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What do Social Workers do?
What do Social Workers do?
Social workers promote the wellbeing of individuals, families, and communities. We are trained to provide counseling services, to develop and find resources, and to help clients cope with issues of hardship, trauma, loss, addiction, mental health, and many other life circumstances.
As a social worker, you may work with individuals (micro practice), community and groups (mezzo practice) or advocate for policy and social change (macro practice).
Degree Pathways
Degree Pathways
To become a social worker, you must first earn a Social Work degree from CSWE Accredited program. Your degree options are a Bachelors of Social Work (BSW), a Masters in Social Work (MSW) or both!
In Hawai'i there are three 4-year universities that offer social work degrees:
University of Hawai'i at Mānoa - Thompson School of Social Work & Public Health
Coming Soon! Pathways into a Bachelor of Social Work
If you are wondering about an Associates Degree first, with the possibility of a BSW in the future, there a few degree pathways you can choose from at our UH Community College campuses to prepare you for a future career in social work.
Employment
Employment
What jobs can I apply to with a SW degree?
What jobs can I apply to with a SW degree?
Social Work is a diverse career! Social workers work in hospitals, shelters, community clinics, schools, international organizations, disaster relief, fundraising, government, libraries, and more!
What is the median SW salary?
What is the median SW salary?
In 2023, the median pay for social workers in the U.S. was $58,380 per year (Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2024). In Hawai'i, the average salary varies by work setting and type of social work practice and may be higher than the national average. Visit the U.S. Department of Labor site to learn more about social work salaries here
Information Sheets
1_What can you do with SW degree (2) (1) (2).pdf1_Social Work Career Resource Handout Learn More! Information Sessions at UHM
Learn More! Information Sessions at UHM
Program Information Sessions
MSW Program Information Session
MSW Program Information Session
BSW Program Information Session
BSW Program Information Session
Ready to Apply? Social Work Application Process Information Session
Ready to Apply? Social Work Application Process Information Session
Our Fall 2025 Application deadline has passed.
Please check back for our Fall 2026 Application Information Sessions.
If you have any questions about the application process, or admissions requirements, please visit our
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