Social Work Major Related Careers
The following careers are directly or indirectly related to the study of this major. Click the job title to learn more about it. To search for more career options, visit OnetOnline.org.
Social Work
If you have a strong desire to make a difference in the world, whether through work with individuals or tackling big picture social issues, you should consider a major in social work. Social work is a great option for students who want to become licensed therapists; not only are social workers the largest group of licensed mental health providers in the United States, the social work pathway to clinical licensure is one of the quickest. A Bachelor of Social Work degree prepares you for generalist practice with individuals, families and communities in fields including health care, education, mental health, child welfare, criminal justice, non-profits, policy, advocacy, and more.
BSW graduates are eligible for an accelerated 1-year MSW degree at any school of social work in the United States, including IU. BSWs can go straight into their MSW or take time away and still take advantage of the 1-year MSW option. In addition to the accelerated MSW opportunity, IUB BSW seniors with a 3.0 GPA are eligible for "fast track" admission to any IU MSW program, which means the writing sample and references are waived from their admission process. BSW graduates who enter the workforce upon graduation can become licensed in most states (Licensed Bachelor’s Social Worker, LBSW), which is a great way to set yourself apart in hiring.
Study abroad, minors, and double majoring are possible with early advising.
For more information on the major, Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) view this short video, visit the major website, and the School of Social Work Academic Bulletin.
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Academic information
University Division's Explore Programs tool is the place to go for academic information about any IUB major, minor, or certificate.
Open in Explore Programs- Child, Family, and School Social Workers
- Clinical Psychologists
- Counseling Psychologists
- Criminal Justice and Law Enforcement Teachers, Postsecondary
- Healthcare Social Workers
- Human Resources Managers
- Medical and Health Services Managers
- Mental Health Counselors
- Recreational Therapists
- Rehabilitation Counselors
- School Psychologists
- Social and Human Service Assistants
- Social Work Teachers, Postsecondary
- Sociologists
- Training and Development Managers
Career Interests
John Holland developed a theoretical framework consisting of six general themes that describe broad areas interest relating to self and the working world. If you are interested in discovering your career interests, visit our Learn more about yourself page to learn about the Strong Interest Inventory.
This major consists of the following themes:
- Social
- Enterprising
- Conventional
Social Work Major Related Skills
Below is a sampling of skills related to this major mapped from the Skillscan Driver Assessment. The SkillScan assessment provides a simple 3-step process to help you learn about your strengths and weaknesses, the skills you enjoy and want to use in a career and those skills needing development. Consider taking the SkillScan assessment to better understand your skills as it relates to majors at IU.
Relationship Skills
- Provide Care and Support
- Resolve Conflict
- Counsel
- Demonstrate Social-Cultural Sensitivity
Communication
- Listen
- Write
Creative
- Demonstrate Foresight
Student Organizations
Sample Resume
Career Guides
Our unique IU Career Guides offers the A-Zs of each field’s preferred educational backgrounds, as well as employment opportunities and insider tips, industry-related interview questions, and a lot more. Below are related career guides for this major.