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Social Work Career Information

What do you learn and experience in the first year?

You will increase writing and math skills. You will understand human biology and how it relates to social work practice. You will be able to understand sociological theory and how it applies to social work practice and understand how psychological theories assist in understanding human behavior and psychological functioning. Students will understand how economics shape social life, impact social functioning while meeting basic needs. Students will gain understanding of social forces that shaped the development of social work and be introduced to theories and methods of social work practice. Students will acquire basic skills required for social work practice and understand impact of inequality on at-risk and oppressed populations.

What do you learn and experience the second year?

Students will be able to perform basic social work activities in practicum settings. Students will continue to increase their professional oral and written skills and learn basic listening skills used in counseling. Students will increase self-awareness and develop in areas of cultural competence and the holistic nature of social work practice.

What other opportunities and experiences does a major in social work offer?

  • Practicum experience-You will have first-hand experience with working with organizations that provide services to the diverse populations in our community
  • Transfer Opportunities:Students continue their education and receive a bachelor’s degree in social work, which is required for licensure.
  • Family Advocate Certificate
  • Social Service Certificate

What can you do with a two year degree-in Social Work?

As a paraprofessional, individuals work as social service assistants and often receive tuition assistance from their employers to complete their bachelor’s degree in social work. The average annual salary of social services and human services assistants in the United States is $29,880, according to a 2009 Bureau of Labor Statistics survey. The average hourly wage is $14.37. Those in the 25th percentile for salary (75 percent earn more) earn $22,230 per year, while those in the 75th percentile (25 percent earn more) earn $35,620 per year.

What can you do with a four year degree-in Social Work?

After completing a bachelor’s degree in an accredited social work school, students will take a state board exam to earn licensure in their state of residence. Each state has its own requirements to maintain licensure and they include continuing education units. You will find social workers in a variety of settings, including: community centers, family service agencies, child welfare agencies, hospitals, school boards, advocacy groups, solidarity and activist groups, welfare administration agencies, federal and provincial departments, criminal justice and substance abuse treatment. The median expected salary for a typical Social Worker (BSW) in the United States is $47,460.

Social Work Career Resources:

What Can You Do With a Social Work Degree? https://www.publicservicedegrees.org/what-can-you-do/social-work-degree/

A complete guide to field education (over 6,000 words), including expert insights, practical advice, and additional resources for students http://www.mswguide.org/schools/the-ultimate-field-education-guide/

A guide to social work careers for graduates of MSW programs http://www.mswguide.org/careers/

A breakdown of social work licensure in each state, including license types, requirements, continuing education, and more http://www.mswguide.org/licensure/