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Ngoc
Student
Mounds View, Minnesota
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Human Services or Social Worker?
Hi everyone, I switched from Computer Science to Pre-Social Work at a community college. I have received so much advice that confused me. My case manager encouraged me to pursue in Social Work field which is more job opportunities. My academic advisor encouraged me to consider Human Services for I only have to complete 37 credits in community college (because some of my credits from my previous major counted) while it will be 52 credits in pre-social work.
I also looked at the university website where I want to transfer. The BS for Human Services only takes 52 credits to complete, whereas 120 in Social Worker.
My questions are: Can I get a Human Services BS and then earn a Social Worker MSW? On the requirement courses, I see courses in Human Services are more interesting than Social Worker. The 2nd question is which one is your recommendation for me?
Thank you so much!
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2 answers
Dr H
Dr. H's Research
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Australia
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Dr’s Answer
Hey thereNgoc,
It's great that you're thinking carefully about your career path. I can share some pros and cons for both the Human Services and Social Work fields to help clarify your decision, but in the end, it's important to choose based on your passion and long-term goals. Here are some insights which I think might help but remember your choice is what is important we just can help you get a broad understanding.
Human Services (BS)
Pros:
Faster Path: As you noted, a BS in Human Services is a quicker path since it requires fewer credits to complete.
Flexibility: This degree can open doors to roles in management, program coordination, and administrative positions within various service agencies.
Broader Scope: You could work in a variety of settings, from community organizations to government agencies, focusing on the welfare of individuals and groups.
Cons:
Limited Clinical Roles: If you are more interested in direct clinical work, a Human Services degree may not fully prepare you for roles like therapy or counseling, which often require a Master’s in Social Work (MSW).
May Need More Education for Advanced Roles: If you're aiming to work directly with individuals as a social worker, you would need further education, like a master's degree, to become a licensed social worker or therapist.
Social Work (BSW)
Pros:
Direct Client Work: A Bachelor’s in Social Work (BSW) prepares you to work directly with individuals, families, and communities, which can be very rewarding.
Clear Path to MSW: This degree is structured to provide the foundation necessary to pursue a Master’s in Social Work if you want to work as a clinical social worker or therapist. It's a smoother transition into the MSW program.
Licensure: A BSW may allow you to obtain a social work license, depending on your state, and enter various fields in social work such as school social work, healthcare, or child welfare.
Cons:
Requires More Credits: It takes longer to complete, which may not be ideal if you’re aiming to finish faster and enter the workforce sooner.
Theory-Heavy: It involves a lot of theory and practice in social work, which might be more academically challenging, especially if you’re more interested in hands-on work than theory.
If your passion is in direct client work and helping individuals through therapy or counseling, a BSW with a subsequent MSW might be your best bet. However, if you’re more interested in working in program management, administration, or community services, Human Services could be a great option. Both fields have strong job prospects, but they cater to slightly different career goals.
Also, as Michelle suggested, it might help to follow her advice,to get a better feel for what you truly enjoy.
Let your passion guide you as you make this important decision! Best of lucks on your journey.!
It's great that you're thinking carefully about your career path. I can share some pros and cons for both the Human Services and Social Work fields to help clarify your decision, but in the end, it's important to choose based on your passion and long-term goals. Here are some insights which I think might help but remember your choice is what is important we just can help you get a broad understanding.
Human Services (BS)
Pros:
Faster Path: As you noted, a BS in Human Services is a quicker path since it requires fewer credits to complete.
Flexibility: This degree can open doors to roles in management, program coordination, and administrative positions within various service agencies.
Broader Scope: You could work in a variety of settings, from community organizations to government agencies, focusing on the welfare of individuals and groups.
Cons:
Limited Clinical Roles: If you are more interested in direct clinical work, a Human Services degree may not fully prepare you for roles like therapy or counseling, which often require a Master’s in Social Work (MSW).
May Need More Education for Advanced Roles: If you're aiming to work directly with individuals as a social worker, you would need further education, like a master's degree, to become a licensed social worker or therapist.
Social Work (BSW)
Pros:
Direct Client Work: A Bachelor’s in Social Work (BSW) prepares you to work directly with individuals, families, and communities, which can be very rewarding.
Clear Path to MSW: This degree is structured to provide the foundation necessary to pursue a Master’s in Social Work if you want to work as a clinical social worker or therapist. It's a smoother transition into the MSW program.
Licensure: A BSW may allow you to obtain a social work license, depending on your state, and enter various fields in social work such as school social work, healthcare, or child welfare.
Cons:
Requires More Credits: It takes longer to complete, which may not be ideal if you’re aiming to finish faster and enter the workforce sooner.
Theory-Heavy: It involves a lot of theory and practice in social work, which might be more academically challenging, especially if you’re more interested in hands-on work than theory.
