Is studying Social Work just about doing charity work?

What makes the Bachelor of Social Work program special?
According to Dr. Dang Kim Khanh Ly, Head of the Department of Sociology and Social Work, University of Social Sciences and Humanities (Vietnam National University, Hanoi), the bachelor's program in Social Work provides students with fundamental knowledge of social sciences and humanities, solid knowledge of theory and research methods, and practical methods in the field of social work.
This helps learners build a solid foundation of knowledge to identify, analyze, and intervene in social issues faced by vulnerable individuals, groups, and communities in a global environment.
The program also develops courses to train students in professional skills, soft skills, and communication skills; focusing on developing technological capabilities in data analysis, foreign language proficiency, and innovation and entrepreneurship skills.
Upon graduation, students will become active, responsible, and critical-thinking citizens with professional skills to adapt and succeed in a wide range of fields such as research, applied intervention, teaching, human resources administration, community service, governance, management, communication, public relations, and will also be capable of continuing lifelong learning.

Students majoring in Sociology at the University of Social Sciences and Humanities - VNU Hanoi participate in many community activities.

Highlighting the strengths of the Bachelor of Social Work program at the University of Social Sciences and Humanities, Dr. Dang Kim Khanh Ly stated that the university's Social Work program is trained in a leading environment in the social sciences and humanities nationwide, therefore the curriculum is built on a broad and multidisciplinary theoretical foundation.
In 2024, the Social Work program at the University of Social Sciences and Humanities was accredited according to AUN-QA standards (Southeast Asian University Quality Assurance standards).
Students not only learn Social Work but also gain access to interdisciplinary analytical thinking from fields such as Sociology, Psychology, Anthropology, Philosophy, etc., which helps them develop academic depth and analytical thinking skills.
The program also emphasizes modules on innovation, technology, and entrepreneurship. This is a new element, reflecting the trends of the times. Students are trained in technological skills in data analysis, understanding of innovation, and entrepreneurial spirit, creating a link between social sciences and technology, helping students adapt better to the modern labor market.
Furthermore, the school's training program emphasizes global standards and equips students with foreign language skills, enabling them to pursue further studies or work abroad, particularly in international non-governmental organizations. This aligns with the trend of internationalization and globalization of human resources, opening up broader career opportunities.
Tuition fees are approximately 16.9 million VND per year.
Regarding the admission cutoff scores over the years, Dr. Dang Kim Khanh Ly stated that the Social Work major at the University of Social Sciences and Humanities has consistently had high entrance scores compared to other universities nationwide that offer this major.
In 2024, the school set the admission scores at 24.39 points for block A01; 27.94 points for block C00; 25.3 points for block D01 and 26.01 points for block D78. The tuition fee for the Social Work major is approximately 16.9 million VND/year. Dr. Dang Kim Khanh Ly emphasized that students majoring in Social Work at the University of Social Sciences and Humanities not only learn in the classroom but also "go into the field," immersing themselves in social life from their second year. The university focuses on designing internships, graduation internships, and practical courses closely linked to real-world situations.
The internship system offers diverse and reputable locations, including: international and domestic non-governmental organizations; social welfare centers, public and private social work service centers that support children, the elderly, people with disabilities, and those in difficult circumstances; psychiatric hospitals, medical centers, psychological counseling centers, addiction treatment centers, and rehabilitation centers.
In addition, internship locations include social work departments at major hospitals such as Bach Mai Hospital, National Children's Hospital, E Hospital, National Hematology and Blood Transfusion Hospital, etc.; educational institutions, schools, and life skills training centers for students.
“The school also regularly collaborates with international exchange programs and projects, creating opportunities for students to participate in internships and learn from foreign organizations and universities. Students with good English skills and expertise have the opportunity to interact and gain practical experience with international students from Thailand, South Korea, Japan, the United States, Canada, Australia… or participate in international conferences on social work,” Dr. Dang Kim Khanh Ly added.
Studying social work is not just about "doing charity work."
Currently, many parents believe that "studying Social Work will only lead to volunteer work, charity, and community service, so the salary will be low." Dr. Dang Kim Khanh Ly emphasizes that this is a common misconception, stemming from an incomplete understanding of the Social Work profession, as people often see through the media images of unpaid charity work or voluntary community service activities.
However, social work is a professional occupation with systematic training, stable employment and income, and even very good income if one has high expertise; it is a profession officially recognized by Vietnamese law.   Graduates can work in various professional positions with salaries based on their abilities, such as in government agencies (social workers in hospitals, schools, welfare centers, prisons, etc.), with salaries calculated according to the state salary scale plus allowances and permanent employment status.
Graduates can also work in businesses and international organizations as project officers, community development specialists, or consultants at non-governmental organizations – salaries can range from 15 to 40 million VND per month or higher.
Another career path is working in the education, media, and human resources fields, in roles such as recruitment specialist, human resources manager, school counselor, skills development advisor, inspirational MC, etc. – with salaries ranging from 10 to 30 million VND per month depending on the workplace. Students can also work abroad or join international organizations with high incomes and professional working conditions.
“Studying Social Work is not just about ‘doing charity work,’ but a formal, specialized, humane profession with unique skills and an income commensurate with one's abilities. Those who study this field not only help others but also build a solid career for themselves, in the public, private, and international sectors,” shared Dr. Dang Kim Khanh Ly.
At the same time, it was emphasized that currently, according to surveys conducted annually by the university, the employment rate of Social Work students at the University of Social Sciences and Humanities within 6 months of graduation is between 85-90%.
Dr. Dang Kim Khanh Ly also stated that the field of social work still needs well-trained personnel. Job opportunities are high in hospitals, schools, social care centers, NGOs, or in the fields of healthcare, education, justice, and social welfare in general.
Employers are looking for individuals with strong professional knowledge, critical thinking and flexible, effective decision-making skills, excellent communication and organizational skills, planning and work management skills, technological understanding, the ability to work in a multicultural environment, and foreign language proficiency for international integration.
People's Representatives Newspaper: Is studying Social Work just about doing charity work?

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