A degree in Social Work prepares students for advanced practice in the field of social work. Individuals who possess a degree in this subject typically provide social work services to individuals, families, groups, organizations, and communities. Several top-tier universities offer degrees in this subject. For instance,
- The University of Chicago offers several graduate-level programs in this subject.
- Master of Arts in Social Work and Social Welfare
- Master’s Degree in Social Sector Leadership and Nonprofit Management (SSL)
- D. in Social Work
- Post-Master’s School Social Worker Endorsement Certificate
- The University of California-Berkeley offers:
- Bachelor of Arts in Social Welfare
- Master of Social Welfare
- D. in Social Welfare
- The University of Texas at Austin also offers:
- Bachelor of Social Work
- Master of Science in Social Work (MSSW)
- D. in Social Work
What Is Social Work?
Social work is generally defined as a profession that encourages social change, progress, unity, and the empowerment of people in societies. Practicing social work includes understanding human development, peoples’ behaviors, social, economic or cultural institutions, and interactions, etc.
What Can You Do with a Social Work Degree?
A degree in social work can help you get any of the following positions. The salary details of these careers were reported by the US Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Social and Community Service Managers
After completing a bachelor’s degree in Social work you must gain field experience for up to 5 years before you can become eligible to work in this position. Social and community service managers are required to coordinate and supervise programs or organizations that support public well-being.
| Annual Median Salary, 2019 | $67,150 | |
| Job Outlook, 2018-2028 | 13% | |
| Annual Mean Salary, 2019 | $72,900 | |
| State with the Highest Employment Level, 2019 | New York | 13,820 |
| State with the Highest Salary, 2019 | District of Columbia | $104,510 |
School and Career Counselors-Educational
You need at least a master’s degree in Social Work to get employed in this position. Educational, Guidance, and Career Counselors and Advisors help students build the academic and social skills that are required to succeed in their academic lives. They also help students choose a path to employment.
| Annual Median Salary, 2019 | $57,040 | |
| Job Outlook, 2018-2028 | 8% | |
| Annual Mean Salary, 2019 | $61,000 | |
| State with the Highest Employment Level, 2019 | California | 32,650 |
| State with the Highest Salary, 2019 | California | $78,250 |
Social Workers-Healthcare Social Workers
According to BLS, you will need to complete a bachelor’s degree in social work (BSW) to become eligible for an entry-level administrative position in this field. Healthcare Social Workers help individuals or families solve and cope with everyday life problems.
| Annual Median Salary, 2019 | $56,750 | |
| Job Outlook, 2018-2028 | 11% | |
| Annual Mean Salary, 2019 | $59,300 | |
| State with the Highest Employment Level, 2019 | California | 19,020 |
| State with the Highest Salary, 2019 | California | $79,620 |
What to Expect from a Social Work Degree?
The courses in a Social Work degree curriculum give you a sneak peek into what the program will prepare you for in the real world. It allows you to see what possible careers you can have with that particular degree. For example, the curriculum of Bachelor of Science in Social Work offered by the University of Texas at Austin has courses like,
- Introduction to Social Work and Social Welfare
- Current Issues
- Generalist Social Work Practice: Knowledge, Values, and Skills
- Foundations of Social Justice
- Social Welfare Programs, Policies, and Issues.
For details on the curriculum of a degree, please visit the official website of the desired university.
How to Choose a Social Work Degree?
While considering your options for a degree in Social Work, you must look at features like the curriculum, accreditation of the degree, the reputation of the institution, diversity of faculty, mode of delivery (online/on-campus), admission and graduation requirements, and so on.
The requirements of graduation are usually different for each degree and institution. For instance, the Master of Science in Social Work (MSSW) offered by the University of Texas at Austin requires its students to complete 42-48 credit hours to graduate.
Social Work Degree Admission Requirements
Each degree and institution has different requirements for admission that must be fulfilled. For example, if you want to apply for the Master of Social Welfare offered by the University of California-Berkeley, you must submit an online application with;
- Transcripts from all colleges attended
- Letters of recommendation – 3
- A statement of purpose
- A personal history statement
- A current CV with relevant social work experience
- Graduate Record Exam (GRE) score
- For international applicants, a TOEFL exam score
For specific details, please see the official website of the selected university.