Becoming a Social Work Professor: A Comprehensive Guide

Social Work Professors teach and mentor students pursuing advanced degrees in social work, policy, and human services. They conduct research, publish scholarly work, and contribute to developing the next generation of practitioners and academics in the field. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment of post-secondary social work teachers (which includes professors) is projected to grow 7% from 2022 to 2032, faster than average, with about 700 job openings each year【source: BLS】.

Entry-Level Requirements for Social Work Professors

To become a Social Work Professor, you typically need:

Education

A Doctor of Social Work (DSW) or Ph.D. in Social Work is required for tenure-track and research faculty positions. A Master of Social Work (MSW) may qualify you for adjunct or clinical teaching roles, particularly if you have significant field experience.

Certifications & Licenses

Many programs prefer or require faculty to hold a state social work license such as the Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW), especially when teaching clinical practice courses.

Experience

Professors are usually expected to have teaching experience, a strong record of research and publications, and several years of clinical or policy-related practice. Supervised field instruction and academic presentations at conferences are also highly valued.

Expected Salary for Social Work Professors

• Entry-Level: $65,000–$80,000 annually

• Mid-Level: $80,000–$110,000 annually

• Senior-Level: $110,000–$150,000+ annually

  
  

The median annual wage for post-secondary social work teachers in the U.S. is $77,980【source: BLS】, though professors at research universities often earn significantly higher salaries.

Skills and Abilities Needed to Excel

To succeed as a Social Work Professor, you need a blend of skills:

• Expertise in social work theory, policy, and practice

• Strong communication and public speaking skills

• Academic writing and research proficiency

• Empathy, leadership, and mentorship abilities

• Knowledge of diversity, equity, and inclusion principles

  
  

Is This Role Better for Introverts or Extroverts?

This career is generally a better fit for extroverts. Social Work Professors spend considerable time interacting with students, colleagues, and community partners. Extroverts typically thrive in these collaborative and mentorship-focused environments that emphasize communication, teaching, and advocacy.

Top 5 Degree Programs with Best ROI for Social Work Professors

1. Columbia University School of Social Work – MSW and Ph.D. in Social Work

2. University of Michigan School of Social Work – MSW, Ph.D., and DSW Programs

3. University of Chicago Crown Family School of Social Work, Policy, and Practice – MA and Ph.D. in Social Work

4. Washington University in St. Louis – Brown School – MSW and Ph.D. in Social Work

5. New York University Silver School of Social Work – MSW and Ph.D. Programs

   
   

Can You Become a Social Work Professor Without a Degree?

No. A Doctor of Social Work (DSW) or Ph.D. in Social Work is required for most full-time faculty positions, particularly in research-oriented universities. However, individuals with a Master of Social Work (MSW) and extensive field experience may teach as adjunct or clinical instructors.

Five Jobs Similar to Social Work Professor

If you're considering a career in academia or related fields, here are five similar roles:

• Post-Secondary Social Work Teacher

• Clinical Social Worker (LCSW)

• Public Policy Researcher

• Community Health Educator

• Social Work Program Director

  
  

Top Ten Recruitment Agencies for Academic Social Work Positions

Finding the right job can be challenging. Here are ten recruitment agencies that specialize in academic social work positions:

1. HigherEdJobs

2. The Chronicle of Higher Education Jobs

3. Inside Higher Ed Careers

4. Academic Keys

5. Higher Education Recruitment Consortium (HERC)

6. LinkedIn Higher Education Jobs

7. FacultyJobs.net

8. Indeed Higher Education Jobs

9. Glassdoor Education Jobs

10. Academic Careers Online

Top Ten Employers Hiring Social Work Professors

If you're looking for potential employers, consider these top institutions:

• Columbia University School of Social Work

• University of Michigan School of Social Work

• University of Chicago Crown Family School of Social Work, Policy, and Practice

• Boston University School of Social Work

• New York University Silver School of Social Work

• University of Southern California Suzanne Dworak-Peck School of Social Work

• Washington University in St. Louis – Brown School

• Rutgers University School of Social Work

• University of Washington School of Social Work

• University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill School of Social Work

  
  

Top Startups and Organizations Hiring Social Work Educators and Researchers

Explore opportunities with these innovative organizations:

• NASW (National Association of Social Workers) (professional education and advocacy)

• Relias (online health and social work education)

• Coursera (online university-level education)

• edX (digital learning platform)

• BetterHelp (mental health and counseling education)

• Talkspace (teletherapy and clinical development)

• Osmosis (Elsevier) (health and social sciences education)

• SimplePractice Learning (continuing education for behavioral professionals)

• Khan Academy (free global education)

• Social Work Helper (media and advocacy organization)

  
  

Conclusion: The Impact of Social Work Professors

Social Work Professors play a vital role in shaping policy, advancing research, and training future generations of compassionate social workers. The career blends academic rigor with real-world impact and is ideal for extroverts who thrive in collaborative teaching, mentorship, and leadership roles.

If you're passionate about social work and education, this path offers a fulfilling opportunity to make a difference.

Learn about other high-demand jobs over the next decade here.