Should I get a masters in psychology or social work?

[Karen B]

Psychology

[Jennifer L]

Getting your Social Work Degree is fantastic learning and great for specialized careers; getting a Psych degree could open lots of doors, however if applying for a SW job, you would be better with the specific degree.

If you're looking to be a marriage counsellor or "therapist", go for the Psycology Major with a minor in Family Studies!

Good Luck!

[GR]

Definitely psychology. Not only will it prepare you better for marriage/family counseling than a degree or certificate in Social Working would, but it will also leave you with many more options than a Social Working degree or certificate. Good luck!

[DKNY]

Psychology. I dated someone who has their masters in counseling. I remember her saying she's glad she didn't go the social work route. Counseling is a tough biz. Its part of the reason we are not together anymore. It takes a tole on your mind. Good luck, and remember when you get there, to not forget about the people who love you the most.

[madison]

Go with the one that pays more, which is Psychology, the downside is that you'll have to go through more schooling than Social Work, but It'll be worth the money!!

[Monique]

In the U.S., there are also actual Marriage and Family degrees if you know that is where you want your focus to be http://www.aamft.org/cgi-shl/twserver.exe?run:COAPRGS_1 shows a listing of Universities that offer MFT degrees.

For someone who may not be sure if that is what they want to focus on (Ie Marriage and Family therapist) or who want the opportunity to change specialties, the Masters in Social Work will allow for a clinical license. And in most states the LCSW can diagnose from the DSM-IV, and also work in private practice or establish his/her own private practice.

For someone with a Masters in Psychology, there are also opportunities for them as well. However, depending on the state will show the job market for these level counselors. In my state, for example, they cannot diagnose individuals with mental disorders. Therefore, it really depends on their scope of practice. If you had to choose between the Masters in Social Work or Masters in Psychology, I would check out the licensure requirements in your state for the licenses available for those two degrees, to include seeing the scope of practice. I personally would choose the licensure level that allowed me to do the most in my state.

Just for example..........compare the scope of practice for the Licensed Professional Counselor (Masters in Psychology) in Texas http://www.dshs.state.tx.us/socialwork/sw_scope.shtm
There is a vast difference in the two scopes of practice.