Allied Health – Social Work

Social Work Allied Health Guide

What is Social Work?

Social work, also referred to as social welfare, encompasses a wide range of occupations and services that work to protect vulnerable populations and provide services to individuals of all ages and backgrounds during times of crisis or need. Social workers can serve in a variety of ways ranging from advocacy work to providing therapy for clients. They take expert knowledge of crisis intervention to help create and implement a plan of action to ensure client’s well-being. Individuals with a certification in social work have a wide range of career options within their diverse field.

Undergraduate Prerequisite Coursework

  • Sociology
  • Psychology
  • Ethics
  • Political Science
  • Public Health

Many social work programs do not require specific undergraduate classes, but some suggested areas of study include (but are not limited to).

Education & Advanced Degrees

  • Master’s Degree in Social Work (MSW)
  • Doctorate of Social Work (DSW)
  • PhD in Social Work

Advanced Degree Requirements

  • References (Academic, Professional, Therapy)
  • *GRE Scores (this requirement varies greatly across programs)
  • Personal Statement

This is a list of the most frequently required admissions requirements. Please see individual program websites for exact requirement information.

Potential Workplace Settings to Explore

  • Hospitals
  • Schools
  • Outpatient clinics
  • Private practice
  • Acute care facilities
  • Industrial environments
  • Rehabilitation clinics
  • Community settings
  • Mental health facilities
  • Homes
  • Government settings

Career Resources

  • Join OneHop using your jhu.edu email address
    • Complete your profile
    • Search “Allied Health” in Groups to join the conversation!

OneHop Allied Health Professions Alumni Group

  • Join the OneHop Allied Health Professions Alumni Group where current students interested in allied health can connect with alumni allied health professionals.

Allied Health Professional Associations for Students

  • National Association of Social Workers (NASW)
  • Social Worker License Map (Requirements by state)

Explore Allied Health Professions “Allied health encompasses a broad group of health professionals who use scientific principles and evidence-based practice for the diagnosis, evaluation and treatment of acute and chronic diseases; promote disease prevention and wellness for optimum health, and apply administration and management skills to support health care systems in a variety of settings.” – Association of Schools Advancing Health Professions (ASAHP, 2021)

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