Public and Social Services Major
The Public and Social Services major is designed for students who want to make a meaningful impact on society through community service, social work, public administration, and other supportive services. This field encompasses a wide range of careers aimed at improving the well-being of individuals and communities. Whether you aspire to work in government, healthcare, social services, or nonprofit organizations, a Public and Social Services major equips you with the knowledge and skills necessary to address the diverse needs of society and advocate for positive social change.
Key Facts & Statistics
- Popularity: Public and Social Services majors represent approximately 4% of all undergraduate degrees awarded in the U.S.
- Job Growth: Employment in social and community service occupations is expected to grow by 12% from 2021 to 2031, driven by an increasing demand for healthcare, social workers, and public administrators.
- Earning Potential: The median annual wage for social and community service managers is around $74,000, but salaries can vary widely depending on specific roles and regions.
Popular Sub-majors in Public and Social Services
The Public and Social Services major includes a range of specialized fields that focus on different aspects of community and social support. Below are some of the most popular sub-majors:
Social Work
Social Work majors focus on helping individuals and families navigate challenges such as poverty, addiction, abuse, and mental health issues. Students learn how to assess needs, provide counseling, and connect people with resources.- Careers: Social Worker, Family Counselor, Mental Health Worker, Substance Abuse Counselor
- Average Salary: $50,000 per year
- Skills: Counseling, crisis management, empathy, resource coordination
- Length of Study: 4 years (Bachelor’s degree), 2 years for Master’s degree
Public Administration
Public Administration majors study the management and operation of government organizations and services. Students learn how to manage budgets, implement policies, and work with diverse populations to improve public services.- Careers: Public Administrator, City Planner, Government Officer, Policy Analyst
- Average Salary: $68,000 per year
- Skills: Public policy analysis, budgeting, leadership, strategic planning
- Length of Study: 4 years (Bachelor’s degree), 2 years for Master’s degree
Criminal Justice
Criminal Justice majors focus on the criminal justice system, including law enforcement, the legal process, and corrections. This sub-major is ideal for students who want to work in law enforcement, corrections, or public safety.- Careers: Police Officer, Probation Officer, Forensic Analyst, Correctional Officer
- Average Salary: $60,000 per year
- Skills: Law enforcement techniques, conflict resolution, legal knowledge
- Length of Study: 4 years (Bachelor’s degree)
Health Services Administration
Health Services Administration majors prepare students to manage healthcare organizations, from hospitals to nonprofit health agencies. This field focuses on policy, healthcare delivery, and managing the complex needs of health systems.- Careers: Healthcare Administrator, Health Policy Analyst, Hospital Manager, Public Health Specialist
- Average Salary: $78,000 per year
- Skills: Healthcare policy, healthcare management, organizational leadership
- Length of Study: 4 years (Bachelor’s degree), 2 years for Master’s degree
Nonprofit Management
Nonprofit Management majors focus on leading nonprofit organizations that serve public interests, from social services to environmental protection. Students learn about fundraising, grant writing, and managing volunteers and staff.- Careers: Nonprofit Manager, Fundraising Coordinator, Grant Writer, Volunteer Coordinator
- Average Salary: $55,000 per year
- Skills: Grant writing, fundraising, team management, strategic planning
- Length of Study: 4 years (Bachelor’s degree), 2 years for Master’s degree
Public Health
Public Health majors focus on the health and well-being of communities. Students study topics like epidemiology, health policy, and environmental health to better understand how to prevent disease and improve public health outcomes.- Careers: Public Health Educator, Epidemiologist, Health Policy Analyst, Health Program Manager
- Average Salary: $60,000 per year
- Skills: Public health research, data analysis, community outreach
- Length of Study: 4 years (Bachelor’s degree), 2 years for Master’s degree
Careers and Salaries in Public and Social Services
Graduates with a Public and Social Services degree can pursue a wide variety of fulfilling careers, each focused on helping individuals, communities, and societies thrive. Below are some career options:
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Social Worker: Works with individuals and families to provide support in areas such as mental health, addiction, and family crises.
- Salary: $50,000 per year
- Skills: Counseling, problem-solving, empathy, resource management
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Public Administrator: Manages public programs and government services, ensuring that policies and services benefit communities effectively.
- Salary: $68,000 per year
- Skills: Strategic planning, leadership, communication, public policy
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Healthcare Administrator: Oversees healthcare facilities, ensuring they run efficiently and provide quality care to patients.
- Salary: $78,000 per year
- Skills: Healthcare management, policy development, team leadership
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Criminal Justice Professional: Works in law enforcement, corrections, or legal services to ensure public safety and uphold justice.
- Salary: $60,000 per year
- Skills: Criminal law, law enforcement, communication, problem-solving
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Nonprofit Manager: Leads nonprofit organizations that work toward social, environmental, or charitable causes, managing staff and resources.
- Salary: $55,000 per year
- Skills: Fundraising, organizational management, advocacy
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Public Health Educator: Works in communities to promote healthy behaviors, prevent diseases, and improve health outcomes.
- Salary: $60,000 per year
- Skills: Health education, community outreach, public speaking
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Skills You’ll Gain with a Public and Social Services Major
A Public and Social Services degree equips you with a range of essential skills:
- Leadership: Learn how to lead and manage organizations, teams, and public services to make a positive impact on society.
- Communication: Develop strong written and verbal communication skills to interact with diverse populations and stakeholders.
- Problem-Solving: Learn to analyze complex social and community issues and find effective solutions.
- Empathy: Develop a deep understanding of others’ needs, helping to build trust and positive relationships with individuals and communities.
- Research: Gain expertise in researching public policies, social issues, and health trends to inform decisions and strategies.
- Crisis Management: Learn how to assess and respond to crises, such as natural disasters or public health emergencies.
Why Choose a Public and Social Services Major?
Choosing a Public and Social Services major offers several unique advantages:
- Career with Purpose: If you’re passionate about helping others and making a tangible difference, this major offers numerous opportunities for meaningful work.
- Job Stability: The demand for social workers, healthcare administrators, and public administrators is growing, providing job security in a diverse range of sectors.
- Variety of Career Paths: The major offers flexibility, allowing you to pursue careers in healthcare, criminal justice, social work, government, or nonprofit management.
- Growing Job Market: As society’s needs evolve, so does the demand for professionals who can provide essential services, making this an excellent field for future job growth.
- Work-Life Satisfaction: Many careers in this field provide a sense of fulfillment and satisfaction by directly improving the lives of others.