Occupation AtlasSocial Work Teachers, Postsecondary

O*NET · 25-1113.00

Social Work Teachers, Postsecondary

Teach courses in social work. Includes both teachers primarily engaged in teaching and those who do a combination of teaching and research.

Also called Adjunct Professor · Assistant Professor · Associate Professor · Clinical Professor · College Faculty Member · College Professor · Faculty Member · Family Welfare Social Work Professor
14 more

Field Education Coordinator · Field Instructor · Geriatric Social Work Professor · Health Social Work Professor · Instructor · Lecturer · Professor · Social Work Assistant Professor · Social Work Associate Professor · Social Work Faculty Member · Social Work Instructor · Social Work Lecturer · Social Work Professor · University Faculty Member

Job Zone 5 — Extensive Preparation NeededHolland code SIA35 skills on file

Compare with another occupationCompare with Sociologists

Job Zone

  1. 1
  2. 2
  3. 3
  4. 4
  5. 5

Zone 5: Extensive Preparation Needed

Extensive preparation. Usually a graduate degree, with extensive skill, knowledge and experience — many of these occupations expect more than five years of experience.

Job Zone is O*NET's rating of how much education, experience and training an occupation typically needs — a property of the work, not of anyone doing it.

Occupational interest profile

SIASocial · Investigative · Artistic — the three strongest interests, in order

  • S Social7.00
  • I Investigative5.03
  • A Artistic3.86
  • C Conventional3.02
  • E Enterprising2.85
  • R Realistic2.20

RIASEC (Holland) interests on O*NET's 0–7 scale: what the work draws on, not what any individual prefers. Hover a row for what each dimension means.

Education and experience

The education level respondents say the job requires, and the most common answer for experience and training.

  • Master's Degree29%
  • First Professional Degree6%
  • Doctoral Degree61%
  • Post-Doctoral Training5%
Related work experience
Over 4 years, up to and including 6 years (23%)
On-site or in-plant training
None (33%)
On-the-job training
None or short demonstration (36%)

Typically associated skills

All 35 O*NET skills, most important first. Importance (1–5) says how much a skill matters here; level (0–7) says how much of it the work calls for, with O*NET's example of a nearby level. Neither is a proficiency rating of a person.

  • InstructingImportance 4.8Level 4.9Level 4 looks like: Instruct a coworker in how to operate a software program
  • SpeakingbasicImportance 4.6Level 4.9Level 4 looks like: Interview applicants to obtain personal and work history
  • Learning StrategiesbasicImportance 4.3Level 4.9Level 4 looks like: Identify an alternative approach to help trainees who are having difficulties
  • Active LearningbasicImportance 4.0Level 4.9Level 4 looks like: Determine the impact of new menu changes on a restaurant's purchasing requirements
  • Reading ComprehensionbasicImportance 4.0Level 4.9Level 4 looks like: Understand an email from management describing new personnel policies
  • WritingbasicImportance 4.0Level 4.8Level 4 looks like: Write an email to staff outlining new directives
  • Critical ThinkingbasicImportance 4.0Level 4.3Level 4 looks like: Evaluate customer complaints and determine appropriate responses
  • Active ListeningbasicImportance 4.0Level 4.1Level 4 looks like: Answer inquiries regarding credit references
  • Complex Problem SolvingImportance 3.8Level 3.9Level 4 looks like: Redesign a floor layout to take advantage of new manufacturing techniques
  • MonitoringbasicImportance 3.8Level 3.9Level 4 looks like: Monitor a meeting and revise the agenda to ensure important topics are discussed
  • Social PerceptivenessImportance 3.8Level 3.9Level 4 looks like: Be aware of how a coworker's promotion will affect a work group
  • Judgment and Decision MakingImportance 3.6Level 4.0Level 4 looks like: Evaluate a loan application for degree of risk
Show the other 23

Tasks

20 core · 4 supplemental

What people in this occupation do, as O*NET records it, core tasks first by importance (1–5).

