4 answers
Desiree
Student
Newton, Iowa
1
Question
Asked
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How do I decide on my major and college?
I declared my major as Social work but am considering pursuing communication studies with a minor in psych?
I am currently enrolled in an out of state college for fall 2023 (public university) that offers in-state tuition! I registered for classes at the start of this month and declared my major as Social Work. HOWEVER, I am still undecided due to trying to consider career options, pay, licensure etc.
I am very passionate about mental health, advocating for people and their health, working with people, etc. I am a people person and have experience as a receptionist in a medical office and working with adults with intellectual disabilities.
I know both will open up great opportunities for me, just unsure how to determine which is best in the long run. any advice appreciated I have felt so stuck for so long
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4 answers
T.J. Worthy
Mentor
202
Answers
Ypsilanti, Michigan
Updated
T.J.’s Answer
Hello Desiree!
You can definitely pursue your interests in Social Work, Psychology, and Communication in college.
There's no need to necessarily choose one over the other. (An example: you could pursue is in Social Work, with a Minor in Psychology and Communication. (Colleges usually require students to take a certain amount of credits to earn a bachelors degree, ranging between 120-124 credits). So, if you have the space for two minors, you could do two minors.
Communications can earn a good salary, but it depends on the field you specialize in.
Within Communications, there's technical writing, public relations, journalism and marketing. In this case, you can choose which area you're most interested in exploring.
Now... Since you expressed having a passion for helping others in mental health yet expressed concern about pay, I'll direct the rest of my answer toward those areas.
Social Workers generally face lower pay than other professions. It is an issue within the field. Yet, there is a demand for mental heath care professionals.
I recommend checking out these for more information on social work salaries:
http://www.socialworkblog.org/pressroom/2019/03/what-can-be-done-to-raise-social-work-salaries-listen-to-our-podcast-series-and-give-us-your-comments/
https://www.socialworkers.org/Careers/Career-Center/Kickstart-Your-Job-Hunt/Social-Work-Salaries
https://www.socialworkguide.org/salaries/
Many people enter Social Work knowing about salary issues, yet pursue it because they have a strong desire to help others.
The best way to make a lot of money in Social Work is to enter a supervisor/director level position in healthcare or work at a private practice.
Alternatively, I can also suggest another path to consider:
If you're concerned about earning a livable salary --- Yet still want a career where you use your desires to help and talk to people in need ---
You could look into Nursing and specifically tailor your work towards mental health!
I didn't even know this existed but... Check out Psychiatric-mental health nursing!
https://www.apna.org/about-psychiatric-nursing/
Nursing requires a similar skill set of working with patients of various concerns. Both Nursing and Social Work put people at a risk of burnout, but nursing pays a higher yearly salary.
Ultimately, the best way to decide on a major is to give the coursework a try! See if you like the Social Work coursework when you enter in the Fall.
If you do, that's awesome. If you don't, it is perfectly OK!
You can still work with people. You can still help people. You are not limited to just one path.
Wishing you the best as you start college + explore your passions in mental health :)
You can definitely pursue your interests in Social Work, Psychology, and Communication in college.
There's no need to necessarily choose one over the other. (An example: you could pursue is in Social Work, with a Minor in Psychology and Communication. (Colleges usually require students to take a certain amount of credits to earn a bachelors degree, ranging between 120-124 credits). So, if you have the space for two minors, you could do two minors.
Communications can earn a good salary, but it depends on the field you specialize in.
Within Communications, there's technical writing, public relations, journalism and marketing. In this case, you can choose which area you're most interested in exploring.
Now... Since you expressed having a passion for helping others in mental health yet expressed concern about pay, I'll direct the rest of my answer toward those areas.
Social Workers generally face lower pay than other professions. It is an issue within the field. Yet, there is a demand for mental heath care professionals.
