Those working in social work have a powerful impact — more than many people know. According to a survey from the National Association of Social Workers (NASW), 80 percent of Americans view social workers favorably, and 81 percent say that, from their personal experience, social workers they have interacted with have improved the lives of themselves, their spouse, their child, their sibling, or their parent.
However, the study also showed that many people are unaware of the many settings and specializations a social worker can work in, which is one of the benefits of pursuing a degree in social work. A student looking to begin a Master of Social Work (MSW) may not be aware of all the opportunities their degree can offer them. There are multiple MSW concentrations to explore, each of which opens up doors to different career opportunities.
MSW Concentrations To Inspire Your Specialization
The study from the NASW found that most people know that social workers work in social services and child welfare. However, fewer people know that social workers can be involved in community organizations, hospice care, and financial services sectors. When choosing an MSW concentration, it is essential to understand that social workers do not just work in one place. They can be found playing vital roles in people’s lives throughout the world.
Disaster and Collective Trauma
One focus area to consider, which can open multiple doors, is disaster and collective trauma. In this concentration, students learn to treat the psychological consequences of disasters and crises and help people overcome the trauma that can come from surviving a natural disaster. In this focus, students learn about intervention, disaster management, and mental health treatment.
According to the Household Pulse Survey from the U.S. Census Bureau, the percentage of people who experienced major anxiety or a major depressive disorder in the past year was significantly higher for people who were displaced by disasters than for those who had not. More than 3 million Americans were displaced by such disasters in 2024, indicating the growing need for students in concentrations focused on helping these displaced individuals.
<h4>Preparing for a Career Within This Specialization</h4>
While preparing for a career with a focus on disaster and collective trauma, students take specialized courses in crisis intervention, clinical treatment, and common and mental health disorders. They take an individualized approach to treatment, but they also learn to help manage resources and help entire communities with disaster prevention and recovery.
Careers within this field include disaster social work, which involves organizing and supervising programs that support disaster resilience in recovery in communities. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), it is expected to grow seven percent between 2023 and 2033, outpacing the national average. The median annual salary for this role is about $69,980 as of 2023.
A disaster and collective trauma concentration can also pave the way for a career as an emergency management director who plans responses to natural disasters and other emergencies. According to the BLS, this career is expected to grow by 4 percent between 2023 and 2033. As of 2023, the median annual salary for this position was about $83,960
Mental Health, Addictions, and the Family
Another MSW concentration is a focus on mental health, addictions, and the family. Within this concentration, students learn structural, narrative, cognitive-behavioral, multisystemic, and collaborative family intervention techniques. These techniques help families during their most challenging times and work to support recovery.
MSW students who work in this field play an essential role in ensuring families and communities are connected and educated, helping them prepare for difficult times. This concentration also enables students to become culturally sensitive interventionalists, providing appropriate counseling and support services.
<h4>Preparing for a Career Within This Specialization</h4>
With a focus on mental health, addiction, and the family, students take courses on multiple types of family intervention. They experience practice settings in which they apply their learnings in real time and prepare to be out in the field. They also listen to family therapy experts and take part in lectures that expand their understanding of diverse cultures.
Students in this focus can become child and family social workers, who protect and support children. These professionals may work in child welfare and human services agencies supporting families and finding housing for children.
They can also become school social workers, who work with teachers, parents, and administrators to support students’ academic and social development. Both careers, according to the BLS, are expected to grow by five percent u between 2023 and 2033 and have a median annual salary of about $53,900 as of 2023. To work in these career paths, graduates will likely need to obtain their licensed clinical social worker (LCSW), which involves passing an exam and obtaining a license in their state.
Choose Your MSW Concentration Today To Make a Difference Tomorrow
An MSW concentration can start students on specialized paths toward fulfilling careers. Whether they are interested in crisis intervention or family dynamics, there is much to explore in the world of social work. With Tulane University’s Online Master of Social Work, students have the opportunity to choose from the Mental Health, Addictions, and the Family Focus Area or the Disaster and Collective Trauma Focus Area to specialize their social work career path.
This degree program is available both online and in-person, and full-time and part-time, making it flexible and suitable for students across the nation. You can earn your MSW at your own pace and choose the focus that can help you increase your impact the most.
Get started on your MSW with Tulane School of Social Work and find out how you can make an impact.