Bachelor's Degrees in Social Work
According to the National Association of Social Workers, licensed social workers are the United States' most prominent sect of mental health service providers. Both federal law and the National Institute of Health recognize it as a core mental health profession. Social work is also a growing profession. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the employment of social workers is expected to grow by 16 percent between 2016 and 2026, which is much faster than the average for all other professions. Additionally, the median starting salary for social workers is $47,980 per year.
Many bachelor's level social workers work in advocacy, case management, and group work. These individuals work in healthcare and other social services organizations. Jobs at this level include titles like client education specialist, community advocate, program manager, mental health aide, and case manager. If students wish to continue toward the clinical side of social work, they can complete a Master of Social Work. Having an undergraduate degree in social work often allows students to have advanced standing in a graduate program for this degree, meaning that they can complete it in a shorter period. The Council on Social Work Education is the accrediting body for programs in this field, and students should be mindful of that as they consider programs.
