Social work uniquely bridges personal transformation and social justice, operating simultaneously at individual and structural levels. This rapidly expanding field offers diverse and fulfilling career paths across healthcare, education, government, and nonprofit sectors. While supporting people through challenges like mental illness, trauma, environmental disasters and other crises, social workers also recognize that these struggles exist within broader systems that perpetuate inequity.
The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects social work employment to grow 9% by 2031, significantly faster than average occupations, creating thousands of new positions annually. Western states like California, Washington, and Oregon are experiencing particularly accelerated growth rates, creating abundant opportunities for practitioners in these regions. This person-in-environment perspective enables practitioners to provide direct service while also working to address the root causes of suffering through community organizing, policy advocacy, and institutional reform.
Social workers enjoy remarkable career mobility and specialization options. Whether counseling individuals and families, developing innovative programs, researching effective interventions, or fighting for legislative change, social workers are guided by a comprehensive knowledge base and ethical commitment to human dignity and justice. Many practitioners find opportunities to advance into leadership roles with competitive salaries and the profound satisfaction of creating meaningful impact.
Majoring in Social Work will introduce you to this diverse, growing profession where your skills will remain in high demand across numerous settings, from hospitals and schools to corporations embracing social responsibility initiatives, especially in the thriving job markets of the West Coast.
To be a social worker, one must have a degree in social work from a college or university program accredited by the Council on Social Work Education. The undergraduate degree is the bachelor of social work (BSW). Graduate degrees include the master of social work (MSW) and the doctorate in social work (DSW) or PhD. An MSW is required to provide therapy.
Degree programs involve classroom study as well as practical field experience. The bachelor's degree prepares graduates for generalist entry-level work, whereas the master's degree is for more advanced clinical practice. A DSW or PhD is useful for doing research or teaching at the university level.
Most states require practicing social workers to be licensed, certified, or registered, although standards vary. As of January 1, 2011, under the Title Protection Act, anyone using the title "social worker" is required to be registered with the Oregon Board of Licensed Social Workers. Legislation was also passed in 2009, barring anyone who does not have a degree or registration from calling himself or herself a social worker and expanding the abilities of the Oregon Board of Licensed Social Workers to investigate and take action against any misrepresentation or falsification of licensure. This is good news for those who are registered because it preserves the integrity of the social work profession, ensuring that those who call themselves social workers are doing good work. For more information on the Oregon licensing requirements, visit Oregon Board of Licensed Social Workers.
University of Portland
5000 N. Willamette Blvd.,
Portland, Oregon 97203-5798
503.943.8000
