Careers: Bachelor of Social Work

Careers: Bachelor of Social Work
07.01.2024
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08.26.2024
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The Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) program at UC Online prepares students for entry-level generalist social work practice that is grounded in the values and knowledge base of the profession, responsive to the needs and opportunities of a diverse society, locally and globally, and promotes individual, family, group, community and organizational well-being through empowerment and social justice.

The benefits of a career in social work

Social workers are driven by altruism — creating space for others to heal, for social justice to take place and for families to come together. Social workers strive for the betterment of their communities and our society as a whole.

High rates of job satisfaction are one of the greatest benefits of working as a social worker. Beyond that, jobs in this field often have many opportunities for advancement. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, job opportunities in social work are expected to grow 13% over the next decade, far faster than the national average. The BLS reports that the median pay for social workers is $51,760.

Social workers find meaningful employment in a variety of settings, including mental health clinics, schools, child welfare and human service agencies, hospitals, settlement houses, community development corporations and private practices.

With high job satisfaction and great career stability, many social work positions appear on the U.S. News & World Report 100 Best Jobs. Social work is an excellent career choice for those driven by a desire to do good and make a positive impact.

Becoming a Social Worker [Licensure Information]

Graduates of our online bachelor’s degree in social work program are qualified to sit for the bachelor’s examination offered by the Association of Social Work Boards and to apply for licensing in states that offer social work licenses to BSW graduates. Licensing requirements are state specific and applicants should check with their state licensing board for specific requirements.

Through a partnership with CECH at the University of Cincinnati, students of our online social work program can gain additional credentials in Substance Abuse Counseling. By participating in this special course, students will fulfill the educational requirements for the Ohio Chemical Dependency Counseling Assistant Phase 1 (CDCA Phase 1) Exam or a similar exam in their home state. Students should check with their home state’s addictions counseling credentialing board for specific requirements.

Once licensed, becoming a social worker is a matter of pursuing opportunities in the fields that matter most to you. Our online Bachelor of Social Work graduates hold positions in many fields, including poverty reduction, homelessness, child or adult protective services, mental health, substance abuse and more. If you’re curious about the social work licensure process or more information on the top careers in social work read our blogs that evaluate these topics further.

Occupation Median Wage Projected Growth
Social Work Teachers, Postsecondary $66,510 2-4%
Child, Family, and School Social Workers $50,820 5-8%
Healthcare Social Workers $60,280 9%
Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workers $51,240 9%

By the numbers

“High rates of job satisfaction are one of the greatest benefits of working as a social worker. Beyond that, jobs in this field often have many opportunities for advancement. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, job opportunities in social work are expected to grow 16% over the next decade, far faster than the national average.”
Bureau of Labor Statistics
“With high job satisfaction and great career stability, many social work positions appear on the U.S. News & World Report 100 Best Jobs. For those driven by a desire to do good and make a change in the world, the benefits of a career in social work are clear.”
U.S. News & World Report 100 Best Jobs
Student Testimonials
Portrait of Ana B. with her husband and daughter
“I researched long and hard for an accredited online program before finding the University of Cincinnati, a highly regarded school with many years of academic excellence under its belt. As a busy working mom and wife, I appreciate that it offers so many online classes and programs tailored to adult/non-traditional students. The classes are well-structured and relevant to my field of study. I really like that there is constant communication between the school, professors, and students, which makes me feel like I am not missing out. I also think we have great faculty and staff. I am excited and proud to be a part of the University of Cincinnati family!”

Ana B.
BSW Social Work, Current Student

Business Roles:

Once licensed, becoming a social worker is a matter of pursuing opportunities in the fields that matter most to you. Our Bachelor of Social Work graduates hold positions in many fields, including:

  • Community Social Worker
  • Child and Family Social Worker
  • Healthcare Social Worker
  • School Social Worker
  • Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Worker
  • Group Social Worker