If you are drawn to a career that helps people and makes a positive impact in the community, you have likely considered becoming a social worker. However, you may have hit a common roadblock: the lengthy education requirements. So, which other jobs similar to social work can you pursue?

In many states, becoming a licensed social worker requires a Master of Social Work (MSW) and thousands of hours of supervised clinical experience. Social work is just one path in the broader field of helping professions.

If you’re looking for degrees similar to social work, a Human Services degree is one of the strongest options, and it can lead to jobs similar to social work without requiring a master’s degree.

There is a massive demand for compassionate professionals in the Human Services sector. A bachelor’s or associate degree in Human Services can open doors to many of the same rewarding environments, such as hospitals, non-profits, and government agencies, without requiring a graduate degree to get started.

Jobs similar to social work (with no MSW required)

Whether you want to work directly with individuals or support communities on a broader scale, many career paths allow you to make an impact without completing a master’s degree. In fact, most human services workers don’t start their careers with a master’s at all. It’s all about helping people. That’s where it starts.

Case manager

Case managers are the backbone of the social services system. Much like social workers, they serve individuals with additional needs, such as older adults, veterans, and people with disabilities, and coordinate the resources needed to support them.

While some hospitals require MSWs for clinical discharge planning, thousands of non-profits and state agencies hire Human Services degree graduates to manage caseloads, advocate for clients, and create care plans.

The median annual salary for a case manager is $78,240, and there are around 18,600 job openings per year in community and social service management.

Community outreach coordinator

If you prefer looking at the big picture, rather than one-on-one service, this type of job is for you. Outreach coordinators work for non-profits to develop programs, secure funding, and educate the public about critical issues like public health, housing, or youth mentorship.

This role relies heavily on the sociology and communication skills learned in undergraduate Human Services programs rather than clinical diagnosis skills. Community managers held 219,800 jobs in 2024, and this is only projected to grow 6%, which is a bit faster than average.

Victim advocate

Victim advocates provide immediate support to victims of crime or abuse by providing information, resources, available legal rights, and options to promote their clients’ well-being.

Advocacy work includes guiding individuals through the legal system, offering emotional support during court proceedings, and helping find emergency shelter if necessary. The average salary for a victim advocate is $45,120, although the highest earners made $63,850.

The job requires high emotional intelligence and knowledge of the justice system, which are core components of a Human Services curriculum.

Youth specialist and behavioral specialist

Working in group homes, juvenile detention centers, community outreach programs, or schools, these specialists work directly with at-risk youth to model positive behaviors, de-escalate conflicts, and implement treatment plans.

These professionals also play a key part in helping students get back on an educational track. You’re essentially supporting truant youth and guiding formerly incarcerated teens as they transition back into school settings.

The salary for these behavioral specialist roles depends on the sector you are in. For instance, with local government, you can expect a median annual of $50,200, whereas for nursing and residential facilities, it is $41,900.

Explore the Human Services degree through Goodwin University

Top degrees similar to social work

Whether you pursue an associate or a bachelor’s degree in Human Services, both pathways are designed to prepare you for meaningful, hands-on work supporting individuals, families, and communities.

Associate degree in Human Services program

An associate degree in Human Services typically includes over 60 credits and covers foundational subjects like psychology, sociology, ethics, and the principles of social work. Despite being shorter, these programs are far from superficial. Students often participate in fieldwork or internships that let them apply classroom lessons in real-world settings and begin building professional connections early on.

Bachelor’s degree in Human Services program

A bachelor’s degree in Human Services, requiring around 121 credits, expands on this foundation with a deeper exploration into areas such as behavioral health, child welfare, human development, and substance abuse.

Bachelor’s level students also engage in more advanced fieldwork, positioning them for a wider range of career opportunities or future graduate studies in social work, counseling, or related fields.

Social Work vs. Human Services: Which is right for you?

If you’re curious whether a BSW or a Bachelor’s in Human Services would better serve your interests, it’s a fair question. While both degrees focus on helping people, a Bachelor’s in Social Work is viewed as the most specialized option, preparing you for leadership and further education within the field.

A Human Services program is broader, designed to get you into the field faster. You focus on practical application, like grant writing, case management software, and crisis intervention, so you are job-ready upon graduation.

Start your journey in human services today

You don’t have to wait years to start changing lives. Goodwin University’s Human Services program provides the skills, internship experience, and hands-on training you need to enter the workforce with confidence.

At Goodwin, you can earn your degree in a way that fits your life. With flexible scheduling, day and evening classes, and hybrid learning options, our Human Services programs are designed for students balancing work, family, and personal commitments.

Learn more about our Human Services program at Goodwin University to explore the field and see what fits you.