What Math Does Social Work Require?

Social work is a popular degree that leads to rewarding and meaningful work. Potential social work students often wonder what math is required for a bachelor's degree in social work (BSW). Social work degree programs typically require reasonable and attainable math courses. Learn more about the areas of math you're likely to cover in a BSW program.

Math Requirements for a Career in Social Work

Nearly all accredited bachelor's degrees require at least one math course. The math courses in a social work degree are typically quite general and part of any well-rounded general education requirements. Here are some core math classes you're likely to encounter in a social work program.

College Algebra

Algebra is one of the most fundamental areas of mathematics. A basic course in college algebra gives students an introduction to quantitative reasoning.

While social workers may not be asked to solve equations in their day-to-day practice, algebra unlocks new ways of thinking that can be useful in many settings. College algebra is also a common prerequisite for higher-level math classes that students may want to take later on.

Statistics

Statistics is another highly applicable area of math that can benefit students greatly. Statistics focuses on distributions, similarities, and differences in groups and populations. Statistics helps social work researchers to understand real-world patterns and social problems so they can develop social welfare policies.

A class in statistics is a must for students interested in social work research. Some knowledge of research methods is also helpful for students who wish to move on to a Master of Social Work program. A statistics course is part of the course requirements for most MSW programs, so it may be wise to take an introduction course at the undergraduate level if you're interested in advancing your education with graduate school.

Contemporary Math

Contemporary math may be one of the most useful classes in a Bachelor of Social Work degree. Contemporary math classes typically provide a broad overview that can be great for students with generalist interests in human behavior, social services, and the social sciences.

Contemporary math classes may survey algebra, geometry, statistics, and set theory at an introductory level. This course may fulfill the math requirements for some liberal arts degrees. Contemporary math can also allow students to identify areas of math they wish to pursue further in elective classes.

Why Is Math Important in Social Work?

At first glance, math may not seem to be a crucial part of social work. The coursework in a BSW degree is unlikely to emphasize advanced areas of math and many aspects of advocacy and human services can be carried out without much math. However, there are many ways the field uses math. Here are some important reasons to consider taking math classes during your social work degree.

Math Supports Social Work Research

The social environment is complex and always changing. Many of the important studies and findings that underpin the social work field require in-depth mathematical knowledge to carry out. Whether students want to contribute to social work research themselves or simply want to understand the existing literature, mathematical literacy is a key skill.

Math Enables New Ways of Thinking

At its base, math is logical reasoning. Learning deep math principles can allow students to communicate more clearly or formulate more coherent arguments.

While math is challenging for many students, facing it head-on and gaining new skills is an inspirational process. Math can teach the importance of self-regulation, confidence, and perseverance, which can be helpful in the social work field.

Quantitative Skills Increase Career Flexibility

One of the most practical reasons to supplement your social work courses with some mathematical training is the wider range of roles you can qualify for when looking for work. Social work professionals often shift into healthcare or public health roles where math skills may be valuable.

It's difficult to know exactly which roles you might want to pursue in the future. Taking math classes during a bachelor's degree program supports greater flexibility if your career ambitions change later on.

How Often Do Social Workers Encounter Math in Their Daily Professional Tasks?

The frequency with which professionals in the social work field use math will depend on their exact roles and responsibilities.

Social work researchers and policy analysts will use math regularly as they understand complex causal networks at play in American social issues, such as substance abuse and mental health crises. Caseworkers will likely use less math as they spend much time visiting homes and creating detailed reports.

What Math Courses Are Social Work Majors Recommended To Take?

Social work majors can be strategic about the math classes they take. Students interested in entry-level research positions should start by taking statistics classes and learning how to analyze data in contemporary software programs.

Students interested in advocacy, accessibility, and social justice may want to take math classes, such as algebra or statistics, to support a career in social welfare policy. Students who know they want to start their own private practice can also benefit from taking a class in accounting and learning some basic bookkeeping.