  1. Initiate, facilitate, and moderate classroom discussions.Importance 4.7
  2. Prepare course materials, such as syllabi, homework assignments, or handouts.Importance 4.5
  3. Compile, administer, and grade examinations, or assign this work to others.Importance 4.4
  4. Evaluate and grade students' class work, assignments, and papers.Importance 4.2
  5. Prepare and deliver lectures to undergraduate or graduate students on topics such as family behavior, child and adolescent mental health, or social intervention evaluation.Importance 4.2
  6. Keep abreast of developments in the field by reading current literature, talking with colleagues, and participating in professional conferences.Importance 4.2
  7. Supervise students' laboratory and field work.Importance 4.2
  8. Supervise undergraduate or graduate teaching, internship, and research work.Importance 4.2
  9. Plan, evaluate, and revise curricula, course content, course materials, and methods of instruction.Importance 4.2
  10. Collaborate with colleagues and community agencies to address teaching and research issues.Importance 4.0
  11. Advise students on academic and vocational curricula and on career issues.Importance 4.0
  12. Maintain regularly scheduled office hours to advise and assist students.Importance 3.9
Show the other 12
  1. Maintain student attendance records, grades, and other required records.Importance 3.9
  2. Participate in student recruitment, registration, and placement activities.Importance 3.8
  3. Compile bibliographies of specialized materials for outside reading assignments.Importance 3.7
  4. Serve on academic or administrative committees that deal with institutional policies, departmental matters, and academic issues.Importance 3.6
  5. Select and obtain materials and supplies, such as textbooks or laboratory equipment.Importance 3.6
  6. Mentor new faculty members.Importance 3.5
  7. Participate in campus and community events.Importance 3.4
  8. Act as advisers to student organizations.Importance 3.2
  9. Conduct research in a particular field of knowledge and publish findings in professional journals, books, or electronic media.Importance 4.3
  10. Perform administrative duties, such as serving as department head.Importance 4.2
  11. Write grant proposals to procure external research funding.Importance 3.1
  12. Provide professional consulting services to government or industry.Importance 3.0

Knowledge

Bodies of knowledge the work draws on.

  • Education and TrainingImportance 4.7Level 6.7Level 7 looks like: Design a training program for new employees
  • Sociology and AnthropologyImportance 4.5Level 5.8
  • Therapy and CounselingImportance 4.3Level 5.8
  • English LanguageImportance 4.1Level 5.2Level 4 looks like: Edit an article for a news website
  • PsychologyImportance 4.1Level 5.6
  • Administration and ManagementImportance 3.6Level 4.0Level 4 looks like: Monitor progress of a project to ensure timely completion
  • Computers and ElectronicsImportance 3.6Level 4.2Level 4 looks like: Use a computer to format a document
  • Customer and Personal ServiceImportance 3.4Level 4.5Level 4 looks like: Be responsible for 10 children at daycare
Show all 33
  • Communications and MediaImportance 3.3Level 4.8Level 4 looks like: Host a music radio show
  • Law and GovernmentImportance 3.3Level 3.6Level 4 looks like: Prepare documents and title papers for the purchase of a new house
  • AdministrativeImportance 3.0Level 4.2Level 4 looks like: Type 30 words per minute
  • MathematicsImportance 2.9Level 3.6Level 4 looks like: Analyze data to determine areas with the highest sales
  • Personnel and Human ResourcesImportance 2.7Level 3.8Level 4 looks like: Interview applicants for an administrative position
  • Philosophy and TheologyImportance 2.7Level 4.3Level 4 looks like: Understand another culture's religious practices
  • TelecommunicationsImportance 2.6Level 1.8Level 1 looks like: Send an email
  • Public Safety and SecurityImportance 2.5Level 2.6
  • Foreign LanguageImportance 2.2Level 1.7Level 1 looks like: Say "please" and "thank you" in a foreign language
  • GeographyImportance 2.2Level 2.7
  • Sales and MarketingImportance 2.2Level 2.6
  • Medicine and DentistryImportance 2.0Level 1.7Level 1 looks like: Use a band-aid
  • BiologyImportance 1.9Level 1.8Level 1 looks like: Feed domestic animals
  • History and ArcheologyImportance 1.9Level 2.6
  • Economics and AccountingImportance 1.8Level 1.2Level 1 looks like: Answer billing questions from credit card customers
  • TransportationImportance 1.6Level 1.1Level 1 looks like: Ride a train to work
  • DesignImportance 1.4Level —
  • Fine ArtsImportance 1.2Level —
  • Food ProductionImportance 1.2Level —
  • Building and ConstructionImportance 1.1Level —
  • ChemistryImportance 1.1Level —
  • Engineering and TechnologyImportance 1.1Level —
  • MechanicalImportance 1.1Level —
  • Production and ProcessingImportance 1.1Level —
  • PhysicsImportance 1.0Level —

Abilities

Enduring capacities the work calls for.

