What Can You Do With an MSW?

A Master of Social Work (MSW) opens the door to a wide range of careers in mental health, healthcare, education, nonprofit leadership, and public service. Whether you want to work directly with individuals and families or lead programs that improve communities, an MSW provides the clinical training, ethical foundation, and practical experience to make an impact.

Many graduates also pursue licensure, becoming Licensed Master Social Workers (LMSW) or Licensed Clinical Social Workers (LCSW)—credentials that expand career opportunities and earning potential.

Explore how the MSW program at the University of Saint Mary prepares you for these careers.

---

Top Careers You Can Pursue with an MSW

Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW)

Clinical social workers provide therapy, diagnose mental health conditions, and support individuals, couples, and families.

• Work settings: Private practice, hospitals, mental health clinics
• Common roles: Therapist, counselor, behavioral health specialist
• Median salary: ~$60,000–$75,000+ (varies by location and experience)

This is one of the most common and in-demand career paths for MSW graduates.

Healthcare Social Worker

Healthcare social workers help patients navigate medical systems, manage chronic illness, and access resources.

• Work settings: Hospitals, hospice care, rehabilitation centers
• Focus areas: Care coordination, patient advocacy, discharge planning
• Median salary: ~$60,000–$80,000

School Social Worker

School social workers support students’ emotional, behavioral, and academic success.

• Work settings: K–12 schools, school districts
• Focus areas: Counseling, crisis intervention, family engagement
• Median salary: ~$50,000–$70,000

Forensic Social Worker

Forensic social workers operate at the intersection of social work and the legal system.

• Work settings: Courts, correctional facilities, child welfare institutions, law enforcement agencies (including police departments)
• Focus areas: Rehabilitation, evaluations, victim advocacy

Nonprofit and Community Leadership

MSW graduates often lead organizations, develop programs, and advocate for policy change.

• Roles: Program director, case manager, community organizer
• Work settings: Nonprofits, government agencies, NGOs

---

MSW Salary and Job Outlook

Careers in social work are growing steadily due to increasing demand for mental health services, healthcare support, and community-based care.

• Projected job growth: ~7% (faster than average)
• Median salary (all social workers): ~$58,000+
• Clinical and healthcare roles often earn more
• Source: https://www.bls.gov/ooh/community-and-social-service/social-workers.htm

Demand is especially strong in:

• Mental health services
• Healthcare systems
• Schools and youth services

---

Is an MSW Worth It?

For many students, an MSW is a highly valuable degree because it:

• Leads to meaningful, impact-driven careers
• Offers a pathway to professional licensure (LMSW, LCSW)
• Provides strong job stability and demand
• Creates opportunities in both clinical and leadership roles

---

What Skills Do You Gain in an MSW Program?

An MSW program helps you build both clinical and leadership skills, including:

• Clinical assessment and diagnosis
• Counseling and therapeutic techniques
• Case management and advocacy
• Ethical decision-making
• Program development and leadership

These skills are transferable across a wide range of industries and roles.

---

Frequently Asked Questions

What jobs can you get with an MSW?

You can work as a clinical social worker, therapist, healthcare social worker, school social worker, case manager, or nonprofit leader.

Can you become a therapist with an MSW?

Yes. With an MSW and clinical licensure (such as LCSW), you can provide therapy and mental health services.

What is the highest-paying MSW job?

Clinical and healthcare social workers, especially those with LCSW licensure, tend to earn the highest salaries.

How long does it take to complete an MSW?

Most MSW programs take 1–3 years, depending on whether you enter through a traditional or advanced standing pathway.

---

Prepare for These Careers

If you're ready to pursue a career in social work, the next step is choosing a program that prepares you for both professional practice and licensure.

See how the University of Saint Mary online MSW prepares you

Explore the MSW Curriculum