Okay, so I’ve been digging into this whole “Master’s in Social Work vs. Psychology” thing for a while now, and let me tell you, it’s been a journey! I started out totally confused, so I figured I’d share my whole process in case it helps anyone else out there.
Figuring Out My Own Goals
First, I spent a good chunk of time just thinking about what I actually want to do. Like, really getting down to the nitty-gritty. Did I want to work directly with people, helping them with their day-to-day struggles? Or was I more interested in the research side of things, trying to understand why people behave the way they do?
I even took many online free career quizzes,It’s really helpful.
Diving into the Research – MSW First
Once I had a slightly clearer picture (still fuzzy, but better!), I started researching MSW programs. I looked at a bunch of different university websites, reading through their program descriptions and course requirements. I made a big old spreadsheet (because who doesn’t love a good spreadsheet?) to compare things like:
- Coursework: What classes would I actually be taking?
- Fieldwork: How much hands-on experience would I get?
- Specializations: Could I focus on a specific area, like child welfare or mental health?
- Tuition cost: I have done some budgeting.
Then, Psychology Time!
Next up, I did the same thing for psychology master’s programs. This was a bit trickier, because there are SO many different types of psychology degrees. I focused mostly on clinical and counseling psychology, since those seemed closest to what I was interested in. Again, I added all the info to my trusty spreadsheet, comparing it to the MSW programs.
Reaching Out and Talking to People
Reading stuff online is helpful, but it’s not the same as talking to real people. So, I started reaching out to folks who actually have these degrees. I found some social workers and psychologists on social media, and I sent them messages asking if they’d be willing to chat. I asked them about their experiences, what they liked and disliked about their jobs, and what advice they had for someone like me.
Weighing the Pros and Cons and Making Some Notes
After all that research and talking to people, I finally started to see some clear differences. I made a big list of pros and cons for each path, based on my own goals and priorities.
For the MSW, I liked the emphasis on social justice and advocacy, and the fact that there seemed to be a lot of job opportunities. But, I was a little worried about the lower earning potential compared to some psychology fields.
For psychology, I liked the deeper dive into the science of the mind, and the potential to specialize in a very specific area. But, I was concerned about the longer path to licensure and the more competitive job market.
The “Aha!” Moment (Maybe?)
Honestly, I’m still not 100% sure which path is the “right” one for me. But, going through this whole process has helped me clarify my thinking A LOT. I have a much better understanding of what each degree entails, and what kind of career I might be able to build with *, I’m leaning towards… well, I’m still figuring that out! But I’ll keep you posted. I will do some part-time jobs related to them.
It’s a big decision, and it takes time. But I hope by sharing my messy, imperfect process, it might help someone else feel a little less lost. Just remember to do your research, talk to people, and most importantly, trust your gut!
