Social work is a major that falls under the broader fields of social sciences and humanities. It is an interdisciplinary field that combines elements of psychology, sociology, anthropology, and even law to study and address the needs of individuals, families, and communities. Social work is all about understanding people's unique situations and providing support to help them overcome challenges and improve their overall well-being.

Core areas of study in the Social Work major include human behavior and the social environment, social welfare policy, research methods, and social work practice. Students can choose to specialize in areas such as child welfare, mental health, substance abuse, gerontology, or community development. These specializations allow students to focus on specific populations or issues they are passionate about, making a real difference in people's lives.

Social work graduates have a wide range of career options, both within and outside the field. Within the field, they can become clinical social workers, school social workers, or work in government agencies and non-profit organizations. Outside the field, social work skills are valuable in human resources, counseling, education, and public health. Students can also pursue further education, such as a master's degree in social work (MSW) or a doctorate (Ph.D. or DSW), to specialize further or enter academia.

What sets social work apart from other majors is its focus on empathy, compassion, and social justice. Social work students learn to understand and appreciate the diversity of human experiences, and they are trained to advocate for those who may be marginalized or oppressed. In the UK, students can study social work directly at the undergraduate level, while in the US, students typically pursue a bachelor's degree in social work (BSW) before completing a master's degree in social work (MSW) to become licensed practitioners.

Social work students gain a variety of marketable, transferable, and in-demand skills that will be useful in potential future careers. These skills include critical thinking, problem-solving, communication, empathy, cultural competence, and advocacy. These skills are valuable in many fields, as they enable graduates to understand and address complex social issues, work effectively with diverse populations, and promote positive change in individuals and communities.