I recommend checking out these for more information on social work salaries:
http://www.socialworkblog.org/pressroom/2019/03/what-can-be-done-to-raise-social-work-salaries-listen-to-our-podcast-series-and-give-us-your-comments/
https://www.socialworkers.org/Careers/Career-Center/Kickstart-Your-Job-Hunt/Social-Work-Salaries
https://www.socialworkguide.org/salaries/
Many people enter Social Work knowing about salary issues, yet pursue it because they have a strong desire to help others.
The best way to make a lot of money in Social Work is to enter a supervisor/director level position in healthcare or work at a private practice.
Alternatively, I can also suggest another path to consider:
If you're concerned about earning a livable salary --- Yet still want a career where you use your desires to help and talk to people in need ---
You could look into Nursing and specifically tailor your work towards mental health!
I didn't even know this existed but... Check out Psychiatric-mental health nursing!
https://www.apna.org/about-psychiatric-nursing/
Nursing requires a similar skill set of working with patients of various concerns. Both Nursing and Social Work put people at a risk of burnout, but nursing pays a higher yearly salary.
Ultimately, the best way to decide on a major is to give the coursework a try! See if you like the Social Work coursework when you enter in the Fall.
If you do, that's awesome. If you don't, it is perfectly OK!
You can still work with people. You can still help people. You are not limited to just one path.
Wishing you the best as you start college + explore your passions in mental health :)
Thank you so much for the advice.
Melody Tharpe
Education - Teacher
167
Answers
Indianapolis, Indiana
Updated
Melody’s Answer
Hello Desiree,
I was thinking that since you have already applied to a college and will be starting this fall, it is seeing what this feels like for you. The first 1-2 years are introductory courses everyone takes with the 2-3 years getting more into your chosen "major" track of courses. I would suggest starting your 2nd year or even the first year if possible exploring courses in the other areas in which you have an interest. By the end of your second year, you may have more information and actual experiences in coursework to help you fine-tune your final course of studies. Please know that many people have started in one major and have changed (some multiple times) during their college years. Really take the time to make notes of what really interested you and that you are really willing to work towards as a degree. Best wishes.
I was thinking that since you have already applied to a college and will be starting this fall, it is seeing what this feels like for you. The first 1-2 years are introductory courses everyone takes with the 2-3 years getting more into your chosen "major" track of courses. I would suggest starting your 2nd year or even the first year if possible exploring courses in the other areas in which you have an interest. By the end of your second year, you may have more information and actual experiences in coursework to help you fine-tune your final course of studies. Please know that many people have started in one major and have changed (some multiple times) during their college years. Really take the time to make notes of what really interested you and that you are really willing to work towards as a degree. Best wishes.
Scott Ebert
Retired
7
Answers
Greendale, Wisconsin
Updated
Scott’s Answer
You can do many of these things ad a Social Worker. Social Workers are often the only people who advocate for the rights of others. Social Workers are often more employable, especially those with Master’s Degrees. You can always augment your education with communication or psych classes and training.
Patrice Reynolds
Senior Technical Consultant
2
Answers
Winston-Salem, North Carolina
Updated
Patrice’s Answer
When declaring a major in college it's important to really think about the career path you want. There is data freely available that advises on the income levels for a industry standard career paths that I think is important. If you're career choice is out of passion and not income driven go by the option that will be most life fulfilling. The alternative is to combine that with a desired income level and confirm what that is for the area you'll live in. Social Workers tend to work for the state and sometimes can be overworked and underpaid. Connect with a local social services organization and inquire about the day to day life of a social worker. Psychologist tend to have a specific discipline that they focus on... some are better than others... and you'll either work for an organized company backed by the healthcare industry or may strive to open your own independent practice. Key thing to keep in mind is that a social worker is not a psychiatrist and they will probably take you down to different paths. Communications lean towards working as a journalist or within the media in some form or fashion. Altogether these can be three distinctive paths and careers. Which are you the most passionate about will boil down your decision. Lastly be sure to look at the curriculum and the courses you'll need to take. Some psychiatrist provide medication so you'll need to be ready to do research and assists with management of medication. As well as not just auto-assigning meds based on the rest of the mental health field. Hope this helps!