undergraduate
Social work and youth services
Best schools with social work and youth services
What is a social work and youth services major?
One who chooses to study social work and youth services is prepared for the professional practice of social welfare administration and counseling, with a focus on the study of organized means of providing basic support services for vulnerable populations. Course topics include social welfare policy, case work planning, social counseling and intervention strategies, administrative procedures and regulations, and specific applications in areas such as child welfare and family services, probation, employment services, and disability counseling.
of students said a highlight of this major was the exposure to diverse perspectives.
of students found this major to be difficult.
of students said they were motivated to select this major because it fit their passion & interest.
of students and alumni plan on being or are currently employed in an occupation related to this major.
How much do social work and youth services majors make?
median average salary
$52,000/yr
The national average salary for social work and youth services graduates in the United States is $52,000 per year. Those in the top 10 percent make over $100,000 a year, while the bottom 10 percent make under $21,300 a year. While salary ranges can vary by role, industry, and location, social work and youth services graduates typically make between $36,000 and $74,000 per year.
How popular is social work and youth services as a major?
Each year, around 22,300 students obtain a bachelor’s degree and around 1,810 students obtain an associate degree in social work and youth services. In 2021, 22,222 students received a bachelor's degree and 1,738 students received an associate degree. This is 2% more social work and youth services majors than there were in 2020. Social work and youth services is one of the most popular majors within public policy and social services.
Advice from social work and youth services majors
Share your experienceDo not listen to people when they say you should not go into this field. If you do it right, you can be financially compensated, doing work you feel good about, and balancing work/life.
The major itself is not very complicated, for me the major is fascinating, and the projects are so interesting. The amount of research papers can become annoying and tedious, however, they help you with improving in writing and knowledge. The Social Work major is not difficult with writing the papers but what the papers are about can become difficult. If you want to go into social work as a major and a future job, you will have to make yourself comfortable with the uncomfortable, meaning there might be some topics that are more difficult to hear about, listen and witness. If helping someone is what you want to do, then this major is for you!
My advice would be to get as much hands-on experience as you can through internships or volunteer work. It's a great way to learn and make a difference in the community. Also, don't forget to take care of yourself too, as helping others can be emotionally demanding. Remember, you're making a positive impact on people's lives! 🌟
Take it all in, one moment at a time. The best advice I received and did not quite understand during my studies was "this is the time to make all of your mistakes, during school and internship placement." It is so easy to focus on wanting to ace and perfect different strategies learned but it is also important to find solutions for challenging situations. Make the most of the time professors offers to meet with them one-on-one, ask all of the questions and get out of your comfort zone. During, field placement it is easy to attempt and obtain an internship in your area of interest, which will flourish regardless, if possible attempt a placement that you are unsure about or mildly interested in to gain even more experience.
Take a note and write your why. write why you chose this.... then put it where you will see it every day. On the days you wake up and feel like quitting, this will remind you why you are here.
