Forensic Social Work
A program that prepares individuals to serve as social workers in correctional facilities, mental health hospitals, the justice system, substance abuse treatment programs, and victim assistance. Includes instruction in forensic social work, criminal justice administration, domestic violence, ethics, juvenile justice systems, mental illness and crime, program evaluation, and research methods.
- Schools offering
- 3
- Annual completions
- 8
- Typical degree level
- Associate's
- Median earnings (5yr)
- $51k
About this major
A program that prepares individuals to serve as social workers in correctional facilities, mental health hospitals, the justice system, substance abuse treatment programs, and victim assistance. Includes instruction in forensic social work, criminal justice administration, domestic violence, ethics, juvenile justice systems, mental illness and crime, program evaluation, and research methods.
Where this major leads
Occupations most often associated with this major, from the federal BLS+O*NET crosswalk. Job-growth projections and median wages are national.
| Occupation | Median wage | Job growth | Typical education |
|---|---|---|---|
| Child, family, and school social workers | $59k | +3.4% | Bachelor's degree |
| Social and community service managers | $78k | +6.4% | Bachelor's degree |
| Healthcare social workers | $68k | +7.7% | Master's degree |
| Social workers, all other | $69k | +3.9% | Bachelor's degree |
| Social work teachers, postsecondary | $76k | +2.3% | Doctoral or professional degree |
Earnings at a glance
Median graduate earnings from the federal College Scorecard, 5 and 10 years out.
Median 5-year earnings
$51k
Associate's vs Bachelor's — early-career earnings
Associate's
$41k
Bachelor's
$51k
Top colleges for Forensic Social Work
Ranked by annual completions at the associate's or bachelor's level — a proxy for program scale.
| College | Location | Assoc. | Bach. | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| York County Community College | Wells, ME | 8 | 0 | 8 |
| Sinclair Community College | Dayton, OH | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Carlow University | Pittsburgh, PA | 0 | 0 | 0 |
Related majors to explore
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