What is Social Work?
The Bachelor of Arts in Social Work at the University of South Alabama provides a combination of academic excellence and a commitment to social justice. Accredited by the Council on Social Work Education, the program prepares students for generalist social work practice in diverse areas such as child welfare, mental health, and substance abuse treatment. The curriculum transitions from a pre-professional liberal arts foundation to a professional major where students develop practical skills and engage in senior-year internships across the Gulf Region.
Awareness
First Year
- Begin pre-professional courses
- Build skills in communication, interpersonal relationships, and critical thinking
- Research career opportunities for licensed Social Workers
Middle Years
- Complete pre-professional courses including SW 200, SW 214, & SW 220
- Begin field placement during professional program
- Attend Hire-A-Jag to connect with employers
Last Year
- Complete field placement and professional program
- Prepare for licensure
- Apply for graduate school (optional)
Exploration
First Year
- Join the Student Social Work Organization
- Meet with Career Development to discuss career goals
- Meet with Social Work faculty to make strong connections
Middle Years
- Shadow a Social Worker
- Practice networking, relationship building, and problem solving skills
- Attend Student Social Work Organization meetings regularly
Last Year
- Research graduate programs
- Volunteer with community or campus partners
- Determine area of expertise within Social Work
Preparation
First Year
- Login to Accelerate South and build profile strength to 75%+
- Meet with academic advisor to plan prerequisite courses
- Begin Social Work pre-professional program
Middle Years
- Take part in internships, summer jobs, or volunteer opportunities
- Attend career fairs and networking events to boost communication skills and make connections
- Apply for admission to Social Work professional program
Last Year
- Prepare and research licensure requirements in desired state
- Decide between job search and graduate school before final semester
- Meet with Career Development to finalize resume and prep for the job search
Job Outlook
7% growth by 2032
Median Salary
$58,380
Annual Job
Openings Each Year
63,800
Current Workforce
742,800
What can I do with this major?
- Mental Health Counselor
- Social Services Coordinator
- Victim Advocate
- Intervention Specialist
- Patient Advocate
- Case Worker/Manager
- LCSW (Licensed Clinical Social Worker)
- Foster Care Coordinator
- Behavioral Health Specialist
- Substance Abuse Counselor
What skills will I learn?
- Generalist Practice: Proficiency in working across different systems, including individuals, families, and communities.
- Social Justice Advocacy: Commitment to promoting equity and excellence within human service systems.
- Clinical Assessment: Skills in identifying needs in areas like mental health, family dynamics, and child welfare.
- Case Management: Techniques for coordinating services within criminal justice or public health frameworks.
- Professional Communication: Developing rapport and effective intervention strategies with diverse populations.
- Field Research: Interpreting complex social information and applying it to real-world agency settings.
USA Career Development
251-460-6188
careerdevelopment@southalabama.edu
Sociology, Anthropology and Social Work
251-460-6347
Dr. Nancy Kelley nkelley@southalabama.edu