Counseling Frequently Asked Questions

I am thinking of getting a Masters in Social Work, a Masters in Psychology or a Masters in Counseling, what is the difference?

• A MSW (Master of Social Work) trains students to be either a therapist, a school social worker who provides services to children diagnosed with learning disabilities in a K-12 setting, a case manager in a hospital setting (like a care coordinator), or an administrator.  The focus of the program is on social/systemic explanations for individual problems.  Students who want to be therapists learn skills during their internship while taking courses in all areas of social work.  They begin the internship immediately and learn as they go. This degree is best for individuals who want a broad education with options to work in many areas. 
• A Master’s in Counseling trains students to be clinical mental health, school, or addiction counselors.   A counseling program’s focus is to train students to provide individual and group counseling, career counseling, consultation, assessment, diagnosis and crisis, and trauma counseling. Counseling programs focus on wellness. Students learn counseling techniques from faculty, practice in a 100-hour practicum, and complete an internship at the end of the program.  This degree is best for individuals who want to work directly with clients in a variety of settings, but not for students who might want to work in a hospital at some point as a care coordinator or a social work administrator. 
• A Master’s degree in Psychology trains students to work with clients as a therapist.  The difference between psychology and counseling is the heavy focus on assessment and pathology in psychology.  Psychology students learn to administer and score IQ tests and personality tests. They are not trained in career counseling and take three courses in assessment.  They complete the internship at the end of the program.  This degree is best for students who want to do assessment/testing or go on to a Ph. D in Psychology.

Can I get credit for my work experience? 

No, licensing and accreditation requirements require students to complete all required coursework. 

Can I complete two concentrations? 

Yes, but the only reason to complete two concentrations is if you want to be a school counselor AND provide counseling outside a school, in a state outside of Michigan. 

I want to finish in 1.5 years, can I go faster? 

No, becoming a mental health professional requires time to learn and apply complex concepts.  The full-time program takes 2.5 years, the part-time program takes 3.5 years. 

Can I start getting my practicum or internship hours in the first year of the program? 

No, practicum and internship are capstone experiences that occur at the end of your program.