phd in social work vs psychology

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• PsyD vs PhD

Social Work DSW vs PsyD Degree Differences

The MSW or Master of Social Work is typically considered a terminal degree in social work, but there are two major choices for social workers who want to obtain a doctoral degree: Doctor of Social Work (DSW) or  Psy.D., which is a doctoral degree in psychology . Both degrees provide you with the skills to help people with a variety of personal and mental health problems. But there are some differences between the degrees that we should highlight here.

What Is a Doctor of Social Work?

At the top of the social work, the profession is the DSW. This degree allows students almost unlimited choices in the human services field, and especially in social work agencies. No other type of social work degree provides you the same prestige, versatility, and recognition of status, or the ability to make a large income. With a DSW, you generally have your choice of the agency to work in and in which leadership role. This is a professional doctorate that stresses social work practice, applied research and leadership. DSW graduates usually want social service leadership roles.

SEE ALSO:   5+ Online DSW with No GRE Requirement

If you are interested in studying social work in a clinical setting, having the DSW gives you the credibility that you need to build a staff of researchers and to develop your own research program. If you desire to teach in college, having your DSW will help you to train the next generation of up and coming social workers.

Some of the potential occupations you may work in with a DSW are:

• Mental health social worker
• Clinical social workers
• Social and community service manager
• Nonprofit director
• Social work administrator
• Human services administrator
• Professor of social work
• School or university social worker

With a DSW, you have the training of a clinical social worker, which gives you the skills to treat mental, health, behavioral and emotional disorders. They offer individual, group, family and couples therapy. A difference between a DSW holder and a Psy.D. holder is you will typically refer your clients to other resources in the community, including support groups and other mental health professionals.

Remember, social workers, focus on working with families and individuals to improve life quality. They need to have a complete understanding of human development and behavior to work with their patients, with the goal to build a stronger community. Social workers with a DSW help their clients to overcome their personal challenges to help them to hone skills they need to succeed in life.

Salary and Job Demand  for Doctor of Social Work

The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports the median salary for social workers is $47,980, but note that the top 10% with a master’s or doctoral degree can earn more than $79,700 per year. ( BLS.gov ). Payscale.com states the average salary for a DWS holder is $100,000 per year. ( Payscale.com ). Some of the specific jobs and salaries that site lists with a DSW are:

• CEO of Nonprofit Organization: $127,300
• Executive Director, HR: $128,000
• Program Director, Nonprofit: $99,500

SEE ALSO:  Salary Outlook with Ph.D. in Social Work

The Bureau of Labor Statistics also reports strong job demand for people with advanced social work degrees. Overall employment in this field will rise by a strong 16% through 2026. Strong demand for healthcare and social services will increase demand for social workers. Plus, demand for healthcare social workers will rise by 20% through 2026, which is much faster than average. Healthcare social workers are needed to assist aging populations and their families to adjust to new medications, treatments and lifestyles. ( BLS.gov ).

What Is a Psy.D. of Psychology?

The Doctor of Psychology degree, known best as a Psy.D., is a professional practice doctoral degree that prepares you to practice psychology in a private setting so you can become a licensed counseling or clinical psychologist. After licensure, they are qualified to deliver psychological services to groups, individuals and organizations. The majority of Psy.D. programs require you to prepare a dissertation.

SEE ALSO:   Best Accredited Online PsyD Degree Programs

The Psy.D. differs from the Ph.D. in that the former is an applied degree that is focused clinically and stresses counseling and therapy to help people in a counseling or clinical setting. The Ph.D. is largely focused on academic research and scholarly publications.

As with social workers, a psychologist works with people who are having problems in their lives, but they tend to work more with individual patients, rather than families and groups. When you see a psychologist, you may undergo extensive psychological testing and counseling. The major goal of the psychologist is to do diagnostic testing for mental illness and to offer psychotherapy services.

Salary and Job Demand for Psy.D.

The career path for Psy.D. holders is also excellent. The Bureau of Labor Statistics or BLS reports the median wage for all psychologists is $77,000. The top 10% with a postgraduate degree earn more than $124,000 per year. ( BLS.gov ). Payscale.com also reports the average psychologist’s salary is $74,566, with a range of $46,000 to $112,000. ( Payscale.com ).

The job outlook for all psychologists is also strong, with 14% growth expected through 2026, which is faster than other professions. Demand for clinical and counseling psychologists will rise as people are continuing to turn to psychologists for help with their mental health problems as they age. ( BLS.gov ).

Both the DSW and Psy.D. are excellent postgraduate degree programs. The DSW is focused on helping the individual, family and group on a larger social context, which the Psy.D. is centered on providing individual clinical or counseling therapy to help that individual to overcome their problems. Both are worthy goals and careers that pay well. The choice comes down to which type of psychological approach that you prefer in your career.

• Social Workers. (2017). Retrieved from  https://www.bls.gov/ooh/community-and-social-service/social-workers.htm
• Social Worker Salary. (2017). Retrieved from https://www.bls.gov/ooh/community-and-social-service/social-workers.htm#tab-6
• Psychologists Salary. (2017). Retrieved from https://www.bls.gov/ooh/life-physical-and-social-science/psychologists.htm#tab-5
• 17 Best Things You Can Do with an MSW Degree. (2019). Retrieved from  https://psydprograms.org/best-things-to-do-with-an-msw-degree/

Your Guide to Understanding the Difference Between Social Workers vs. Psychologists

Created by careersinpsychology

When you’re picking a career it’s important to understand what both the similarities and the differences are for social worker vs psychologist jobs. And the place to start is with the similarities: both psychologists and social workers are there to help.

Psychology itself is a big tent, pulling together everything that modern science and research can tell us about how people think and act. Social work is all about dealing with the fallout in communities when those thoughts and actions aren’t in the best interests of individuals.

The psychology - social work relationship is effective in developing strategies for dealing with real challenges and finding practical solutions to real world problems.

Clinical social workers use key psychological concepts and therapies to assist their clients, but they may refer those clients to psychologists when mental health issues are complex. Psychologists refer patients back to social workers when their psychological issues are created or set on overdrive by conditions like hunger, abuse, or homelessness that only social services can solve.

