Northwestern University : Online MA in Counseling (CACREP Accredited)
Walden University : MS in School Counseling (CACREP Accredited) Walden University : MS in Clinical Mental Health Counseling (CACREP Accredited, six specializations to choose from)
Liberty University : MSW: Social Work (100% online, 8-week courses)
Grand Canyon University : Master's Degree in Counseling (Affordable Program with No Out of State Tuition) Liberty University : MA: Clinical Mental Health Counseling (CACREP Accredited) (Online with required intensives)
Syracuse University : Master of Social Work (CSWE accredited. Standard and Advanced Standing tracks. No GRE required.)
The Chicago School : M.A. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling (Online Programs. CACREP Accredited.)
University of Denver : Master of Arts in School Counseling (No GRE required)Social Work vs. Counseling: Similarities
Social work and counseling require similar skills and roles that can overlap. In many respects, these roles complement and support each other. Social work can lead to the counseling people need, and counseling can lead to the social services people need. Social work and counseling can work together to make lives more productive.
In general, counseling focuses on assessing, treating, and advising people about their emotional or behavioral concerns and helping them meet goals. Social work helps people access the resources they need to meet their goals more easily.
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 becoming 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 must 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 the opportunity 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, 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. Be prepared to continue 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 more about the difference between social work and counseling, it’s a good idea to review 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 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 is based on state licensing requirements and program requirements. 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 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 |
|---|---|---|
| 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 |
| Walden University
MS in School Counseling
CACREP Accredited |
✔ Online
GRE scores not required |
School counselors help students overcome obstacles and shape successful futures. Walden’s online MS in School Counseling program will give you a solid foundation in school counseling theories, approaches, and best practices while enabling you to gain hands-on experience. Learn More |
| Walden University
MS in Clinical Mental Health Counseling
CACREP Accredited |
✔ Online
GRE scores not required |
Mental health counselors play a valuable role in helping people cope with life’s challenges. Walden’s online MS in Clinical Mental Health Counseling program can help you become the competent, compassionate counselor you know you can be. Learn More |
| Liberty University
MSW: Social Work
SACSCOC |
✔ Online
100% online, 8-week courses |
This program offers a general cognate and an individual and family clinical cognate. No matter which option you choose, you’ll receive advanced generalist training in social policy, research, and practice — as well as the opportunity to apply what you’ve learned in your field. Online and on campus. Training Champions for Christ since 1971. Learn More |
| Grand Canyon University
Master's Degree in Counseling
HLC and NASAC Accredited |
✔ 100% Online
Over 14 Specializations Available |
Affordable with No Out of State Tuition Learn More |
| Liberty University
MA: Clinical Mental Health Counseling (CACREP Accredited)
CACREP Accredited |
✔ Online
Online with required intensives |
Our CACREP-accredited master’s in counseling degree online can help you become an ethical, well-trained mental health counselor with the knowledge, values, and skills you need to empower others to make positive changes in their lives. Online and on campus. Training Champions for Christ since 1971. 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 |
| The Chicago School
M.A. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling
CACREP Accredited |
✔ Online
Bachelor's Degree Required. |
This online CMHC program prepares students for a career offering mental health services in a variety of settings; helping diverse clients through issues such as depression, anxiety, grief, low self-esteem, stress, relationship difficulties, and suicidal impulses. Learn More |
| University of Denver
Master of Arts in School Counseling
Designed to adhere to CACREP standards |
✔ Online
No GRE Required; Minimum GPA 2.5 Required |
Earn a Master’s degree in School Counseling online from the University of Denver. Learn from doctoral-level faculty in live classes and gain experience through mock counseling and in-field training. No GRE required. Complete in as few as 24 months. 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 accredited by the right agency. However, 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 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 accredited by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling & Related Educational Programs (CACREP), as this is the most common agency for counseling programs.
Social Work vs. Counseling: Roles and Responsibilities
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.
Northwestern University - Online MA in Counseling (CACREP Accredited)
Walden University - MS in School Counseling (CACREP Accredited)
Walden University - MS in Clinical Mental Health Counseling (CACREP Accredited)
Liberty University - MSW: Social Work (SACSCOC Accredited)
Grand Canyon University - Master's Degree in Counseling (NASAC Accredited)
Liberty University - MA: Clinical Mental Health Counseling (CACREP Accredited) (CACREP Accredited)
Syracuse University - Master of Social Work (CSWE Accredited)
The Chicago School - M.A. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling (CACREP Accredited)
University of Denver - Master of Arts in School CounselingWhat Can I Do With a Master’s in Social Work?
