions:
  • Is there a specific geographic location where you’d like to study?
  • What would you like your primary concentration (e.g., community or direct practice) or practice area/specialization (e.g., aging, children and families, mental health, health) to be? Thinking about these options can help you make your résumé more competitive when you apply for your dream job.
  • Do you want to study part-time or full-time? If you’re working while you study, a part-time program may be the best choice for you.
  • Would you like an online program or a traditional, campus-based program? Your best choice here depends on your learning style and the responsibilities that compete with your schoolwork.
Social work is a diverse field encompassing a wide range of jobs, and the factors that draw each person to social work are unique. Throughout your social work studies you’ll meet many people who all arrived at the same point by different paths. Take advantage of the opportunities to learn about these different paths, and be sure to share your unique path with others as well.

I'm thinking about changing careers...
Would you like to switch from your current field and pursue a career in social work? Most people are attracted to the social work profession because of their desire to help others, pursue justice, and change society, but there is also much more to the field. There is room in social work for all kinds of skill sets, experiences, and passions, including careers that incorporate leadership and management, advocacy, counseling, and direct service work. Here are some things to ponder:
  • What should I consider first?
    • When you’ve made the decision to move from your current field to social work, you'll need some additional training and education. Think about your career goals: If your dream job is more generalist in nature, a bachelor of social work (BSW) may be a great fit. If you want to specialize in a particular area or provide therapy, you may want to consider a master’s of social work (MSW) degree. Some career changers pursue a social work degree while continuing in their current field via distance education or online classes, whereas others take a break from work and go to school full-time. Check out program options via the Council on Social Work Education’s Directory of Accredited Programs.
  • I want an MSW degree, but I don't have a BSW degree. Do I need to start over?
    • Great news! You don’t need a BSW to get an MSW degree. Any bachelor’s degree will allow you to continue your education and work toward an MSW. In fact, coming from another field will allow you to share your diverse experiences with colleagues and clients.
  • Here are a few more items to consider:
    • Your educational plan should complement the social work practice area that appeals to you most. In each area, students will gain relevant knowledge, values, and skills:
      • Micro-level practice: Work directly with individuals and help them cope with their situations
      • Mezzo-level practice: Work with groups instead of individual clients
      • Macro-level practice: Lead and establish social change on a large scale through organizing, policy change, and administration
    • Even if you are mainly interested in one area, the three social work practice areas are closely linked. You’ll gain an understanding of how these areas intersect and affect individuals, families, and communities.
When considering a new career in social work, think about using some of the same techniques that helped you find success in your current career path. Set up informational interviews or shadow another professional to get a feel for the job. The field/practicum experience you’ll get while earning your degree will also help you decide what kind of social work career you want to pursue. It’s never too late to put your passion for helping people to work. The social work community welcomes you!


Get Volunteer Experience

Sometimes a degree is enough to secure a job, but sometimes you need education and experience. For those who are thinking about a career in social work, volunteering is a great way to learn more about the field. Volunteer work can help secure scholarships and work-study programs because it demonstrates your dedication to the field. Volunteering also prepares you for the field practicum (or internship) component of a social work degree. As you continue in your career, you may find yourself searching for additional ways to give back to your community and to those who are studying social work. 

In the meantime, here are answers to some frequently-asked questions about volunteering:
  • Is there assistance for completing national service-based programs?
    • Several social work programs provide scholarships, tuition assistance, or fellowship opportunities to students who have participated in national service-based programs. If you are an alum of one of these programs, be sure to contact schools of interest to see what support they offer.
  • How should you communicate the value of your volunteer or work experience?
    • Volunteer hours and responsibilities should be included on your résumé when applying for jobs and pursuing additional education. You can list volunteer experience in a separate section or mix it in with your paid work experience chronologically.
    • If you are working in a different profession and considering a new career path in social work, be sure to highlight how your skills and tasks have affected individuals, groups, or organizations with whom you’ve partnered. Volunteer experiences add to résumés in several ways:
      • Fill in gaps of unemployment
      • Bring relevant experience to a résumé when switching career fields
      • Show the passion and initiative that employers are seeking
    • Just like when listing your previous paid experience, remember to include specific data about the outcomes you’ve driven. Instead of simply listing your job requirements, go into detail about how you did your job and specifically how you made an impact.


Start Your Studies

Choosing where to study and what to study are two of the biggest decisions students face when planning their education. At this point you know you want to study social work, so now it's time to start considering programs and schools. Keep the following three factors in mind during this research and you’ll be setting yourself up for a successful social work career.