Together, social workers and psychologists form a community of human services professionals that rely on one another.

The Key Difference Between Social Work and Psychologist Jobs

Both social workers and psychologists are in the business of helping people who can no longer effectively help themselves. In some cases, they might even be the same people, with the same kind of issues… anxiety, depression, addiction—all are mental health issues that can be treated by either a licensed clinical psychologist or a licensed clinical social worker.

The biggest difference is in the ways a clinical social worker vs a psychologist will try to treat those issues.

• Social workers - Perceive problems as stemming from larger societal issues, and help deal with those issues in a holistic way.
• Psychologists - Look primarily internally for sources of mental health problems and uses individual therapy to build coping mechanisms.

Psychologists expect to resolve problems from within the mind of their patients. Social workers specialize in dealing with issues that come from the environment and outside circumstances.

Both a social worker and a psychologist might see someone experiencing depression as a result of homelessness. The psychologist will focus on treating the depression itself, working with the patient to find acceptance and to work on issues within their own control to resolve the mental issue. The social worker, while still offering empathy and therapy, will also pursue strategies to try to get the person into permanent housing, dealing with the root cause of the problem.

Can a social worker work as a psychologist?

Is it possible to go from being a social worker to being a psychologist? Yes, but it’s not easy! The licensed social worker vs psychologist educational paths are pretty far apart. But if you decide to pursue licensure as a clinical psychologist on top of earning the credentials to work as a licensed social worker, you are allowed to do so.

Is a LCSW better than a psychologist?

The comparison of LCSW to psychologist is a little bit apples to oranges. They fill different roles in the field of human services, and each of those roles might be better or worse at handling a particular type of case. A social worker will probably not have many tools available to help a paranoid schizophrenic, while a psychologist has advanced training for that kind of mental problem. On the other hand, a psychologist will come up dry if someone walks in the door who needs food stamps. A social worker, on the other hand, knows just who to call to get it sorted out.

What Is The Difference Between Social Worker and Psychologist Education and Training?

Both social workers and psychologists receive specialized training to give them the skills to pursue their professions.

For social workers, that means earning a master’s degree in social work (MSW). It’s a two-year program that covers subjects such as:

• Sociology and community building
• Advocacy and leadership
• Clinical treatment
• Social systems and safety nets
• Social justice

Different concentrations are available in most MSW programs, so a social worker might specialize in working with geriatric populations or in child welfare. MSWs also include practicum and internship placements, giving you the opportunity to put your new skills into practice and learning on the job.

Psychologists and social workers are both highly trained professionals who work to support individuals with mental health issues.

Psychologists have a longer path to get to clinical practice. A doctoral degree is the standard, either a PsyD (Doctor of Psychology) or PhD (Doctor of Philosophy in Psychology), taking as long as seven years to complete after earning a bachelor’s degree. These programs also have plenty of field experiences along the way, and allow concentrations in areas such as clinical practice, behavioral psychology, or social psychology.

Courses vary between specializations, but your core studies are likely to include:

• Psychological theory
• Cognitive and affective bases of behavior
• Assessment and treatment techniques
• Psychological research

Both types of programs have a culminating paper or project, often called a thesis for MSWs and a dissertation for psychologists. While the doctoral dissertation is more intense and takes more time to complete, both involve original research and an expression of your ideas and thoughts in the field.

Both MSW and PsyD/PhD programs are available online these days, allowing most of your coursework to happen out in the cloud. Local arrangements are made for your mandatory field experiences.

Explore Psychology and Social Work Programs Online

Both psychology and social work are such specialized subjects that each has a specialty accreditation process that programs go through to evaluate and approve the course of study. For psychology, this is the American Psychological Association’s (APA) Commission on Accreditation. In social work, it is the CSWE, or Council on Social Work Education.

Social Worker vs Psychologist Licensing Requirements

Both psychology and social work licensure is regulated by separate state licensing boards. Although not all social workers nor all psychologists need a license, it’s a lock that you will have to get one in either job if you want to offer clinical services.

The outline of the license process is pretty similar for both professions:

• Earn a terminal degree in the field (MSW for social workers, a doctorate for psychologists)
• Accumulate a set number of hours of post-graduate field experience
• Pass a national test in your field
• Pass a criminal background check and state-level jurisprudence tests in some cases
• Maintain licensure through ongoing continuing education requirements

For social workers, this means going through about 3,000 hours of supervised post-graduate field experience. They have to pass the national Clinical exam from the Association of Social Work Boards, a 170-question test on relevant topics.

Psychology licensure , on the other hand, requires meeting much higher standards. A year or more of post-doctoral supervised experience is required, and two years may be common in certain specialties. They also have to pass the fearsome EPPP, or Examination for Professional Practice in Psychology, a two-part, 225-question exam that covers both core psychological knowledge and treatment skills.

Both social work and psychology have jobs where no license is required. In social work, these are referred to as macro positions, and include people working in back offices or policy development without direct client contact or any therapeutic roles. In psychology, non-clinical jobs can include work in research, policy, analysis, or even in big business, in roles like marketing or product development.

Social Worker vs Psychologist Salary and Career Potential

A social worker career is definitely fulfilling, but most people wouldn’t call it lucrative. As of 2022, the US Bureau of Labor Statistics says the median yearly income for various types of social workers is:

• $50,820 for child, family, and school social workers.
• $51,240 for mental health and substance abuse social workers.
• $60,280 for healthcare social workers.
• $61,420 for social workers (all other).

Clinical social workers, who have gone all the way through the licensing process, may be able to increase their salary potential. For example, the top 10% of earners in the catch-all social workers (all other) category bring home over $95,000 annually.

The benefits of a psychologist career are more financial in nature. The median there is $81,040 , but clinical psychologists, those most comparable to clinical social workers, enjoy a median yearly income of $90,130 . Those in the top ten percent can go over $168,790 per year.

Both social workers and psychologists have a lot to feel good about when they go home at night, but the psychologist is probably going home to a larger place!

Both LCSWs and psychologists also have the option of boosting their salary potential by earning specialty credentials in their fields. Through the National Association of Social Workers, LCSWs can receive certification in areas such as addiction, health care, and education. Similarly, psychologists can get certification through the American Board of Professional Psychology in areas including rehabilitation, couple and family counseling, and neuropsychology.