A master’s in social work degree can prepare you to work in a variety of professional settings. Explore the many ways you can work with clients, connect with support organizations, and make a positive change with the skills and knowledge you learn during your master’s degree program.
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.
As an LCSW offering a combination of therapy and help with resources, such as assistance finding a job and getting housing, you can earn a little more than an average social worker’s salary. The annual median wage for this job is about $64,900 as of October 2023, according to Payscale.
Healthcare Social Worker
Healthcare social workers provide a similar range of therapy and social support in a healthcare setting. Clients can range from individuals with terminal illnesses or chronic pain to family caregivers of individuals in long-term care.
If you work in a healthcare setting, you can likely make a little more than the average social worker. BLS reported that the median annual wage of a healthcare social worker was $60,280 as of May 2022.
School Social Worker
Support students and caregivers in an academic environment as a school social worker. This role requires you to identify needs in a school setting, work with local organizations, and communicate with the school and caregivers to offer social, emotional, and physical support to students.
According to Payscale, the median annual wage for school social workers is approximately $52,800 as of September 2023.
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 whether they have additional service needs. According to BLS, the median wage for case managers in social services is $74,240 per year as of May 2022.
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. Professionals in this career earn a median wage of about $47,900 per year as of October 2023, according to Payscale.
What Can I Do With a Master’s in Counseling?
With a master’s degree in counseling, you’ll focus on providing the counseling services that clients need in a variety of settings. Some roles may require additional certification, but these career paths are popular options for graduates of a master’s program in counseling.
Mental Health Counselor
You’ll identify mental health challenges and assist clients in navigating and overcoming these issues as a mental health counselor. In these dynamic positions, counselors work with clients dealing with a broad spectrum of mental health concerns.
As a mental health counselor, you can focus on a particular segment of the population or handle clients across their lifespan and with a broad range of challenges. The median yearly wage, as of October 2023, for a mental health counselor was approximately $49,500, according to Payscale.
Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Addiction Counselor
Evaluate clients, assist them in developing skills, and document their progress in overcoming issues related to depression, addiction, alcoholism, and other issues. Substance abuse, behavioral disorder, and addiction counselors also help clients find long-term solutions through a discharge plan and by connecting with outreach programs. According to BLS, the median yearly wage for these counseling roles in May 2022 was $49,710.
Marriage and Family Therapist
Marriage and family therapists guide families and couples through difficult life events and help them make positive choices for their future. Whether considering divorce, working through a separation, or handling difficult job layoff situations, families and couples can benefit from a therapist using goal-oriented approaches.
If you want to counsel married couples and families, you’ll likely be paid more than an average counselor would. BLS states that the median salary for this title was about $56,570 as of March 2022.
Rehabilitation Counselor
Individuals with mental, physical, and/or emotional disabilities face unique challenges in living independently and overcoming obstacles. As a rehabilitation counselor, you can work with these individuals on an individual or group basis to identify needs, find solutions, and promote positive change.
According to BLS, the median wage for rehabilitation counselors was $39,990 in May 2022. While rehabilitation counselors may not earn as much as other career options, the rewarding career allows you to work in residential care facilities, community rehabilitation centers, or hospitals.
School and Career Counselor
Students can face many academic, social, and emotional challenges during their school years. From elementary school counselors to high school career counselors, this group of professionals all support students to overcome challenges.
School and career counselors can advise students, both individually and in groups, on ways to make positive choices, navigate personal and school-wide challenges, and aim toward their target career and life plans. BLS states the median wage for these counselors in May 2022 was $60,140.
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 was $47,660 as of May 2020. But salaries can vary depending on the specialties you choose within social work vs. counseling careers.
Social Work vs. Counseling: Which Degree Is Right for Me?
If you’re trying to find the difference between social work and 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’s 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 lives. 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 helps you better understand human thoughts and behaviors so you can provide guidance to people struggling with various problems. This means you’ll mostly listen to and advise 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 many job options for both social work vs. counseling. The right degree for you 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.
Compare Social Work vs. Counseling Careers to See Which Is Right for You
There are many factors to consider as you explore the pros and cons of choosing a social work vs. a counseling degree and career. Use this guide and other Counseling Degrees Online resources to compare degrees, career tracks, and other factors as you prepare to take the next step in your academic journey.
Social Worker and Counselor FAQs
Can you be a counselor with a social work degree?
A counselor needs a graduate degree and often specializes in certain areas, such as substance abuse, grief, adolescent counseling, or family therapy. If you’re 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 and roles are different, as are many of the services either professional can 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
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