Double Major in Social Work & Public Administration

If you're interested in pursuing a popular career in public service and using your position to help those who are less fortunate, pursuing a double major in social work and public administration may be a good educational path for you. But how do you do it? And what specific careers can you pursue?

You can double major in social work and public administration by taking the required courses of both programs. Double majoring takes effort and planning but can be well worth it.

When you pursue a double major in social work and public administration, you will become qualified to pursue job opportunities that combine both fields. These job opportunities include community development specialist and policy researcher.

Keep reading for more information about these majors and the steps for achieving this goal.

What Is Social Work?

Social work is a broad field committed to creating a better quality of life for disadvantaged groups or individuals. They provide advocacy and interventions to help those struggling with mental health problems, disabilities, addictions, abuse, and other social issues.

Social workers find employment in a wide variety of organizations, including:

• government agencies
• nonprofit organizations
• healthcare organizations
• counseling clinics and agencies
• schools and universities
• community development agencies

Those who hope to become clinical social workers must typically complete a Master of Social Work (MSW degree) program. These generally take about two years for full-time students to complete.

That said, there are many career opportunities for those with a bachelor's degree in social work, especially if you combine a double major with your social work degree which is considered a complementary field, such as public administration.

How To Double Major in Social Work and Public Administration

The thought of pursuing a double major may feel overwhelming, but there are things you can do to help you graduate as efficiently as possible. Follow the tips we've outlined below.

Find an Accredited School

When deciding where to attend college, choose a school with regional or national accreditation from a U.S. Department of Education-recognized agency, such as the Higher Learning Commission. The social work program should also be accredited by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE).

Accreditation shows that your school meets or exceeds basic educational standards accepted nationwide. Choosing an accredited school is crucial for your degree to be accepted and respected when it comes time to find a job.

Speak to an Academic Advisor

Getting a double major can be challenging. Though you may be able to graduate with 120 credit hours, the same as for a single major, you may need more core courses and fewer electives to fulfill all degree requirements for both majors. This takes some forethought and planning, and speaking to an academic advisor at your school can help with this process.

An academic advisor can help you determine the required courses for your social work and public administration majors, including the number of courses that can apply to both majors, so you can save time and money. They can also guide you as you enter an MSW program or Master of Public Administration (MPA) after obtaining your bachelor's degree.

Enroll in Both Programs

To be accepted into a degree program, you'll need to meet the admission requirements and enroll in the college of your choice. Once you've done that, declare both majors as early as possible so you can begin taking classes for each.

During your first year or two, you will take many general education classes, with some introductory courses on social work and public administration. Later on, you'll complete more advanced and specialized coursework. You may also be required to conduct research and complete a capstone project or practicum to gain hands-on experience.

Complete Required Coursework

Depending on your school, you may be able to apply some of your classes to both majors. For example, many of the same general education requirements may apply to both majors, so the school may allow you to take those classes only once.

If you are double majoring in social work and public administration, you can expect to take courses in subjects such as:

• human behavior
• public policy
• social justice
• human resources
• budgeting

Gain Experience in Your Field

Once you have graduated with your double major, you can begin pursuing entry-level jobs related to social work and public administration. Be sure to look for opportunities that combine both disciplines, allowing you to use both majors.

You can also work internships or job shadow professionals in both fields to gain experience and learn more about specific careers to consider. These opportunities look good on a resume and may help you get your foot in the door.

Career Paths for Social Work and Public Administration Double Majors

After working hard for your double major, you'll want a job that utilizes your specialized knowledge and skill set. Keep reading as we discuss some good career paths for someone with a double major in social work and public administration.

Social Policy Analyst

Policy analysts typically work in local, state, and federal governments, though they may also work in private settings. They conduct policy analysis and help shape new policies by conducting research, recommending changes, and educating the public.

Social policy analysts specialize in social policies, using their skills in social work to suggest policy changes that will benefit those with vulnerabilities or disadvantages. They work closely with government officials to evaluate both existing and proposed policies relating to social services.

Community Development Specialist

A community development specialist typically works for an agency to promote positive changes in their local communities. This role leads community development programs, from the planning stages to the final implementation strategies.

These human services professionals perform various duties depending on the specific needs of their organization. Responsibilities may include raising and managing funds, leading engagement activities with community members, and writing reports.

Policy Advisor

Policy advisors are similar to policy analysts. Their job involves looking at existing policies and finding ways to make them more effective. They then communicate these proposed changes to government officials.

Policy analysts investigate current policies and perform extensive analyses, but policy advisors spend much of their time interpreting that analysis and using it to make recommendations to improve existing policies. Those with a social work background can use their skills to develop more beneficial policies for the socially disadvantaged.

Public Health Administrator

Public health administrators typically work for community or state health departments. They oversee these departments, ensuring they have the necessary resources and abide by all laws and regulations.

These professionals perform various administrative duties. These may include creating and maintaining a budget, ordering supplies, creating staff schedules, managing staff, and reviewing applicable health regulations.

Policy Researcher

Policy researchers work for various private and public organizations, conducting research relative to these organizations' policies. Much of their job involves gathering data on issues related to policies.

Policy researchers perform an essential function by supplying the information necessary to create new policies. While they are not responsible for writing policies, those with a double major in social work and public administration can use their exceptional research skills to influence how new policies are written.