Black man with lanyard at open front door with social work notebook

What Can You Do With a Social Work Degree?

A career in social work is bound to be rewarding no matter what you do, but here are some options of different jobs you can get with a Social Work degree.

Students study social work because they want to help people, and there are so many different career paths you can take with this major. Many people simply want to find a job where they can make a difference, and a degree in Social Work can do just that.   The field can take you in various directions. Depending on the classes you gravitate toward the most, you may already have an idea of the best Social Work concentration for you.  If you enjoy family sociology, child psychology, or social psychology, you’ll likely do well working with families and kids. On the other hand, if you gravitate more toward legal advocacy and systemic structures, you’re likely to enjoy managerial positions. There’s a world of opportunity in social work, no matter your specialty or job strengths. If you haven't discovered your dream job yet, something on this list of careers in might just catch your eye.

Child Protective Services worker

If you're interested in working with children and families, Child Protective Services might be your calling. Social workers in this career help kids in dangerous or risky situations and work with families to ensure their safety. While this job may be challenging, it can also be extremely rewarding when you make a difference in children’s lives.  Here are some stats on this career choice:

  • Job outlook: The employment of child, family, and school social workers is expected to grow 7% within the decade.
  • Requirements: A bachelor’s degree in Social Work or Psychology is usually required, though many states call for a comparable master’s degree as well.
  • Average salary: The typical salary for a social worker is $47,390 a year, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.

Related: Major Spotlight: Psychology and Your Academic Path

Hospice social worker

Hospice social workers' jobs primarily focus on supporting those who are dying as well as their families and loved ones. If you're interested in assisting people experiencing grief and helping people feel more comfortable during their final days, hospice social work may be the right choice for you. Job stats for the average hospice social worker include:

  • Job outlook: Hospice social work and related hospice care is expected to grow 23% from 2012 to 2022.
  • Requirements: Most states require a master’s degree in Social Work or Psychology as well as licensing, though this varies from job to job.
  • Average salary: The average salary for a hospice social worker is $46,470 for those working in skilled nursing facilities.

Special education mediator

Mediation has an 85% success rate with parent-school disputes for special education students. It's a highly efficient and helpful job. Essentially, mediators assist in communication between parties—parents, teachers, and students—so everyone can feel seen and heard. In special education, this often means advocating for students and getting the quality education and services they need to learn their best. To be a meditator, here are some aspects to be aware of:

  • Job outlook: Mediation and other related jobs are expected to grow 8% by 2028.
  • Requirements: Most positions require a relevant Social Work bachelor’s degree, but some also ask for additional graduate education and a certification in Mediation; this varies from job to job. Relevant experience in mediation also helps.
  • Average salary: The average salary for special education positions and related jobs was $65,350 in 2019.

Case manager

Case managers are like social workers, but they fulfill different needs within the systems they serve. Case managers coordinate care for clients, and their job is to make sure the client's needs are being met. They don't provide therapy or counseling like social workers do. Instead, they conduct interviews and connect people with the services and resources they need. Check out the outlook, salary, and requirements for this job:

  • Job outlook: Case management and related jobs are expected to grow 13% in the next decade.
  • Requirements: Case manager roles require a bachelor’s degree and a certification in Case Management; some positions may also require a master’s degree.
  • Average salary: The average salary for this position is $67,150 a year.

Related: Rewarding Career Ideas for 5 Liberal Arts Majors

Health manager

Health managers work within health care facilities and systems to coordinate care and oversee that the operations of providers and departments are running smoothly and efficiently. Health management is essentially about making sure other care workers do their best so individuals can access the care they need from a well-supported staff.

If you’re looking to be a health manager, here’s what to expect:

  • Job outlook: Health management jobs are expected to grow 18% by 2028.
  • Requirements: A bachelor’s degree is required for the role, but many employers prefer a master’s as well. It’s also usually preferable to have experience working in a hospital or health care environment.
  • Average salary: The average salary for a health manager is $100,980.

Director of social services

Directors of social services often work within facilities, health care centers, or other systems to make sure everyone is getting their needs met and that the best care possible is being provided. This often means overseeing and coordinating operations and advocating for residents and clients.

Anyone looking for a social services director job will benefit from these career stats:

  • Job outlook: Direction, management, and related jobs are expected to grow 13% in the next decade.
  • Requirements: Most positions require a master’s degree as well as relevant experience in social services.
  • Average salary: Social services directors earn around $57,014 a year, according to Indeed.

Related: List: Where Social Sciences PhDs Received Their Undergraduate Degrees

Jobs for Social Work majors

There are many types of social work jobs you can pursue. All jobs in this field involve helping others, working with and striving to provide care for those who need it. No matter what you do, you'll find a way to use your degree to the fullest while cultivating your passions and utilizing your skills for the greater good. It's all about finding your direction and going for it.

For more advice on finding the career that’s right for you, check out our Internships and Careers section.

Like what you’re reading?

Join the CollegeXpress community! Create a free account and we’ll notify you about new articles, scholarship deadlines, and more.

Join Now

Join our community of
over 5 million students!

CollegeXpress has everything you need to simplify your college search, get connected to schools, and find your perfect fit.

Join CollegeXpress
Chris Bell

Chris Bell

Bell College Consulting

The college lists on CollegeXpress are indispensable for sussing out creative additions to a student’s list, and the college-specific pages provide terrific commentary and suggestions for related schools. CollegeXpress is among the most trusted sources I use for information for my students.

Rose Kearsley

Rose Kearsley

High School Class of 2021

CollegeXpress has seriously helped me out a lot, especially when it comes to scholarships and studying for tests like the ACT. I also really love the financial help. It’s a little harder to pay because I live with a family of eight, so any help is appreciated. Thanks for this opportunity!

Josiah Kegg

Josiah Kegg

High School Class of 2021

I want to sincerely thank you all for this amazing website that's legitimately helped me find so many different scholarship opportunities. I've been stressing out for the longest time about paying for college since I would rather stay out of debt and have been working days trying to find any scholarship opportunity. When I found CollegeXpress, I discovered many easy scholarships that have given me hope for the future. Thank you and God bless!

Mimi

Mimi

High School Class of 2022

CollegeXpress has provided me with tips that were for college students, but as a high school junior, they were still very useful. Not only that, it also gave me an idea of what to expect when it comes to going to college or already being in college. I want to say thank you to CollegeXpress, and I hope you continue the wonderful tips until I hopefully get into college and throughout my college journey.

Maria  Fernanda

Maria Fernanda

High School Class of 2023

CollegeXpress is always telling you with time to spare when to apply for certain scholarships, what they require, and if you’re eligible or not. They also provide helpful tips for both incoming college students and current college students, such as what to absolutely have in your dorm.

College Matches
X

Colleges You May Be Interested In

Lynn University

Boca Raton, FL

University of Pittsburgh

Pittsburgh, PA

Holy Family University

Philadelphia, PA

Gardner-Webb University

Boiling Springs, NC