Online Psychology Degree

Psychology and Social Services Degree Overview

Even as new technology and scientific advances make the world a better place, social problems such as substance abuse, broken families, and poverty abound. Those who work in the social services are dedicated to doing their part to fight these problems and more in their communities and to improve the lives of individuals. Whether you are interested in school counseling, social work, research, or community volunteer leadership, a degree psychology can be your ticket to doing your part to eradicate social problems in your community.



Listed at the bottom of this page are colleges and universities that offer online psychology and social services degrees or certificates in as well as a detailed list of programs. You can also explore various study areas in psychology and social services below.

Career Outlook for Social Services

Overall employment in community and social service occupations is projected to grow faster than the average for all occupations from 2023 to 2033. About 299,400 openings are projected each year, on average, in these occupations due to employment growth and the need to replace workers who leave the occupations permanently..

Projected Job Growth, 2023 to 2033

• Marriage and family therapists: 16%
• School and career counselors: 4%
• Social workers: 7%
• Social and human service assistants: 8%
• Substance abuse, behavioral disorder, and mental health counselors: 18%
• Health educators and community health workers: 7%
• Rehabilitation counselors: 2%

h2>Salary Forecast for Careers in Social Services

Social workers most often work in government and healthcare. As a social worker or drug rehab therapist, you can find a good job and make a decent living, but keep in mind that much of your job satisfaction will come from the reward of helping others.

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual wage for social workers was $58,380 in May 2023.

Median Salaries, May 2023

• Marriage and family therapists: $58,510
• School and career counselors: $61,710
• Social workers: $58,380
• Social and human service assistants: $41,410
• Substance abuse, behavioral disorder, and mental health counselors: $53,710
• Health educators and community health workers: $62,860
• Rehabilitation counselors: $44,040

Education Requirements for Social Services

To begin a community and social services career, you will need a college degree. You can enter the field with a more general degree, such as sociology, human development, or psychology, or with a more specialized degree, such as family therapy or social work.


While there is plenty of work to be found for those holding an associates or bachelor’s degree, working as a therapist will require a master’s degree, and teaching or conducting research will need a doctorate degree.



Practical experience, combined with education, is the best preparation for a social services career. Alongside a degree, you may need to complete an internship and receive a license to qualify for employment. For example, social workers are often required to receive a two-year master’s degree in social work with an additional two years of supervised clinical practice, plus pass an exam, in order to be licensed as clinical social workers.


The following lists of degrees are generally required for entry-level positions in community and social services, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.

Degree Requirements for Social Services Careers

• Marriage and family therapists: Master’s degree
• School and career counselors: Master’s degree
• Social workers: Master’s degree
• Social and human service assistants: High school diploma
• Substance abuse, behavioral disorder, and mental health counselors: Bachelor’s degree
• Health educators and community health workers: Bachelor’s degree
• Rehabilitation counselors: Master’s degree

Source

https://www.bls.gov/ooh/community-and-social-service/home.htm