Factors Associated With Choosing Social Work and Pathways Through the Baccalaureate Major

Abstract

Social work is a growing field, and more research is needed to understand the demographic and academic characteristics of baccalaureate students who choose social work, and the pathways of social work students through the major over time. Data for a cohort of full-time students who enrolled in a public university in the United States (N=4463) were explored using bivariate and multivariate regression analyses. Social work majors were more likely female (91%) and first-generation students (34%). Social work students also had slightly lower ACT/SAT scores and high school GPAs, but their 4-year college GPAs were not significantly different than those of other majors. More than 60% of baccalaureate social work students switched into the major after their first year. Findings suggest that students who switch into social work or who have lower high school GPAs or SAT/ACT scores may benefit from enhanced student supports, such as mentors or assistive networks.