The purpose of this study was to examine perceptions towards occupational advancement in social work among different ethnic/racial groups and by gender. The sample consisted of 65 students enrolled in the Master of Social Work (MSW) program at California State University, Long Beach. Participants completed self-administered questionnaires which consisted of five demographic questions, and seven questions regarding perceptions of occupational advancement in social work.

Kruskal-Wallis analysis revealed a statistically significant difference between ethnic/racial groups and perceptions of language skills being a barrier to occupational advancement in social work. In addition, the results indicated that there was not a significant relationship between gender and perceptions of occupational advancement in social work. Further research and implications for practice are also discussed.