Best Colleges and Universities for Social Work Degrees
The best social work degree programs are those with rich histories of influence, proven through the work produced by the program’s faculty and alumni. Beyond demonstrating scholarly impact in the field, the best social work degree programs maximize your opportunities to interact with outstanding social work faculty.
A bachelor’s degree in social work is an excellent starting point for a career in counseling, case work, rehabilitation, and numerous other important areas of public health and welfare. As a social work major, you’ll learn about the administration of social services, distribution of resources for social welfare, and public outreach to vulnerable groups. As a social worker, you’ll be working closely with communities, populations, families and individuals who are facing challenge, disadvantage, and crisis. The best schools for social work are those which are regionally accredited, which offer a full array of social work concentrations, and which give you the chance to work with the best and most influential professors and classmates.
Featured Programs
Frequently Asked Questions About Social Work Bachelor’s Degrees
Social work covers a lot of ground. Your degree in social work could lead down any number of professional paths. Whether you see yourself in addiction counseling, community organization, health policy analysis, children’s protective services or beyond, there are countless different ways to channel your social work degree education into a career. And if you continue into a master’s degree program, you could become a licensed social worker in a clinical setting like a hospital or mental health facility.
Social workers have a profound impact on the lives they touch. Through methods like outreach, activism, and policy development, social work majors have the opportunity to change the lives of many for the better. Today, top influencers in social work are making strides in Children’s Care, Disability Rights, Substance Use Disorders, and much more.
Back to TopSocial work is a popular major because it can provide a pathway into several high-demand fields and career opportunities. With so many vulnerable Americans facing unprecedented challenges today, the need for qualified social workers has never been greater. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the number of social work jobs is expected to grow at a remarkable rate of 13% by 2029. With 90,700 new jobs expected during that time, opportunities abound for professional social workers. If you’re looking for a well-paying and secure job, a social work degree is a great place to start.
Back to TopOnce you’ve declared your major in social work, you will likely be required to complete a set of core courses in a number of public health and service-related subject areas. While your concentration will give you a chance to choose from a wide range of highly-specialized social work electives, there are several common courses that most social work majors will be required to take, including:
- Race and Justice
- Social Work Research Methods
- Social Psychology
- Community Organizing
- Public Health Outreach
- Social Services Administration
- Addiction Counseling
- Family and Youth Intervention
The high-growth field of social work offers a wide range of professional opportunities. If you wish to become a licensed social worker in a clinical setting, you will likely need to earn your advanced degree from a graduate school with accreditation from the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE). However, there are a number of rewarding contexts for practicing outreach, case management, counseling and intervention with an undergraduate degree. Depending on your skills, interests and desired workplace setting, you have plenty of options, including these top jobs:
- Social Workers
- Social and Human Service Assistants
- Health Educators and Community Health Workers
- Marriage and Family Therapists
- Probation Officers and Correctional Treatment Specialists
- Rehabilitation Counselors
- School and Career Counselors
- Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselors
The Best Colleges and Universities for Social Work Degrees
Best Social Work Major Research Universities
- University of Pennsylvania
- University of Chicago
- University of California, Berkeley
- New York University
- University of Texas at Austin
Best Social Work Major Liberal Arts Colleges
- College of the Ozarks
- Southern University at New Orleans
- Minot State University
- Southwestern Assemblies of God University
- Columbia International University
Best Social Work Major Online Colleges
- Wayne State University
- Portland State University
- Simmons University
- Aurora University
- University of Iowa
Go to The Best Online Bachelor’s in Social Work Degree Programs
Career Outlook for Students with Social Work Degree
Go to Degree Finder toolSocial Work
Degree Level: Bachelor's
- Location: The U.S. (Private Schools)
- Avg. Starting Salary*: $33,985
- Avg. Salary after 4 Years*: $43,439
- * denotes ‘annually’
Career Salaries
Career | Job Growth | Avg. Salary |
---|---|---|
Social and Community Service Managers | 9.08% | $69,922 |
Social Work Teachers, Postsecondary | 3.87% | $68,936 |
Social Workers, All Other | 6.58% | $59,282 |
Healthcare Social Workers | 9.61% | $57,884 |
Marriage and Family Therapists | 14.89% | $56,093 |
Average Career Salaries
Bottom 10% | Median | Top 10% |
---|---|---|
$40,604 | $60,163 | $90,112 |
Promising Job Markets
State | Cost of Living | Avg. Salary |
---|---|---|
#2 Michigan | 15% higher than average | $61,990 |
#3 North Carolina | 11% higher than average | $61,594 |
#4 Minnesota | 4% higher than average | $65,555 |
#5 New York | 5% higher than average | $71,319 |
#6 Virginia | 5% higher than average | $64,262 |
Top Industries
Industry | Avg. Salary |
---|---|
Social and Community Service Managers | $69,922 |
Social Work Teachers, Postsecondary | $68,936 |
Social Workers, All Other | $59,282 |
The Best Social Work Schools in Your State
Learn More About Social Work
If you want to know more about social work, then check out our related content:
- Learn how to major in social work
- Think about your next step and what you can do with a master’s degree in religious studies