What is Social Work?

Do Something that Matters

What would your life be like if you had a job that wasn’t just a job? What would it feel like to go to work each day and find real meaning in what you do? Think it’s not possible? Think again.

Right now, you can choose a career path that empowers you to help, heal and advocate for people in need. It’s called social work.

Every day, social workers touch the lives of hundreds of thousands of people across the globe. It’s not just a job; it’s a life-changing experience.

Careers in Social Work

Careers in social work manifest in a variety of settings, including nonprofits, schools, government entities, family services agencies and healthcare organizations, among many others. Social workers often specialize in one or more of a variety of social issues, such as child welfare, family services, gerontology, mental health, substance abuse, domestic violence, homelessness and poverty.

Some students who pursue a social work degree go on to work directly with clients affected by social challenges, while others conduct research to help the world better understand and address social problems. And finally, some professionals with a social work background develop policies, programs and regulations related to broad social issues. Regardless of the specific career path, all options in the field of social work lead to positive change for people in need.

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the need for social workers is expected to grow twice as fast as any other occupation. The average salary for social workers in the United States who hold a bachelor’s of social work (B.S.W.) is around $46,000, while the average salary for those who hold a masters in social work (M.S.W.) is just over $54,000. Doctoral graduates typically go on to work in academic settings, where their salaries vary greatly depending on their specific position and the caliber of the university.