Forensic Social Work: Program Overview, Universities, Careers & Salaries
Program Overview
Forensic Social Work is an advanced field that integrates social work practice with legal and criminal justice systems to support individuals navigating complex intersections of trauma, mental health, and the law. Professionals in this discipline work in high-impact settings such as prisons, psychiatric facilities, court systems, rehabilitation centers, and victim advocacy programs, where they apply evidence-based interventions to promote justice, safety, and rehabilitation.
- Forensic Social Work: The application of social work principles within legal and correctional contexts, focusing on assessment, intervention, and advocacy for individuals involved with the justice system.
- Criminal Justice Administration: Study of the structure, policies, and operations of justice systems, including law enforcement, courts, and corrections, with an emphasis on social work roles within these frameworks.
- Domestic Violence: In-depth exploration of the dynamics, impacts, and interventions related to intimate partner violence, including risk assessment, safety planning, and trauma-informed care.
- Professional Ethics: Examination of ethical standards, confidentiality, dual relationships, and decision-making challenges unique to working in legal and high-risk environments.
- Juvenile Justice Systems: Analysis of the legal and social factors affecting youth in the justice system, including diversion programs, rehabilitation strategies, and developmental considerations.
- Mental Illness and Crime: Investigation into the complex relationship between psychiatric disorders and criminal behavior, including assessment, treatment, and public safety implications.
- Program Evaluation: Training in designing, implementing, and assessing the effectiveness of social services and justice-related programs using quantitative and qualitative methods.
- Research Methods: Development of skills in conducting rigorous, ethical research to inform policy, practice, and evidence-based interventions in forensic settings.
Forensic Social Work Graduate Trends (2010-2024)
Forensic Social Work Career Pathways & Salary Outlook
The following table presents salary data for occupations typically aligned with Forensic Social Work degrees, including Social and Community Service Managers, Social Work Teachers, Postsecondary and Social Workers, All Other. These career paths represent common employment outcomes but are not guaranteed for all graduates. Salary ranges vary by location, employer, experience level, and specific role requirements. Nationally, these occupations employ approximately 842,680 professionals.
National Average Salaries
| Occupation | Median Salary | Salary Range | Total Employment | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Social and Community Service Managers 11-9151 | $78,240 | $50,020 - $129,820 | 195,490 | $37.61 |
| Social Work Teachers, Postsecondary 25-1113 | $76,210 | $45,370 - $129,280 | 13,350 | N/A |
| Social Workers, All Other 21-1029 | $69,480 | $44,530 - $112,740 | 64,940 | $33.40 |
| Healthcare Social Workers 21-1022 | $68,090 | $45,030 - $100,870 | 185,940 | $32.74 |
| Child, Family, and School Social Workers 21-1021 | $58,570 | $40,580 - $94,030 | 382,960 | $28.16 |
Forensic Social Work Salary Map by State
Geographic location significantly impacts earning potential for these careers. Average salaries range from $54,040 in Montana to $92,620 in Hawaii—a 71% difference. The highest-paying states include Hawaii, District of Columbia, and California. Nationwide, these occupations employ over 842,680 professionals across all states. Explore the interactive map below to compare regional compensation and identify optimal markets for your career goals.
Average Salary Range:
Top Universities for Forensic Social Work by Graduate Enrollment
Below are the top 1 institutions offering Forensic Social Work programs for the 2023-2024 academic year (the most recent data reported as of 2025), ranked by the number of graduates. The highest graduate enrollment in Forensic Social Work is found at York County Community College (YCCC) (8 graduates). Combined, these colleges produced 8 graduates across all degree levels. Program availability varies by award level, including Associate, Bachelor's, Master's, and Doctoral degrees at participating universities and schools.
| College Name | Award Levels | Graduates | Location | Control | Website |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| York County Community College (YCCC) |
Associate's
|
8 | Wells, Maine | Public | yccc.edu |
Frequently Asked Questions
Find answers to the most common questions about Forensic Social Work programs
How much can I earn with a Forensic Social Work degree?
Salaries for Forensic Social Work graduates vary by role and location. Social and Community Service Managers earn a median of $78,240 annually, while Social Work Teachers, Postsecondary earn around $76,210. Geographic location significantly impacts earnings—professionals in Hawaii average $92,620 compared to $54,040 in Montana. Approximately 842,680 professionals work in related occupations nationwide.
Salary data from U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS program, May 2024. Earnings vary by experience, employer, and market conditions.
Which universities have the largest Forensic Social Work programs?
Currently 1 accredited institutions offer Forensic Social Work degrees across the U.S. Programs with the highest enrollment include York County Community College (YCCC) (8 graduates).
Program size doesn't necessarily indicate quality—consider factors like faculty expertise, production opportunities, location, and available degree levels when choosing a school.
Data based on IPEDS program completions for 2023-2024 academic year. Numbers reflect programs where students graduated.
What career paths are available with a Forensic Social Work degree?
This degree prepares you for roles such as Social and Community Service Managers, Social Work Teachers, Postsecondary, and Social Workers, All Other. Related occupations employ approximately 842,680 professionals nationwide.
Skills in project management, creative leadership, and collaboration also transfer to event planning, arts administration, marketing, and corporate training roles. Many professionals work freelance or on a project basis across theatre, film, and live events.
Career pathways mapped using CIP-SOC crosswalk from the National Center for Education Statistics. Employment data from BLS OEWS May 2024.
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