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The field of social work is broad and offers career options for all education levels. If you are interested in social work and want to make a difference in the lives of families and children, many careers in social work can allow you to do so.

This article discusses some common social work careers, including salary information and education requirements. People who are empathetic and enjoy working with others are best suited for careers in social work.

Education requirements for social work jobs range from associate to doctoral degrees depending on your chosen career path. Below are explanations of the various degree options for those who want to work in social work careers.

A bachelors degree in social work provides graduates with the knowledge and skills required to work in entry-level social work roles, apply for state licenses and certifications and pursue graduate degrees, such as a masters in social work.

For this degree, expect coursework to cover social services, human behavior, alcoholism and chemical dependence and social work research. Most curricula also require a social work practicum.

A bachelors degree in social work typically takes four years to complete, and many universities offer online programs.

A masters degree in social work brings together clinical and community-based studies to create a comprehensive program for those who already have bachelors degrees. This masters degree helps students grow their leadership skills. Graduates go on to work in social work careers as case managers, researchers, clinicians and administrators.

In this degree, coursework may cover social welfare history and policy, diversity and social justice, human behavior and social work practice. Learners typically must complete a field practicum as well.

A masters degree in social work usually takes two years to earn, and many universities offer online programs.

A doctorate in social work is an advanced practice doctorate designed for agency and community leaders and entrepreneurs. This degree helps seasoned professionals broaden their knowledge as scholars, innovators and leaders. Doctoral programs typically require learners to have a masters degree and several years of post-masters work experience.

This degree explores leading public discourse, executive leadership, research and financial management for social change. Doctoral students must complete a capstone project, too.

A doctorate in social work typically takes at least two years to earn. Many universities offer online programs.

Median Annual Salary: $37,610 as of 2021

Education Needed: Social and human service assistants need at least a high school diploma and on-the-job training. Individuals entering this field typically have certificates or associate degrees in related subjects, which include human services, social or behavioral science and gerontology.

Career Overview: Social and human service assistants play an important support role for families. Job responsibilities may include:

Median Annual Salary: $48,860 as of 2021

Education Needed: Health education specialists should hold a bachelors degree in health education, social science or a related field. Employers may require certification. In some cases, candidates may need a masters or doctoral degree.

Career Overview: Health education specialists work to improve clients well-being by teaching principles and behaviors that contribute to wellness. Job responsibilities may include:

Median Annual Salary: $74,000 as of 2021

Education Needed: Social and community service managers should have at least a bachelors degree in social work or a related field. Some positions may require a masters degree.

Career Overview: Social and community service managers work with community organizations to help promote public wellbeing. Job responsibilities may include:

Median Annual Salary: $50,390 as of 2021

Education Needed: Social workers typically have a bachelors or masters degree in social work. Becoming a licensed clinical social worker involves additional training. Each state has its own licensing requirements.

Career Overview: Social workers work in a variety of settings to assist people in preventing and coping with mental, behavioral and emotional challenges. Licensed clinical social workers also diagnose and treat these conditions. Job responsibilities may include:

Average Annual Salary: Around $60,000 as of June 2022

Education Needed: LCSWs must hold a graduate degree. Just as the job title states, LCSWs must earn licensure as well.

Career Overview: Licensed clinical social workers and social workers have similar responsibilities. LCSWs also help clients manage mental health challenges through psychological counseling and therapy. Job responsibilities may include:

Average Annual Salary: Around $43,000 as of June 2022

Education Needed: Child, family and school social workers should hold at least a bachelors degree in psychology or another counseling-related field. These social workers typically need state certification as well.

Career Overview: Child, family and school social workers provide support to families and children who may be considered at risk. They may work with clients in their homes, at schools or in other environments. Job responsibilities include:

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A bachelors degree in social work qualifies graduates for some job opportunities in the field. A masters degree qualifies professionals to diagnose and treat conditions and provide individual and group therapy. A masters degree equips you with the education you need to pursue a career in social work.

Pay rates for social work vary greatly depending on the field and specific job responsibilities. The median annual salary for social workers in the United States was $50,390 as of 2021.

The highest-paying careers in social work are in local government, education and hospitals. The median annual salary for social workers in local government was $61,190 as of 2021.

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Everything You Should Know About Social Work Careers - Forbes