Finally, social workers are expected to experience a much greater increase in jobs over the next decade. BLS forecasts a rise of 9% in social work jobs by 2031. Psychologists, on the other hand, are looking at a much more typical growth rate of about 6% in that period.

Who gets paid more, a psychologist or a social worker?

Psychologists definitely make more than social workers. But compensation isn’t all about what kind of cash you bring in the door. While both psychologists and social workers make a living by helping people, social workers are often engaged in a broader effort to improve the systems of society that reduce inequality and lead to greater social justice. Their objectives are about far more than making money, and their satisfaction can come from places other than their paycheck.

2022 US Bureau of Labor Statistics job market trends and salary figures for family social workers , mental health social workers , healthcare social workers , social workers (all other) , psychologists , and clinical psychologists are based on national data, not school-specific information. Conditions in your area may vary. Data accessed June 2023.

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The Difference Between Social Work and Psychology

The fields of social work and psychology overlap in a lot of ways. After all, there are a lot of mental health components when providing social work services, and there are a lot of impacts on overall well-being and larger communities like families and communities that are linked back to the individual care provided by psychologists.

But the two fields are also distinctively different. This guide looks at the similarities and differences between social work and psychology — and finds places where the professions are similar and places where they are different. 

• What is social work?
• What is psychology?

Social work versus mental health work

• Professional education and training
• Mental health career paths
• Employment opportunities

What is social work? 

Social work began in Europe out of the need to “manage the poor” when poverty was considered a crime . Social work in the early days was not credentialed; churches or Women’s League-type organizations generally led it. During the early days, the social worker became a feared entity, much like the cartoon caricature of the dog catcher. Many children were removed from the homes of the poor and placed in the homes of more affluent families and often treated as servants, rarely as a child. Parents became indentured servants to “earn” the return of the children. The profession did not start as it is known today. 

Later, social work became a profession in the United States in the early 19 th century out of a need to provide skills and jobs to immigrants and home placements for orphaned children during wartime in Europe and burgeoned later in the United States as a result of WWI and II the Dust Bowl, and Great Depression. It later grew as an “acceptable” profession for women when few women were in the workforce. 

The field of social work is different from government-run social services such as the Department of Children and Families or The Department of Human Resources. The field today has grown in areas of research and practice, meeting the needs of communities, individuals, and families across many segments of society, not just the poor. Social work is now a regulated and licensed profession, and many licensed social workers go into private practice or agency work seeing individuals, families, and groups with a variety of social as well as mental health issues. 

To earn licensure as a social worker, individuals must hold a minimum of a master’s degree in social work or a comparable discipline, such as counseling or psychology, and complete a required number of practicum and internship hours during the final year of the master’s program. Those with a non-social work master’s degree may have to take additional coursework and gain practicum and intern hours post-graduate, depending upon the state in which they wish to be licensed. 

Upon graduation, individuals are required to complete requisite hours of supervision by an approved licensed social worker. The number of hours needed to sit for the licensing exam differs from state to state. It is advisable to refer to the particular state licensing board for requirements. A Licensed Clinical Social Worker ( LCSW ) is the most common license available .

What is psychology? 

Psychology is a profession that studies human and animal behavior by studying individuals, groups, or organizations. Many branches of psychology serve in research areas as well as the study and treatment of mental illness and behavioral problems. A few of the branches of psychology are: 

• Cognitive-behavioral
• Educational 
• Industrial and organizational 
• Forensics 
• School psychology 

For work in mental health, clinical and counseling practitioners must hold a minimum of a master’s degree in the discipline and be licensed to practice by their state licensing board. There are different licenses for which individuals may seek; these include:

• Licensed clinical psychologist – requires a PhD or PsyD from an APA accredited program. 
• Counseling Psychologist – requires a PhD or PsyD in counseling psychology
• Marriage and family therapy – requires a minimum of a master’s degree in MFT or related discipline and requisite coursework. 
• Licensed professional counselor – Minimum of a master’s degree in counseling or psychology and state licensure. 
• Licensed mental health counselor – Minimum of a master’s degree in counseling or psychology and state licensure.

The above list of mental health and social work titles is not all-inclusive, as these may vary from state to state. Anyone thinking of entering or changing careers to social work should do a bit of research before selecting a program from state licensing agencies as well as professional membership organizations. 

A few differences exist between a licensed clinical social worker and a mental health counselor. Each provides short-term counseling for various life problems, such as issues related to life phase adjustments, i.e., career, relocation, divorce, etc. However, for more severe mental illnesses such as major depressive, psychotic disorders, and most personality disorders, seeing a psychotherapist for longer-term therapy is most helpful. Even then, a licensed clinical social worker can counsel stabilized individuals who need help re-adjusting to home-life and the community. 

In both disciplines, there are options to work in private practice, agency, non-profit, residential in-patient, or community-based services. Most often, when seeking employment, individuals will see ads for LCSW (Licensed Clinical Social Worker), LSW (Licensed Social Worker), LMFT (Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist), LPC (Licensed Professional Counselor), LMHC (Licensed Mental Health Counselor) as interchangeable. Depending upon the agency or practice’s served population, this may well be so, as most will have a psychiatrist or clinical psychologist on staff to supervise treatment. 

Mental health professional education and training 

Both fields, social work and mental health, require a minimum of a master’s degree to qualify for licensure. The educational program includes one year of practicum and internship at an approved clinical or community-based site. Most state licensing boards prefer that candidates for licensure attend schools that are regionally accredited as well as accredited by such associations as:  

• American Psychological Association (APA)
• American Counseling Association (ACA)
• Commission on Accreditation of American Association of Marriage and Family Therapists Education (COAMFTE)
•  The Counsel for Accreditation for Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP)
• Counsel on Social Work Education (CSWE)  

Each of these will have a list of accredited schools and programs. 

While marriage and family therapists, social workers, and counselors can become licensed with a minimum of a master’s degree, to be licensed as a clinical or counseling psychologist, a PhD in clinical or counseling psychology is required for licensure to practice. 

