MSW Programs
Schools with MSW Programs
Social Work Licensure
Social Worker Careers with an MSW Degree
Social Work Licensure
Social Work as a field focuses on providing services to populations in need within the broader social service system. Social Workers can become licensed at different degree levels, which can then lead these professionals into various roles within the broad social work field.
When considering the differences between Counselors and Social Workers, the comparison often focuses on social work professionals who have completed a Master of Social Work program and achieved licensure. Master ‘s-level social work professionals can provide Counseling services while under the supervision of a Licensed Clinical Social Worker.
Quick Comparison: Counselor vs Social Worker
| Aspect | Counselor | Social Worker |
|---|---|---|
| Minimum Education | Master’s in Counseling | Bachelor’s (BSW) for basic roles, Master’s (MSW) for clinical work |
| License to Practice Independently | Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) | Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) |
| Scope of Practice | Mental health therapy and counseling | Case management, advocacy, policy work, and clinical therapy |
| Work Settings | Private practice, mental health centers, and schools | Hospitals, schools, government agencies, private practice, courts |
| Median Annual Salary (2024) | $63,710 – $95,000 | $51,760 – $95,700 (varies by specialization) |
Social Workers: Comprehensive Overview
Social Workers are professionals who work with a wide range of clients in the Social Service field. This can include client advocacy in the court system, working with families that receive services from the Department of Human Services and Children’s Services, and even with clients who have experienced various forms of crisis or trauma.
The field of social work encompasses many more dimensions than counseling. Social Workers can be classified into different categories depending on their current degree level and type of licensing.
Bachelor’s Level Social Work (BSW)
At the bachelor’s level, Social Workers can pursue licensure and participate in case management positions. While this is a popular degree level for Social Work professionals, bachelor’s licensees do not have the clearance to provide Counseling services to their clients.
Master’s Level Social Work (MSW)
Students who complete the Master of Social Work degree program and become licensed can qualify to provide Counseling services to their clients. If you were to achieve your license as a master’s Social Worker, you could provide direct mental health counseling to many different populations while working under the direct supervision of a Licensed Clinical Social Worker.
MSW Counselors cannot operate independently through private practice. Social Work graduates who are interested in pursuing a career in private mental health practice must complete additional training and supervision to become a Licensed Clinical Social Worker.
Clinical Social Work (LCSW)
As an LCSW, the career duties of Social Workers can mimic those of the Licensed Professional Counselor. The therapies, assessments, and processes used by each are comparable, while the LCSW can provide more diverse career options directly associated with the Social Work field.
Counselors: Professional Overview
A Counselor is a licensed mental health professional that is focused on helping people manage the symptoms of mental health disorders, assisting with developing strategies for working through complex family issues or trauma, and providing regular therapy to people in need.
The role of the Counselor is strictly defined in the mental health setting, with some professionals applying these skills in schools, specialized treatment centers, addiction facilities, and even businesses. While the career setting can vary depending on the type of work you do, the processes you can use to help others are usually the same regardless of where you practice.
Counselor Specializations
In your daily role as a Counselor, you can work with children, young adults, or the aging population, helping them find creative ways to manage their emotions. Some Counselors may also specialize in cognitive behavioral therapies that can assist their clients with addressing traumas, fears, or experiences throughout the process.
The reason that Counselors can be found in so many settings is that their focus is on healing people. Counselors can help individuals navigate the general stress associated with specific career fields or provide acute services during times of crisis or injury.
Key Similarities Between Counselors and Social Workers
If you were to observe a Counselor providing services to a client, it may look remarkably similar to an MSW providing mental health services. At this level, the roles of the Counselor and Social Worker can be interchangeable, using the same type of therapies and working with the same clients.
Counseling is a field that provides mental health services to a wide range of clients, including those involved in social services and the general public. Social Workers who are qualified to provide therapeutic services can also provide these types of services to clients in the community, rather than just those involved with social service agencies.
Shared Treatment Approaches
Breaking down each discipline, the initial meeting with clients typically involves gathering information, completing assessments, and planning treatment. Each client presents a unique case that requires individualized planning for optimum healing. The process of treatment development may be identical within each realm of services.
The educational requirements for providing therapeutic services for each discipline are also similar. Both professionals are required to complete a master’s program and obtain licensure before they can provide counseling services.
Education Requirements Comparison
| Degree Level | Counseling Path | Social Work Path |
|---|---|---|
| Undergraduate | Bachelor’s in Psychology, Counseling, or related field | Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) – can lead to licensure |
| Graduate | Master’s in Counseling (required for licensure) | Master of Social Work (MSW) – required for clinical practice |
| Clinical Experience | Supervised practicum and internship during the program | Field placement during BSW/MSW programs |
| Post-Graduation | 1-2 years supervised practice for LPC | 2-4 years supervised practice for LCSW |
Counselor Education Requirements
Students interested in becoming licensed Counselors can begin with a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology, Counseling, or Social Work. These undergraduate programs can prepare learners by teaching the most basic elements of the brain and the mental processes associated with emotional and behavioral development.