If your passion is in direct client work and helping individuals through therapy or counseling, a BSW with a subsequent MSW might be your best bet. However, if you’re more interested in working in program management, administration, or community services, Human Services could be a great option. Both fields have strong job prospects, but they cater to slightly different career goals.
Also, as Michelle suggested, it might help to follow her advice,to get a better feel for what you truly enjoy.
Let your passion guide you as you make this important decision! Best of lucks on your journey.!
Michelle M.
Actress
2310
Answers
Updated
Michelle’s Answer
Hello, Ngoc !
It's great that you are reaching out, but no one can or should tell you which career to choose. That is something that everyone decides for themselves. You show interest in being well-informed so maybe I can shed some light on things for you.
I had worked in social services for 27 years in various positions, so maybe I could share some information that your professors haven't told you yet. Let's start out by saying when I began, there were lots of job openings for this field that required only high school and also if you just had a Bachelors Degree- in anything. Times have changed and it's not the same anymore. At least on the East Coast it's changed and I am not familiar with how things are for you in the Midwest.
With a Human Services Bachelors Degree, and some direct services experience, you most likely could have a career as a Program Manager or a Case Manager. Many times, a degree in Human Services is geared to Administration more than working directly with clients, so you will have to decide exactly what you want to do and what is available for a career in Mounds View. I agree with you that the Human Services path is more interesting. You will need to go with the path you like and enjoy the most.
A Bachelors Degree in Social Work means that you'd be a clinical mental health professional, working with patients, and need a Masters Degree. Most people get their Bachelors Degree in Psychology or Social Work and then their Masters Degree in Social Work. It is a lot of theory, technique and a lot to learn, plus you'd need experience to get your first job.
Both of these fields of work have good potential in major cities. In large cities, the salaries can be quite good for these careers. My advice is to figure out exactly what you want to do and it may help you decide if you start doing some volunteer work at non-profit agencies and at clinical mental health offices.
You are free to take whatever path you want, but a Bachelors Degree in Human Services would not prepare you as well for a Masters in Social Work. It could be a possible degree to get into a Social Work Masters, but most people do a Psychology path before a Social Work Masters. You can give it a try if you want to become a clinical therapist. It's up to you to decide. Research the school you are transferring to or where you'd go for your Masters in Social Work. They would let you know if a Human Services degree is compatible for a Masters in Social Work. It's not the route I would advise, though.
So you have a lot of considering to do to make your decision. Think about what it is exactly that you want to do. Research and learn of the opportunity for this work in your town and the surrounding areas. Never choose a Major because it would be easier or quicker to do. Let your heart and intuition guide you.
I hope this is helpful and I wish you all the best !
It's great that you are reaching out, but no one can or should tell you which career to choose. That is something that everyone decides for themselves. You show interest in being well-informed so maybe I can shed some light on things for you.
I had worked in social services for 27 years in various positions, so maybe I could share some information that your professors haven't told you yet. Let's start out by saying when I began, there were lots of job openings for this field that required only high school and also if you just had a Bachelors Degree- in anything. Times have changed and it's not the same anymore. At least on the East Coast it's changed and I am not familiar with how things are for you in the Midwest.
With a Human Services Bachelors Degree, and some direct services experience, you most likely could have a career as a Program Manager or a Case Manager. Many times, a degree in Human Services is geared to Administration more than working directly with clients, so you will have to decide exactly what you want to do and what is available for a career in Mounds View. I agree with you that the Human Services path is more interesting. You will need to go with the path you like and enjoy the most.
A Bachelors Degree in Social Work means that you'd be a clinical mental health professional, working with patients, and need a Masters Degree. Most people get their Bachelors Degree in Psychology or Social Work and then their Masters Degree in Social Work. It is a lot of theory, technique and a lot to learn, plus you'd need experience to get your first job.
Both of these fields of work have good potential in major cities. In large cities, the salaries can be quite good for these careers. My advice is to figure out exactly what you want to do and it may help you decide if you start doing some volunteer work at non-profit agencies and at clinical mental health offices.
You are free to take whatever path you want, but a Bachelors Degree in Human Services would not prepare you as well for a Masters in Social Work. It could be a possible degree to get into a Social Work Masters, but most people do a Psychology path before a Social Work Masters. You can give it a try if you want to become a clinical therapist. It's up to you to decide. Research the school you are transferring to or where you'd go for your Masters in Social Work. They would let you know if a Human Services degree is compatible for a Masters in Social Work. It's not the route I would advise, though.
So you have a lot of considering to do to make your decision. Think about what it is exactly that you want to do. Research and learn of the opportunity for this work in your town and the surrounding areas. Never choose a Major because it would be easier or quicker to do. Let your heart and intuition guide you.
I hope this is helpful and I wish you all the best !
Thank you, this is amazing! I really needed it.
Ngoc
You are very welcome, Ngoc !
Michelle M.