How MSW programs drive social change

Q: What degree complements social work?

A law degree can prepare social workers to make policy changes from a social justice perspective, while a degree in public health can help social workers address social inequities that influence health concerns among certain populations.

A master's degree in social change can prepare you to make a difference in the world as a social worker.

See all MSW programs

A group of social workers shares a group hug before an outdoor community event.

Why earn an MSW with courses focusing on social change?

Champion social justice

Make a positive impact on people's lives by advocating for social justice.

Advocate for systemic change

Contribute to systemic changes that help oppressed populations through advocacy and community organizing.

Prepare for a rewarding career

Bring a deep understanding of the social, political, and economic systems that impact the clients you'll serve as a social worker.

A master's in social work (MSW) program can prepare you to drive social change through policy advocacy, community organizing, program development, and individual support. With a master's in social work, you can embark upon a rewarding career impacting the lives of diverse groups of people.

Find the right online MSW for you

Prestigious

An immersive cohort-based learning experience that is designed to optimize learning outcomes and ensure global networking opportunities.

Flexible

Choose your path with a range of completion options and class times.

Equivalent to on-campus

Earn the same degree and complete the same curriculum as on-campus students.

MSW programs that drive social change

With social justice at the center of social work, most programs prepare their students to drive social change.

The Council on Social Work Education (CSWE) requires all to equip social workers to drive social change in their careers by engaging in policy practice. In an MSW program, you'll learn how various social policies impact different communities, affect well-being, and determine access to social services.

Courses on social welfare policy, political social work, and theories of community change can prepare you to drive social change.

How do social workers drive social change?

All social workers can help drive social change, regardless of their specialty. According to the National Association of Social Workers (NASW) code of ethics, diversity, equity, and inclusion are at the forefront of social work.

Clinical social workers in mental health, medical, or school settings can advocate for policies that impact service delivery and lead to more positive outcomes for their clients.

Social workers at the mezzo- and macro-levels of practice can advocate for broader systemic changes that advance social, racial, economic, and environmental justice.

All social workers can also get involved in policy initiatives at the local, state, federal, or global level.

What social change jobs can you get with an MSW?

Whether you work in policy advocacy, mental health, or substance use counseling, you can make a difference.

Here are a few jobs that drive social change that you can qualify for with an MSW degree:

Social and community services managers

These professionals support public well-being by organizing programs and often collaborate with community members, funders, and government officials to address social needs.

Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) median annual salary (2023): $77,030
BLS projected employment growth (2023-2033): 8%

Mental health and substance use social workers

These social workers drive social change on an individual level by helping people struggling with mental health and substance use conditions. They can also advocate for organizational policies to better support their clients.

BLS median annual salary (2023): $55,960
BLS projected employment growth (2023-33): 12%

Child, family, and school social workers

These social workers drive social change by advocating for the best interests of the families they serve. This can include supporting families through adoption, helping students succeed in school, or providing resources to children experiencing abuse.

BLS median annual salary (2023): $53,940
BLS projected employment growth (2023-2033): 5%

Frequently asked questions

What degrees are good for social change?

Social justice is a key value of social work and can be a good degree if you are interested in social change. These programs can prepare you to engage in policy advocacy and direct service delivery at the micro, mezzo, and macro levels of practice.

What degree complements social work?

A can prepare social workers to make policy changes from a social justice perspective, while a can help social workers address social inequities that influence health concerns among certain populations.

Is social change hard?

Social change isn't easy, but the more that people advocate for changes to systems and societal norms locally and globally, the more equitable and inclusive the world will be for everyone.