RESOURCES & GUIDANCE FROM INDUSTRY EXPERTS
Build a meaningful career in mental health and human services
Compare psychology, counseling, and social work degrees, understand what each path requires, and discover careers that support your goals.
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Psychology
Explore psychology careers and roles you can pursue. Then compare and find degree programs that align with your goals.
Counseling
Discover counseling career paths, licensure requirements, and the degree programs that can help you get there.
Social Work
Learn about social work careers and the impact you can make. Then find degree programs that prepare you for the field.
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Editorial
Our Experts in Psychology, Social Work, and Counseling
Juli Fraga, Psy.D.
Reviewer
Expertise: Psychology, Women's health, Parenting
Melissa Bronstein, LICSW
Reviewer
Expertise: Social work, Mental health counseling
Megan Pietrucha, Psy.D.
Reviewer / Writer
Expertise: College student and student-athlete mental health, Body image concerns, Mood disorders, Life transitions, Stress management and procrastination, Health and wellness, Mindfulness, Sport and performance psychology
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Advice From Our Experts
Prioritize what to look for in various programs. If you're passionate about research, you may be drawn to childhood psychology Ph.D. programs, whereas a passion for program development could help lead you towards pursuing a social work degree.
The best degree program is going to depend on what your career goals are, the resources available to you, and your location. I'd recommend seeing which programs feel like a good fit for your learning style and philosophies on approaching mental health.
There are a variety of degree program options in each of these fields and your choice of program should ultimately be informed by your end goal. Whichever type of program you choose, make sure the program is regionally accredited as well as accredited by the leading organizations in that field.
