Social Work Professor

Your Fit

Income

$76K

Preparation

Extensive

Growth

4.0%

Definition
Your fit with this career
How much they earn
What they do
Job satisfaction
How to become

What is a Social Work Professor?

A Social Work Professor educates and trains students in the field of social work, teaching them about social welfare policies, human behavior, and strategies for helping individuals, families, and communities. They combine academic instruction with research in various areas of social work.

Sample job titles:

Assistant Professor, Professor, Social Work Associate Professor, Social Work Professor

Your test results

Why this fit score?

The fit report shows your areas of fit and misfit with Social Work Professor.

Fit report

Test scores

The scores report summarizes what we learned about you. It shows your results on everything measured in the career test.

Scores report

How much does a Social Work Professor earn

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, typical income (in USD) in 2024 was...

Bottom 10%	Bottom 25%	Median (average)	Top 25%	Top 10%
$45K per year	$57K per year	$76K per year	$99K per year	$129K per year

Compared to other careers: Median is $27K above the national average.

See income by country/state/province

What does a Social Work Professor do?

Work environment

Social Work Professors are typically found in academic settings such as colleges and universities. They spend time in classrooms and lecture halls, as well as in offices where they conduct research and prepare academic materials. Some may also work in clinical settings or participate in community outreach programs.

Quick task list

Teaches undergraduate and graduate courses in social work.
Conducts research and publishes findings in academic journals.
Supervises student research and fieldwork.
Advises students on academic and career matters.
Participates in academic committees and contributes to the development of educational programs.

See full list of tasks with expert relevance ratings

Areas of specialization

Clinical Social Work: Focusing on mental health and counseling education.
Child and Family Social Work: Concentrating on child welfare, family dynamics, and protection services.
Healthcare Social Work: Specializing in social work practice in healthcare settings.
School Social Work: Addressing the needs of students, including behavioral and academic challenges.
Social Policy and Administration: Focusing on policy development, advocacy, and social work administration.

Description

Social Work Professors play a pivotal role in shaping the future of social work practice. They prepare students to enter a field that is critical to addressing social challenges and supporting vulnerable populations. In addition to teaching, they engage in research that contributes to the advancement of social work theory and practice, often focusing on areas like social justice, human rights, and effective intervention strategies.

This career requires a deep understanding of social work principles, excellent communication skills, and a commitment to student development. Social Work Professors must stay current with social welfare policies, emerging social issues, and evolving best practices in the field. They not only impart knowledge but also inspire and motivate future social workers to make meaningful contributions to society.

Being a Social Work Professor is a rewarding career that combines intellectual challenge, research opportunities, and the satisfaction of mentoring the next generation of social workers. It offers the chance to influence the field of social work at both the grassroots and policy levels, making a lasting impact on individuals and communities.

Job Satisfaction

Sources of satisfaction

Influencing and shaping the careers of future social workers.
Engaging in meaningful research that contributes to social betterment.
The intellectual stimulation of exploring and teaching complex social issues.
Contributing to the development of effective social policies and practices.

You might make a good Social Work Professor if you are...

Passionate about education and social work.
Skilled in communication, both in teaching and writing.
Interested in research and advancing knowledge in social work.
Dedicated to student development and success.
Committed to social justice and community well-being.

Pros:

Intellectual fulfillment and continuous learning opportunities.
Impacting the next generation of social workers.
Opportunities for research and academic contributions.

Cons:

The academic career path can be competitive and demanding.
Balancing teaching responsibilities with research and administrative duties.
Emotional weight of engaging with complex and challenging social issues.

How to become a Social Work Professor

Typical education

A doctoral degree (Ph.D.) in social work or a related field is generally required, which involves several years of post-bachelor's degree study, including a master's degree and subsequent doctoral research.

High school preparation

Courses:

Psychology and Sociology to understand human behavior and social systems.
English and Communication for developing writing and speaking skills.
Statistics for research methodology.
History or Government to gain insight into social policies and structures.

Extra-Curricular Activities:

Volunteering with community organizations or social service agencies.
Participating in debate or public speaking clubs.
Engaging in student government or advocacy groups.

Preparation after high school

Pursue a bachelor's degree in social work, psychology, sociology, or a related field.
Gain experience through internships or volunteer work in social service settings.
Complete a master's degree in social work (MSW) for a deeper understanding of the field.
Earn a Ph.D. in social work or a related discipline to prepare for a professorial role.
Stay involved in professional organizations and attend conferences and workshops.

More resources

Council on Social Work Education (CSWE) - Offers accreditation, educational resources, and career development in social work education.
National Association of Social Workers (NASW) - Provides resources for professional development and advocacy in social work.
The New Social Worker - An online magazine for social work students and recent graduates.
Social Work Today - A magazine providing industry news, analysis, and resources for social work professionals.
Association of Social Work Boards (ASWB) - Offers information on social work licensing and regulation.

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Similarity is based on what people in the careers do, what they know, and what they are called. The process of establishing similarity lists is described in this white paper.