What is a macro social worker?

Macro social workers advocate for large populations or communities instead of individuals and families. These professionals may work in community centers, charitable organizations, and government agencies.

How do you become a macro social worker?

Most macro social work roles require at least a master’s in social work (MSW), which generally requires a bachelor’s in social work (BSW) or a related field. Licensure requirements depend on your state of residence and role. Some macro social work roles may require candidates to have a license.

What are macro-level skills for social workers?

Macro-level skills for social workers include research, program development, goal-setting, policy analysis, organizational administration, and leadership. Knowing the tasks that micro and mezzo social workers handle is also essential for macro social workers, who typically collaborate with many types of social workers.

Find MSW programs that teach macro social work

Interested in macro social work? Some of the best online MSW programs teach dynamic large group and community-level social work skills. Learn more in our guide.

See all MSW programs

Why earn an MSW with courses in macro-level social work?

Focus on big-picture progress

Formal education in macro social work enables you to enact systemic change and improve lives.

Tie it all together

Learn how macro, mezzo, and micro social workers collaborate to create lasting change in communities.

Learn on your schedule

Choose a track that fits your career goals and schedule so you can maintain professional and personal commitments.

If you aspire to become a social worker who specializes in creating change for communities and large groups of people, consider earning a master's in social work (MSW) that teaches macro social work skills. Learn more about this rewarding career path in our guide.

Browse MSW programs that teach macro social work

Prestigious

An immersive cohort-based learning experience that is designed to optimize learning outcomes and ensure global networking opportunities.

Flexible

Choose your path with a range of completion options and class times.

Equivalent to on-campus

Earn the same degree and complete the same curriculum as on-campus students.

What is macro-level social work?

A macro social worker focuses on improving lives by analyzing the larger systems that impact certain groups or communities of people — locally or globally. Macro social workers often work in public policy, research, government agencies, and advocacy groups.

What to expect from an online MSW that teaches macro social work

Most accredited by the Council on Social Work Education cover the three levels of social work: macro, mezzo, and micro. An MSW program that teaches macro social work may emphasize community-level interventions, policy analysis, advocacy, and organizational leadership. These programs may offer specialized tracks in certain areas — such as community practice for social change — that offer social work education in more focused areas.

Generally, MSW programs that teach macro social work cover core , including:

Application of social work theories
Social justice and equality
Child and family social work
Diverse cultural and racial perspectives
Clinical coursework and hands-on, in-person experiences

What macro social work jobs can you get with an MSW?

If you are passionate about working in diverse environments on projects that can spark change for entire groups of people, macro social work may be a rewarding career choice. Since macro social workers don't work one-on-one with clients, they may occupy various roles in community, government, and advocacy organizations. Possible macro social work roles include:

Community-level social worker

Community-level social workers include those who work in local government agencies, state government agencies, emergency and relief services, and vocational rehabilitation agencies. They typically help larger groups of people, like marginalized communities or those affected by a natural disaster.

Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) median annual salary (2023): $58,380
BLS projected annual job growth (2023-33): 7%, faster than the average 4% for all occupations

Social and community service manager

Social and community service managers oversee programs and services that contribute to public wellness. Their duties include identifying community needs, developing necessary public programs, coordinating with stakeholders, and analyzing program effectiveness.

BLS median annual salary (2023): $77,030
BLS projected annual job growth (2023-33): 8%