Mental health professional career paths 

Upon graduation from a master of social work or master of clinical social work program, students seeking licensure will be required to participate in post-graduate internships or residencies in which they receive supervision by a CSWE-approved supervisor and their site director/supervisor. Those who are fortunate may be allowed to continue their internships/residencies at their practicum site. Most states require three years and 2,500-3,000 hours of supervised clinical or fieldwork. 

It cannot be stressed enough that before beginning any graduate program in social work, it is a wise idea to check with the state board for requirements. The CSWE website is a reliable source for finding information about licensing requirements specific to the state where you plan to become licensed. 

While enrolled in a program of study, graduate students are often encouraged to join the professional organization associated with their discipline and obtain malpractice/liability insurance. Membership in nationwide, as well as state and local organizations, provides many networking and mentoring opportunities as well as courses for earning professional development units needed for licensure renewal. 

Employment opportunities 

Due to an increase in the need for services since the COVID-19 pandemic began in early 2020, the mental health and community services fields are experiencing a shortage of clinicians and field workers. Due to this shortage, licensed social workers are in high demand in agencies and private practice. 

There is also a call for mental health professionals and social workers to serve with first responders in domestic calls and traffic stops. Mental health and social work professionals are much better trained in crisis intervention. They are often not perceived as a threat to citizens involved in domestic violence or who are stopped by the police for driving under the influence or other traffic violations. 

It is no exaggeration to suggest that many lives could have been saved had a trained crisis interventionist been on these calls with the police. In the past two years alone, the number of families losing a loved one who was in a state of mental health crisis has increased. Families of color are terrified to call on the police when there is a mental health crisis, further intensifying the need for help. 

During times of natural disasters and other situations that increase the numbers of individuals and families seeking services, social workers are often called upon to help agencies such as the Red Cross with crisis intervention. 

Due to the number of healthcare workers who have left their careers due to concerns over their as well as their families’ health during the height of the pandemic, many mental healthcare and social work disciplines can find travel opportunities to different states to fill spots made available by the shortage of workers. These positions pay well and provide travel, housing, and food allowances. During these financially uncertain times, husbands, wives, partners, and parents take advantage of these opportunities to serve communities in need and provide for their families. 

No matter which career path is taken, there is a great deal of overlap within social work and mental health professions. Each provides the opportunity to help individuals, families, couples, and communities as they navigate everyday life struggles or larger crises such as a global pandemic, natural disasters, socio-political conflict, and other issues that broadly impact a society. Due to these issues, many of them ongoing, there is a shortage of mental health professionals to meet the growing needs posed by these challenging matters. 

With a bachelor’s degree, you can work for governmental agencies or as a para-professional in many residential treatment facilities. You can also obtain a master’s degree to seek licensure. 

As long as a person is licensed, he or she can either open a small practice or work with a larger practice. 

Brief counseling or therapy is provided for situational crises, such as grief or life-stage adjustments. Long-term treatment or ongoing therapy is provided for chronic or recurring conditions such as major depressive disorders and mood disorders, psychotic disorders, and most personality disorders. Long-term psychotherapy is often recommended instead of in-patient, whereas short-term therapy is inappropriate for anyone who may be at risk for hospitalization. 

Depending upon the agency, practice, and state, an LCSW and any other licensed clinician can provide a provisional diagnosis and then refer the patient to a psychiatrist or psychologist to confirm the diagnosis. 

A four-year degree is required for entry into a master’s degree program; most master’s degree programs are three years or less. 

This requirement will vary from state to state, depending on local requirements.

Yes. An increasing number of major universities are offering their social work programs online . Some have a minimum residency requirement, and some do not. As with any program, be sure the appropriate agencies nationally and regionally accredit it. Always check with your state licensing boards for confirmation of any other requirements. 

As with most professions, salary is based on education, experience, and what an agency or practice is willing to pay. The best way to ensure you are getting paid based on your value is to continue your education and become certified in as many specialty areas as possible. 

Q: Whether required or not, it is always a wise choice to protect yourself against liability. 

The Differences Between a Social Worker and a Psychologist

When comparing social workers vs. psychologists, it’s important to note that both are subdisciplines of the human services field. Human services professions are jobs that exist to improve the lives of disadvantaged members of society through the delivery of essential social services.

Social workers contribute to the human services field by providing holistic solutions to the social, behavioral, economic or health problems faced by their clients. Psychologists, on the other hand, focus their efforts specifically on helping their patients address potentially damaging mental health issues.

Individuals contemplating a career as a psychologist or social worker need to consider many different factors, such as each role’s responsibilities, educational requirements and career outlook.

Social Worker vs. Psychologist: What Do They Do?

While social workers and psychologists have overlapping areas of focus, they serve their clients from different perspectives. As a result, their methods are aimed at achieving different goals.

What Do Social Workers Do?

Social workers seek to enhance the well-being of individuals and communities, particularly those who are marginalized, oppressed or impoverished. Social work is a broad profession that encompasses a variety of specializations and societal issues, including substance misuse, child welfare, schools, elder care, community access to health, welfare and educational services, and more. Regardless of their field of expertise, successful social workers must be able to draw from a range of interdisciplinary skill sets, including psychology, counseling and education.

Although many social workers are employed through dedicated human services agencies, a range of institutions, such as schools, prisons and hospitals, also offer social work services. Clients in each of these settings have unique needs, and social workers must be able to adapt their treatment strategy on a case-by-case basis.

For instance, when social workers work with children who are suffering from neglect or abuse, they typically need to take a radically different approach than if they were working with families who only need financial assistance. In both cases, social workers conduct a direct assessment of the client’s needs, followed by the development of an action plan. The steps taken to create those plans change based on the client’s specific circumstances.

The services offered by different social work agencies vary, but some common ones include diagnosis and treatment of mental health issues, advocacy for jobs and housing, and future planning.

What Do Psychologists Do?

Clinical psychologists generally work with a medical team to treat individuals who are dealing with mental health conditions. They use their advanced understanding of the mind to develop and implement interventions that can stimulate changes in a patient’s mental state.

