Grand Canyon University : Bachelor's Degree in Counseling (Affordable Program with No Out of State Tuition)
Syracuse University : Master of Social Work (CSWE accredited. Standard and Advanced Standing tracks. No GRE required.)
Capella University : Counseling & Therapy (CACREP Accreditation. Master's and PhD options avaialble. )
Fordham University : Master of Social Work (Earn an MSW online. Traditional and advanced standing online MSW options are available. Accredited by the CSWE.)
Northwestern University : Online MA in Counseling (CACREP Accredited)
NYU Steinhardt : Online MA in Counseling for Mental Health and Wellness (MPCAC accredited, GRE not required)
Pepperdine University : Master’s Clinical Psychology (Licensed Professional Counselor) (No GRE required) NYU Steinhardt : Master of Arts in Counseling and Guidance: School and Bilingual School Counseling (Accredited by the Masters in Psychology and Counseling Accreditation Council (MPCAC) under the Masters in Counseling Accreditation Committee (MCAC) standards.)
Our Lady of the Lake University : Online Master of Arts in Counseling (No entrance exam required to apply)Social Worker Requirements
One of the first ways to understand the differences between social work vs. counseling is to understand the requirements of each. For entry-level positions, social worker requirements include a bachelor’s degree in social work (BSW). For more advanced roles—including as a licensed clinical social worker (LCSW)—you will typically need a Master’s Degree in Social Work (MSW).
Fieldwork
Note that as part of your degree, you’ll be expected to complete a certain number of hours of fieldwork in which you provide social services for your community under the supervision of a licensed social worker. This will give you a chance to use the skills you’ve learned in college, which allows you to help people and also get a sense of the job before you graduate and enter the field. The number of hours of fieldwork you need varies depending on your program, but it’s usually at least 500 hours, sometimes more.
Licensing
The next step in becoming a social worker is to apply for your state license. This will require you to pass the Association of Social Work Boards (ASWB) test. Once you pass the exam, you can apply for licensure from your state. In many cases, getting licensed will require you to earn additional experience while working under the direct supervision of a licensed social worker. At this point, you may also wish to consider choosing a specialty when it comes to this career, such as working with children, families, or senior citizens.
Continuing Education
No matter what job title and work environment you end up with, you’ll have to earn continuing education credits to keep your license in social work, so be prepared to keep taking social work courses consistently throughout your career. Depending on your state and license, that may be anywhere from 20 to 50 continuing education units for each renewal period.
Counselor Schooling Requirements
As you learn how to differentiate social work vs. counseling, it’s a good idea to go over the counseling schooling requirements. To start, most licensed professional school counselors need a minimum of a master’s degree, typically in a program like Clinical Mental Health Counseling. Before obtaining a master’s degree, it can be helpful to have a bachelor’s degree in psychology or a related major.
Take the Right Courses
Your undergraduate classes may include classwork in human development, patient assessment, foundations of behavior, statistics, and elective courses relevant to specific counseling roles, such as substance abuse or family counseling. Master’s degrees are more specialized. Curricula will likely also include counseling techniques, research modeling, and statistics.
Fieldwork
Much like social workers, counselor students must complete clinical experience by working in their chosen field under the supervision of licensed professionals. The number of pre-graduation supervised hours that counseling students are required to pursue will be based on state licensing requirements and program requirements, so check with your school to find out how to proceed.
Licensing
Once you complete the counseling schooling requirements, you’ll need to get licensed in your state. To do this, you’ll first have to pass a test to show you’ve mastered the skills you will need to use as a counselor. These tests vary depending on the state, with the National Counselor Examination (NCE) or the National Clinical Mental Health Counselor Examination (NCMHCE) being two of the most common exams to take. Passing the required test and getting your license will allow you to offer a wide variety of counseling services, including psychotherapy and mental health testing.
