Psychology vs. Social Work Degrees, Ect.

<p>Hi everyone, I'm a freshman at the University of Oklahoma, still trying to figure out what to major in, after I figured out that what I was going to major in Journalism, was not what I thought it was going to be. I love writing, but the media field today is crazy, and I could picture myself being very unhappy unless I got lucky and landed an good job right out of college which given the current market for print journalism is very unlikely. </p>

<p>So right now I've decided I either want to major in psychology or social work mostly because I enjoy helping people. I would want to go into the clinical side of social work/psychology vs. the administrative side. I think I would like to be a therapist, counselor, or counseling/clinical psychologist. I'd probably want to work in some type of health service/ counseling center setting. </p>

<p>I'm still trying to figure out what the best path to achieving this goal would be. From what I've researched so far it seems to term "psychologist" is becoming hard to define. I've narrowed my options down to a few educational routes. So should I get a BA in psychology, MA psychology, and then possibly a PsyD. Or should I get a BA in social work, then get my MSW in social work, the university I'm attending now offers a dual degree program to get a MSW, and MPH, would that be worth it since I'm don't really think I want to go into anything administrative? If I get an MSW and then my LCSW will I be able to get a job as a therapist/ psychological counselor? My university also offers a graduate program doctorate program in counseling psychology, and a M.E.d Community Counseling degree, are any of these good options? </p>

<p>I guess I'm just trying to figure out what the best route is to become a therapist/ psychological counselor is. </p>

<p>Also does anyone know anything about how good OU's psychology and social work programs are?</p>

<p>I'm just trying to figure out what degree I need to meet my career goals.</p>

<p>If you want to become a psychologist, then you would have to get a doctorate (PsyD or PhD). To become a therapist, you can get an MSW/LCSW (with a mental health track) or a Master's in Counseling Psychology or Marriage Family Therapy (MFT). Getting a doctorate takes a long time, but a Master's in mental health doesn't pay very well. </p>

<p>You should check out Student Doctor Network and then weigh your options.</p>