10 Top Double Majors With a Social Work Degree

Social work degrees often are paired with other degrees either to help with specializing their role or as a base for a graduate-level social work degree.

Because social work is a relatively concentrated line of work, not all degrees work well with a bachelor's degree or master's degree in social work.

Social work as a field focuses on human behavior and services related to helping people in various sectors ranging from education to political analysis and advisor roles.

Because many students work toward Master of Social Work (MSW) degrees, most schools offer dual degree programs in addition to double majors.

Social Work Double Majors

Whether you pursue a double major or a dual degree, there are a few majors that pair best with social work degrees.

Before beginning any degree program, it's best to speak with those already working in the social work practice or your school's academic advisors to figure out if you should pursue a master's in social work and a dual degree with an undergraduate degree or a double major.

Sociology

Social work is, in many ways, the human services application of sociology. Social work degrees focus on serving individuals and small groups while sociology focuses on the larger picture of group dynamics and societal structures. Combining these two degree programs is a good way for social workers to bridge the gaps between small groups and their role in the larger picture.

Political Science

Social welfare is often the direct result of the policies enacted by politicians ranging from city councils to Congress. Social workers often serve the role of advising and advocacy in politics, which is why taking political science courses concurrently with your social work degree program can help prepare students for this role of working with politicians or serving as a liaison to people.

Although many social work degree programs might include some political science coursework, you won't get the same depth of education that you will with a double major or dual degree program.

Psychology

Social work is often related to healthcare services, especially mental health. Because of the direct relationship between social services and mental health, a psychology degree is often a good complementary degree. Understanding the human mind of different mental health conditions can help social workers provide better care to people of all types and backgrounds.

Public Health

A public health degree goes well with a social work degree program because of the nature of both professions. Public health workers work to prevent disease and promote health, and social workers can work with public health professionals to provide specialized care to different groups, especially marginalized groups.

Pre-Law/Advanced Law Degree

Social justice is a top goal of social workers, and a dual MSW and Juris Doctorate is a common combination for lawyers who want to work to improve their communities. Although there are undergraduate pre-law degree programs, most students who pursue a social work degree and a law degree follow a dual graduate degree program.

Business Administration

Social workers who also major in business administration position themselves to work with companies in human resources or other employee assistance roles. With a degree in social work and business administration, workers can earn various HR licensure that will allow them to work as human resources professionals.

Education

School guidance counselors often have a background in social work and education. Specializing in child welfare can give graduates the necessary skills to work within educational environments like high schools or even colleges and also provide social services to students who are struggling with their schooling or in life.

Theology

A less common degree than some others, theology pairs well with social work. Many religions have a strong focus on social justice and helping their communities. Social workers with a theology degree can work with nonprofits to help administer their charitable efforts or help guide people with religious convictions.

Public Administration

A public administration degree covers information about public policy, how it's crafted, and how it's implemented. Public policy often has a direct impact on people's lives, especially when it comes to equity and social welfare. Having the background that comes from a public administration double major can help social workers understand the full impact that policies will have.

Human Resources

Human resources is a degree program that prepares graduates to work with the people who make companies run by setting up benefit packages and promoting a healthy working environment. In many ways, human resources professionals are business-focused social workers. Combining the principles from both majors will prepare a graduate for work in business or social work.

What Is a Double Major?

A double major is a degree program that results in a single degree that had two main fields of study, which are given equal treatment. Instead of a major and minor, where the minor receives a smaller share of credit hours, a double major fulfills the major requirements of both degrees.

Even though a double major completes the equivalent of two undergraduate degrees, they still take about the same time as a traditional bachelor's degree.

Double Major vs. Dual Degree

Although for many degree programs, a double major is a common and preferred method, it's a little different for social work degrees. Earning a graduate-level social work degree is often preferred and people rarely earn two graduate-level degrees at the same time the way they earn bachelor's degrees. This is where dual degrees come in.

A dual degree program is when a person earns two different degrees at the same time, sometimes from different universities. This differs from a double major, where a student earns one degree that has two majors listed on it. With a dual degree program, the degrees can be different levels, such as earning a master's degree and a bachelor's degree together. A double major will almost always be the equivalent of two bachelor's degree programs.

Dual degree students need to meet the requirements of both degrees, including electives and more. Tuition also changes for two different degrees as opposed to a double major.

For social work programs, it's often better to pursue a dual degree program that includes an MSW degree as opposed to a double major with a BSW degree. For example, earning a bachelor's in human service and a MSW as a dual degree is a great choice for those wanting to become a social worker.

FAQs About Double Majoring With Social Work

Deciding between a double major or a dual degree program can be difficult. Before choosing your educational plan, it's best to talk to your school's academic advisors, who might have even gone through a social work degree program themselves.

Can You Double Major With Social Work?

Yes, double majors in social work are very common. This field of work often has specializations that are enhanced by double majors, preparing social workers to help a variety of people.

Is a Double Major With Social Work Worth It?

Yes, the expanded skills and knowledge that come from double majoring with social work can lead to increased opportunities, which makes it worth it for many students.

What Are the Benefits of Double Majoring With Social Work?

The main benefit of double majoring with social work is the expanded knowledge base and skill set before earning experience. These additional factors can help graduates access different positions and advance more quickly.

Will a Double Major With Social Work Improve My Career Outlook?

In most cases, a graduate with a double major will have a better career outlook than a student with a single major or even a major and minor. Employers favorably view double majors because they show a commitment to bettering yourself and learning.