What Can I Do with a Bachelor of Social Work Degree?

A bachelor’s degree in social work will allow you to positively impact your community regardless of which career you choose. By earning a Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) or Bachelor of Science in Social Work (BSSW), you can apply your degree to a variety of fields and industries to drive meaningful change in people’s lives.  

Generally, social workers help individuals and communities prevent, solve, and cope with problems in their lives. Social workers are able to assess their clients’ needs and situations to address the challenges they are facing, advocating for awareness and positive outcomes.  

Social work professionals can also work in more broad roles within their communities, partnering with organizations, public entities, and policymakers to develop social programs that can fundamentally improve life for large groups of individuals.  

One of the best parts of earning a bachelor’s degree in social work is that the degree opens up doors in nearly every field. Social work professionals can make a difference in any industry, including health care, government agencies, non-profit agencies, schools, and mental health facilities.  

The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects that social work jobs will increase by 7% from 2023 to 2033, which is above average growth across all job markets. Common career pathways for graduates with a bachelor of social work include:  

• Child, family, and school social workers: 

Child, family, and school social workers provide social services and assistance for children and their families to improve the well-being and development of children. Examples of job titles in this field include Case Manager, Family Resource Coordinator, or Foster Care Social Worker.  

• Substance abuse, behavioral health, and mental health counselors 

Substance abuse, behavioral health, and mental health counselors assess and treat individuals with individual and group therapy, crisis intervention, case management, client advocacy, prevention, and education. Examples of job titles in this field include Clinical Therapist or Counselor.  

• Social and community service managers 

Social and community service managers plan, direct, or coordinate social service and community outreach organizations. Examples of job titles include Community Services Director, Social Services Director, or Vocational Rehabilitation Administrator.  

• Health care social workers 

Health care social workers provide psychosocial support for groups experiencing chronic, acute, or terminal illness. Examples of job titles include Hospice Social Worker or Medical Social Worker.  

The Ohio State University’s Bachelor of Science in Social Work offers flexibility to accommodate the learning needs of full-time working students, adult learners, students with families, and part-time students. The BSSW program accepts transfer credit from any university accredited by the Council on Social Work education (CSWE), and an Ohio State enrollment advisor can help determine how previously earned credits will transfer into the program. Ohio State’s Bachelor of Social Work is accredited through the Council on Social Work Education’s Board of Accreditation, which is recognized by the Council for Higher Education Accreditation as the sole accrediting agency for social work education in the United States and its territories. 

Professional licensure demonstrates a commitment to ethical practice and adherence to professional standards. A bachelor of social work will prepare you to sit for a social work licensure exam, subject to state educational requirements for licensure and certification. Some states may require a master’s degree prior to sitting for a licensure exam. 

Various certifications and credentials may help you hone your skills and expertise. If you are looking to advance your career in social work, you can consider earning a Master of Social Work (MSW). The advanced knowledge from an MSW degree will help you better assist your community. Social workers with an MSW can earn higher salaries and are more likely to qualify for higher-paying jobs and leadership roles than those with a bachelor’s degree.