  • Oral ExpressionImportance 4.8Level 5.0Level 4 looks like: Give instructions to a lost motorist
  • Speech ClarityImportance 4.3Level 5.1Level 6 looks like: Give a lecture to a large audience
  • Deductive ReasoningImportance 4.0Level 4.3Level 5 looks like: Decide what factors to consider in selecting stocks
  • Inductive ReasoningImportance 4.0Level 4.0Level 4 looks like: Determine the prime suspect based on crime scene evidence
  • Oral ComprehensionImportance 4.0Level 4.9Level 4 looks like: Understand a coach's oral instructions for a sport
  • Written ComprehensionImportance 4.0Level 4.9Level 4 looks like: Understand an apartment lease
  • Written ExpressionImportance 4.0Level 5.0Level 4 looks like: Write a job recommendation for a subordinate
  • Speech RecognitionImportance 3.8Level 4.0Level 4 looks like: Identify a former customer's voice over the phone
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  • Near VisionImportance 3.6Level 3.6
  • Problem SensitivityImportance 3.5Level 3.8Level 4 looks like: Notice from a subtle difference in a client's mood that something is bothering them
  • Fluency of IdeasImportance 3.4Level 3.6Level 4 looks like: Think of as many ideas as possible for the name of a new company
  • Category FlexibilityImportance 3.3Level 3.3Level 3 looks like: Classify flowers according to size, color, and smell
  • Information OrderingImportance 3.3Level 3.9Level 2 looks like: Follow the correct steps to make change
  • OriginalityImportance 3.1Level 3.6Level 4 looks like: Redesign job tasks to be interesting for employees
  • Far VisionImportance 2.9Level 3.0Level 2 looks like: Read a roadside billboard
  • MemorizationImportance 2.8Level 2.9
  • Selective AttentionImportance 2.6Level 2.5Level 2 looks like: Answer a business call with coworkers talking nearby
  • Flexibility of ClosureImportance 2.4Level 2.4Level 2 looks like: Detect that your phone is ringing while at a concert
  • Mathematical ReasoningImportance 2.4Level 2.4Level 1 looks like: Determine how much 20 oranges will cost when they are priced at 5 for 4 dollars
  • Time SharingImportance 2.3Level 2.3Level 2 looks like: Listen to music while entering numbers into a spreadsheet
  • Speed of ClosureImportance 2.1Level 2.1Level 3 looks like: Recognize a song after hearing only the first few notes
  • Number FacilityImportance 2.0Level 2.0Level 1 looks like: Add 2 and 7
  • Perceptual SpeedImportance 2.0Level 2.0Level 2 looks like: Sort mail according to ZIP codes with no time pressure
  • VisualizationImportance 2.0Level 2.0Level 2 looks like: Imagine how to place paper in a printer so that the letterhead comes out on top
  • Auditory AttentionImportance 1.9Level 1.5Level 2 looks like: Listen to a lecture while people nearby are talking
  • Finger DexterityImportance 1.8Level 0.9
  • Trunk StrengthImportance 1.8Level 1.1Level 2 looks like: Sit up in an office chair
  • Visual Color DiscriminationImportance 1.8Level 1.0Level 1 looks like: Separate laundry into colors and whites
  • Hearing SensitivityImportance 1.6Level 0.9
  • Depth PerceptionImportance 1.5Level 0.5
  • Wrist-Finger SpeedImportance 1.5Level 0.6
  • Arm-Hand SteadinessImportance 1.0Level —
  • Control PrecisionImportance 1.0Level —
  • Dynamic FlexibilityImportance 1.0Level —
  • Dynamic StrengthImportance 1.0Level —
  • Explosive StrengthImportance 1.0Level —
  • Extent FlexibilityImportance 1.0Level —
  • Glare SensitivityImportance 1.0Level —
  • Gross Body CoordinationImportance 1.0Level —
  • Gross Body EquilibriumImportance 1.0Level —
  • Manual DexterityImportance 1.0Level —
  • Multilimb CoordinationImportance 1.0Level —
  • Night VisionImportance 1.0Level —
  • Peripheral VisionImportance 1.0Level —
  • Rate ControlImportance 1.0Level —
  • Reaction TimeImportance 1.0Level —
  • Response OrientationImportance 1.0Level —
  • Sound LocalizationImportance 1.0Level —
  • Spatial OrientationImportance 1.0Level —
  • Speed of Limb MovementImportance 1.0Level —
  • StaminaImportance 1.0Level —
  • Static StrengthImportance 1.0Level —

