Postsecondary Social Work Teachers
Overview
Social work teachers at colleges and universities help students learn how to make a positive difference in people's lives and communities. They create course materials, teach classes both in-person and online, grade assignments, and guide students toward their career goals in social services. These professors also conduct research on social issues, collaborate with colleagues to design degree programs, and serve on academic committees. Many use modern technology like learning management systems and video conferencing to connect with students in hybrid learning environments.

Did you know?
Most tenure-track positions require a doctoral degree (PhD or DSW) in social work or a related field, with preference for graduates from CSWE-accredited programs.
At a Glance
$73,884.09 Avg/yr
Median Wage
Stable
Growth
Speaking
Top Skill
Key Responsibilities
- Select and obtain materials and supplies, such as textbooks or laboratory equipment.
- Plan, evaluate, and revise curricula, course content, course materials, and methods of instruction.
- Prepare and deliver lectures to undergraduate or graduate students on topics such as family behavior, child and adolescent mental health, or social intervention evaluation.
- Keep abreast of developments in the field by reading current literature, talking with colleagues, and participating in professional conferences.
- Maintain student attendance records, grades, and other required records.
- Evaluate and grade students' class work, assignments, and papers.
- Act as advisers to student organizations.
- Participate in student recruitment, registration, and placement activities.
- Initiate, facilitate, and moderate classroom discussions.
- Supervise students' laboratory and field work.
- Serve on academic or administrative committees that deal with institutional policies, departmental matters, and academic issues.
- Advise students on academic and vocational curricula and on career issues.
- Compile bibliographies of specialized materials for outside reading assignments.
- Participate in campus and community events.
- Perform administrative duties, such as serving as department head.
- Maintain regularly scheduled office hours to advise and assist students.
- Supervise undergraduate or graduate teaching, internship, and research work.
- Mentor new faculty members.
- Compile, administer, and grade examinations, or assign this work to others.
- Conduct research in a particular field of knowledge and publish findings in professional journals, books, or electronic media.
- Collaborate with colleagues and community agencies to address teaching and research issues.
- Write grant proposals to procure external research funding.
- Provide professional consulting services to government or industry.
- Prepare course materials, such as syllabi, homework assignments, or handouts.
Career Considerations
Advanced Degree Requirements
Most tenure-track positions require a doctoral degree (PhD or DSW) in social work or a related field, with preference for graduates from CSWE-accredited programs.
Practice Experience Expectation
Universities typically expect candidates to have substantial field experience as practicing social workers before transitioning to academia.
Research and Publication Pressure
Academic positions require ongoing research productivity and scholarly publications to achieve tenure and advance in American higher education.