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Social work focuses on helping individuals, groups, families, and communities improve their mental, emotional, and psychological well-being. Social workers may work as generalists or may specialize in working with children, the elderly, substance use, or domestic violence. Keep reading to discover career options and educational pathways.

What is social work?

Social workers help others improve people's lives by providing resources to address psychological, economic, or social struggles. These professionals strive to promote positive change throughout society through their work. Learning social work may help you positively impact the lives of others and develop communication, problem-solving, and empathy skills that you can apply to various careers and to many areas of your everyday life.

If you are considering a career in social work, keep in mind that some states and certain social work roles may require you to obtain state licensure and complete relevant supervised experience.

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Choosing the right social work program for you

Select the learning pathway that fits your time constraints, interests, ambitions, and budget. Online courses, certificates, executive education programs, and degrees may help you embark on a career in social work.

Courses

Social work courses can introduce you to the field or help you advance your career by teaching you new skills such as negotiation and effective communication. These programs typically last a few weeks and can be completed at your own pace.

Certificates

Earning a certificate in social work can help you enter the social work field or advance in your current career. Certificates in conflict management, deep resilience, and diversity can help you build your skills while gaining a new credential.

Executive education programs

Executive education programs in social work are designed for those working in the field who wish to further their skills. Topics such as child development, the psychology of addiction and recovery, and interpersonal communication strategies can help you build skills that you can readily apply to your current role.

Degrees

Earning a bachelor's or master's degree in social work is an important first step if you want to pursue a career as a social worker. While a bachelor's in social work can help you qualify for entry-level, non-clinical roles, earning a master's can prepare you for clinical roles in the field.

To become a clinical social worker, your degree program must be accredited by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE) to ensure that you meet the qualifications for state licensure. Note that licensed social workers must also complete relevant supervised experience and complete a licensing exam.

Jobs in social work

Social workers can pursue non-clinical and clinical roles in the field. Non-clinical jobs typically require a bachelor's degree, while clinical roles typically require a master's degree and state licensure. Below are a few roles you can consider.

Social worker

Social workers may support individuals, families, or groups through individual or group therapy or by connecting them to social services. They may focus their work on specific areas such as children, substance use, or mental health social work.

Social workers are typically required to hold a CSWE-accredited degree. Depending on your state and the type of social work, you may need to obtain a social work license. Licensed clinical social workers (LCSW) may provide independent services without supervision, while nonclinical social workers, such as licensed master social workers (LMSW), provide broader macro social work services under supervision.

  • Required education: Social work degree and state licensure. Varies by state.
  • Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) median annual salary (2023): $58,380
Health education specialist

Health education specialists develop methods to improve the wellness of individuals, groups, or entire communities. They may also create workplace programs that focus on wellness. Health education specialists work in healthcare facilities, nonprofit organizations, and public health departments. A health education specialist may seek optional certification through the National Commission for Health Education Credentialing (NCHEC) as a Certified Health Education Specialist (CHES).

  • Required education: Bachelor's degree, some roles may require certification
  • BLS median annual salary (2023): $62,860
School counselor

School counselors help students improve their academic and social skills and prepare for life after graduation. School counselors must be credentialed through the state in which they work and/or nationally through credentialing agencies such as the National Board of Certified Counselors (NBCC) as a National Certified School Counselor (NSCC).

  • Required education: Master's degree and licensure or certification
  • BLS median annual salary (2023): $61,710

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    FAQs about social work

    Why should I learn social work?

    Social work can be a rewarding career, helping clients improve their well-being. The skills you can learn in a social work program, such as interpersonal communication, empathy, and problem-solving, may apply to various careers and many areas of your life. If you want to pursue a career as a social worker, enrolling in a bachelor's or master's in social work program can help you begin your career.

    How long does it take to learn social work?

    The amount of time it takes depends on your goals and time constraints. An introductory course could last a few weeks, while a bachelor's or master's degree that can prepare you for licensure may take 4-6 years to complete.

    How hard is it to learn social work?

    While learning social work may not be difficult academically, the emotional and psychological demands of the profession may be difficult for some people. Patience, empathy, and resilience are all necessary to learn and practice social work.