As college approaches, one of the hardest decisions students face is choosing a major. While many reflect on the subjects they favored in high school, selecting a major is also a matter of knowing what you can do with your degree and where it will take you. If you have a passion for helping others and want to make a positive difference in the lives of others, the field of social work allows you to do just that.
What is social work?
Social work is a quickly growing and challenging field. Those who want to improve the lives of others and society as a whole, choose to major in social work. Social workers provide support, assistance and the needed services to people in need of help in different stages of life. Those in social work study and rely on different social theories to understand human issues.
Social workers assist individuals, families, communities, institutions and organizations with the necessary support, and serve to promote social and economic justice. They seek to prevent and provide solutions for various human social problems including psychological, financial, health, substance abuse and relationship issues.
Professions in social work
There are various job opportunities available for those with a degree in social work. These include working in state or federal agencies as well as private non-profit organizations and private for-profit organization such as hospitals, mental health clinics, schools, nursing homes, treatment centers, and public assistance agencies, among others. Individuals can work in different services including child welfare services, family services, employment services, housing services, disability counseling, therapy services, and substance misuse centers, and many more.
Majoring in social work
Social work is closely related to the field of psychology as both study the behaviors of individuals and seek to provide necessary treatment and assistance. Because social workers assist those struggling and facing hard times, working in social work can be emotionally draining. Individuals interested in the field should have a positive attitude and outlook on life to help those coping.
Many begin their path to a career in social work by earning an undergraduate degree, and some continue education by completing graduate school. If you're interested in majoring in social work, you should research the colleges and universities that offer this major. Also, with online college classes becoming increasingly available, students can major in social with and continue education online. In addition, those who want to earn a degree in social work are usually required to complete an extensive internship.
About the Author
Jillian Johnson is a professional content writer with an interest in writing about education. Follow her @JillianLJ87.