Some psychologists may opt out of clinical psychology and instead focus on research into behavior and brain function. There are many options for specialization, including the following:

• Cognitive psychology focuses on understanding how people process information by investigating a person’s ability to think, communicate, remember, and learn.
• Social psychology explores how other people can influence a person’s state of mind. It can be used to help understand the role that social interactions play in governing someone’s feelings, thoughts, and emotions.
• Developmental psychology , sometimes referred to as human developmental psychology, has an expansive scope. It focuses on the study of mental structures that humans develop over the course of their lives, from infancy to old age. This often entails deeply examining how external factors, such as the environment, shape a person’s mental state at any age.

Social Worker vs. Psychologist: Career Outlook and Salary

The career outlook for both social workers and psychologists shows promising growth. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) estimates that the employment of social workers will grow by 9% between 2021 and 2031, adding approximately 64,000 new jobs. For social workers in the mental health and health care fields, demand is expected to grow 11% over the same period.

Employment of psychologists is expected to grow 6% between 2021 and 2031, the BLS reports. Clinical and counseling psychologists will see slightly higher job growth of 10%.

How Much Do Social Workers Make?

Compensation for social workers depends on several factors such as education level, years of experience and field of practice. According to the BLS, the median annual wage for social workers in 2021 was $50,390. Health care social workers and social workers who worked in government earned the highest median wages of around $61,190.

Demand for Social Workers

Demand is based on a number of factors. According to the BLS, as the U.S. population ages, communities, hospitals and assisted living facilities will need the skills of social workers to help the elderly live in safe and healthy conditions. Growing demand can also lead to some surprising opportunities.

• Telehealth and solo practice — With the rise of telehealth, licensed social workers have the ability to treat patients online without incurring the overhead of a physical office.
• Corporate responsibility — Corporate attention to social responsibility has created demand for social workers who can lead corporate strategy to engage in community causes.
• Macro social work — The growing field of macro social work focuses on research and policy development. Government agencies and think tanks are likely drivers of demand for macro social workers.

How Much Do Psychologists Make?

The median annual wage for psychologists was $81,040 in 2021, according to BLS data. Industrial-organizational psychologists, who focus on human issues and productivity in the workplace, saw the highest median compensation at $105,310. Clinical and counseling psychologists earned a median wage of $82,510.

Demand for Psychologists

The American Psychological Association (APA) has identified several factors that impact the demand for psychologists. These include:

• Hospital admissions — The need for psychological services in hospitals was illustrated by the high number of COVID-19 patients in intensive care who suffered from mental health issues.
• Cultural competence — Psychologists who are Hispanic or Black are in particularly high demand, as these and other minority populations are often underserved.
• Elderly population — As with social workers, the aging of the population also drives demand for psychologists to treat the elderly.
• Regional shortages — The South — in particular states such as Mississippi, South Carolina and Louisiana — has a shortage of psychologists to meet the needs of local populations.

How Do Social Work and Psychology Relate?

Social work occupations entail a wide range of human services, while psychology emphasizes administering mental health treatments. Despite their different points of emphasis however, the fields are inherently similar in some ways.

Both social workers and psychologists treat individual behavioral and mental health issues. Social workers and psychologists both conduct assessments to develop a complete understanding of their clients’ needs. This includes recognizing when it is necessary to get another mental health professional involved in treatment.

Above all else, social workers and psychologists share a similar goal — helping people achieve healthier and more productive lives. By earning a Master of Social Work (MSW) degree, human services professionals can equip themselves with the expertise to tangibly improve their clients’ lives through a diverse range of services that extend far beyond just helping them cope with mental health issues.

How to Become a Social Worker

The path to become a social worker often starts with earning a Bachelor of Social Work (BSW). This degree allows graduates to legally qualify for jobs that involve working with larger groups of people in publicly run community organizations, or to provide casework services to select populations. With this level of education, social workers are typically prohibited from administering direct one-on-one psychotherapeutic services.

After graduating from a BSW program, it helps to complete social work-related internships and earn industry-specific certifications. But to truly accelerate career advancement, BSW-educated social workers should continue their education by earning an MSW degree, such as the degree offered by the University of Nevada, Reno. Completing graduate-level curriculum can qualify professionals for more advanced jobs that involve performing in-depth clinical assessments and administering evidence-based social interventions.

With an MSW degree and two years of practice, professionals can sit for the Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) exam. Passing this exam allows them to provide therapy directly to individuals and smaller groups, such as couples or families.

Social Worker vs. Psychologist: Your Choice Matters

Now that you’ve learned how to become a social worker, it’s time to explore your next steps. To help you expand your technical expertise and acquire the advanced skills to further your professional growth in the field of social work, find out more information about the University of Nevada, Reno’s online Master of Social Work program .

Recommended Readings

Understanding the 12 Grand Challenges for Social Work

11 Important Social Work Theories and Methods

What Does a School Social Worker Do?

AJMC, “Risks of Developing Delirium in ICU Patients With COVID-19”

Mind Your Society, “6 High Paying AND In Demand Social Work Jobs in 2021: Including Jobs w/ $60k-100k Annual Salaries!”

U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Psychologists

U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Social Workers

Verywell Mind, “Major Branches of Psychology”

ONLINE MASTER OF SOCIAL WORK

• Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU)
• Council on Social Work Education (CSWE) Accreditation

The social work education programs provided by the University of Nevada, Reno School of Social Work are accredited at the baccalaureate and master’s levels by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE). This indicates to the public and to potential employers that graduates meet the high professional standards established by CSWE in its Educational Policy and Accreditation Standards (EPAS). Please refer to  www.cswe.org  for a complete list of Educational Policy and Accreditation Standards. The university’s MSW program has been accredited by CSWE since 1991.

• Recognized as a National Tier 1 University by  U.S. News & World Report
• Ranks among the top 150 national universities in research and development
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Home / Social Work Degrees / Doctorate of Social Work (DSW) Degree Programs Online / DSW vs. Ph.D. in Social Work

DSW vs. Ph.D. in Social Work: What’s the Difference?

If you hold a Master of Social Work (MSW) degree or are a current MSW student, you may be considering earning your Doctor of Social Work (DSW) or Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in social work. While both are doctoral degrees that may help advance your social work career, they have some differences. This guide discusses the DSW versus the Ph.D. in social work and the roles you may expect to take on with either degree.

What Is the Difference?

