Trying to find the major for you?

Deciding on a major can be a daunting experience.  While some start college with definite ideas of what they want to study and what their long term career goals are, many don't.   Even those that commit to a major, may find after taking a few classes that it isn't what they thought it would be.  So, its back to the drawing board.  Often you back into a major by finding out what you don't like first. 

Considering the Social Work Major?

You might be considering social work for a number of reasons.    

• Friends and family have told you you'd make a good social worker because you like to help people and are a good listener;
• You know someone majoring in social work and what they said about their classes really sounded interesting;
• You or a family member had a first hand experience with a social worker that made you think about being a social worker;
• You want to make a difference in the lives of others, their families, or even their communities;
• You worked at a job you loved or had a volunteer experience that made you think about becoming a social worker;
• You want some day to find a job that is both satisfying and rewarding;
• You heard social work jobs are hands on with lots of contact with people and opportunity to help others;
• Someone in your family is a social worker and her/his stories inspired you
• Maybe you did some searching on the internet and discovered the social work degree would be your best bet if you wanted to pursue an interest you have;

So, what advantages does the social work degree have over other degrees that would prepare me to help others?

          Endless Opportunities

It's the most recognized degree in the human and social services and the need for social workers is growing like wild.  That means lots of job opportunities.

Lots of Flexibility

It offers great flexibility.  You can go from working in adoptions to working with older adults, from working in mental health to work in a hospice program, from working with kids in an after school program to working for a state legislator.  The possibilities are endless and social workers continue to encounter opportunities over the course of their careers.  There's never a dull moment.

A Lifetime of Learning About People and Yourself

Social work is exciting because you are constantly learning from the lives of others.  People and their behavior are fascinating.  Researchers discover new things every day about what makes people tick.

How can I find out more about the major?

• Contact the Department of Social Work, A Faculty member will sit and chat with you about your interests and give you ideas about what social work would have to offer you. The Social Work  office is in the Fine Arts building on the second floor  AR227. We can even arrange for you to sit in on a social work class and take a peek.
• Take SOCWK100, Introduction to Social Work.  This overview will give you a good picture of the profession, career opportunities, and what qualities you would need as a social worker.    Intro is offered every semester.
• Talk to a social work major on campus.  Pick their brain about the major, the department, and their personal experience as a student.
• If you know a social worker or someone who knows a social worker see if you can't shadow them on the job for a day.
• Check out the  National Association of Social Workers website for more information about the profession.