Social work majors have a sense of compassion and a desire to make the world a better place. As a social work major, you can take a variety of paths, all which serve society for the better. For example, you may counsel people and help them get service such as subsidized housing and food stamps, or you might be a guide of social movements, research social issues or design and set up policy programs.
Education
Social work offers an equal balance of learning about the work you will be doing and then putting that work to practice with hands-on experience and internships. From there, you’ll explore your interests like working with children or elderly people or perhaps becoming a LGBT advocate. Major courses include community resources, diversity, human behavior in the social environment, psychology, social and economic justice, sociology and values and ethics.
Prospective students might find that it’s useful to take high school courses focusing on a foreign language, preferably Spanish, as well as taking courses in sociology, family and consumer students, English and AP Psychology. A foreign language should also be continued throughout college so that you become well-versed, if not fluent. This is a skill that makes you more of an asset for jobs.
What to know before you apply
It helps to be an outgoing person who wants to help others. You’ll succeed in this major if you enjoy interacting with people facing various challenges. You’ll have to reflect on your own psychology as well as keep a neutral stance for those you’re helping. Knowing yourself makes you better at helping others overcome challenges and face problems. You will deal with difficult situations that might not ever be easy to handle but knowing that you’re helping someone in need is one of the reasons it might make the job worth it for you.
Questions to ask before deciding
As a potential social work major you must ask yourself if you are ready to learn more about human psychology, work with individuals and groups, and design and carry out a scientific research study to improve social settings. You must also ask yourself if you are capable of putting yourself into situations where emotions from both you and those you’re counseling are very present.
Salary
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the salary for social workers as of 2012 was $44,000 per year. The job outlook continues to grow and social workers with just an undergrad degree can always expand on their degree at the masters or doctoral level and advance in their career.