Completion of the undergraduate program can then lead to Master’s of Counseling programs, which are the minimum degree requirement for licensure as a counselor. This 2-3 year program can include aspects focused on assessing needs and providing individualized therapy services, as well as some aspects related to group Counseling.
Social Work Education Requirements
If you were to begin with a Social Work bachelor’s program, you could obtain a license in your field at this level. However, Licensed Bachelor’s Social Workers are not qualified to provide Counseling services, only case management services related to Social Work roles.
Students in Social Work programs interested in becoming Counselors must complete a minimum of a Master’s degree in Social Work prior to establishing the credentials for Counseling. Completing the MSW program and obtaining licensure can allow graduates to provide Counseling services while under the supervision of a Licensed Clinical Social Worker.
Career Options and Salary Expectations
According to Bureau of Labor Statistics data, both counselors and social workers have strong job growth projections, with social work positions expected to grow 12% through 2030, much faster than the average for all occupations.
Counselor Career Paths
Counseling degree programs and licensure training can include a focus on various career paths throughout your career. Some of the most popular career options for Counseling professionals include clinical mental health counselors, School Counselors, Marriage and Family Counselors, and Career Counselors.
Most mental health positions can be found in local Counseling agencies or individuals working in private practice. School Counselors can be employed by school systems to support students across various age ranges. Career search agencies, military branches, and social service agencies may also employ Counselors to provide direct services to their clients.
Social Work Career Opportunities
If you were to pursue a career in Counseling through a Social Work degree program, you could have access to more versatile career options during your work experience. Since MSW holders can provide Counseling services, you could also have access to the same groups as Counseling graduates, as long as you have the required supervision without the LCSW credential.
Social Work graduates who pursue LCSW certification can work in private practice, providing Counseling services to the general public or to specific groups, depending on their specialization. Social Work professionals can also work with social services agencies, even holding dual roles within their organization.
Licensing and Certification Requirements
In order to become a Counselor in any state, you may be required to complete an accredited Master of Counseling program, participate in a supervised clinical experience under the supervision of licensed professionals, and sit for a board examination for Counselors. Licensing can then be achieved through registering with your state Counseling board.
For Social Workers interested in providing independent counseling services, obtaining the LCSW credential requires additional supervised experience beyond the MSW degree. This process typically takes 2-4 years of post-graduation supervised practice, depending on the requirements of your state.
Which Path Is Right for You?
If you are interested in pursuing a career in Counseling, you should have a profound desire to help those that you serve. Counselors work with clients who are experiencing dissatisfaction with their lives or current situations, making positivity an excellent trait to have as a professional in this field.
Social Work offers broader career flexibility, allowing professionals to work in advocacy, policy development, case management, and clinical practice. The field provides opportunities to address systemic issues while also offering direct client services.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can social workers provide therapy?
Yes, but it depends on their level of education and licensing. Social workers with an MSW can provide therapy under supervision, while those with an LCSW can practice independently. Bachelor ‘s-level social workers (BSW) cannot provide therapy services.
What’s the main difference in the scope of practice?
Counselors focus primarily on mental health therapy and counseling services. Social workers have a broader scope that includes case management, advocacy, policy work, community organizing, and clinical therapy, depending on their specialization and licensing level.
Which profession has better job prospects?
Both professions have excellent job growth projections. Social work is expected to grow by 12% through 2030, while counseling roles are also projected to experience significant growth. Social work may offer a more diverse range of career paths across various sectors.
Can I switch between counseling and social work careers?
With additional education and licensing requirements, it’s possible to transition between fields. Many skills are transferable, but you may need additional coursework or supervised experience to meet licensing requirements in your new chosen field.
Which field offers higher earning potential?
Earning potential varies by specialization, location, and experience level. Licensed clinical professionals in both fields can earn similar salaries, with private practice often offering the highest income potential. Geographic location and specialization have a significant impact on salary ranges.
Making Your Decision
Counseling and Social Work are both unique degree fields that provide high-value services to clients in need. While the disciplines of each option are highly unique, the mental health aspect of each can be remarkably similar.
Consider your long-term career goals, preferred work settings, and interest in broader social issues versus focused therapeutic work when making your decision. Both paths offer rewarding opportunities to make a meaningful difference in people’s lives.
Whether you choose to pursue careers in social work or counseling, both professions provide essential services to communities and offer stable, growing career opportunities with the potential for significant personal and professional fulfillment.
