Social Work
Major
What is a social work major?
A social work major is for people who want to make a change in the world. Social workers advocate for social justice, help people meet life’s challenges and make a positive impact on the world.
AT A GLANCE
Social work major overview
Our social work major is accredited through the Council on Social Work Education, so you know this program will prepare you for a life of service to those around you. When you graduate, you'll be ready to apply your new skills to build a more just society. You’ll learn to partner with others as they overcome life challenges such as homelessness, addiction and domestic violence. You'll help as they negotiate life changes, such as illness, aging or unemployment. You will also learn strategies for approaching big social problems with the understanding that tackling them sometimes requires changing society itself or updating laws.
Our faculty are dedicated teachers, and our classes are small and personal. You’ll learn outside the classroom as well. As part of the curriculum, you’ll gain experience at a community agency such as a crisis line, domestic violence shelter or child welfare program. You’ll also complete a 400-hour field education practicum (internship), where you'll get hands-on experience in a professional setting.
Our social work major gives you a strong foundation of knowledge that prepares you to work with a variety of people and in a variety of situations.
Highlights of our social work major
- Network personally and professionally: Join the Social Work Student Organizations, where you can get to know your classmates better, learn about graduate schools or social work licensure, and share in social work-related projects.
- Serve the community while earning your degree: Participate in the Phi Alpha Honor Society for Social Work, where you can do service projects with other social work students or earn an award for academic excellence.
- Learn from and research with experienced professionals: You can work with faculty who have a passion for social work practice and want to help you find your point of social work passion. You'll also have the ability to conduct undergraduate research in partnership with faculty.
- Earn a Child Welfare Certificate: If you are interested in helping families and their children through protective services, foster care or adoption, this training leads to a State of Michigan-endorsed credential and may qualify you for funding toward your BSW as a Michigan Title IV-E Child Welfare Fellow.
Careers for a social work major
Graduates of our social work program may apply for licensure in Michigan and states where the Bachelor of Social Work is recognized. Some graduates start professional jobs with children and youth in foster care, in community programs, or in juvenile justice settings. They may want to take their skills to services for the elderly, survivors of domestic violence, or people who need jobs. They are also prepared to work for an elected official or run for office themselves.
Social work majors may take a service year through Peace Corps or AmeriCorps. Others are hired immediately with the BSW in positions such as those below, or go on to an Master of Social Work program for advanced training, such as becoming a therapist.
| Career | Projected Salary |
|---|---|
| Child/Family/School/General Social Worker | $58,380 |
| Community Relations Director | $58,212 |
| Community Planner | $81,800 |
| Social Worker | $55,350 |
| Outreach Worker | $44,214 |
| Case Manager | $49,931 |
| Child Welfare Specialist | $51,259 |
Join the College of Liberal Arts and Social Sciences
As a social work major, you'll join the College of Liberal Arts and Social Sciences, where you can explore what it means to serve others, the community around you and even yourself. You'll be surrounded by unique opportunities to practice the social work strategies you've learned in class, and volunteer with local organizations and group to make a difference right here in Mount Pleasant.
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