Master's of Social Work or Counseling Psychology?

Question

I have one year left of attaining my BS Psych Degree and am looking into graduate schools. My ultimate goal is to do clinical counseling with families/marriage/mental health. I have been hearing mixed reviews on the best graduate degree to get for this type of work. I'm pretty sure I do not want to go into a PhD program, but I do not know if a MSW or Masters of Counseling will open up the most opportunity? Any insight or advice? Thanks!

Answer 1

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If you choose Counseling Psychology, it would be beneficial to seek employment with an employer who has in the excess of eight to ten thousand workers, preferably a company who has a governmental contract. You may check into Department of Energy sites. But, if you pick up experience in an urban setting for three to four years, the pay and benefits will be better, no matter where you set up practice.
Been there and I know for a fact.

Answer 2

I'm in the same boat you're in - looking at grad programs and trying to decide: I've got 25 yrs. in social services work and so far no advanced degree. Historically the MSW has been the most versatile degree - that and the law JD are often referred to as the last 'generalist' degrees available. With the MSW you can pursue your counseling certs. [variable depending on state, what hiring agencies require, etc., although national standards remain constant], and you're equipped to pursue a variety of social work and social service options as well. Typically a master's in counseling only runs 48 hrs, while a typical MSW will run more like 60. If what you want is a well rounded education that will provide the most options, then the MSW would probably be the way to go. If you ever want a PhD however, consider doing it in psych. and not Social Work - the Socail Work PhD's for some reason tend to have the opposite effect and can actually limit you to teaching and research, much more so than the psych PhD - perhaps because there aren't that many S/W PhD programs out there, although that is changing. God bless, and good luck.

Answer 3

Some years ago I had to make this choice. I went with the Master's in Counseling because I wanted to do counseling not social work. My credential are M.Ed. Counseling and Licensed Professional Counselor and Nationally Certified Counselor. I am also Marriage and Family certified.

However, right now there are more opportunities for an LCSW (MSW with license). There is also a move nationally and in many states to obtain parity between MSW's and LPC's. I think it will happen but may take a few more years. I am happy with my choice. The program and classes in counseling focused much more on counseling theories and practice. I have taken additional courses since then. Though it varies from state to state I think the curriculum is pretty close to the same now. In fact the counseling curriculum in my state (Missouri) has been beefed up to 60 credit hours for a counseling degree. I graduated with 51 because I took some extra classes but it was 48 credit hours at that time.

I think eventually it will be about even. Right now LCSW's have more options.

Good luck.

Answer 4

I'm in a similar situation as you and have been speaking to various professors about the best route to take. I've been told by most of the people I've spoken with that unless you want to do research or teach at a university level, there's not necessarily any benefit in doing the PhD.
If you're interested in doing counseling, I've been told the MSW is a great route to take. I'm not sure what degree a masters of counseling would leave you with (an M.A. in psych? an MFT certification?) I know where I live (in California), many people take the MFT route (marriage family therapist certification). I've been told this is not the best degree to go for--in California MFTs are a dime a dozen, dont require quite as comprehensive of an education, and essentially educate you on how to treat families and couples or individuals within that context rather than individuals alone. And, essentially anyone can sign up for an MFT program, past the licensing test, and become certified (not great qualifications).
The MSW, on the other hand, can prepare you to work with individuals, couples, and families. And, if you decide that therapy is not the route to go with, or at least not right away, the MSW is supposed to be a very versatile degree, and one that will allow for many job openings. If you DO want to persue therapy, you can become licensed, become an LCSW (licensed clinicial social worker), and then practice therapy.
Good luck with whatever you decide to do!

Answer 5

I went through the same situation a year ago and found that there are more clinical counseling opportunities for me with an LICSW which is the license you get after you receive your masters in social work. This is mostly related to the fact that you need a PHd in psych to counsel and with a degree in counseling it can be difficult to actually practice in states in the mid west and up north. Plus with an MSW or LICSW you have an open door for a variety of other jobs that you would not have with a counseling degree. I have been in the program for two semesters now and have learned tons more than in undergrad. Good luck with your decision.

Answer 6

I know a few guys in Law Enforcement with Ph.Ds, and I doubt sincerely that MSWs would not have been significant enough for the positions they now are in.

For "traditional" venues like, working for SS agencies, schools or insitituions of greater learning - PhDs are great. But clinical psychology no longer applies to a guy laying on a couch, or doing assessments for trouble youth.

FBI, PD units, Forensics, Crime Scene Investigators, all benefit from degrees of higher learning. Why limit your self to local hospitals, clinics, or private practice?

Answer 7

RE: Become a social employee with a masters in counseling psychology? Can I do this? Or do I must get a measure in social paintings? I wish to get my bachelors in psychology, and masters in counseling.

Answer 8

RE: become a social employee with a masters in counseling psychology? Can i do that? Or do I ought to get a degree in social work? I wish to get my bachelors in psychology, and masters in counseling.

Answer 9

well most of the counseling jobs are related with social work, perhaps you must need a masters degree for doing your own private practice(for that you need a license) the process you have to go through at least two organizations registration, like association of social workers & what ever authentic college would be the assuing authority for a Regestered social workers, might be a college , university faculty, but if you wanna become a consular right after your Bs degree you must have to take some other courses related with it, for a position to become a consular you have to have tremendous experience,..,better advise go for the masters degree in social work, with also covers counseling criteria as well major psychological courses too,.,.,.,.,.,{^-*}

Answer 10

RE: grow to be a social worker with a masters in counseling psychology? am i able to attempt this? Or do i favor to get a level in social artwork? i opt for to get my bachelors in psychology, and masters in counseling.