Work activities

Kinds of activity the work is made of.

  • Organizing, Planning, and Prioritizing WorkImportance 4.7Level 6.1Level 7 looks like: Prioritize and plan multiple tasks several months ahead
  • Updating and Using Relevant KnowledgeImportance 4.7Level 5.8
  • Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or SubordinatesImportance 4.6Level 5.4Level 4 looks like: Report the results of a sales meeting to a supervisor
  • Working with ComputersImportance 4.6Level 3.6Level 4 looks like: Write software for keeping track of parts in inventory
  • Communicating with People Outside the OrganizationImportance 4.5Level 4.8Level 4 looks like: Present information to potential clients about available services
  • Getting InformationImportance 4.5Level 4.6Level 4 looks like: Review a budget
  • Interpreting the Meaning of Information for OthersImportance 4.5Level 5.1Level 4 looks like: Interpret how foreign tax laws apply to U.S. exports
  • Training and Teaching OthersImportance 4.4Level 5.8
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  • Documenting/Recording InformationImportance 4.3Level 4.4Level 4 looks like: Document the results of a crime scene investigation
  • Establishing and Maintaining Interpersonal RelationshipsImportance 4.2Level 5.5Level 4 looks like: Maintain good working relationships with almost all coworkers and clients
  • Making Decisions and Solving ProblemsImportance 4.2Level 4.7Level 4 looks like: Select the location for a major retail store
  • Thinking CreativelyImportance 4.2Level 5.2Level 4 looks like: Adapt popular music for a high school marching band
  • Analyzing Data or InformationImportance 4.0Level 4.2Level 4 looks like: Determine the interest cost to finance a new building
  • Developing Objectives and StrategiesImportance 4.0Level 4.4Level 4 looks like: Develop the plan to complete the merger of two organizations over a 3-year period
  • Evaluating Information to Determine Compliance with StandardsImportance 3.9Level 3.7Level 4 looks like: Evaluate a complicated insurance claim for compliance with policy terms
  • Scheduling Work and ActivitiesImportance 3.9Level 4.9Level 4 looks like: Prepare the work schedule for salesclerks in a large retail store
  • Coaching and Developing OthersImportance 3.8Level 4.9Level 4 looks like: Provide on-the-job training for administrative workers
  • Judging the Qualities of Objects, Services, or PeopleImportance 3.8Level 3.8Level 4 looks like: Determine the value of property lost in a fire
  • Processing InformationImportance 3.7Level 4.1Level 4 looks like: Calculate the adjustments for insurance claims
  • Identifying Objects, Actions, and EventsImportance 3.6Level 4.1Level 4 looks like: Judge the suitability of food products for an event
  • Providing Consultation and Advice to OthersImportance 3.6Level 4.1Level 4 looks like: Recommend a new software package to increase operational efficiency
  • Resolving Conflicts and Negotiating with OthersImportance 3.6Level 4.9Level 4 looks like: Get two subordinates to agree about vacation schedules
  • Monitoring Processes, Materials, or SurroundingsImportance 3.5Level 4.3Level 4 looks like: Test electrical circuits
  • Coordinating the Work and Activities of OthersImportance 3.4Level 4.0Level 4 looks like: Organize the cleanup crew after a major sporting event
  • Developing and Building TeamsImportance 3.3Level 3.5Level 4 looks like: Lead an assembly team in an automobile plant
  • Performing Administrative ActivitiesImportance 3.1Level 3.5Level 4 looks like: Complete tax forms for a small business
  • Assisting and Caring for OthersImportance 3.0Level 3.4Level 4 looks like: Help a medical patient find in-home assistance or healthcare
  • Guiding, Directing, and Motivating SubordinatesImportance 3.0Level 3.2Level 4 looks like: Manage a small team of employees in a dynamic workplace
  • Performing for or Working Directly with the PublicImportance 2.9Level 3.3Level 4 looks like: Sell shoes in a crowded shoe store
  • Selling or Influencing OthersImportance 2.5Level 2.7
  • Staffing Organizational UnitsImportance 2.2Level 1.7Level 1 looks like: Work in a position that has minimal staffing requirements
  • Estimating the Quantifiable Characteristics of Products, Events, or InformationImportance 2.1Level 2.2Level 1 looks like: Estimate the size of household furniture to be shipped
  • Monitoring and Controlling ResourcesImportance 2.1Level 1.9Level 1 looks like: Work as a server responsible for keeping track of utensils
  • Performing General Physical ActivitiesImportance 1.9Level 1.3Level 1 looks like: Walk between workstations in a small office
  • Controlling Machines and ProcessesImportance 1.8Level 1.2Level 1 looks like: Operate a cash register
  • Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or MaterialsImportance 1.8Level 1.1Level 1 looks like: Check that doors to building are locked
  • Handling and Moving ObjectsImportance 1.6Level 1.1Level 1 looks like: Change settings on copy machines
  • Drafting, Laying Out, and Specifying Technical Devices, Parts, and EquipmentImportance 1.5Level 0.8Level 1 looks like: Specify the lighting for a work area
  • Operating Vehicles, Mechanized Devices, or EquipmentImportance 1.3Level —
  • Repairing and Maintaining Electronic EquipmentImportance 1.2Level —
  • Repairing and Maintaining Mechanical EquipmentImportance 1.1Level —

