People who become social workers and psychologists are drawn to these professions from all walks of life. However, they may share at least one thing in common: They all want to make it their life’s work to help others.

Although both fields are focused on helping individuals overcome obstacles, there are some key differences between social work and psychology. Before you decide whether a psychology degree or a social work degree is right for you, you should learn more about the differences between a social worker vs. psychologist.

While both social workers and psychologists strive to uplift and empower their clients, they have different academic backgrounds and job responsibilities, and they approach the work from different angles.

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), social workers typically require a bachelor’s degree, followed by a Master of Social Work (MSW), along with licensure.^{(See disclaimer 1)} Clinical or counseling psychologists typically need a doctorate and licensure.^{(See disclaimer 2)}

Psychologist Meaning and Core Responsibilities

Psychology is a branch of science that seeks to better understand the human mind. Psychologists study how the mind works, which factors affect its functioning and how thought patterns influence behaviors.

Some psychologists focus their work on scientific research. They may also teach the next generation of psychologists. Others prefer to work one-on-one with patients.

Clinical psychologists who work directly with patients help these individuals overcome mental, emotional and behavioral challenges. Psychologists can use a variety of assessment, diagnostic and therapeutic tools and techniques. For example, one commonly used technique is cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), which can help patients develop coping strategies and better regulate their emotions.

According to the American Psychological Association, there are many opportunities to specialize within the psychology field. Some of these professionals specialize in working with a specific population. For example, geropsychologists have in-depth knowledge of the mental health needs of older adults.^{(See disclaimer 3)}

Other psychologists focus on a specific setting. For instance, industrial and organizational psychologists specialize in working with employees, supervisors and executives for the purpose of improving operational efficiency and work and life balance. Other psychological specialties include the following:^{(See disclaimer 3)}

• Forensic psychology
• Addiction psychology
• Sport psychology
• School psychology

These are just a few examples. If you decide to become a psychologist, you can choose a specialty to suit your interests.

Social Worker Meaning and Core Responsibilities

Like psychologists, social workers devote their lives to helping others. However, there are some crucial differences. Whereas a clinical psychologist might work with a range of people from all backgrounds, social workers focus on working with people who are vulnerable, impoverished, oppressed, neglected or abused. Both work with everyday people.

In addition, social workers provide holistic services by taking into consideration both the whole person and their environment. By nature, social work centers on fighting for social justice, relieving suffering and improving both human lives and communities.

Social workers have a diverse clientele, according to the National Association of Social Workers. It is perhaps well known that social workers often help children who have been abused or neglected, but they also work with members of the military who have suffered from trauma, as well as those with life-threatening diseases and individuals faced with unemployment and inadequate housing.^{(See disclaimer 4)}

For a social worker, every day brings new challenges, and no two days are the same. In general, the following are some common job responsibilities:

• Assessing the situation, needs, goals and support networks of individuals
• Helping clients cope with stressors and challenges by providing psychotherapy services
• Referring clients to social support services, ranging from emergency housing to food stamps to employment assistance
• Responding to crisis situations, including natural disasters, mental health emergencies, acts of mass violence and child abuse

When choosing between a social work vs. psychology degree, consider these professionals’ roles in mental healthcare. Social workers and psychologists can both counsel those with mental health challenges. However, social workers take a holistic approach that also considers the individual’s environment, social network, family life and resources. In contrast, psychologists focus more narrowly on an individual’s psychological issues.

Licensing and Practice Authority

Licensing requirements and practice authority can vary between states and professions. For example, a clinical social worker always needs a license. The practice authority of a licensed clinical social worker (LCSW) extends to providing counseling for mental health conditions.^{(See disclaimer 1)}

A non-clinical social worker may or may not need a license, depending on the state.^{(See disclaimer 1)} They focus primarily on case management and resource assistance.

Similarly, psychologists may be clinical or counseling psychologists who are licensed, or they may be non-clinical, non-licensed psychologists. Clinical and counseling psychologists can diagnose and treat mental health conditions. Every state requires them to be licensed.^{(See disclaimer 2)}

Other types of psychologists may need a master’s degree, but not necessarily a license unless state law requires it (such as an industrial-organizational psychologist who does not treat patients). School psychologists typically need a state certification or license.^{(See disclaimer 2)}

Explore the education requirements for social workers and psychologists while you reflect on your choice of career path. Consider whether a master’s in social work or a psychology graduate degree appeals more to you.

MSW Meaning and Program Focus

Social workers typically need a Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) for entry-level positions in non-clinical social work that do not require licensure. Social workers who require licensure, such as clinical social workers, typically need a Master of Social Work (MSW) degree. Specific licensure requirements can vary by state.^{(See disclaimer 1)}

An MSW program focuses on human behaviors within social contexts, social welfare policies and services and social work advocacy. Students may study psychopathology, social justice, scientific research methodologies and therapeutic skills.

Psychology Degrees

Psychologists need a graduate degree after having earned a bachelor’s degree in psychology or a related area, such as social science or education. Non-clinical psychologists may then earn a master’s degree. They may also need to fulfill licensure requirements, depending on their state’s regulations.^{(See disclaimer 2)}

Clinical or counseling psychologists must be licensed in every state. They typically need a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Psychology or a Doctor of Psychology (PsyD) that leads to licensure.^{(See disclaimer 2)}

Grand Canyon University offers numerous psychology  degree options, including psychology degrees at the graduate level. These degrees may be appropriate for those who are not seeking licensure as a clinical or counseling psychologist.

Psychology programs may cover topics and competencies such as:

• Pediatric and adolescent psychology
• Cultural applications of social psychology
• Psychological disorders and abnormal behaviors
• Lifespan development and aging
• Psychological research

Social workers provide services across a diverse range of settings. They work in hospitals, schools, senior centers, prisons, mental health clinics, private practices and corporations, just to name a few.^{(See disclaimer 4)}

Psychologists may also work in a variety of settings. These can include schools, hospitals, government agencies and ambulatory healthcare facilities. Psychologists may also be self-employed in private practice.^{(See disclaimer 5)} 

When choosing between these two careers, you may wish to compare their salary and job outlook statistics from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). Salary information is expressed in median annual salary, current as of May 2024. Estimated job growth and job opening statistics are applicable to the period of 2024 to 2034.

Only you can determine whether a career in social work or psychology is best suited to your interests, goals and strengths. Consider the following factors:

• Education requirements
• Internship and licensure requirements
• Job responsibilities
• Work settings
• Median annual salary
• Job growth projections

If you’re still having trouble deciding after comparing these two careers across those metrics, then consider requesting a job shadowing experience. Although therapy and counseling sessions are confidential and you won’t be able to observe them, getting an inside look at the workplaces of social workers and psychologists may be helpful in making your decision.

Regardless of whether you choose social work or psychology, Grand Canyon University offers undergraduate and graduate degree programs that are suited to your career aspirations. At the undergraduate level, you can apply to enroll in the Bachelor of Science in Psychology degree or the Bachelor of Science in Social Work program.