Social Work vs. Psychology: Which Degree Should You Choose?

Choosing between social work and psychology can be a big decision for students interested in human services and mental health. Both fields support well-being, but they employ different approaches and lead to different careers. Understanding those differences is key when deciding which path aligns better with a student’s interests and career goals.

Psychology is about understanding human behavior, like how people think, feel, and behave. Social work, on the other hand, is about helping people navigate life’s challenges and connecting them to support and resources. Each path offers a distinct learning experience, daily work, and long-term career possibilities.

Aurora University offers two accessible starting points for students exploring social work and psychology: the online Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) program and the online Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Psychology program.

For those looking to advance their studies or seek an entry-level role in a related profession, each degree provides a solid foundation for serving others and promoting mental health. This article compares social work and psychology by highlighting how their degrees, training, and career outcomes differ.

What’s the Difference Between Social Work and Psychology?

Social work and psychology have a lot in common. Both strive to improve mental health and personal well-being, but they operate in different ways. Social workers focus on helping people access social services and navigate challenges in their environments. They may:

• Start in entry-level roles like case management, helping individuals access critical services.
• Become a licensed clinical social worker, providing therapy and developing treatment plans.
• Work as a school social worker, supporting students with behavioral or academic challenges.
• Serve as a substance abuse counselor in healthcare or nonprofit organizations.
• Join government agencies to assist and advocate for vulnerable populations.

Psychology centers more on understanding and treating mental health issues through research and therapy. Psychologists may:

• Practice as a clinical psychologist, offering psychotherapy in private practice.
• Work as a counseling psychologist in college counseling centers.
• Begin as a research assistant or technician through academic psychology programs.
• Support patients in hospitals or group practices as a mental health
• Take on roles like behavior analyst or intervention specialist in school or clinic settings.

While both professions value advocacy and support, social workers tend to take a more systems-level view. On the other hand, psychologists emphasize diagnosis and treatment.

Comparing Degrees and Coursework

Social work and psychology degrees begin at the undergraduate level, but they follow separate educational paths through the graduate and doctoral levels. A bachelor’s degree in either field can lead to entry-level roles, but clinical jobs tend to require higher education. For example, licensed clinical social workers typically need a Master of Social Work (MSW), while psychologists often complete a doctoral degree, such as a PsyD, to practice independently.

Both degree paths include hands-on experiences like fieldwork or practicum placements. This gives students the chance to apply what they learn in the classroom in real-world settings.

Licensing Requirements and Clinical Career Options

Licensure plays a major role in determining the qualifications of professionals in both fields. This is especially relevant in clinical settings or private practice. Requirements can vary, depending on the type of services offered, level of education, and state regulations.

• A clinical psychologist must hold a doctoral degree (PhD or PsyD), complete supervised training, and meet state licensure requirements. They are licensed to diagnose and treat mental illness and often work in clinical or private practice settings.
• Counseling psychologists typically hold a doctoral degree and work with individuals dealing with stress, life transitions, or mild mental health conditions.
• A licensed clinical social worker (LCSW) requires an MSW, supervised clinical hours, and state licensure. LCSWs can provide therapy, diagnose mental illness, and practice clinical social work independently in some states.
• A licensed social worker (LSW or equivalent) may refer to a generalist social worker with a bachelor’s or master’s degree, depending on the state. They often work under supervision or in non-clinical roles.

Licensure impacts career flexibility. For example, only licensed professionals can open a private practice or provide therapy without oversight. Each credential also determines eligibility for insurance reimbursement and leadership roles in clinical environments.

Career Paths and Work Settings

Social work and psychology each lead to a variety of professional roles, and the day-to-day responsibilities and work settings are different. Typical career paths for social work and psychology graduates can play out in a few different ways.

Social work graduates can pursue roles as:

• Entry-level case managers, through a social work program.
• Licensed clinical social workers, providing therapy and treatment plans.
• School social workers, addressing behavioral and academic challenges.
• Substance abuse counselors in healthcare or nonprofit settings.
• Positions with government agencies supporting vulnerable populations.

Psychology graduates can pursue roles as:

• Clinical psychologists offering psychotherapy in private practice.
• Counseling psychologists working in college counseling centers.
• Research assistants or technicians, through academic degree programs.
• Mental health professionals in hospitals or group practices.
• Behavior analysts or intervention specialists in schools or clinics.

Both fields are centered around helping others, but their approaches differ. Social workers often focus on coordinating services and advocacy, while psychologists typically provide clinical interventions and conduct assessments.

Which Degree to Choose

Choosing between a social work or psychology degree depends on a student’s career goals, interests, and preferred work style. Some students are drawn to the systems-level advocacy of social work. Others are more interested in diagnosing mental health conditions or pursuing advanced clinical training.

Aurora University’s online programs offer flexible, hands-on options for students pursuing either path. The online BSW is accredited by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE), while the psychology program is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC). Both reflect guidance from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) on educational and licensure trends.

Both degrees offer meaningful, in-demand careers, but they attract different types of learners. Social work tends to draw students who value advocacy and public service, while psychology often appeals to those who are curious about the mind and enjoy research-based problem-solving.

Matching Path to Passion

Choosing between a social work degree and a psychology degree depends on where a student sees themselves making a difference. Perhaps they are drawn to advocacy and connecting people with services, or they are fascinated by human behavior and clinical treatment. Either way, identifying long-term career goals is key to making the right choice.

Both degrees prepare students for meaningful, people-centered careers. AU’s Bachelor of Social Work and Bachelor of Arts in Psychology are flexible online programs that prepare students for meaningful roles in today’s most needed educational programs. Enrollment is open year-round.

FAQ

Choosing between two helping professions can raise a lot of practical questions about training, roles, and long-term fit. Here are answers to common questions about social work and psychology degrees:

What’s the difference between social work and psychology degrees?

Social work degrees prepare students to become social workers who provide support, advocacy, and access to services in community settings. Psychology programs focus more on mental health conditions, human behavior, and clinical or research-based roles.

Can a social worker become a psychologist?

Yes, but they would need to complete a graduate degree in psychology. Becoming a psychologist typically requires earning a doctoral degree and meeting state licensure requirements.

Is a master’s degree required to work in either field?

For clinical roles, yes. Social workers often pursue an MSW to become licensed, while psychologists typically need a graduate degree, and often a doctorate, for most career paths.

Which field has better job prospects?

According to BLS, both fields are growing, especially in mental health services. Social worker and psychologist jobs are both growing at a rate of 6% per year. However, job prospects depend on the chosen career path and level of education. Social workers and psychologists are both in demand, particularly in healthcare and school settings.