Social Work Career Outcomes

Social workers are in demand!

According to a recent U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics report, employment opportunities for social workers are projected to grow faster than average across the next decade! About 74,000 openings for social workers are projected each year, on average, over the decade.

Social work is a rapidly growing field with increasing opportunities across Connecticut and the nation:

• Mental health and substance use social workers: 10% growth nationally
• Healthcare social workers: 8% growth nationally
• Mental health and substance use social workers in Connecticut: 9% growth
• Healthcare social workers in Connecticut: 10% growth

These growth rates exceed the national average for all occupations, reflecting a strong and sustained demand for trained social workers. UConn’s BSW and MSW programs prepare graduates to meet this growing need—equipping them with the knowledge, skills, and hands-on experience to make a lasting impact in communities throughout Connecticut and beyond.

Why Us?

At UConn, you’ll learn from nationally recognized faculty who are advancing research and shaping social work practice, policy, and education. Our evidence-based curriculum prepares students for careers in clinical social work, community practice, leadership, and policy. Through rich practicum experiences across Connecticut, students apply what they learn in the classroom while building professional networks and developing the skills needed to make an immediate impact after graduation.

As one of the nation’s leading public schools of social work, and number one in Connecticut, UConn combines academic excellence with a commitment to social justice, preparing graduates to improve lives and strengthen communities.

What can you do with a degree in social work?

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.

Between 2021 and 2024, approximately 93% of identified MSW graduates were employed in the social work related field!

Graduates may pursue roles such as:

social worker in school
School social workers support students’ academic success by addressing social, emotional, behavioral, and family challenges that affect learning.

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

Licensure and professional growth

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 do UConn School of Social Work alumni work?

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:

Natasha Stapleton MSW ’16
Natasha Stapleton earned her MSW in 2016.

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.

Cassandra-Marrero
Cassandra Marrero earned her MSW in 2018.

Cassandra Marrero, CLAS ’15, MSW ’18, LCSW

Cassandra Marrero is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and Clinical Supervisor at The Village for Families and Children in Hartford, Connecticut where she supports clinicians in providing high-quality, ethical, and trauma-informed care to children and families.

“I’ve been able to help people see their own power, strength and resilience. I hope people see that no matter what adversities they may face, they are worthy,” she says. Learn more about Cassandra.