How To Become a Social Worker
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Social workers are dedicated professionals who focus on enhancing the well-being of individuals, families and communities. They help people facing challenges such as poverty, addiction, unemployment, disability, abuse and mental illness by providing support, resources and advocacy. Social workers serve diverse populations, offering counseling, case management, crisis intervention and community outreach.1 By assessing client needs and promoting positive change, social workers empower individuals to adopt healthier habits and lead more fulfilling lives.
Most social workers hold a bachelor’s degree, making it the most common path into the profession.2
Social work is a broad and multifaceted profession dedicated to helping individuals and families navigate life’s challenges, from major transitions to personal hardships. Their role often involves assessing clients’ emotional, behavioral and mental health needs, offering counseling, and connecting them with essential community resources. Because client needs vary and no two days are exactly alike, social workers adapt their approach based on each unique situation.
Many social workers choose to specialize in areas such as child welfare, addiction recovery, mental health or medical social work. Others focus on specific populations, like students in educational settings or older adults in long-term care. This flexibility allows professionals to align their career with their passion and expertise.
Common responsibilities include:
Evaluation
Social workers assess clients’ circumstances and support systems to set achievable goals.
Therapeutic support
They help clients manage issues like unemployment, divorce or trauma.
Advocacy
They champion access to public services, benefits and community programs.
Intervention
Social workers respond to urgent situations such as mental health crises or abuse.
To start a career in social work, you first need to earn a high school diploma, which serves as the foundation for further education. The next step is to complete a bachelor’s degree, most commonly a Bachelor of Social Work (BSW), which can prepare you for entry-level positions. For advanced positions and clinical practice, a Master of Social Work (MSW) is necessary.1 MSW programs provide specialized education and include supervised fieldwork to develop practical skills. As part of the social worker education requirements, graduates pursuing clinical licensure must also complete additional supervised work experience after earning their MSW and pass a state licensing exam to become a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW).
If you're thinking about becoming a social worker and you're still in high school, start by speaking with your school counselor about enrolling in classes like psychology or sociology. You should also consider courses in communication, writing and human development to build essential skills for working with diverse populations.
All aspiring social workers must have at least a bachelor’s degree in social work or a related field,1 followed by a master's in social work. A bachelor’s degree covers social psychology, causes of social issues, core social work practices and societal inequalities. If you intend to become a licensed clinical social worker (LCSW), you must earn a master’s degree.1
In general, you can expect to complete a certain number of supervised work experience hours before acquiring licensure.1 Gaining supervised clinical experience and passing a licensing exam are key steps. The journey can vary depending on your chosen specialty, but education and hands-on experience are essential.
Entry-level social work positions, such as case aides, intake coordinators and community outreach assistants, offer valuable hands-on experience working directly with needy individuals and families.1 These roles help new professionals develop essential skills in communication, assessment and resource coordination. By gaining practical exposure to various challenges, entry-level social workers can establish a solid foundation for advanced roles and further education, including graduate studies and clinical licensure.
Before you can apply for a state license to become a clinical social worker, you must pass a licensure exam. Every state uses the licensure exams administered by the Association of Social Work Boards (ASWB), which offers licensure exams for those with a bachelor’s or master’s degree in social work and those applying for clinical licensure.3
A career in social work begins with the right educational background. While there are multiple paths into the field, certain degrees provide the most effective and thorough preparation for engaging with individuals, families and communities. These programs can equip students with the necessary knowledge, ethics and practical skills.
Key topics taught in social work degree programs:
Human behavior in social environments
Social welfare systems and public policy
Resource navigation and intervention planning
Ethical standards in multicultural settings
Empowerment and community engagement
Grand Canyon University recommends three key degree programs for individuals pursuing a career in social work: the Bachelor of Social Work (BSW), the Master of Social Work (MSW) and the Advanced Standing MSW. The BSW provides foundational education for entry-level positions and prepares students for further graduate studies. The MSW builds upon that foundation with advanced coursework and practical field experience, qualifying graduates for clinical and leadership roles. For those already holding an accredited BSW, the Advanced Standing MSW offers a quicker path to graduation by allowing students to enter specialized, upper-level social work courses directly.
Social workers rely on specialized skills to effectively serve individuals and communities with compassion. Empathy and active listening are fundamental, enabling professionals to build trust and fully understand each client’s needs.
Strong communication skills help social workers collaborate with others, document cases clearly and advocate for those they serve.
In addition to interpersonal strengths, social workers must also develop these skills:
Advocacy
Crisis intervention
Case management
Cultural competence
Ethical decision-making
Social work can provide a variety of opportunities if you’re looking to engage directly with people in need within your community. Social workers operate in diverse environments, helping clients access essential services, develop coping skills and work toward long-term stability. These varied settings reflect social workers' broad impact across society, as they meet people where they are and guide them to healthier, more stable lives.
Typical workplaces for social workers include:
Healthcare facilities
Social workers help patients navigate healthcare systems and access support for chronic illnesses.
Mental health and substance abuse centers
Social workers provide counseling, crisis intervention and recovery support in behavioral health settings.
Government agencies
Social workers in public service roles shape policy, manage programs and advocate for social justice.
Child welfare agencies
Social workers in child welfare agencies protect vulnerable children and strengthen families.
Estimated growth for social workers expected from 2024 to 20344
Median annual wage for social workers in May 20245
Social work can provide various career opportunities for growth and specialization. With experience and further education, professionals can position themselves for potential advancement to clinical social worker, program director, policy analyst or educator positions, with increased responsibilities and leadership.
To engage in clinical practice and leadership positions, a Master of Social Work (MSW) is required, especially for becoming a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW). This licensure requires an accredited MSW, supervised clinical hours and passing a licensing exam. Additionally, social workers can transition into roles in administration and policy development.
Interested in potential careers a degree in social work can offer? The GCU blog explores a wide range of opportunities, including clinical practice, roles in education, nonprofit leadership and policy advocacy. If you’re wondering how to become a social worker or looking for advanced opportunities, our posts provide valuable insights, guidance and examples to help you forge your future in social work.
Explore career opportunities in social work and understand its mission of assisting individuals facing challenges. You’ll also gain insights into diverse subfields and the roles of social workers.
Discover two impactful careers: Psychology, which aids emotional well-being, and social work, which advocates for justice and support. Explore the educational paths for both fields to find a career dedicated to helping others.
Learn more about the field of social work, where you can advocate for social justice and support vulnerable populations. You’ll find degree benefits, licensing requirements and diverse career paths like case management and crisis counseling.
Use your passion for helping others through social work. With an education from GCU, you can work toward making an impact and becoming a compassionate leader.