Consider a Featured Online Counseling Program
| School and Program Information | Online Program? Entry Requirements |
Course Information |
|---|---|---|
| Grand Canyon University
Bachelor's Degree in Counseling
HLC Accredited |
✔ 100% Online
Affordable with No Out of State Tuition |
Programs include BS in Counseling with an Emphasis in Addiction, Chemical Dependency, and Substance Abuse; BS in Psychology; and BS in Behavioral Health Science. Learn More |
| Syracuse University
Master of Social Work
CSWE accredited |
✔ Online
No GRE Required |
Syracuse University’s CSWE-accredited online Master of Social Work program is preparing the next generation of social work leaders through an emphasis on digital innovation and social justice. Learn More |
| Capella University
Counseling & Therapy
 CACREP Accredited |
✔ Online
GRE Not Required |
Offering Master's in Clinical Mental Health Counseling and School Counseling; and Advanced Studies in Human Behavior and Counselor Education and Supervision (PhD). Learn More |
| Fordham University
Master of Social Work
Accredited by the CSWE. |
✔ Online
Bachelor's Degree |
Fordham’s top-ranked Graduate School of Social Service offers a future-focused online MSW program, preparing students for integrated practice with all populations. Bachelor's degree required. Learn More |
| Northwestern University
Online MA in Counseling
CACREP Accredited |
✔ Online
GRE Not Required Bachelor's Required |
Prepare to pursue licensure in as few as 18 months Learn MoreFull-time, part-time, and accelerated track options available |
| NYU Steinhardt
Online MA in Counseling for Mental Health and Wellness
 MPCAC Accredited |
✔ Online
GRE not required; Bachelor’s degree and minimum 2.5 GPA required |
As few as 21 months to complete Learn More |
| Pepperdine University
Master’s Clinical Psychology (Licensed Professional Counselor)
|
✔ Online
No GRE Required Bachelor's Degree Required |
Bachelor's holders can prepare to become a licensed professional counselor online. With no GRE scores required to apply, the 24 month online MA in Clinical Psychology from Pepperdine allows you to advance your career and be a catalyst of change. Learn More |
| NYU Steinhardt
Master of Arts in Counseling and Guidance: School and Bilingual School Counseling
MPCAC Accredited |
✔ Online
Bachelor's required. GRE scores are not required. |
Prepare to become a school counselor with NYU Steinhardt’s online master’s in Counseling and Guidance program. The online MA degree gives you the knowledge and skills to pursue certification and employment in pre-K–12 schools nationwide in as few as 18 mos. Bachelor’s required: Learn more. GRE scores are not required. Learn More |
| Our Lady of the Lake University
Online Master of Arts in Counseling
|
✔ Online
No GRE required. |
Help students navigate the emotional terrain of getting an education, empower people of all ages to overcome mental health hurdles, or support someone recovering from drug addiction as they obtain or maintain a job, with the Master of Arts in Counseling from OLLU. Learn More |
*Sponsored Counseling Programs
Online CACREP Accredited programs | Online MPCAC Accredited programs
Accreditation for Social Work vs. Counseling
Another difference between social work vs. counseling is the types of accreditations to look for before entering each field. With both careers, you need to attend a school that is accredited by the right agency. But that agency varies when it comes to social work vs. counseling degree programs.
If you want to get into social work, you should look for a college that is accredited by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE), as this is the main accrediting agency for this field. If you want to be a counselor, look into schools that are accredited by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling & Related Educational Programs (CACREP), as this is the most common agency for counseling programs.
Difference Between Social Workers and Counselors
The difference between social work vs. counseling roles is primarily the focus. Social work focuses mainly on resources and access to services. Counselors focus on advising people.
Counselors can work in many settings in education, mental health, and vocational organizations. Some counselors work as school and career counselors to help students or professionals reach education and career goals. They can also work in a clinical setting to help with substance abuse, behavioral disorders, and mental health. Counseling work is primarily about assessing and treating people with mental health concerns, and helping them reach goals such as overcoming losses, substance abuse cessation, and anger management.
Social work, as a complement to counseling work, puts more focus on helping clients with accessing resources. While social workers may perform some initial intake counseling, this counseling is usually to assess a person’s needs for resources. A social worker is someone who helps individuals and families improve their lives with access to basic needs, such as food, shelter, and safety. Some social workers focus on managing resources and directly helping people.
Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW)
Licensed clinical social workers or LCSWs are similar to counselors. These social workers are licensed to offer clinical psychotherapy and other mental health treatments, in addition to helping their clients find resources.
Case Manager in Social Services
Case managers are professionals who coordinate care and resources for their clients. They work with agencies and organizations to help people access the care they need. Their role includes limited intake interviews with clients to understand their needs and connect them with services. During the time a client receives services, a case manager may monitor the situation to ensure that clients receive the services they need or have additional service needs.
Behavior Specialist
A behavioral specialist is a mental health professional who interviews patients to help develop treatment plans. Their job is to assess, analyze, and intervene with patients who want to change their behaviors. Some areas for behavioral specialists are substance abuse, ADHD or Autism Spectrum Disorders, personality disorders, and childhood developmental delays.
Care Coordinator
Care coordinators or patient care coordinators are responsible for helping patients schedule, organize, and manage healthcare maintenance and treatment. A care coordinator’s duties include helping patients complete necessary paperwork, communicating with healthcare teams, and educating patients about health resources and health management options.
Grand Canyon University - Bachelor's Degree in Counseling (HLC Accredited)
Syracuse University - Master of Social Work (CSWE Accredited)
Capella University - Counseling & Therapy (CACREP Accredited)
Fordham University - Master of Social Work (CSWE Accredited)
Northwestern University - Online MA in Counseling (CACREP Accredited)
NYU Steinhardt - Online MA in Counseling for Mental Health and Wellness (MPCAC Accredited)
Pepperdine University - Master’s Clinical Psychology (Licensed Professional Counselor)
Our Lady of the Lake University - Online Master of Arts in Counseling (SACSCOC Accredited)
Social Work vs. Counseling Salary
Salaries for social work vs. counseling tend to be rather close. For instance, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) states that as of May 2020, the median annual salary for social workers was $51,760. The same source states that the median annual salary for counselors as of May 2020 was $47,660. But salaries can vary based on what specialties you choose within social work vs. counseling careers.
