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# Careers with a degree in social work

_This article was updated on May 19, 2026._

By [Brian Fairbanks](/blog/authors/brian-fairbanks.html)

Reviewed by[Christina Neider](/about/academic-leadership/associate-provost-christina-neider.html), EdD, Associate Provost of Colleges

For students considering getting a degree in social work, now may be a good time to decide. Social work has strong growth predicted for the field and rewarding experiences available in a variety of roles. The first step may just be exploring a degree program. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the overall employment of social workers is[projected to increase 6%](https://www.bls.gov/ooh/community-and-social-service/social-workers.htm#tab-6)between 2024 and 2034.

_BLS Occupational Employment Projections, 2024-2034 is published by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. This data reflects BLS’ projections of national (not local) conditions. These data points are not specific to University of Phoenix students or graduates._

## What jobs require a degree in social work?

There are several career paths to choose with a degree in social work. Let's take a look at four of them.

### Careers as a child protective services social worker

After getting a degree in social work and becoming a social worker, students may potentially end up working in one of the most important social work fields out there: child protective services. These social workers help keep track of at-risk kids and provide counseling to ensure children stay in school, have adequate nutrition, live in safe homes and are protected from danger in their everyday lives.

Social workers with a bachelor’s degree in social work (BSW) learn valuable skills for careers with organizations like child protective services or in the fields of child welfare, behavioral health and other social work programs.

### Careers as a family protection specialist

Family protection specialists fulfill key roles in the mental health or social work field, such as assisting parents, executing successful adoptions and matching children without guardians to appropriate foster homes.

Sometimes they can play a pivotal role in connecting with young people during a crucial stage of their development. They might be asked to speak at school assemblies or one-on-one with students and teachers in an advisory capacity. They might help people address a range of important issues such as food insecurity, mental health concerns, teen pregnancies, juvenile delinquency, poor academic performance, higher education goals, behavioral issues or questions around entering the workforce.

As of May 2024, social workers earned[between $41,580 and $99,500, with a median wage of $61,330,](https://www.bls.gov/ooh/community-and-social-service/social-workers.htm#tab-5)according to BLS.

_Salary ranges are not specific to students or graduates of University of Phoenix. Actual outcomes vary based on multiple factors, including prior work experience, geographic location and other factors specific to the individual. University of Phoenix does not guarantee employment, salary level or career advancement. BLS data is geographically based. Information for a specific state/city can be researched on the BLS website._

### Careers as a foster care social worker

Another career path after earning a degree in social work is a foster care social workers. These professionals assist children in their most urgent time of need, and that can potentially include situations involving abuse or the tragic loss of family members. These specialized social workers conduct background checks on potential foster parents and try to place kids in loving, supportive homes as soon as possible, sometimes within the hour.

This fast-paced, rewarding and competitive mental health field is a growing one, but many sources including BLS note that employers often require a BSW (Bachelor's Degree in Social Work) of any prospective social worker. 

### Careers as a case manager

Having a BSW or BSSW can help prepare for opportunities as a [case manager](/career-guides/behavioral-science/social-work-case-manager.html), depending on which agency is hiring. Case managers often work in child welfare, behavioral or mental health or with public social services agencies. Case managers can oversee a department of social workers, providing guidance and managing their teams.

Case managers may make sure mental health and social workers are managing caseloads effectively, following ethical guidelines, facilitating appointments and preventing waiting areas from becoming overcrowded. They are as essential to the mental health and social services fields as anyone.

## What students learn while pursuing a degree in social work

For those attending a school with a program that includes a degree in social work, look for one that educationally prepares graduates for licensure as a bachelor’s level social worker in jurisdictions where it is offered.

Typical coursework includes learning how to:

- Strengthen your community by addressing social problems and advocating for social justice
- Understand and influence the policies and systems that affect people
- Gain a well-rounded, versatile social work foundation that can translate to a variety of practice settings
- Develop skills in working with individuals, families, organizations and communities
- Understand social welfare policy and applicable laws

## Ready to learn more about starting a degree in social work?

If you're interested in finding out more about an [online degree in social work](https://www.phoenix.edu/online-behavioral-sciences-degrees/social-work-bachelors-degree.html), look into University of Phoenix Bachelor of Science in Social Work (BSSW).

Contact University of Phoenix[for more information](https://www.phoenix.edu/request/request-information)about this and other degree programs.

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Brian Fairbanks is a freelance writer with a background in SEO content creation and blog article development

### ABOUT THE REVIEWER

Christina Neider is the associate provost of colleges and former dean of the University of Phoenix College of Social and Behavioral Sciences. Neider’s career spans more than 30 years in academia, healthcare and the U.S. Air Force. She has held several academic leadership roles at University of Phoenix, and she is the Vice President of membership for the Arizona Chapter of the Healthcare Information and Management Systems Society.

This article has been vetted by University of Phoenix's editorial advisory committee.   
[Read more about our editorial process.](/blog/editorial-process.html)