Administration and social services refers to the areas of study that are responsible for the training and education of individuals who wish to pursue a career in one of the areas listed. Individuals will receive an education that teaches one how to work with and assist others, or to manage groups in order to accomplish specific tasks and goals, generally for the purpose of the betterment of society.

Additionally, programs in these areas teach individuals about the problems concerning their area, and the various methodologies used and considered in order to identify and remedy them. Many of these programs result in professional crossover for graduates working in their respective fields.

Degree tracks range from fields such as public policy, public administration, and public relations to healthcare administration.  These type of leadership positions require students to be thoughtful, articulate, and politically aware of decisions made by an entity on those they serve.  Alternatively, fields such as guidance counseling, social work, and organization behavior studies draws heavily upon psychology and pathology to help individuals successfully navigate life.

For further research, students can visit the following organizations and associations to learn more about social services and administrative careers.

• American Clinical Social Work Association (ACSWA):  Founders of the ACSWA created this association to support students, graduates, and practitioners of all capacities with all aspects of the field of social work.  In addition to substantive member benefits, the ACSWA provides non-members with a free, informative newsletter.
• American Society for Public Administration (ASPA): The ASPA strives to advance the teaching, art, practice, and science of public administration.  This organization helps add credibility and value to public and non-profit administration while building a bridge to practitioners and students alike.
• PR Council (PRC):  Public Relations Council is a group that strives to provide professionalism, promotion of excellence, expand diversity, and share best practices in the public relations domain.  Members range from large multi-national organizations to specialty PR agencies across the nation.
• Healthcare Administrators Association (HCAA):  Founded in 1980, the HCAA is a non-profit organization that acts as an advisory and regulatory board for third party administrators and related service providers.  HCAA is the leading agency for health care administrators supporting the education, networking, and advocacy of professionals in the United States.
• Association for Public Policy Analysis & Administration (APPAA):  The APPAA provides a variety of services to public policy professionals including research, analysis, and education.  Specific activities include peer-reviewed public policy journal publications, annual conferences, and fostering student participation in the advancement of the trade.
• American School Counselor Association (ASCA): School counselors have the ASCA to help them stay up to date on industry trends and learn key insights into educational stakeholders.  Members obtain access to the Professional School Counselors Journal, ASCA School Counselors Magazine, free resources, discounted publications, and access to a robust online community.