Work context

The conditions most characteristic of the work, on O*NET's 1–5 context scale.

  • E-Mail5.0
  • Face-to-Face Discussions with Individuals and Within Teams4.7
  • Freedom to Make Decisions4.7
  • Determine Tasks, Priorities and Goals4.6
  • Telephone Conversations4.4
  • Work With or Contribute to a Work Group or Team4.3
  • Contact With Others4.2
  • Coordinate or Lead Others in Accomplishing Work Activities4.1
  • Deal With External Customers or the Public in General3.9
  • Spend Time Sitting3.9

Technology

19 tools

Software used in this work. In demand: among the tools job postings for this occupation name most. Hot: often named in job postings across the economy.

In demand (1)

  • Learning management system LMS

Hot (7)

  • Adobe Acrobat
  • Google Docs
  • Microsoft Excel
  • Microsoft Office software
  • Microsoft Outlook
  • Microsoft PowerPoint
  • Microsoft Word
Other tools (11)
  • Blackboard Learn
  • Collaborative editing software
  • Course management system software
  • Desire2Learn LMS software
  • DOC Cop
  • Email software
  • Image scanning software
  • iParadigms Turnitin
  • Moodle
  • Sakai CLE
  • Web browser software

Related occupations

O*NET's own list of the occupations most related to this one, closest first.

ESCO equivalents

From the official ESCO–O*NET crosswalk, strongest match first. A broader occupation takes in this one; a narrower one is a part of it.

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This page includes information from the O*NET 31.0 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA), used under the CC BY 4.0 license; O*NET® is a trademark of USDOL/ETA. ESCO occupations and skills are from the European Commission's ESCO classification, and the occupation crosswalk is the official ESCO–O*NET mapping by the ESCO Secretariat with USDOL/ETA. This service uses the ESCO classification of the European Commission. BlissPoint Analytics has modified all or some of this information: skill, task and descriptor ratings are rounded to one decimal, and ESCO occupations show Job Zone and interests copied from a crosswalked O*NET occupation. USDOL/ETA has not approved, endorsed, or tested these modifications.