Can I Become a Social Worker With a Psychology Degree?

It’s possible to enter the social work field by first earning a psychology degree, but further education and supervised field experience are required. Earning a bachelor’s degree in psychology offers a strong foundation in crucial social work skills, including a better understanding of how people think, feel, and act.

These insights into human behavior are critical in social work, where professionals help people manage complex emotional and social problems.

A common educational path that merges psychology and social work is to earn an undergraduate degree in psychology and then pursue a Master of Social Work (MSW).

How a Psychology Degree Prepares You for Social Work

Psychology and social work are closely related disciplines. Earning a bachelor’s degree in psychology develops social worker skills that translate directly into success in social work practice. Psychology students study human development, social dynamics, and cognitive and emotional processes. All these factors inform how social workers assess needs and design support strategies.

For psychology majors, courses in areas such as research methods and counseling theories teach them how to interpret data and communicate effectively with clients. Those are skills that strongly benefit social workers.

In addition, psychology graduates are often well-versed in critical thinking and ethical decision-making, both of which are essential in addressing social issues. Many social workers rely on these same abilities when advocating for clients and navigating systems such as healthcare, education, or housing.

Further Education Needed to Build Social Worker Skills

A bachelor’s degree in psychology can qualify graduates for many different careers. In social work, it can open the door to specific entry-level positions such as case management assistant or community outreach coordinator. However, earning a position as a social worker requires earning an MSW degree.

An MSW provides advanced training in social work ethics and clinical practice. It also includes supervised fieldwork that allows students to apply theory to real-world settings, an essential component for licensure. State licensure is typically mandatory for clinical social workers. Requirements vary but usually include holding an MSW and completing a certain number of supervised practice hours.

For psychology graduates, the transition to an MSW program can be seamless. Their undergraduate coursework prepares them to focus more quickly on specialized social work training.

Social Work Career Paths and Opportunities

With an MSW, psychology graduates can pursue diverse roles in both public and private sectors. These include school social workers, healthcare social workers, substance abuse counselors, and mental health clinicians. Others may focus on policy or administrative work, designing programs that address issues like homelessness or child protection.

Social work is also a highly portable profession, with opportunities across hospitals, schools, nonprofit organizations, and government agencies. Professionals can continue to build on their psychology background by integrating behavioral research and data-driven insights into their practice—helping clients not just cope, but thrive.

Employment for social workers is projected to grow faster than average through 2034, with a projected growth rate of 6%, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). That growth highlights the need for professionals who combine an understanding of human behavior with practical, client-focused intervention skills. It’s something that psychology graduates are well-positioned to develop.

Online Psychology and Social Work Programs at NMU Global Campus

At NMU Global Campus, students can take the psychology-to-social work career pathway step by step through two flexible online programs. The Bachelor of Science in Psychology introduces students to the study of human behavior, cognition, and motivation. The program lays the groundwork for careers in social services or graduate study.

From there, the Master of Social Work (MSW) program prepares graduates for professional licensure and advanced practice. Through coursework focused on clinical assessment and evidence-based intervention, NMU’s online MSW equips future social workers to make a meaningful impact in their communities.

Together, these degrees create a clear and rewarding path for psychology majors who feel called to serve others through the practice of social work.