Healthcare Social Worker
If you work in a healthcare setting, you can likely make a little more than the average social worker does. BLS reported that the median annual wage of a healthcare social worker was $57,630 as of May 2020.
Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW)
If you become an LCSW and offer a combination of therapy and help with resources—such as assistance with finding a job and getting housing—you can earn a little more than an average social worker salary. The annual median wage for this job is about $59,800 as of March 2022, according to PayScale.
Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT)
If you want to counsel married couples and families, you’ll likely be paid more than an average counselor would. PayScale states that the median salary for this title was about $58,900 as of March 2022.
Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC)
An LPC can make about $54,000 per year as of March 2022, according to PayScale.
Social Work vs. Counseling: Which Degree Is Right for Me?
If you’re trying to decide between social work vs. counseling degree programs, there are a few details to consider. First, these options have a lot in common, as both degrees allow you to help people of all ages once you start your career. There are some slight differences between social work vs. counseling, though.
Social Work
With a degree in social work, you’ll learn about ways to help people overcome the effects of various societal issues, including drug addiction, mental illness, poverty, and medical issues. As such, you might want to use your social work degree to become a social worker at a school, hospital, doctor office, army base, or rehabilitation facility. With this degree, you can advise people on their next steps and put them in touch with the resources they need to improve their life. Fortunately, the BLS reports that the job outlook for social workers is good, as this career is expected to grow 12% from 2020 to 2030, which is faster than average.
Counseling
On the other hand, getting a degree in counseling lets you get a better understanding of human thoughts and behaviors so you can provide guidance to people who are struggling with a variety of problems. This means you’ll mostly be listening to and advising people who need help. When you get a degree in counseling, you can become a counselor for families, students, veterans, or anyone struggling with mental health or addiction issues. This career is in high demand, as the BLS predicts 23% growth from 2020 to 2030—much faster than average.
As you can see, both careers are predicted to grow quickly in the near future, so you can expect a lot of job options for both social work vs. counseling. The right degree for you just depends on whether you want to provide both guidance and resources for people or focus on listening to and advising them when they need counseling.
Social Worker and Counselor FAQ
Can you be a counselor with a social work degree?
A counselor needs a graduate degree and often has a focus on a specialized area, such as substance abuse, grief, adolescent counseling, or family therapy. If you are a social worker who obtains a clinical social worker license, you can provide counseling services, however holding this license does not make you a licensed mental health counselor. The two licenses are different. Some people choose to get licensed in one area, while some may choose to pursue both licenses.
Can social workers be counselors?
Licensed clinical social workers provide some counseling services. However, being a licensed social worker (LSW) or licensed clinical social worker (LCSW) doesn’t automatically make you a licensed counselor. The two licenses are different.
Can a social worker provide mental health counseling?
Licensed mental health counselors have the training and credentials to provide a full range of mental health counseling. A clinically licensed social worker may be able to provide mental health counseling. They should check with their licensing board and the laws in their state to ensure they are practicing within the scope of their license.
LMHC vs. LCSW Pros and Cons
Licensed Mental Health Counselors (LMHCs) and Licensed Clinical Social Workers (LCSWs) can provide counseling services to clients. Both careers require a master’s degree. However, the coursework each pursues and roles are different, as are many of the types of services either is able to provide under the license. An LCSW focuses primarily on support and helps clients find and obtain resources. Their counseling roles are limited. LMHCs, on the other hand, focus on patient mental health and counseling and can give their clients full counseling services.
Sources:
Association of Social Work Boards (ASWB)
National Counselor Examination
BLS – Social Workers
BLS – Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselors
PayScale – LCSW
PayScale – LMFT
PayScale – LPC
List of Programs
Grand Canyon University 🗹 Online
Syracuse University 🗹 Online 🗗 Masters
Capella University 🗹 Online 🗗 Masters 🗗 Doctorate
Fordham University 🗹 Online 🗗 Masters
Northwestern University 🗹 Online 🗗 Masters
NYU Steinhardt 🗹 Online 🗗 Masters
Pepperdine University 🗹 Online
NYU Steinhardt 🗹 Online 🗗 Masters
Our Lady of the Lake University 🗹 Online 🗗 Masters
University of Denver 🗹 Online 🗗 Masters
Our Lady of the Lake University 🗹 Online 🗗 Bachelors 🗗 Masters
Case Western Reserve University 🗹 Online 🗗 Masters
Liberty University 🗹 Online
Southern New Hampshire University (SNHU) 🗹 Online 🗗 Masters 🗗 Bachelors
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Our Lady of the Lake University 🗹 Online 🗗 Masters
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