Is psychology a better career choice to get into than social work?

[SHANDA M]

I just wanted to know whats the best career option to get into because I keep hearing that social workers do not make much money, so I was doing some research about psychology. The only thing is that both fields are so broad, and now I'm so confused! Ugh!! Just wanted some feedback with an opinion. Thanks!

[followmesky]

what it comes down to it , is what really matters to you and what you really enjoy. Social work is steady but pay is not the greatest. Do some research in the department of labor website.

[Michael]

That depends on your patience and your fortitude. As a rule, social workers do make less than psychologists, yes. This, however, is offset by the fact that a terminal degree in social work takes less time to earn (2 years instead of the 4 for pysch, and I don't believe there's a dissertation). And unfortunately you're going to find that if you do any research the fields are so broad as to be maddening, because honestly you can do almost anything with either. I will tell you that the big difference is the ballparks and start up jobs that both careers will get you in. What steered me toward psychology is that for both careers you're required to do internships and more-or-less have an entry level job in the career after you graduate, for social workers this means something very different than psychologist - it usually means work within the child protective system or with adults with severe mental disabilities helping them learn and maintain life skills, where with psychology you can generally go and intern in a clinical setting. Social workers can end up as clinicians but these elements are usually part of the program and can be hard on the students. You might also find that when some patients want a clinician they'll want one with Ph.D. over an LCSW - it's just a bias that exists, which is terrible because they have different areas of training and expertise and for some (with situational problems that spring from dysfunctional environments either current or from youth) an LCSW is just the ticket.

Really, it's about what position you're interested in ending up in (mostly public service vs clinician), how much time you have, and what kind of education you want.

(Btw, if you're still unclear feel free to ask more questions, I'd be happy to lend my two cents!)

[Monique]

It can be confusing when looking at different degrees! These are some things I believe as essential in looking at what college majors to choose:
(1) What are your career goals? What do you see yourself doing day to day?
(2) Compare the social work curriculum and psychology curriculum and see which overall curriculum program seems to be more interesting to you.
(3) Do online job searches http://www.indeed.com (Indeed) is a favorite of mine to check out the job market for the jobs you are interested in. Be sure to check the educational/licensure qualifications.
(4) How many years of college do you want to complete? And to tag along with that how much in student loans can you manage upon graduation?


Having two degrees in social work (BSW and MSW), I can say first hand that salary depends on the job you will hold, not the degree you have. It is a myth that most individuals with social work degrees work for child protective services. I work in the area of health care regulatory compliance. I know an individual with a BSW who worked for years as a juvenile officer. I know an individual with a degree in social work who works in development of public policy. During my social work internships, students have clinical opportunities at the MSW level as well. Individuals had internship opportunities in versatile settings, to include home health, hospice, hospitals, homeless shelters, residential care centers for at risk youth, etc at both the BSW and MSW level.

As far as being a licensed clinician here are some of the following degrees and licensures out there:
-Psychologist has a PhD in Clinical/Counseling Psychology or a PsyD in Clinical/Counseling Psychology.

- Masters degree in Psychology can also be licensed as a licensed professional counselor (many states call this license level the LPC).

- Masters degree in Social Work can also become licensed as a clinician, and the title in most states is LCSW (licensed clinical social worker). LCSW's do very well in private practice and in clinical positions. The Veterans Administration has a lot of LCSW's and hires a lot of LCSW's on staff in working with veterans and providing clinical needs. Salary ranges anywhere from $55,000 on up. To check out some examples of social work jobs in the U.S. government visit USA jobs http://www.usajobs.com

- Marriage and Family Therapist (MMFT)

-Masters in Guidance Counseling (primarily work in schools)

If interested in becoming a therapist, I would encourage you to visit the Association of Social Work Boards website http://www.aswb.org and look at the licensure board link. Choose your state, and review your different licensure opportunities in your state for licensed clinicians. Also, do a job check as well for those different licensure levels.

A good website on the different types of mental health therapists/counselors:
http://www.nami.org/Content/ContentGroup...nd_One.htm