A social work degree is your gateway to a world of possibilities, all rooted in the shared mission of helping others tackle life’s toughest challenges. In fact, there are so many career options that narrowing down the perfect fit can feel a bit overwhelming.
Don’t let that hold you back. People drawn to social work are looking to make a difference. Not to say there aren’t perks: High-earning social workers can make over $94,910 annually. But no matter which role you choose, you’ll find a rewarding career unlike any other.
Why Earn a Degree in Social Work?
In the world of social work, optimism and determination are a great start, but you’ll need more to land the job of your dreams. To carve out a successful career in the field, you’ll need a solid education. Most social work careers require at least a bachelor’s degree.
A social work degree will be more than a bullet point on your resume. It denotes in-depth knowledge of ethical practices and strategies to empower and uplift individuals, families, and entire communities. This foundational knowledge will prepare you for a wide range of roles within and beyond social work, including:
- Behavioral health technician
- Caseworker
- Case manager
- Director of social services
- Habilitation specialist
- Health educator
- Outreach worker
- Probation officer
- Program coordinator
- Research assistant
Aim Higher With a Master’s Degree in Social Work
Want to level up your career? An advanced degree is the key. A Master of Social Work (MSW) doesn’t just open doors. It opens up entirely new career paths, often in leadership or clinical practice. Demanding more than a degree, these roles require high-level training and likely state licensure.
They say, “Nothing worth doing is easy,” and earning an MSW is no exception. With this degree, you can look forward to higher earning potential, greater job security, and expanded opportunities in education, healthcare, government, human resources, and nonprofit organizations.
Here are four rewarding career paths for MSW graduates:
1. Medical Social Worker
Medical social workers are a bridge between patients, their families, and the complex world of healthcare. They help families navigate the emotional, financial, and social challenges that often come with hospitalization. You’ll also find them in outpatient centers, hospice care centers, rehabilitation facilities, and nursing homes, collaborating with other healthcare professionals to ensure that patients receive the best care possible.
2. School Counselor
School counselors are a steady hand helping students through the ups and downs of school life. Whether a student is struggling with self-esteem, navigating tricky relationships, or just needs someone to listen, a school counselor is there to offer support. Working with teachers, parents, and administrators, they also address a variety of issues like bullying, absenteeism, and behavioral challenges head-on.
3. Child Welfare Social Worker
Child welfare social workers are dedicated to creating safe, supportive environments where children can thrive. To ensure every child’s needs are met, they assess living conditions, evaluate foster homes, counsel parents, and consult with educators and physicians.
Social workers educate people on the resources available to them, helping families find essential services like childcare or food assistance. When a child’s safety is at risk, these professionals step in, coordinating foster care, facilitating adoptions, or working to reunite families: anything to ensure that children have a brighter future.
4. Substance Abuse Counselor
Substance abuse counselors empower clients to break free from addiction, whether it’s related to drugs, alcohol, or eating disorders. Often licensed clinical social workers, these professionals assess clients’ conditions, identify triggers, and create personalized recovery plans to help clients get back on their feet. Their goal is to not only help clients in the short term but also set them up for sustained recovery long after counseling ends.
Where Will Your Journey Take You?
There’s nothing stopping you from becoming a social worker and dedicating your career to helping others, especially vulnerable groups who need your help the most. That’s as noble a path as any. But as we’ve explored, a social work degree opens doors to all manner of careers. Where will your journey take you? It’s hard to say, but we know it starts here.
Earn an Online Social Work Degree at UT Permian Basin
The University of Texas Permian Basin offers an online MSW program designed for professionals passionate about making a difference, especially in clinical social work within rural communities.
Here’s what makes our online social work graduate program stand out:
- Complete courses online, diving into topics like human behavior, social justice, and social welfare programs and policies.
- Receive personalized attention with our 12:1 student-faculty ratio.
- Gain practical experience through our practicum courses.
- Receive assistance with Licensed Master Social Worker (LMSW) and Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) exam preparation.
When you graduate, you won’t just walk away with a prestigious degree. You’ll leave with the skills, knowledge, and confidence to shape your career and future.
Ready to begin? Visit our online MSW page to learn more about what our program offers. When you’re ready, apply to UT Permian Basin’s online MSW program. Your next career move is a click away.
Sources:
https://www.indeed.com/career-advice/finding-a-job/what-can-i-do-with-a-masters-in-social-work
https://college.mayo.edu/academics/explore-health-care-careers/careers-a-z/medical-social-worker/
https://www.indeed.com/career-advice/finding-a-job/degree-in-social-work-jobs