If i want to be a social worker,should I major in sociology with a minor in philosophy?

[Evil_Vampire]

Or can I study history and philosophy, and if God forbids go to graduate school for a master of social work?

[Aurora Meowna]

Where I live, you must get your undergrad in Social work.. and then a masters in social work in order to get any type of decent job.

[Monique]

If you want to be a social worker, it would be beneficial to get your BSW. You can apply to advanced standing programs and get your Masters degree, which is a one year program if you decide to go to graduate school. Saves time and tuition costs. If your school does not have a BSW program, then a Bachelors degree in Psychology will be more competitive and marketable when findings jobs if you don't want to go to graduate school right away.

I would recommend the degree in Psychology over Sociology, because Sociology is more general and the course work is about the "study of". With Psychology that will provide you more with human development- children, adolescent, and adults, life span, clinical/abnormal (ie abnormal psych, psychopathology), and more. Sociology programs focus more on course work on the study of......ie Social problems, social psychology, social change, culture, political sociology, etc. Sociology degrees are more "research" based and is about the study of society whereas psychology is the science of behavior and mental processes.

Most fields are pushing individuals to at some point get their Masters. I was joking with someone saying the Bachelors degree has become the new high school diploma. The job market is so competitive, that if people can (depending on the field), it may be beneficial to get the Masters. There were not a lot of BSW level jobs at the time when I was looking for jobs, so when an opportunity became available to get into a one year MSW program I went ahead and got my MSW.

[Monique]

I'd opt for a minor in Psych, including AdPsych and AbPsych. Stepdaughter majored in Theater Arts and Psych, got her Masters in Social Work. Public Speaking and Debating can also be useful tools. If you have a grad school in mind, you might want yo check with the dean to see what background may be required for admission into their Social Work program when you get that far. Good luck and God bless.