The difference between a DSW and a Ph.D. in social work lies in the tenets of the program: practice versus theory.  A DSW program focuses on social work practice, supervision and applied research, whereas a Ph.D. program’s emphasis is scholarly and theoretical research and educational practices. While it is common for Ph.D. programs to focus on rigorous research methods, a DSW program may or may not include some research elements.

Which Degree Is Right for Me?

Your personal and professional goals may help inform whether a DSW or a Ph.D. degree in  social work  is right for you. 

The ideal candidate for a DSW may seek to extend their work as a licensed social worker in the areas of social service leadership and management. A DSW may provide you the knowledge and skills to work in different roles such as social work administrator, social and community service manager, or advanced practice clinical social worker. 

A potential candidate for a Ph.D. program is one who may desire to influence the future of social work through education and research. This doctoral level of education may offer you opportunities to conduct research on real-world issues and teach tomorrow’s social workers. 

As a licensed social worker with a doctoral degree, whether it be a DSW or Ph.D., your fight for social justice and the improvement of the lives of people and communities around the globe is crucial for the welfare of society today and generations to come. The  need for social workers continues to rise , as evidenced by a projected growth rate of 13% from 2019 to 2029, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). 

Doctorate of Social Work (DSW)

For students seeking a DSW degree, schools of social work may offer on-campus DSW programs. However, if you cannot attend on-campus classes or need flexibility in your schedule, there are several  online DSW programs  that you can complete in two to three years. Though ideal career paths may vary from student to student, specializations may include addiction and social work, clinical expertise, criminal justice, family studies,  medical social work , social work policy, and  social work administration , as well as disaster, crisis, and intervention. It may be worthwhile to review each specialization and see if it could align with your objectives.

Although requirements for entry into a Doctorate of Social Work program vary, they may include:

• A  master’s in social work  from an accredited institution (Some programs permit students with a master’s in an associated field like psychology from an accredited college.)
• Transcripts 
• G.P.A. of a least 3.0
• Letters of recommendation
• Field-related work experience

Coursework will likely vary from program to program. However, students can expect to use existing research and data, social work best practices, ethical decision making and advanced theory to promote prevention or intervention strategies that address the needs of a social group or social problem as they progress their education. Some programs offer various specializations, such as criminal justice and policy practice, that may help you meet your goals. A DSW dissertation, capstone research project and in-person residency are components that students are often required to complete. 

Simmons University

Simmons school of social work (ssw).

Simmons University offers an online Doctorate of Social Work (DSW) — MSW required; no GRE required. The program prepares you to become a well-rounded scholar-practitioner through a curriculum focused on three key areas: inclusive leadership, advanced clinical practice, and teaching and education.

• Complete in less than two years full time or less than three years part time 
• MSW required; three years post-MSW work experience required
• No GRE scores required

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Doctor of Philosophy in Social Work (Ph.D.)

A Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in social work may be an ideal pathway for students interested in a career in research or academia. Though  social work career paths  vary person to person, this degree may offer specializations such as mental health, children and families, or substance abuse. The choice is yours to make:Ensure you review the types of specializations available to see if they may align with your career goals or ideal job placements. Like the DSW, you can find  Ph.D. in social work degree programs  offered as on-campus or online formats. Whether you attend full time or part time, you may spend three to five years completing your degree.

Requirements for admission to a Ph.D. in social work program vary; however, the following are common:

• A master’s degree in social work from an accredited school (Some programs accept a master’s in a related field from an accredited institution.)
• Transcript and GPA
• Resume and relevant work experience
• Writing samples

The curriculum of a Ph.D. in social work program varies between schools. However, students may expect a Ph.D. program to focus on advanced research methods and applying those skills in the real world. Some may offer research opportunities with faculty and institutes in nearby areas to focus on topics including child welfare, poverty, mental health services, addiction, gambling, health, and violence against women and children. Typical coursework may include policy, teaching methods, theory, proposal development and statistics. A dissertation is sometimes a requirement for a Ph.D. in social work.

Once you understand the differences between a DSW and a Ph.D. in social work, you can begin to ascertain what career options interest you. However, you may still have questions. We’ve covered some below for your research.

A Ph.D. in social work may allow a graduate to specialize in an area of interest and take on a role as researcher, educator, administrator or policy-maker. As a Ph.D. holder, your education and experience prepare you to shape the future of social work through an advanced position in higher education or a research-oriented or nonprofit organization.   

DSW graduates may find employment in health care facilities, clinical settings and social work organizations, among others. Professionals with a Doctor of Social Work degree may pursue careers such as social work administrators, social or community service managers, advanced practice social workers or nonprofit directors.

Education is an investment of both time and money. It is you who must decide the value of a Ph.D. in social work. While not an ideal path for all students, you should only consider accredited institutions to ensure their programs meet the highest level of quality and hold to rigorous practice standards for those who opt for this advanced degree.

Last updated in December 2020.

LCSW vs. Psychologist Careers

What is the difference between social work and psychology.

If you desire to help others and learn more about human behavior and social needs, then consider a degree in social work or psychology. Receiving a graduate degree in social work or psychology provides you with many more job opportunities and careers options than a bachelor’s degree, though you may also find some work with a bachelor’s degree alone.

You can complete a master’s degree in social work or a master’s degree in psychology and if you choose to continue on, you can complete a doctorate in social work or a doctorate in psychology. In regards to psychology, if you wanted to provide counseling and therapeutic support, receiving a degree in counseling psychology is a good option.

Careers in Social Work and Psychology

There are many similar and different types of jobs you can receive whether you earn a degree in social work or psychology. Typically, the education and foundation of your training has most emphasis in social services and needs if you pursue a degree in social work while a degree in psychology would focus more on human behavior and social sciences.

Social Work Careers with a Bachelor’s Degree

When you complete your bachelor’s degree in social work you are considered a BSW and are eligible for jobs within the social service system, such as a case manager or jobs related to supporting children and families within foster care or child protective services.

Psychology Careers with a Bachelor’s Degree

When you complete your bachelor’s degree in psychology, you are qualified for entry level jobs in mental health and psychological services such as a mental health technician and support staff within a psychiatric hospital. You could also even become an Applied Behavioral Therapist for children with autism. Most of the jobs you can get with a bachelor’s in psychology are typically related to supporting master’s and doctorate level professionals with their client needs and services.

