The social work career field has a projected growth rate of 19 percent through 2022, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. With a degree in social work, you can have many career opportunities to choose from.
Educational Requirements
A bachelor’s degree in social work (BSW) is what is normally needed for most entry-level positions. Courses in social work usually include, psychology, sociology, economics, and political sciences.
Career Fields in Social Work
Depending on your education, experience, and specialized training, you may become qualified for the following:
- geriatric social work (helping senior citizens and families)
- hospice and palliative care social work (helping patients adjust to serious, chronic or terminal illness)
- medical social work in hospitals (helping patients link to resources in the hospital or community)
- child and family social work (helping children and families in need of assistance)
- school social worker (working with teachers and school administration to improve students academic performance and social development)
- healthcare social worker (helping patients understand their diagnosis and helping make adjustments to lifestyle, housing, or healthcare)
- clinical social worker (diagnosing and treating mental behavioral and emotional disorders)
A master’s degree in social work would be required in the case of a clinical social worker. You would need 2 years of postmaster experience in a supervised setting and obtain a state license to practice.
Additional Career Opportunities in Social Work
There are also additional career opportunities for those holding a social worker degree because the field of study is similar, but there may be additional requirements needed for certain careers.
- health educator and community health worker (bachelor’s degree)
- probation officers and correctional treatment specialist (bachelor’s degree)
- mental health counselor and marriage and family therapists (master’s degree)
