What do social workers do?

Social workers are rigorously trained professionals who are involved daily with assessing, interviewing, problem solving, advocating for others, and helping to improve the quality of life for those in need. They teach, counsel, work with community organizations, manage nonprofit programs and publish scholarly literature. They are researchers, educators, therapists, directors, supervisors and leaders in the community.

With a social work graduate degree, you may consider opportunities with:

• Nonprofit Organizations
• Schools
• Mental Health Agencies
• Child Welfare Agencies
• Health Care Systems
• Hospitals
• Private Practices
• Police Departments
• Court Systems
• Community Foundations
• Grassroots and State-level Advocacy Groups
• Legislative Groups
• Assisted Living Facilities

Excellent employment outlook

According to 2006-2016 employment projections published by the U.S Department of Labor, Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment for social workers is projected to grow much faster than average. In fact, several master's degree-level occupations are among the top 30 fastest-growing occupations in the U.S. They include substance abuse and behavioral disorder counselors, mental health and substance abuse social workers, and marriage and family therapists.

And in its 20010-11 Occupational Outlook Handbook, the Bureau projects that healthcare and social assistance occupations -- including public and private hospitals, nursing and residential care facilities, and individual and family services -- will grow by about 26 percent and add 4 million new jobs. Employment growth in these areas will be driven by increasing demand for healthcare and social assistance because of an aging population and longer life expectancies.