What can you do with a Master’s in Social Work?

A Master of Social Work (MSW) degree opens doors to impactful and rewarding careers across various fields, from clinical practice to policy advocacy. For those considering an MSW in Pennsylvania, understanding the career potential and job outlook can help determine whether this degree aligns with your professional goals. An MSW not only prepares graduates for traditional social work careers but also provides a versatile skill set that can be applied across various industries, including healthcare, education, business and government sectors.

Why earn a master’s in social work?

While a Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) provides foundational knowledge and entry into many social work roles, an MSW is required for clinical practice, higher-level leadership positions and specialized roles. Key differences include:

Clinical licensure: A BSW does not qualify for licensure as a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW), which requires an MSW and supervised postgraduate experience.
Higher earning potential: MSW graduates generally earn higher salaries than those with only a BSW.
Specialization and leadership: Many roles in healthcare, mental health and policy advocacy require an MSW for career advancement.
Expanded career opportunities: Some positions, such as hospital social work, advanced case management, and university counseling, often require an MSW.

Careers that require a Master of Social Work

Earning a Master of Social Work in Pennsylvania equips graduates with the skills to support individuals, families, and communities in diverse settings. Many advanced social work careers require an MSW, including:

Role: Provide therapy and mental health counseling to individuals, families, and groups. LCSWs diagnose and treat mental health conditions and often work in private practice, hospitals, or community mental health agencies.

Salary in Pennsylvania: The average annual salary for LCSWs in Pennsylvania is approximately $82,808 (Salary.com: Licensed Clinical Social Worker Salary in PA).

Role: Help patients navigate medical diagnoses, hospital stays, and long-term care planning. Advanced roles in hospital social work, palliative care, and medical case management require an MSW.

Salary in Pennsylvania: Healthcare Social Workers earn an average of $67,430 annually (BLS – Healthcare Social Workers).

Role: MSW-level social workers often work in psychiatric hospitals, rehab centers, and outpatient mental health services, providing therapy and coordinating patient care.

Salary in Pennsylvania: Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workers earn a median annual wage of $55,960 (BLS – Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workers).

Role: Assist students with academic, social, and emotional challenges by providing counseling, advocacy, and support services within school systems.

Salary in Pennsylvania: The average annual salary for Child, Family, and School Social Workers is $59,190 (BLS – Child, Family, and School Social Workers).

Role: Oversee social work programs in healthcare, non-profits, or government agencies. These leadership roles require an MSW for policy-making and staff supervision.

Salary in Pennsylvania: Salaries vary widely, but leadership and director-level roles typically exceed $70,000–$90,000 annually depending on organization and experience (BLS – Social and Community Service Managers: Link).

Specializations in social work

An MSW degree allows professionals to specialize in various fields, tailoring their career to personal interests and societal needs. Common specializations include:

Clinical social work: Focuses on providing direct therapy and counseling services to individuals and families dealing with mental health challenges.
School social work: Works within educational systems to assist students facing academic, behavioral or emotional challenges.
Medical and healthcare social work: Supports patients and families dealing with chronic illnesses, hospitalizations or end-of-life care.
Policy and advocacy: Engages in social justice initiatives, legislative advocacy, and policy development to improve community well-being.
Gerontological social work: Focuses on working with aging populations, helping them navigate healthcare, housing and social services.

Skills gained from an MSW degree

An MSW provides valuable skills that are applicable not only in traditional social work careers but also in other fields. Some of the essential skills developed include

Social workers learn how to provide empathetic support and guidance to individuals facing difficult situations. This skill is valuable in various settings, including human resources, coaching and mentoring roles.

Social workers are trained to assess and respond to crises efficiently, making them well-suited for emergency response, law enforcement and hospital settings where quick decision-making is crucial.

MSW graduates develop strong organizational skills and the ability to connect individuals with community resources. These competencies can be applied in nonprofit administration, healthcare management and corporate wellness programs.

Social workers often engage in legislative advocacy and policy development to support vulnerable populations. This skill set is useful in government agencies, public administration and corporate social responsibility roles.

Social workers are trained to understand and address issues affecting diverse populations. This expertise is increasingly valuable in global development, community outreach programs and diversity and inclusion initiatives in business settings.

Why choose Messiah University’s MSW program?

If you’re seeking a Christian MSW program that integrates faith and social work principles, Messiah University offers a flexible, online MSW program designed to prepare students for a wide range of professional roles.

Program highlights:

Flexible online format: Designed for working professionals seeking to balance education with career and personal responsibilities.
Advanced generalist curriculum: Equips students with versatile skills applicable to both clinical and macro-level social work.
Scholarship and tuition discounts: Messiah currently offers a 25% tuition discount (35% for Messiah alumni!), making graduate education more accessible.
Faith-based perspective: Incorporates Christian values into ethical decision-making and service.
Field placement support: Provides students with assistance in securing field education opportunities that align with their career goals.
Licensure preparation: Equips graduates with the necessary coursework and support to pursue licensure in Pennsylvania and beyond.
Interdisciplinary learning: Opportunities to collaborate with professionals in healthcare, education and other fields to develop well-rounded social work skills.

Job outlook for MSW graduates

The demand for social workers continues to grow, with the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projecting a 9% increase in social work employment from 2021 to 2031. This growth is driven by the rising need for mental health services, substance abuse counseling and aging population support.

In Pennsylvania, clinical social work and healthcare social work are among the fastest-growing fields, offering promising job prospects for MSW graduates. Additionally, as more organizations recognize the importance of social work competencies in business and leadership roles, MSW graduates are finding increasing opportunities beyond traditional social work settings.

Take the next step

A master’s in social work in Pennsylvania offers numerous career paths that allow you to make a difference in people’s lives. If you’re ready to take the next step, explore Messiah University’s MSW program and see how it aligns with your professional goals.

View MSW Program at Messiah University