Can You Become a Social Worker with a Psychology Degree?

Choosing a career path that aligns with your passion for helping others can be both exciting and overwhelming. If you’ve earned or are pursuing a psychology degree, you might wonder: can you be a social worker with a psychology degree? The answer is encouraging — many psychology graduates successfully transition into fulfilling social work careers.

With the increasing demand for mental health services, substance abuse counseling, and family support systems, understanding how your background in psychology can open doors in social work is more important than ever. Whether you’re completing an online bachelor’s degree in psychology or have already graduated, this guide will walk you through how to leverage your education toward a career in social work.

What Does a Social Worker Do?

Social workers serve as advocates, counselors, and problem-solvers for individuals and communities in need. They help people address challenges related to mental health, housing, education, employment, and relationships, working to promote overall well-being. You’ll find social workers in a variety of environments, including hospitals, schools, government agencies, nonprofit organizations, and private practice settings.

Depending on their specialization, social workers may:

Provide counseling and therapy to individuals, families, or groups.
Connect clients with community resources like food assistance, housing support, and healthcare services.
Advocate for policy changes to improve social conditions at the local, state, or national level.
Manage cases and coordinate services across multiple agencies.
Conduct assessments and develop treatment or support plans.

It’s also helpful to understand the difference between clinical and non-clinical social work roles. Clinical social workers (such as LCSWs) are licensed to provide mental health therapy, while non-clinical social workers often focus on case management and community advocacy.

If you are weighing your options between becoming a social worker or pursuing another mental health career, exploring the distinction between LCSW vs. psychologist can help you decide which path best fits your professional goals.

Can You Be a Social Worker with a Psychology Degree?

If you are asking, can you be a social worker with a psychology degree, the answer is yes — but there are some important steps to consider. A bachelor’s degree in psychology provides a strong foundation in understanding human behavior, mental health, and social dynamics, all of which are essential in social work practice. However, a psychology degree alone typically does not qualify you for licensed social work positions.

To become a licensed social worker, especially in clinical roles, most states require a Master of Social Work (MSW) from a program accredited by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE). Fortunately, many MSW programs accept students with undergraduate degrees in psychology, recognizing the relevance of their coursework and training.

If you have earned or are completing an online bachelor’s degree in psychology, you are still very much on the right path. Some students also strengthen their applications by gaining volunteer experience, internships, or coursework focused on sociology, counseling, or human services.

Educational Pathways for Aspiring Social Workers

Earning a psychology degree opens several doors for those interested in social work careers. If you already have or are working toward an online bachelor’s degree in psychology, you may wonder what your next steps should be. In most cases, pursuing a Master of Social Work (MSW) is the key to becoming a licensed professional social worker.

Many MSW programs are designed to accept students from a variety of academic backgrounds, including psychology. Some offer advanced standing options for those who have a Bachelor of Social Work (BSW), but psychology graduates are still eligible for traditional MSW pathways. These programs typically last two years and combine coursework with field placements to provide hands-on experience.

If you are considering graduate school, it’s important to evaluate key features of MSW programs, including:

Accreditation by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE).
Curriculum options that align with your career goals, such as clinical practice or policy advocacy.
Field placement opportunities that offer meaningful real-world experience.
Flexible program formats, including online, hybrid, or traditional in-person classes.

Whether you attended classes in person or completed an online bachelor’s degree in psychology, graduate schools will often evaluate your academic performance, relevant experience, and letters of recommendation when considering your application.

Skills That Psychology Majors Bring to Social Work

Psychology majors bring a wide range of valuable skills that translate seamlessly into social work practice. Through their undergraduate training, they develop strong empathy and active listening abilities, which are essential for building trust and understanding clients’ experiences. Critical thinking is another major strength, allowing future social workers to assess complex client needs, develop effective treatment plans, and navigate ethical dilemmas.

Some of the most transferable skills include:

Empathy and active listening for client-centered support.
Critical thinking and ethical decision-making.
Research and data analysis for evidence-based practice.
Strong verbal and written communication skills.
Creative problem-solving in complex situations.

Research and data analysis skills, common in psychology programs, help in evaluating social service programs and applying evidence-based approaches in practice. Clear communication, both written and verbal, is equally important for counseling clients and collaborating with interdisciplinary teams. Finally, psychology majors are often well-practiced in creative problem-solving, an ability that proves critical when helping clients overcome barriers and achieve personal goals. These competencies form a solid foundation for success in MSW programs and future social work careers.

Common Career Paths for Psychology Majors in Social Work

Psychology graduates entering the field of social work have a variety of career options, depending on their education level and licensing status. Some common paths include:

Case Manager: Helps clients navigate healthcare, housing, or social service systems by coordinating resources and services.
Behavioral Health Technician: Assists clinical teams in delivering mental health services to patients, often in residential or outpatient settings.
School Social Worker: Supports students dealing with behavioral, emotional, or social challenges that impact learning.
Substance Abuse Counselor: Works with individuals struggling with addiction, providing therapy and support to aid recovery (may require additional certification).
Child Welfare Specialist: Advocates for children’s safety and well-being, often working within child protective services or foster care systems.
Medical Social Worker: Assists patients and families dealing with serious illness, offering emotional support, care planning, and resource referrals.

