What Can You Do With a Social Work Degree? Best Social Work Jobs & Salary Guide
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Social work is both a calling and a profession. At its core, the field is about helping people, advocating for justice and creating social change. Beyond traditional social work roles, today’s graduates find opportunities in healthcare, corporate spaces, policy, research and even entrepreneurship.
The CSWE-accredited online Bachelor of Science in Social Work (BSW) from Southwest Minnesota State University (SMSU) provides the academic foundation for entering the profession. This program prepares students for immediate entry into social work practice while also establishing the credentials needed to pursue advanced licensure and graduate education.
What Can You Do With a Social Work Degree?
A social work degree prepares graduates for meaningful work in diverse settings. Students develop skills in communication, problem-solving, critical thinking and advocacy — skills essential for addressing human needs at the individual, family and community levels. Many graduates begin their careers in traditional areas most often associated with the profession, such as:
- Clinical Social Workers: Provide therapy, counseling and mental health services
- School Social Workers: Support students’ social, emotional and academic needs
- Healthcare Social Workers: Assist patients and their families as they navigate hospital or rehabilitation systems
- Child and Family Services Specialists: Protect vulnerable children and strengthen families through case management
These roles demonstrate the direct impact social workers make on the lives of individuals and families. Social work is about walking alongside people through some of the hardest times of their lives and helping them find their strength again.
Exploring Non-Traditional Career Paths
In addition to frontline roles, social workers are increasingly applying their expertise in non-traditional settings. This includes positions in corporate human resources, employee wellness programs, policy analysis, government relations, research and nonprofit leadership. These paths allow professionals to influence organizational culture, inform policy decisions and contribute to systemic change.
Employers in these fields value the social worker’s ability to mediate conflict, analyze complex systems and design programs that foster well-being. Expanding into such areas highlights the adaptability of social work as a discipline and demonstrates the profession’s reach beyond clinical or community settings.
Specialized Fields in Social Work
Social workers also contribute to specialized fields that serve unique populations and address complex challenges. These career paths extend the profession’s reach into sectors that require advanced knowledge and focused expertise.
- Gerontology: Supports aging populations in healthcare facilities, nursing homes or community programs
- Criminal Justice: Works with incarcerated individuals, probation programs or victims’ advocacy groups
- International Social Work: Engages in disaster relief, global health or human rights initiatives
These fields highlight the global and interdisciplinary scope of the social work profession. They also provide opportunities for professionals to advocate on behalf of vulnerable populations, contributing to broader social change.
Comparing BSW vs. MSW Career Options
A bachelor’s degree in social work qualifies graduates for entry-level positions such as case manager, child welfare advocate or community outreach specialist. A BSW also provides a pathway to graduate-level study.
Students may eventually pursue a Master of Social Work (MSW), and can access clinical roles, leadership positions and specialized roles requiring advanced credentials. According to the Council on Social Work Education, an MSW is often the minimum requirement for licensure as a clinical social worker.
Salary and Job Growth for Social Work Degree Careers
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects steady job growth of 7% for social workers from 2022 to 2032, faster than the average for all occupations. Demand is especially strong in healthcare, mental health and substance abuse treatment. Salaries vary by specialization and region of the country:
- An average salary for a social worker with a bachelor’s degree typically ranges from $45,000 to $55,000 per year.
- Licensed clinical social workers with an MSW often earn $60,000 to $75,000 per year or more.
- Specialized roles in healthcare or corporate consulting can yield salaries exceeding $80,000 per year with experience.
According to the Social Work Degree Center, social workers with advanced credentials and leadership positions enjoy some of the highest earning potential in the field. These figures show that social work offers both professional fulfillment and financial stability.
Licensing Requirements for Social Workers
Licensure is a critical part of professional development in the social work field. Most states require a license for clinical practice, which typically involves completing an accredited MSW program, gaining supervised experience and passing a state exam.
Entry-level roles with a BSW may not require licensure depending on the state of residence and practice, but credentials strengthen employability. Prospective students should review their state board’s requirements to map out a clear professional path. The National Association of Social Workers provides resources to guide licensing decisions.
Finding Your Place in Social Work With an Online BS from SMSU
Whether supporting children in schools, guiding families through crisis, shaping policy or launching an independent practice, social work graduates make an impact with a combination training, professional expertise and a commitment to improving lives.
The online BS in Social Work from Southwest Minnesota State University offers a flexible, accessible path for those ready to enter this rewarding, high growth field. With its blend of classroom learning and real-world application, the program prepares graduates for meaningful roles in a wide range of dynamic settings where they can make a difference while advancing their career.
Learn more about Southwest Minnesota State University’s online BS in Social Work program.