Social Work vs. Psychology

A career as a social worker begins with a bachelor’s degree in social work (BSW). This degree typically takes four years and represents the minimum requirement for an entry-level administrative position. In some cases, a bachelor’s degree in a related field such as psychology or sociology may suffice. 

The bachelor’s degree provides training in topics as varied as diverse populations, social welfare policy, human behavior, and ethics, to prepare you for positions such as a caseworker or a mental health assistant.

If you’re interested in pursuing other career options such as a clinical role, additional graduate study is likely necessary. The majority of clinical positions require a master’s degree in social work (MSW), which typically takes two years to complete and includes a supervised practicum or internship. 

A master’s degree allows further specialization and the development of clinical assessment and managerial skills. A bachelor’s degree in almost any relevant field will allow entry into a master’s degree in social work (MSW), which lasts two years. BSW graduates are recognized to have already completed their first year. Advanced standing admissions allow these students to complete the master’s degree in one to two years. 

The path to becoming a psychologist begins with a bachelor’s degree in psychology, which takes four years to complete, on average. Topics you may study include social psychology, cognitive science, perception and cognition, and human neuroscience. A bachelor’s degree is the minimum requirement to access entry-level jobs in administration, human resources, or communications. 

The completion of a master’s degree in psychology, however, places clinical assistant roles within reach. Master’s degree graduates can work as psychological assistants in clinical, counseling, or research settings.

If you aspire to be a clinical psychologist, a researcher, or work in therapeutic settings, a doctoral degree is required. There are two educational trajectories that can help you gain this qualification: a Ph.D. in psychology or a Doctor of Psychology (Psy.D.) degree. 

A Ph.D. is a research-based degree that requires the student to write a dissertation and takes between five and eight years to complete. The Psy.D. is a clinical degree that represents a practice-focused alternative. It takes between four and six years to complete. Students must undergo a one-year internship as part of the clinical doctoral program.

All U.S. states require clinical social workers to earn licensure. To become a licensed clinical social worker, you will need to undertake a minimum of two years of supervised clinical work after you graduate. Following the completion of your clinical experience, you must pass a clinical exam to receive your license.

Licensing requirements vary between states, so consider contacting your state licensure board to find out more. You can find additional information about regulatory boards at the Association of Social Work Boards.

Psychologists who wish to practice psychology or work in roles using the title “psychologist” must be licensed in most states. There is significant variation among psychology licensing laws due to the variation among different psychologist roles and between states. You can find out more about specific state requirements from the Association of State and Provincial Psychology Boards. 

In general, clinical and counseling roles require the individual to complete an internship and one to two years of supervised professional experience in their relevant field. The candidate must then pass the Examination for Professional Practice in Psychology.

Certification may be required to practice within a hospital, school, or clinic, but it is not typically a requirement for most psychologists. The American Board of Professional Psychology provides information about specialty certification and the fields that require or benefit from it.

Continuing education represents a critical element of licensure for both psychologists and social workers. Many states require these professionals to participate in regular courses to remain current with advances in their field.

Social work tends to be very dynamic, providing critical services such as advocacy for clients, crisis response, and connecting clients with resources. Social workers may work full-time or part-time, and depending on where they work, they may have to work shifts or be on call.

More often than not, a role as a social worker requires mobility and flexibility. Depending on your role, your schedule may change from month to month. You may travel to visit people in their homes or provide services or support within environments as diverse as schools, hospitals, courts, or aged care facilities. For example, 70 percent of social workers working with children, families, and schools are required to drive. The nature of the work varies too—it may be oriented towards mentoring, providing a listening ear, or might require you to manage cases.

Psychologists may also work in institutional settings such as hospitals, correctional facilities, and schools. In fact, in 2020 an estimated 25 percent of psychologists worked in elementary and secondary school settings to provide services such as counseling, testing, or research. Psychologists who work in healthcare may work at outpatient mental health facilities, substance abuse centers, or as mental health practitioners. 

The diverse applications of the profession may mean that some psychologists find themselves in academia, industrial or organizational settings, human factors psychology, or even marketing research. Those with sufficient experience, a Ph.D., and licensure can also set up their own private practice. In 2020, self-employed psychologists represent 27 percent of the labor market. 

Psychologists who work within a school, business, or in government may hold full-time work schedules during regular business hours. Those who run their own practices or work in healthcare facilities may hold less regular hours to accommodate client emergencies or work evening or weekend shifts.

The most common fields of social work employment include working with children, families and schools, healthcare, mental health, and substance abuse. A career as a social worker is versatile, with the opportunity to work in different roles throughout your career. The median annual wage for a social worker was $50,390 as of May 2021.  The sector is rapidly growing, with 78,300 social work jobs projected each year from 2020 to 2030. 

If you’re interested in pursuing a career in psychology, some of the top places of employment include government, state, local and private hospitals, outpatient healthcare services, elementary and secondary schools, and private practice. The median annual wage for a psychologist as of May 2021 was $81,040, according to the BLS. Candidates holding a doctoral or specialist degree, and postdoctoral experience, may have an advantage when it comes to accessing the most desired positions. Fields most likely to offer future career opportunities include schools, working with the elderly, and rehabilitation psychology.