Master’s in Human Services vs. Social Work: Which Is Right for You

If you're deeply committed to making a difference in people's lives, you're likely considering a Master's degree in one of the two major fields: Human Services or Social Work. While both fields are focused on pushing for social change, it's worth digging into Human Services vs. Social Work to understand each field's scope, focus, and professional rewards.

Although a Master's degree in both fields is rewarding, we'll explore how the two career paths compare to help you choose one that aligns best with your goals!

Human Services vs. Social Work: The Primary Differences

While Human Services and Social Work overlap, for the most part, the two fields aren't interchangeable. If you're a prospective student aiming to serve society, it's worth exploring how they differ. Here's a breakdown of Human Services vs. Social Work to make the choice simpler for you:

Scope of Work

The fundamental difference between Human Services and Social Work exists in the scope of work. As such, Human Services looks at the bigger picture of community issues, supporting issues like poverty, housing, or basic healthcare requirements. These professionals provide assistance by forming policies, creating programs, and securing funds and grants.

Conversely, folks with a Master's in Social Work typically work one-on-one with clients, offering more specialized insights to solve individual challenges. For instance, they offer counseling, support, and connect people to the right entities and social resources.

Required Education Level

For a career in Human Services, typically, a bachelor's degree (or sometimes an associate degree) is sufficient to get started. While higher roles might require master's or doctorate degrees, the exact education level depends on the job or employer.

However, nearly all career paths in Social Work are a bit more structured, with the majority requiring a Master of Social Work (MSW). Since the field requires clinical work, you might even require state licenses or participation in the National Association of Social Workersto pursue a fruitful career.

Certifications

Since Human Services is a more versatile field, it often gives you more room when it comes to certifications. While certificates are a great way to showcase your skills, you can still secure fruitful roles in the field without them. It's advisable to check the qualifications for the roles you're eyeing to know what to expect.

On the other hand, social workers generally have stricter rules, often requiring licenses and certifications for clinical job roles. In most cases, you'll need to meet certain requirements, take exams, and apply through the state's licensing board.

Target Population

Considering the field's broad scope, Human Service professionals usually work with all kinds of people, such as seniors, children, families, or persons with special needs. Their community-level work directs resources to all sorts of individuals to improve their quality of life.

Social workers, on the other hand, work closely with people facing tough situations like mental or financial setbacks, abuse, or family issues. This is usually a more focused, hands-on approach for clients in need of personalized support as opposed to general communities.

Job Prospects

A Master's in Human Services vs. Social Work also has varying job prospects, which is worth exploring to land a career you really want. According to the BLS,social work roles are projected to grow by 12% by 2030, which makes it one of the fastest-growing fields in the US.

Similarly, theoverall number of human services jobsis also expected to grow faster than that of other professions in the country. This means plenty of job opportunities, whether you choose to work in an agency or a clinical setting.

Master's in Human Services vs. Social Work: Which Degree is Worth Getting?

When it comes to deciding which career is worth it, the choice boils down to your individual goals and interests. If you're drawn to working closely with individuals, particularly in clinical settings, a Master's in Social Work is the right fit. However, if you're more into influencing communities through existing resources, it's best to opt for a Master's in Human Services.

FAQs

What is the difference between social work and service?

Social workers take a more structured approach to helping individuals with challenges, including diagnosis, assessment, and counseling. However, social service providers are more focused on helping people through community programs or finding resources.

Which degree offers more flexibility in career paths?

Since Human Services is a broader career, an MS in the field offers various administrative and program-focused roles in different sectors. Nonetheless, an MSW offers more clinical roles (with the right licenses and certifications).

Are both MSW and Master's in Human Services degrees offered online?

Yes, both Master's in Human Services and MSW degrees are offered online, letting students learn from the comfort of their homes. For example, institutions like the National Louis Universityoffer fully remote degrees for students interested in bringing about change.

Conclusion

Once you choose Human Services vs. Social Work, the future holds multiple fruitful opportunities for you. Just know what you're aiming for, and you can make the community a better place to live!

Ready to pursue the field of your choice? Check out National Louis Universityto learn more.