Earning an MSW and gaining licensure can open the door to even more advanced roles, such as Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW), private practice therapist, or program director in social services agencies.

Licensing and Certification

After completing your MSW, the next step is earning your professional license. Each state has its own licensing requirements, but the general process typically includes:

Completing 2,000 to 3,000 hours of supervised clinical experience after earning your MSW.
Passing a licensing exam administered by the Association of Social Work Boards (ASWB).
Submitting an application to your state’s social work board, along with any required documentation or background checks.

Those pursuing a clinical path will work toward becoming a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW). It’s important to understand how an LCSW differs from a psychologist. While both provide mental health services, LCSWs focus on therapy and client advocacy within community settings, whereas psychologists often specialize in assessment, testing, and diagnosis, requiring a doctoral degree.

Job Outlook and Salary Potential

Social work offers strong job prospects across multiple sectors. The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects a 7 percent growth rate for social workers between 2022 and 2032, which is faster than average for all occupations.

Depending on your area of specialization, you could work in settings such as:

Hospitals and healthcare facilities
Schools and educational institutions
Mental health clinics and substance abuse centers
Child welfare and family support agencies

Salaries vary across specializations:

Healthcare social workers earn a median of $60,280 annually.
Mental health and substance abuse social workers typically earn around $51,240.
Child, family, and school social workers report median earnings near $51,030.

Advanced credentials like the LCSW license and specialization in high-demand areas can increase earning potential over time.

Tips for Psychology Majors Interested in Social Work

Psychology majors already have a strong foundation for success in social work careers. However, a few extra steps can enhance your transition:

Volunteer or intern in social services, mental health clinics, or community organizations to gain real-world experience.
Enroll in elective courses in areas like sociology, human services, or counseling.
Build professional relationships early for mentorship and future recommendations.

If you’re studying for an online bachelor’s degree in psychology, the flexibility can allow you to pursue internships while completing coursework. Joining professional organizations like the National Association of Social Workers (NASW) is another smart move for networking and staying updated on industry trends.

Important Factors When Choosing an MSW Program

Selecting the right MSW program is an important decision that can impact your future career success. Look for programs that are accredited by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE) to ensure you meet licensure requirements.

It’s also worth considering the program format that best suits your lifestyle, whether that’s online, hybrid, or in-person. Some programs offer concentrations in areas like clinical social work, healthcare, or child welfare, allowing you to specialize early. Pay attention to the quality of field placement opportunities as well — strong internships can lead directly to employment after graduation.

Finally, compare tuition costs, financial aid options, and program duration to find the right fit for your academic and financial goals.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Can I become a social worker without an MSW?
Some entry-level roles in social services are open to bachelor’s degree holders, such as case manager or community outreach coordinator positions. However, if you want to provide therapy, diagnose mental health conditions, or hold clinical titles, an MSW and licensure are required.

What’s the difference between an LCSW and a psychologist?
An LCSW holds a Master of Social Work degree and is licensed to provide counseling, case management, and client advocacy. A psychologist typically holds a doctoral degree (Ph.D. or Psy.D.) and is trained to conduct psychological testing, make diagnoses, and treat mental health disorders, often using more intensive clinical approaches.

Are there accelerated MSW programs for psychology majors?
While accelerated MSW programs are primarily designed for students with a Bachelor of Social Work (BSW), some schools allow psychology majors with strong academic records and relevant experience to complete an MSW in an expedited timeframe.

Do MSW programs require specific prerequisite courses if I have a psychology degree?
It depends on the program. Some MSW programs may prefer applicants who have completed coursework in areas like sociology, human services, or statistics. If your psychology program covered topics like social psychology, abnormal psychology, or counseling techniques, you are likely well-prepared.

Can I work while pursuing my MSW degree?
Many MSW students work part-time or hold flexible jobs while completing their degrees. Some programs are specifically designed to accommodate working students, offering evening classes, weekend intensives, or fully online course options.

Is it possible to specialize within social work after completing my MSW?
Yes. Many MSW programs offer specializations or “concentrations” in areas such as clinical social work, healthcare social work, school social work, substance abuse counseling, or social policy and advocacy. Specializing can help align your education with your career goals.

How long does it take to become an LCSW after earning an MSW?
After completing your MSW, it typically takes two to three years to complete the required supervised clinical hours (usually 2,000 to 3,000 hours, depending on state regulations). Once those hours are completed, you must pass a clinical licensing exam to become an LCSW.

What financial aid options are available for MSW students?
Students pursuing an MSW can explore federal financial aid (such as FAFSA), school-specific scholarships, graduate assistantships, and state-funded grants. Some employers also offer tuition reimbursement programs for employees seeking degrees in social work fields.

Next Steps for Future Social Workers

If you are serious about becoming a social worker after earning your psychology degree, start by identifying MSW programs that fit your goals. Prioritize schools accredited by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE) to ensure you meet licensure requirements later on.

In the meantime: