MSW vs Counseling Degree: Which Degree is Right for You?

If you're deciding between a Master of Social Work (MSW) and a counseling degree, the right choice depends on your career goals, preferred work environment, and licensure path. While both degrees prepare you to support individuals and communities, they differ in flexibility and long-term career opportunities.

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Key Differences

The table below highlights the key differences between an MSW and a counseling degree to help you quickly compare your options.

 

While both paths can lead to careers in mental health and therapy, an MSW typically offers broader flexibility across healthcare, community, and leadership roles.

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What Is a Master of Social Work (MSW)?

A Master of Social Work (MSW) is a graduate degree that prepares students for careers in clinical social work, healthcare, community organizations, and leadership roles. MSW programs emphasize both clinical skills and a systems-based approach, meaning graduates are trained to support individuals while also addressing broader social and environmental factors.

Many MSW graduates pursue licensure as a Licensed Master Social Worker (LMSW) or Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW), which allows them to provide therapy and advance into clinical roles.

Explore the Online MSW Program at the University of Saint Mary to see how it prepares you for these pathways.

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What Is a Counseling Degree?

A counseling degree—such as a Master’s in Clinical Mental Health Counseling—focuses primarily on providing therapy and mental health support. These programs emphasize counseling techniques, treatment planning, and direct client care.

Graduates typically pursue licensure as a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) or Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC) and work in therapy-focused environments such as private practice, clinics, or schools.

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LCSW vs LPC: Understanding Licensure Paths

Both MSW and counseling graduates can become licensed professionals, but their paths and career flexibility differ.

• LCSW (Licensed Clinical Social Worker): Requires an MSW, supervised clinical hours, and a licensing exam. LCSWs can provide therapy and work across healthcare systems (including health, mental health, and substance abuse systems), community organizations, and private practice.
• LPC (Licensed Professional Counselor): Requires a counseling degree, supervised experience, and licensure exams. LPCs primarily focus on providing therapy in clinical settings.

Both licenses allow you to work in mental health—but an MSW often provides broader career opportunities beyond therapy.

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Career Options: MSW vs Counseling

Both degrees lead to meaningful careers, but the range of opportunities can differ.

With an MSW, you can pursue roles such as:

• Clinical social worker (LMSW and LCSW)
• Healthcare social worker
• School social worker
• Case manager or program director
• Nonprofit or community leader

Social workers are employed across healthcare systems, schools, government agencies, and nonprofit organizations, reflecting the broad scope of the profession.

With a counseling degree, common roles include:

• Licensed professional counselor (LPC)
• Mental health counselor
• School counselor
• Private practice therapist

Counselors typically work in more therapy-focused environments such as clinics, private practices, and schools.

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Salary and Job Outlook

Both social work and counseling careers are growing due to increasing demand for mental health and support services.

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics:

• Social workers earn a median salary of approximately $61,000 per year, with projected job growth of about 6% (Source: https://www.bls.gov/ooh/community-and-social-service/social-workers.htm)
• Mental health counselors earn a median salary of approximately $59,000 per year, with significantly faster-than-average job growth of about 17% (Source: https://www.bls.gov/ooh/community-and-social-service/substance-abuse-behavioral-disorder-and-mental-health-counselors.htm)

Clinical roles—such as LCSWs and LPCs—often earn higher salaries over time, especially with experience or in private practice.

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Which Degree Should You Choose?

The best choice depends on your long-term goals.

Choose an MSW if you want to:

• Work in a variety of settings, including healthcare, mental health and substance abuse systems, schools, and nonprofits
• Pursue LCSW licensure and clinical practice
• Combine therapy with advocacy, leadership, or policy work
• Keep your career options flexible

Choose a Counseling Degree if you want to:

• Focus primarily on providing therapy
• Work in private practice or mental health clinics
• Specialize deeply in counseling techniques

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is an MSW better than a counseling degree?

It depends on your goals. An MSW offers broader career flexibility, while a counseling degree is more focused on therapy.

Can you become a therapist with an MSW?

Yes. With an MSW and LCSW licensure, you can provide therapy and mental health services.

Which pays more: MSW or counseling?

Salaries are similar overall, but clinical roles (LCSW or LPC) tend to earn more over time.

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Explore your options

If you're interested in a flexible, career-driven path that can lead to clinical licensure and a wide range of opportunities, an MSW may be the right choice.

Learn more about USM's Online MSW