Social workers are the guardian angels who deal with some of society’s most difficult and heart-breaking obstacles. After their social work degree programs, these professionals help citizens who face disabilities, terminal illnesses, physical abuse, substance abuse, unemployment, domestic conflicts and other problems. It’s their job to help these individuals find resolutions, and while it can be an extremely stressful career, it can also be highly rewarding.
Featured Schools with Social Work Degree Programs
- Colorado Technical University - Undergraduate: Undergraduate - Online
South University: Columbia
Argosy University: Atlanta
- Master of Arts (MA) in Clinical Psychology/Marriage & Family Therapy
- Master of Arts (MA) in Forensic Psychology
- Master of Arts (MA) in Sport-Exercise Psychology
- Master of Arts in Industrial Organizational Psychology (MAIO)
Social workers often choose to focus their efforts on one specific segment of the population:
Child, family and school social workers look out for the welfare of children and their families. This can include helping single mothers find adequate daycare, removing a child from an abusive home, and arranging for adoption or foster care placement. In schools, social workers may work with students, parents, teachers and school officials to look out for a child’s welfare and ensure his or her educational success.
Medical and public health social workers work with terminally or chronically ill patients and their families. They assist with post-hospital care, arrange for nursing services, and organize support groups.
Gerontological social workers work exclusively with elderly patients and their families by providing support and monitoring senior housing facilities, transportation, and long-term care.
Mental health and substance abuse social workers help individuals with substance abuse or mental health issues. They may assist these individuals and their families with crisis intervention, outreach, therapy, and treatment.
Social work administrators, researchers, planners and policymakers design the programs and initiatives that address the issues listed above.
Types of Social Work Degrees Available
To get started, you can earn an Associate’s degree in Social Work, followed by the Bachelor’s Degree. (The Bachelor’s degree is the minimum you’ll need to start a career in Social Work.) A Bachelor’s in Psychology or Sociology may also be accepted for entry level positions.
While a bachelor’s degree can get your career started, it’s becoming more and more common for employers to select candidates with a Master’s degree in Social Work.
Social Work Average Salary
- The median annual earnings of social workers is approximately $35,000.
What a Social Work Degree Teaches You
During a Bachelor’s program in Social Work, students will be given a broad overview of the social work field and the major areas of specialization, such as child welfare or disability counseling. It also teaches social work values and ethics, social welfare policies, human growth and development, and how to work in a diverse population.
During a Master’s program, students will pick their area of specialization and get hands-on experience during supervised fieldwork.
Social Work Featured careers:
Questions to ask about a Social Work degree:
- Do I feel comfortable working with people of all ages and socioeconomic backgrounds?
- Do I want to make a difference in the lives of others?
- Will I able to handle stressful or traumatic situations as part of my profession?
- Am I a good listener? Will I be able to help others find solutions to their problems?