Social Work Careers with a Master’s Degree

When you complete your master’s in social work (MSW), you are able to enter the workforce as a social service and counseling provider. With an MSW you can complete your licensure and become a clinical social worker (LCSW). Here are some jobs you could get following the completion of your MSW and eventually LCSW.

Clinical Social Worker Clinical social workers provide case management and support to children and families and within the social service system, such as foster care and adoption. You can also provide counseling and therapeutic services to children, families, and adults in various settings such as outpatient clinics, intensive outpatient programs, inpatient psychiatric hospitals, substance abuse programs, correction facilities, the military and many others.

Hospital Social Worker As a social worker in a hospital, you are able to provide case management and therapeutic support to patients in a hospital setting that are receiving medical care. An advantage to receiving your master’s degree in social work is that hospitals only typically hire master’s level clinicians that have their LCSW, when you would often need to have your doctorate in psychology to be considered for a psychologist position at a medical hospital.

Management You can also work to become a manager of treatment facilities and organizations providing social services and mental health support. Typically, this position would not be available for entry level employment, but rather you would earn these positions through years of experience. You do not need to complete your LCSW or any other type of licensure to pursue this type of job.

School Social Worker This position requires a specific graduate degree in school social work and would allow you provide counseling and case management support to students in a school setting. You also are able to collaborate, educate, and advocate for mental health needs with school staff and the students. Some school social workers are not required to complete their LCSW licensure to practice within a school, but all require school social work education and a certificate (similar to teachers) for working within schools.

Psychology Careers with a Master’s Degree

When you complete your master’s in psychology, you can work in a variety of jobs related to mental health and social sciences. There are different avenues in education and licensure you must choose between when receiving a master’s in psychology for your future jobs. Here are some careers you are qualified for following the completion of your master’s degree in psychology.

Professional Counselor Following your master’s degree you can work to become a licensed professional counselor (LPC) and provide counseling and therapeutic support to children, families, and/or adults within various settings including outpatient clinics, intensive outpatient programs, inpatient psychiatric hospitals, substance abuse programs, correction facilities, the military and many others.

Marriage and Family Therapist Similar to an LPC, a marriage and family therapist provides counseling and psychotherapy in similar settings, however, their expertise and focus is primarily on couples and family counseling. Furthermore, they become licensed as Marriage and Family therapy (LMFT).

Management You can also work to become a manager of treatment facilities and organizations providing social services and mental health support. Typically, this position would not be available for entry level employment, but rather you would earn these positions through years of experience.

School Counselor or School Psychologist Becoming a school counselor or school psychologist requires a specific graduate degree in school counseling or school psychology, but would allow you provide counseling and mental health support to students in a school setting. You also are able to collaboratively work, educate, and advocate for mental health needs with school staff and the students.

Research Assistant or Coordinator If you desire to focus less on counseling and more on academic and research needs within the field of psychology, then pursuing a professional degree within research is possible with a master’s degree in psychology. Within this field you are able to support psychologist and doctors in specialized areas of psychological research in various settings such as universities, academic hospitals, and professional research organizations.

Social Work Careers with a Doctoral Degree

A doctorate (PhD) in social work typically leads to jobs within an academic setting, either teaching and/or conducting research in the social work field.

Social Worker Social workers that receive their doctorates can also work as a clinician. Doctorate level social workers are just like an LCSW, but have more extensive training and experience as a social worker and when working with clients.

Professor As a professor you will work within a university setting, typically within the department social work, teaching social work courses, providing academic counseling and advisement to social work students, and conducting research within specialized topics related to social and community needs. You would typically not have to earn any specific licensures to become a professor.

Professional Researcher Social workers can also pursue a non-clinical route, conducting research at universities within the social work department or for organizations specializing in areas such as social welfare. You would typically not have to earn any specific licensures to hold research positions.

Administrative Roles There are many type of administrative roles you are qualified for with your doctorate in social work including a clinical director or manager of a mental health treatment center, helping run or manage non-profit organizations, or work in administrative roles and directorial roles within the social service system. You would typically not have to earn any specific licensures and do not always need to have a doctorate to work in an administrative role related to social work, but any of these could make you a more competitive job candidate when applying to administrative positions.

Psychology Careers with a Doctoral Degree

Psychologist You could work as a licensed psychologist and practice in various settings related to mental health treatment such as outpatient clinics or psychiatric or medical hospitals. Psychologists also can provide supervision and advisement to mental health employees, master’s level clinicians, and other psychologists within mental health treatment settings. You must become licensed as a clinical psychologist to hold a psychologist position and work clinically with clients or to provide supervision.

Professor You can work within a university in the psychology department teaching psychology courses, providing academic advisement, and/or conducting research in a desired specialty of psychology. You do not have to become licensed as a psychologist to hold this type of job, but in order to conduct clinical work or counsel clients, you must be licensed.

Professional Researcher You can conduct independent research within specialized areas of psychology for medical or teaching hospitals, universities, or various types of organizations or companies. You do not have to be a licensed psychologist to hold this type of job.

Administrative Roles You can work as a director or president of companies related to mental health or psychology in which you manage departments, employees, and ensure the program or company department is working effectively and efficiently. You can hold high level positions within organizations and companies, and having a doctorate degree makes you a competitive candidate for these types of jobs.

Are the Education Paths for Social Work and Psychology Different?

The biggest difference between social work and psychology is the emphasis and foundation. Social work programs typically focus on social welfare and the social service system and psychology programs typically focus on human behavior and psychological influences of the individual or groups of people. Ultimately, both educational paths train and prepare you to help others as clinicians, educators, and/or researchers. Therefore, the educational paths to work within the field of social work and psychology are similar, but the content and focus of study differs depending on which discipline you choose.

