Social work is an occupational industry incorporating “helping others” careers from all over the nation. The industry was founded over 100 years ago and continues to evolve with the introduction of new modern technologies and new industry applications. The skills learned through this degree, and its inherent occupational demands, can be applied in multiple fields, in different industries. Social workers use their skills to help others, both in the government and private sectors, from macro research and policies making concerning large groups of people to individual counseling.

Social work occupations range from administers of social service programs, industry researchers, clinical social worker, substance abuse counselors, community social workers, corporate social worker, military and veterans affairs social work, palliative and hospice social work, child and family social worker, to common titles like school counselor, and marriage therapist. The dean of the School of Social Policy & Practice at the University of Pennsylvania, John Jackson, Jr., argues that whether it’s the San Bernardino shootings of 2015, Sandy Hook, 9/11, or any number of police shootings, this is the academic field holding everyone’s lives together.

With the implementation of new technologies there will be a greater demand for skilled workers who can accommodate the new developments that arise with the implementation of new technologies in the field. Higher education needs to prepare students to use, manage and shape how technology will affect their interactions with clients and other professionals.

Key Findings

• Social work remains at the forefront of education by putting into practice cross-industrial skills like communications and critical thinking, and applying social theory and technology in the field.
• Jobs in the social work directly correlate with population size because they help the public and the government.
• Over the next ten years, it is predicted that job growth for people with a social work degrees is quite robust.
• Technology will change the future of education in this field for educators and students alike due to online applications.

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