Accreditation. Choosing an accredited program will help ensure that your degree translates to a social work career. Since the Council on Social Work Education’s mission is to ensure and enhance the quality of social work education, we have a dedicated committee responsible for formulating accreditation standards and policies, and determining the criteria and process for evaluating these standards.

To ensure that you avoid degree mills, or what the Council for Higher Education Accreditation calls “dubious providers of educational offerings or operations that offer certificates and degrees that may be considered bogus,” start your college research with our list of accredited social work programs. 

Future plans—What do you want to do? Do you want to work in a school or a hospital? A private practice or a prison? Do you want to specialize in disaster relief? Are you interested in homeless family assistance or gerontology services?

Selecting a school may seem like the most pressing decision at this point, but you have a lot of decisions to make before you even get to that point. Keep in mind what you’d like to accomplish with your degree when determining which program is best for you. A BSW degree opens doors to entry-level positions in a variety of practice areas. If you're pursuing a master’s degree, you may search for a school with faculty members who specialize in your desired area of focus. Another school may have a career services office that has a proven history of matching graduates to their dream jobs. You’ll want to weigh your priorities as you choose among these options.

Financial burden—Can you afford your top choice? You may have relied on scholarships to pay for your undergraduate studies, but unfortunately, this kind of funding can be harder to find for graduate school. Check with the financial aid offices at your schools of interest to determine whether they offer fellowships, work-study programs, or other funding assistance. ln addition, consider accredited online programs because they more easily allow the opportunity to continue working while studying.

Choosing the best social work program for your goals and needs can be time-consuming because you need to thoroughly consider all your options; however, the work you put in now will pay off in the long run.


How Do I Apply to School?

With more than 950 accredited baccalaureate., master's, and doctoral programs from which to choose, you're sure to find something that fits your learning style and interests. Access your options via the Council on Social Work Education's Directory of Accredited Programs. When you are ready to apply, most admissions requirements and application instructions are listed on individual institution websites.

Applying to a master’s-level social work program
Some master's-level social work programs participate in SocialWorkCAS, which is an online application system. With SocialWorkCAS, the application process is much more streamlined. You fill out just one application and upload one set of documents for all the master’s-level programs to which you are applying. Here are a few benefits of SocialWorkCAS:
  • Save time and money: Submit transcripts, letters of reference, and supporting application materials once to apply to multiple schools
  • Track application status: Monitor receipt of application materials 24/7 on a desktop computer or mobile device
  • Get support quickly: A dedicated support team is ready to assist you in navigating the application. 
Once you’ve decided which program is right for you, check to see if your program of interest is a part of SocialWorkCAS or if you’ll need to apply via the institution’s website.


How do I pay for school?

From scholarships and grants to loans, there are quite a few options to help pay for your education. You’ll find that each opportunity has a checklist of requirements and application steps—be sure to carve out plenty of time to complete everything.

Review the different funding opportunities below as you work through this important step of your social work education journey.

Scholarships: Scholarships are financial awards, given for a number of reasons. Usually scholarships are merit-based, which means you can qualify for them based on academics or other qualifications. Scholarships can come from federal or state government, private or nonprofit organizations, or academic institutions. The Carl A. Scott Memorial Fund (awarded to those working for equality and social justice in their studies) is one example of scholarship opportunities at CSWE. Also check out ExploreHealthCareers.org Scholarship Search, a database with information about more than 3.5 million scholarships.

Loans: Loans give you access to money but must be paid back with interest. Student loans are available from the federal government or private sources such as banks or other financial institutions. Make sure to look at all the information closely, including repayment options and interest rates, to ensure you’re choosing the loan that’s right for your situation. The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau outlines items to consider when comparing loan and repayment options.

Fellowships: Fellowships allow you to study and focus on your professional goals and development simultaneously. These programs offer stipends to help cover some personal costs during your studies. CSWE has fellowship programs for your consideration, including one for students interested in serving racial/ethnic minorities.

Grants: Grants are very similar to scholarships, and you may find the terms used interchangeably. These are mostly need-based, so be prepared to provide financial statements during the application process. One of the most important parts of a grant application is telling your story—don’t be afraid to share why you are pursuing a social work degree and the difference you intend to make in the world.

Service-based commitments: Service-based commitments provide pathways for obtaining an education and serving the broader community. Here are a few examples: Some of these opportunities offer financial awards or scholarships to assist with continued education or to help pay off existing loans. Under the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program, the federal government may forgive a portion of your debt after certain conditions are met.