A degree in social work prepares students for meaningful careers helping individuals, families, organizations, and communities thrive. Social workers are employed in healthcare, schools, behavioral health, child and family services, aging services, government agencies, community organizations, policy and advocacy, corrections, research, and private practice.

Graduates may pursue roles such as:

• Case manager
• Therapist or clinical social worker
• Behavioral health clinician
• School social worker
• Child welfare specialist
• Hospital or healthcare social worker
• Community organizer
• Policy advocates
• Gerontological social worker
• Program coordinator or administrator
• Substance use counselor
• Forensic social worker
• Nonprofit leader
• Higher education professional

Social work offers flexible career paths at both the bachelor’s and master’s levels. Entry-level roles may include case management, community outreach, residential support, and human services coordination. With an MSW and licensure, graduates can move into clinical, supervisory, policy, leadership, and specialized practice roles.

How much does a social worker make? According to a 2024 Bureau of Labor Statistics report, the median annual wage for social workers was $61,330. Salaries vary by degree level, setting, licensure, experience, and area of practice.

• Bachelor’s-level graduates often begin in roles ranging from approximately $45,000 to $50,000.
• Master’s-level graduates may begin closer to $55,000 to $65,000, with higher earnings possible in clinical, healthcare, administrative, and specialized roles.
• Experienced and licensed social workers can earn approximately $70,000 to $85,000 or more annually, depending on role and setting.

Many graduates find that supplementing their salary with benefits like healthcare and retirement plans enhances their overall compensation. Knowing which roles align with your goals will help you realistically plan your career and earnings after graduation.

Licensure can expand career opportunities, especially for graduates interested in clinical practice. In Connecticut, MSW graduates may pursue Licensed Master Social Worker (LMSW) licensure and, with additional supervised post-master’s experience and examination requirements, Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) licensure.

UConn’s Bachelor of Social Work and Master of Social Work programs are fully accredited by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE), helping students meet important educational requirements for professional practice and licensure.

Many social workers and human service professionals are required to maintain their skills and earn Continuing Education Credits (CECs) for licensure. The Center for Continuing Education and Professional Development at the UConn School of Social Work offers continuing education seminars and post-master’s certificate programs for skill development or CECs. The CSWE-accredited programming is offered throughout the year.

Where can a social work degree take you? Our alumni provide the answer.

UConn’s more than 8,800 School of Social Work alumni are making an impact in Connecticut and around the world. From licensed clinical social workers and healthcare professionals to nonprofit leaders, educators, advocates, and policymakers, UConn School of Social Work alumni demonstrate the many ways a social work education can create opportunities for leadership, service, and meaningful change.

Meet a few of these alumni below:

Jack Lu ’05 MSW, ’16 Ph.D. (SSW)

Jack Lu is Director of Implementation at the Child Health and Development Institute (CHDI) in Farmington, Connecticut. Jack leads the dissemination and implementation of multiple evidence-based treatment initiatives for youth with behavioral health concerns. His particular focus is expanding a continuum of substance use and co-occurring disorder care that spans prevention, early intervention, treatment, and recovery.

Throughout his professional career, Jack has focused his work on communities that experience marginalization through direct practice, research, and scholarly activities.

His primary interests include community-based participatory initiatives, health equity, refugee and immigrant communities, and models of integrated care. Learn more about Jack.

Taylor Tucker ’20, MSW ’21, Ph.D. student 

Taylor is currently a partner and chief strategy officer at the Cadence of Social Impact in Hartford, Connecticut where he empowers individuals, organizations, and brands to drive meaningful change through innovative strategies, creative solutions, and a commitment to social responsibility and civic engagement.

Taylor received his BSW and MSW (policy practice) from UConn School of Social Work after serving as a petty officer in the U.S. Navy and completing an internship under U.S. Senator Richard Bluementhal. He will return in Fall 2026 as a Ph.D. student.

Natasha A. Stapleton MSW ’16

Natasha is a school social worker with the Capitol Region Education Council (CREC). In this role, she works with a variety of students and families helping to support a variety of social and emotional needs. As a social worker, Natasha is responsible for educating staff about various diagnosis and how to engage students from a trauma informed lens. Part of this work is supporting staff in recognizing their biases and its impact on educating student from diverse backgrounds.

Natasha has over 15 years of experience providing community-based support and therapy to both children, families and adults. She is a member of the UConn School of Social Work Alumni Board of Champions. Learn more about Natasha.