Can You Major in Social Work and Minor in Psychology?

Social work and psychology are careers with a lot in common. Both require an understanding of mental health and human behavior. Professionals in these fields must be skilled at providing guidance, tools, and resources to help people deal with life's challenges.

If you love both fields but want to become a social worker, you might consider majoring in social work and minoring in psychology. Is this possible? Yes, you can earn a social work degree with a minor in psychology by implementing a disciplined study routine and obtaining support from your academic advisor and professors.

Below, we'll take a closer look at the social work major and psychology minor. We'll also explore tips to earn a degree that successfully combines these fields.

What Is a Social Work Major?

A social work major prepares students for non-clinical or clinical social worker roles and other jobs in social service settings. A bachelor's degree like the Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) is a common option for social work majors. This program covers concepts like:

• human diversity
• social welfare policy
• human behavior
• public health
• social work practice
• generalist social work
• substance abuse
• child welfare
• social justice and advocacy
• human services

Students who want to become clinical social workers must earn a master's degree (i.e., Master of Social Work). These graduate programs help students develop diagnostic and clinical assessment skills through foundational and advanced coursework. Both BSW and MSW programs can prepare students for state-specific licensure and might include an internship or supervised fieldwork.

Earning a social work degree can be a great stepping stone to a successful career. Next, we'll take a closer look at the psychology minor.

What Is a Psychology Minor?

A psychology minor lets students tackle a second area of study while majoring in social work. In graduate school, a minor is often labeled a concentration or specialization.

Unlike a psychology major, which would require you to complete about 120 credits to earn a bachelor's psychology degree, you usually only need about 20 credits in required courses and electives to complete a minor. Concepts you might explore in a psychology minor program include:

• general psychology
• neuroscience
• clinical psychology
• social psychology
• organizational psychology

A practicum or research project usually isn't required for psychology students earning a minor; however, you might need to maintain a minimum GPA in psych courses to complete the program.

You now know more about the social work major and psychology minor. Next, we'll examine the possibility of combining these areas of study to create one degree.

Is It Possible To Major in Social Work and Minor in Psychology?

Yes, students who major in social work can minor in psychology. Common coursework helps these two fields work well together. Suppose a psychology minor program has a human development requirement. A school might accept a human behavior social work course in place of a child development psychology course.

These commonalities translate to the workforce. Social workers and psychologists assess clients' needs and create strategies to help them manage personal challenges and strengthen overall well-being.

Of course, the professions also have differences. Social workers focus on the following:

• improving access to health services for clients and communities
• responding to elder abuse, mental health emergencies, and other crises
• assisting people living in poverty and individuals in marginalized or oppressed groups
• advocating for community resources

While social workers interact with individuals and groups, psychologists typically work with clients one-on-one. The role of a psychologist includes:

• articulating clients' complex thoughts and feelings
• diagnosing emotional, psychological, and behavioral disorders
• explaining treatment plans to clients and other healthcare providers
• studying how the brain works and why humans behave the way they do

There are many great reasons to add a psychology minor to a social work major. Next, we'll explore tips for successfully combining these areas of study to earn a degree.

Tips for Majoring in Social Work and Minoring in Psychology

You don't want to dive into a social work major and psychology minor degree program without knowing what you're getting into. Exploring these tips can improve your ability to complete your program and start a successful career in social services.

Create a Disciplined Study Routine

Disciplined study keeps you focused and helps you meet your social work and psychology degree requirements successfully. Here are some tips for a good study routine:

• create a study schedule with specific times to tackle each subject
• pick a quiet study space with few distractions like a library or study hall
• set realistic expectations regarding the work you can take on in one study session
• take frequent breaks to recharge your brain
• reward yourself for meeting your goals

Sharpen Your Research Skills

Social work programs often require research courses to graduate. Strengthening your research skills using the following tips can help you meet these requirements.

• get familiar with the latest online research tools
• exercise your curiosity about social work
• reach out to experts in the field knowledgeable in the matter
• speak with your school librarians for research resources and tips

Join a Study Group

Studying with your college peers is a great way to stay on track when overwhelmed by social work major and psychology minor requirements. Here's what you can gain from joining a study group:

• procrastinate less with peers who can hold you accountable
• discover new study skills from others with different learning styles
• get motivated by peers who can regularly encourage you to push toward your goals
• gain a new understanding of your coursework from classmates with unique perspectives

Collaborate With Professors

Professors are tasked with helping students build their knowledge and skills in their field of study. This occurs inside and outside the classroom. Take advantage of your professors' willingness to assist you outside of class. You could enjoy the following benefits:

• clarify concepts that your professor didn't have time to cover in class
• discover ways to use psychology knowledge to benefit your social work studies
• get advice about research and other opportunities to gain experience in the field
• learn personal tips for succeeding in your degree program and future career

Speak to an Academic Advisor

Academic advisors are personal mentors and advocates invested in helping you succeed in your degree program and beyond. They can assist your educational journey by helping you plan your college career and stay on track with graduation requirements.

Academic advisors can also help you find internships and other opportunities and access to resources, tutoring, study tips, and other services for academic success.

If you're ready to enter the field of social work, now is a good time. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), employment for social workers is projected to increase by 7% from 2022 to 2032.

Understanding the social work major and psychology minor and utilizing tips for success can help make your goal of starting a great social work career a reality.