Social Work

Students who major in social work want to devote their lives to helping the less-fortunate. They learn how to organize support services in an effort to improve lives in their communities. That means principles of business, government, politics and public policy must be learned. They gain effective communications skills – both written and verbal – because they must deal with people on a daily basis. They also acquire analytical and problem solving skills, which are most important to this career. Students receive instruction in administration, casework planning, social welfare policy, counseling and employment services. Additional disciplines that may be explored are sociology, psychology, economics and biology. All-important field experience is gained through placement in a social services agency.

Social work is perfect for graduates who have the desire to help a specific underserved population. They interact with people on a daily basis so they can better serve their needs. Some employment choices are ministries, medical and psychiatric facilities, advocacy programs and community development agencies. Specific jobs for social work majors include school social worker, clinical social worker, child welfare worker, case manager and community social worker. The growing population will result in an increased need for the services provided by this major. Through 2018, employment is expected to grow by 16 percent, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Medical and public health social workers especially will be in demand; the occupation is expected to grow by 22 percent.