What degree is best for a social worker?

The best degree for a social worker depends on your career goals and your state's licensure requirements. A bachelor's in social work is a common starting point for entry-level positions, while a master's in social work is typically required for clinical social work and advanced practice. A doctorate in social work best suits those interested in leadership, teaching, or research roles.

Is a degree in social work difficult?

Getting a degree in social work can be challenging but also highly rewarding. If you are passionate about the subject, taking coursework in social work should excite you. If you're intimidated by the idea of clinical work and counseling, the degree could prove more difficult. You'll have to complete fieldwork or internships to gain practical experience.

What field of social work pays the most?

Healthcare social workers earn the most of all social workers, with an annual median salary of $60,840, according to the BLS. Researchers in the social work field also tend to earn higher salaries, along with clinical social workers, professors, and administrative and leadership positions.

How do I start a career in social work?

Your social work career can begin while you're completing your education. Most social programs require a certain number of hours of fieldwork. You'll graduate with the internship and clinical experience necessary to land an entry-level social work job.

Is a career in social work worth it?

A career in social work can be very rewarding and fulfilling for those passionate about helping others. If you enjoy making a positive impact on people's lives, then social work may be worth it for you. On the other hand, the work can be emotionally challenging, and compensation is generally not as high as it is in other fields. But if you're in it for the right reasons, social work can be a fulfilling career choice.

Social Work: Degrees and Careers

Social work student listening to lecture in class.

What Is Social Work Exactly?

Social work is an academic and professional field that aims to connect vulnerable and in-need populations with resources that can help them cope and thrive. Social work also strives to foster community, form support systems, fight against systemic injustice and other forms of discrimination and social oppression.

You can study social work as an undergraduate or graduate student. Accredited bachelor’s programs in social work typically lead to entry-level licensure, while graduate programs prepare you for more advanced licensing tiers and practice.

Find the Best Online Social Work Programs

The Best Online Colleges for Social Work of 2025

A bachelor’s in social work can train you to make a difference in your community. Find program costs and the best online colleges for social work.

Alison Plaut •April 22, 2025

Best Online Master’s in Social Work Programs

The social work field can include careers like school social workers, substance abuse counselors, professors and policy makers.

ASO Staff Writers •September 15, 2023

Accreditation Matters

Programmatic accreditation by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE) is important In the field of social work. States typically require that you graduate from a CSWE-accredited program in order for you to become a licensed social worker.

Learn more about social work accreditation

Explore Careers in Social Work

Licensed roles include:

Licensed baccalaureate social worker
Licensed master social worker
Licensed clinical social worker
Licensed independent clinical social worker

Non-licensed roles include:

Case manager
Community outreach specialist
Care coordinator
Support services specialist

Learn how to become a social worker