Master of Social Work (MSW) degrees open rewarding career paths for those who want to make positive impacts in their communities. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects a 6% growth in social work roles from 2024 to 2034, including roles for MSW graduates. The typical progression from an MSW program is into clinical social work settings, though these aren’t the only MSW career options on the job market. 

MSW programs build valuable skills applicable to roles outside of case management or clinical roles. Graduates possess the knowledge and supervised experience to solve problems at the micro, mezzo, and macro levels. An MSW on your resume means you can pivot into new practice areas and organization types as your career progresses. 

Many clinical social work positions require post-graduate supervised experience and state licensure. Depending on state requirements and career goals, social workers often spend several years gaining clinical and administrative experience before pursuing advanced leadership or specialty roles. In answering the question, “What can you do with an MSW?” you’ll find more options than you first imagined.

The Versatility of an MSW Degree

While many graduates begin their careers in direct practice, the skills developed through an MSW can also support advancement into specialized, administrative, policy, and organizational leadership positions over time. MSW holders find that what they’ve learned in graduate school can be applied to a wide variety of jobs and industries. The Council on Social Work Education’s (CSWE) accreditation standards help explain why this is the case. CSWE-accredited programs advance core competencies of the profession, including:

• Engagement with Individuals, Families, Groups, Organizations, and Communities
• Ethical and Professional Behavior
• Policy Practice
• Practice-Informed Research and Research-Informed Practice

Advanced skills in these areas aren’t only useful in clinical social work environments. The ability to engage with diverse audiences, evaluate data, and develop solutions is well-suited to most industries. MSW graduates can also manage crises and adapt to changing circumstances. They bring sought-after skills and unique perspectives to corporate offices, government agencies, and nonprofit organizations. 

Early career success and completing an MSW program create momentum for future leadership roles. Frequent interactions with clients, service providers, and other stakeholders hone interpersonal skills needed to lead organizations. MSW graduates understand complex relationships within social service networks, preparing them for similarly complicated systems in other fields.

MSW Career Options that Build on Social Work Experience

It’s possible to branch out from clinical roles after graduation from an MSW program. Social work professionals interact with so many facets of daily life that they often find success in adjacent careers. Here is a sampling of the MSW job opportunities available to those who earn this degree.

1. Behavioral Health Program Manager

Behavioral health program managers supervise staff, monitor facility compliance with applicable laws and contract requirements, and ensure evidence-based client treatment. They coordinate with other service providers on client referrals and program development. Professionals in this role typically work for county or state programs, nonprofits, and health systems.

Many behavioral health leaders begin their careers providing direct clinical or community-based services before advancing into supervisory and program management positions. The supervised experiences and clinical practice focus of an MSW degree provide great preparation for this role. An MSW helps build the clinical knowledge, systems perspective, and leadership skills needed to support that progression. 

2. Corporate Social Responsibility Manager

Corporate social responsibility involves private businesses considering the social and environmental impacts of their work. Managers work with executives and other stakeholders to define and track progress toward corporate social responsibility goals, including:

• Charitable giving
• Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) initiatives
• Fair trade efforts
• Responsible investments

They organize volunteer opportunities, work with relevant nonprofits, and arrange Employee Resource Groups (ERGs) in organizations from startups to major corporations. This is a good job opportunity for MSW graduates, given their advanced understanding of human and organizational behavior. An MSW's emphasis on community engagement, advocacy, ethical decision-making, and organizational systems provides a strong foundation for professionals who later transition into corporate social responsibility and social impact leadership roles.

3. Employee Assistance Program Manager

Businesses, nonprofits, and government agencies operate Employee Assistance Programs (EAPs) to improve employee lives. Program managers oversee mental health assessments, counseling services, and referrals for eligible workers and dependents. They handle everything from producing brochures on workplace challenges to leading workshops on employee communications. MSW graduates can apply their knowledge of mental health issues and trauma-informed care to this administrative position.

Because EAPs often address mental health, trauma, family challenges, and workplace stress, MSW graduates are well-positioned to contribute in these settings. Leadership roles within EAP programs typically build on previous experience in direct practice, case management, counseling, or supervision.

4. Healthcare Administrator

Healthcare administration is often a longer-term career pathway for MSW graduates who combine their clinical, community, or program management experience with expanded leadership responsibilities. Public and private hospitals employ administrators to oversee all aspects of their daily operations. Healthcare administrators may be responsible for:

• Engaging community organizations in public health campaigns
• Ensuring facility compliance with system policies and applicable laws
• Hiring, supervising, and evaluating office and clinical staff
• Working with leadership on long-term organizational strategy and initiatives

Executive and senior administrative positions generally require years of professional practice, leadership experience, and a demonstrated ability to manage complex healthcare systems. However, an MSW can provide a strong foundation for professionals interested in eventually pursuing healthcare leadership roles.

5. Policy Analyst

Every MSW program has at least one course focused on the impact of public policy on social services. MSW holders interested in turning research into action can work as policy analysts in think tanks and government agencies. Policy analysts explore the underlying causes of public health issues and recommend actions to decision-makers. This MSW career option is ideal for those who want to directly advocate for social service improvements.

Some policy analysts begin their careers in direct practice, community outreach, or program evaluation before transitioning into research and policy-focused work. An MSW's emphasis on systems thinking, social justice, and evidence-informed practice can support this longer-term career development.

FAQs about MSW Careers

After learning more about MSW job opportunities, you likely have additional questions about whether the MSW is right for you. Here are answers to a few common questions about what you can do with an MSW degree.

Expanding Your Career Horizons with a Saint Leo University Online MSW

Earning an MSW from a CSWE-accredited university sets you up for career success now and down the road. You can center your career on your advocacy, research, or personal interests after completing an MSW program. It’s always possible to pivot into clinical work or chart your own path into other areas thanks to the degree’s versatility.

Saint Leo University’s Online Master of Social Work program provides a strong platform for many MSW career options. Online MSW candidates who haven’t earned a Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) degree work within the Traditional degree pathway, while Bachelor of Social Work graduates take the Advanced Standing path. The following chart shows the differences between these paths in their part-time and full-time versions:

As an Online MSW student, you’ll learn advanced skills necessary for the roles mentioned above and more. Supervised practicum hours in your community allow you to apply newly learned skills in real-world settings. The program offers electives like the following to shape your Saint Leo University experience:

• Evaluation & Treatment of Trauma-Related Conditions
• Social Work Practice in the Military
• Social Work Practice with Veterans

Saint Leo University offers a more flexible online MSW degree option than other programs while remaining competitive in overall cost. Program graduates carry university values like integrity, personal development, and respect for others throughout their lives. The university’s stellar reputation is recognized by U.S. News & World Report in its ranking of top national universities.

Learn more about how a Saint Leo University online MSW can help you make the most of your social work career.