Social Work Education Requirements

A bachelor’s degree in social work, or BSW, allows you to work within entry level roles in the social service system and mental health treatment centers, such as a case manager. A master’s degree in social work, MSW, allows you to work as a clinician and work towards completing your licensure as an LCSW. Many terminal master’s programs (master’s only) focus on training and developing you as clinician in the field, while a master’s program within a doctoral program typically focuses more on clinical research within the field of social work and requires you to complete a research master’s thesis prior to graduating from this type of program. These graduates likely are continuing on to complete a doctorate. A doctorate degree (PhD) in social work allows you to work as a professor, professional researcher, and practice with a deeper and more advanced knowledge within the field of social work, but you would have the same licensure as a master’s level clinician, LCSW. Specifically, you would complete advanced coursework, clinical internships/training, and a dissertation conducting research within your desired area of study related to the field of social work.

Psychology Education Requirements

A bachelor’s degree in psychology allows you to work in entry level positions related to mental health and human behavior. Typically, you will support a licensed clinician in the field, such as an Applied Behavior Analyst (ABA) therapist helping children with autism or as a case manager within the social service system.

A master’s degree in psychology or counseling psychology allows you to become licensed as an LPC or LMFT to provide psychotherapy to clients in various settings and populations. A terminal master’s (master’s only) typically focuses more on counseling and training clinicians to work within the field and often do not require a master’s thesis to graduate. However, if you earn a master’s degree within a psychology doctoral program, your program will tend to focus more heavily on research and training future psychologists within the field of psychology. You usually must complete a master’s thesis requirement prior to graduation. When you complete your doctorate in psychology (PhD or PsyD), you are able to attain a more advanced licensure as a psychologist as opposed to the LPC or LMFT licensure you attain following a master’s degree in psychology.

PhD programs tend to focus more heavily on research and PsyD programs tend to focus more on training future clinicians to work in the field as psychologists, and less on research. While completing a doctorate in psychology you also are trained through practicums to enhance your clinical skills and knowledge, complete advanced psychology coursework, and complete a dissertation within your desired area of psychology. Lastly, if you receive a doctorate in psychology and wish to become licensed as a psychologist, you are required to complete a doctoral internship approved by the American Psychological Association (APA) towards the end of your program in which you apply to external clinical sites and are matched based on your qualifications and areas of interest. This requirement is unique to psychology as you are not required to complete this type of extensive clinical internship when earning your doctorate in social work. If you do not wish to become a licensed psychologist, you can pursue psychology doctoral programs that are solely research focused and do not train you as a clinician in which you could become a professional researcher or professor following graduation.

Licensing in Social Work vs. Psychology

Social work — lcsw.

There is only one form of licensure available when completing a graduate degree in social work and that is an LCSW. Here are the requirements:

1. Earn a master’s or doctoral degree in social work and ensure you have completed the required coursework related to the state you choose to practice within.

2. Complete post-graduate supervised clinical hours. These hour requirements vary by state but most states require about 3,000 hours total, including clinical experience such as face-to-face individual or group counseling and supervision with an approved licensed social worker.

3. Pass the licensing exam which is typically the Association of Social Work Boards (ASWB) national clinical exam and a law and ethics exam that is specific to the state you are applying to practice within.You are required to renew your licensure and complete continuing education in order to maintain an LCSW within the state you are practicing following approval of your LCSW license.

Psychology — LPC or LMFT

Both licensures (LPC and LMFT) allow you to provide psychotherapy in a variety of settings. However, LMFTs specialize in issues related to marriage and families. Here are both the LPC and LMFT requirements:

1. Complete a master’s in psychology. LPC clinicians usually benefit from completing a terminal master’s program that is CACREP accredited, while LMFT clinicians would benefit from completing a program that specializes in marriage and family therapy and is COAMFTE accredited. These accreditations and specializations are not required to achieve these licensures, but typically result in you taking extra courses and specialized training to meet the licensure requirements if your program is not accredited accordingly.

2. Both licensures require you to complete post-graduate supervised clinical hours. These hour requirements vary dependent by state but usually require 3,000 hours total, including clinical experience such as face-to-face individual or group counseling and supervision with an approved supervisor that has worked as an LPC or LMFT for over five years or is a licensed psychologist.

3. Pass the required licensing exam which is typically the National Counselors Exam (NCE) for an LPC and the Marriage and Family Therapy (MFT) Exam for an LMFT.

You are required to renew your licensure and complete required continuing education in order to maintain an LPC or LMFT within the state you are practicing following approval of your license. Some clinicians that complete both of these licensures to increase their knowledge and experience within the field of counseling if you desired.

Psychology — Licensed Psychologist

1. Complete your clinical doctorate (Ph.D. or Psy.D.) in psychology and an APA approved doctoral internship prior to graduation.

2. Complete approved clinically supervised hours that typically require approximately 1,000 hours of clinical experience such as face-to-face individual and group counseling, consultations and assessments, and supervision.

You are required to renew your licensure and complete required continuing education in order to maintain a licensure within the state you are practicing following approval.

Salaries in Social Work vs. Psychology

Salaries with a bachelor’s degree.

Whether your complete your bachelor’s in social work or psychology, you typically are able to enter jobs that provide assistance to clinicians, such as a Social and Human Service Assistant, who make an average salary of $33,120 annually (O*Net, 2018).

Salaries with a Master’s Degree

If you earn a master’s degree in social work, you can work in schools or clinical settings as a Social Worker, which has an average salary of $44,380 annually (O*Net, 2018). If you earn a master’s degree in psychology you can work as a Mental Health Counselor, which has an average salary of $46,740 annually, or as a Marriage and Family Therapist, which has an average salary of $48,790 annually (O*Net, 2018). If you want a career within social science research, either in social work or psychology, you can work as a Social Science Research Assistant and earn an average salary of $46,000 annually (O*Net, 2018).

Salaries with a Doctoral Degree

If you earn a doctorate in social work or psychology you can work in academia, clinical settings, or within research at the most advanced levels. You can work as a Social Work Professor and make an average salary of $64,370 annually or as a Psychology Professor which makes an average salary of $73,770 annually (O*Net, 2018).

If you want to work as a clinician and you pursue a doctorate in social work you could work as an LCSW, described in the master’s salary section. If you pursue a doctorate in psychology you could become licensed as a Clinical Psychologist or a Counseling Psychologist and make an average salary of $75,090 annually (O*Net, 2018). Lastly, you could pursue a career within social work or psychology research and work as a Social Scientist within either field and potentially make an average salary of $79,370 annually (O*Net, 2018).

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