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What Degree Should You Choose? Comparing Psychology, Counseling, and Social Work

3 doors with the middle door open

Choosing a master’s degree in the mental health field can feel intimidating — especially if you’re already balancing work, family, and other responsibilities. You might already know that you want to help people and make a difference in your community, but figuring out exactly how to get there (and what degree to choose) is a big decision.

There’s no single “right” path in mental health. Every degree opens up different doors depending on what you want for your future. All of them can help you build an inspiring and financially rewarding career, with jobs in the mental health field expected to grow at much higher rates than the national average.

In this post, we’ll break down the 3 Master’s degrees available at PAU: a Master’s of Science (MS) in Psychology, a Master’s of Social Work (MSW), and a Master’s of Arts (MA) in Clinical Mental Health Counseling. Let’s take a look at what each program entails, what job opportunities you can expect after graduation, and how to choose between them.

Master of Science (MS) in Psychology

A Master of Science (MS) in Psychology is not a clinical degree. This means it doesn’t qualify you to provide therapy or become a licensed counselor. However, it is a great choice if you’re interested in working in research, academia, or certain areas of program development.

If you’re someone who loves learning about theories, designing studies, and analyzing data to understand human behavior, an MS in Psychology could be a good fit. This degree helps you build strong research skills and a deep understanding of psychological principles, which you can then apply in different settings.

Some example jobs you might pursue after getting an MS in Psychology include:

  • Research assistant or research coordinator in universities or private organizations
  • Academic advisor or student support roles in higher education
  • Program evaluator or data analyst for nonprofits or community organizations
  • Human resources specialist 
  • Marketing or user experience researcher for companies that want to understand consumer behavior 

Many people who earn an MS in Psychology go on to get a doctorate (PhD or PsyD) if they want to move further into academia or clinical practice. This degree can be a stepping stone if you’re interested in eventually teaching at the college level or conducting independent research. A doctorate can also allow you to become licensed as a therapist if you want to go that route.

Master of Social Work (MSW)

A Master of Social Work (MSW) is a good choice for people who are passionate about working directly with individuals, families, and communities. Social work focuses on helping people overcome challenges related to mental health, housing, poverty, substance use, and other societal barriers. PAU’s MSW program prepares graduates for clinical practice and leadership roles in California’s public behavioral health system.

The MSW is a clinical degree, which means that after you graduate and complete your supervised hours, you can apply to become a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW). As an LCSW, you’ll be able to provide therapy, do case management, and advocate for your clients within larger systems.

Some examples of jobs you can get with an MSW include:

  • Clinical social worker providing therapy in private practice, community mental health clinics, or residential treatment centers
  • School social worker (may require additional certifications)
  • Child welfare social worker
  • Social worker/therapist in juvenile or adult detention centers
  • Foster care & adoptions worker
  • Medical social worker in healthcare settings
  • Policy analyst or community advocate
     

One of the benefits of an MSW is that it offers a lot of flexibility in your career. You can work in direct practice providing therapy, or you can take on leadership, policy, or administrative roles. Many people appreciate the focus on social justice and advocacy, which is built into most social work programs — including the one at PAU.

After graduating with an MSW, you’ll need to complete a certain number of supervised clinical hours (usually around 3,000, depending on your state) and pass a licensing exam to become an LCSW. This process usually takes about two years after graduation, but it opens up many career options and the ability to work independently as a therapist.

Master of Arts (MA) in Clinical Mental Health Counseling

Our Master of Arts (MA) in Clinical Mental Health Counseling program is designed for people who know they want to become professional counselors and provide therapy directly to clients.

This degree prepares you to work with individuals, couples, families, and groups to help them address mental health challenges, improve relationships, and build coping skills. Unlike an MS in Psychology, an MA in Clinical Mental Health Counseling is a clinical degree — which means you can pursue licensure and practice as a therapist after graduation.

After finishing this degree and completing your supervised clinical hours, you can become a Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor (LPCC). In some states, you might also be eligible to pursue other types of licensure, such as Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT).

Some examples of jobs you can get with an MA in Clinical Mental Health Counseling include:

  • Mental health therapist in private practice or virtual telehealth platforms
  • Therapist in community mental health centers or nonprofit agencies
  • School counselor or college mental health advisor (may require additional certifications)
  • Substance use counselor or therapist in residential treatment centers
  • Employee assistance program (EAP) counselor
     

This degree is ideal if you want to spend most of your time providing one-on-one or group therapy. It focuses heavily on developing counseling skills, ethical practice, and understanding different approaches to therapy. 

Just like with an MSW, you’ll need to complete supervised hours (usually around 3,000) and pass a licensing exam to become fully licensed. The exact requirements depend on your state.

As part of the MA in Counseling program, online students need to attend two in-person residencies in the Bay Area — each one is a week-long, hands-on learning experience where you’ll build clinical skills, connect deeply with faculty and peers, and reach key milestones on your path to becoming a counselor. If you’re unable to commit to the residencies, then this program may not be the right fit for you.

How to know what degree is right for you

Choosing between these degrees can feel like an important decision — and it undoubtedly is. But there are some questions you can ask yourself to get more clarity on what might be the best fit for you and your future.

First, think about what kind of work you want to do day-to-day.

  • Do you see yourself doing research, working in a lab, or analyzing data to understand human behavior? Then an MS in Psychology might make the most sense.
  • Do you want to work directly within communities, such as at outpatient community clinics, homeless shelters, or detention centers? An MSW could be the right choice.
  • Do you want to focus almost entirely on providing therapy in private practice or community settings? Then an MA in Clinical Mental Health Counseling is probably your best fit.
     

It can also help to think about what type of clients or communities you feel drawn to. Social work programs often emphasize serving marginalized communities and working within systems to create change, while counseling programs focus more on the individual therapeutic relationship.

It’s important to consider your long-term goals as well. For example, if you think you might want to teach at a university or eventually pursue a doctorate, starting with an MS in Psychology might set you up for that. If your long-term goal is to open your own private practice, an MA in Clinical Mental Health Counseling or an MSW will put you on that path as soon as possible.

Takeaway

There isn’t a one-size-fits-all answer for which mental health degree is “best.” It’s okay to take your time figuring it out. 

At Palo Alto University, we offer pathways for all of these degrees. If you’re still not sure, you can schedule an appointment with our admissions advisor who can help you compare programs and decide which one might be best for you.

About the Author

Saya is an extensively published writer in the mental health space. She graduated with her Master in Social Work (MSW) in 2010 and worked as a therapist in a wide variety of community settings before becoming a writer. You can learn more about her on her website.