MSW vs. Master's in Psychology/Sociology (PhD, degree, school, best)

[Chanteuse d' Opéra]

I am debating on whether or not I should go for a master's in Social Work, do I need to have majored in Social Work as an undergraduate?

Also, which is more lucrative? A master's in Psychology (I'm looking at Child/Family & School Psychology) or general Sociology?

[photobuff42]

I work with both school psychologists and social workers. How they rate as far as helping kids--more bang for the buck for the social worker. In the public sector, the pay is very similar. If you are going for the master's degree, go for social work.

[Chanteuse d' Opéra]

Do I need to have majored in Social Work to apply to an MSW program? I'm an English major that is about to complete my undergraduate studies.

[artsyguy]

Why do you want to do that?

Do you have high emotional intelligence? Ability to empathize or validate?

[dcashley]

Originally Posted by Chanteuse d' Opéra

I am debating on whether or not I should go for a master's in Social Work, do I need to have majored in Social Work as an undergraduate?

Also, which is more lucrative? A master's in Psychology (I'm looking at Child/Family & School Psychology) or general Sociology?

MSW is the best degree for the helping professions.

[Chanteuse d' Opéra]

Originally Posted by artsyguy

Why do you want to do that?

Do you have high emotional intelligence? Ability to empathize or validate?

I have volunteered at a children's abuse shelter since my freshman year (I'm a junior now). I love to volunteer my time to others & give selflessly. I am looking to either teach, become a school counselor or a child/family social worker...

[dcashley]

Originally Posted by Chanteuse d' Opéra

I have volunteered at a children's abuse shelter since my freshman year (I'm a junior now). I love to volunteer my time to others & give selflessly. I am looking to either teach, become a school counselor or a child/family social worker...

Licensed Clinical Social Workers (MSW + Internship + test) can bill insurance companies Marriage, Family, and Child Counselors (MFC MS) cannot.

LCSW's are in huge demand nationwide. Salaries in the Southen California Area range from about $45,000 to about $75,000...in private practice you can make more. An MSW/LCSW is considered to be the sine qua non for the helping professions. PhD psychologists are usually used for testing, measurements, and the like. LCSWs are the ones who typically deliver treatment and develop treatment plans....

This I know because my wife is a retired LCSW, with an MSW and a MA in health psychology.

[artsyguy]

You didn't answer my other questions.

Originally Posted by Chanteuse d' Opéra

I have volunteered at a children's abuse shelter since my freshman year (I'm a junior now). I love to volunteer my time to others & give selflessly. I am looking to either teach, become a school counselor or a child/family social worker...

[christina0001]

You don't have to have an undergrad in social work, to get accepted into an MSW program.
The degree that you want, all depends on what you do. There are programs specific to being a school counselor. Most SW programs will be fine to do child or family social work. Teaching is its own thing, depending on where you live, you might be more competitive with having a degree in education.
You might also want to consider getting an Ed.M. or Ed.S. You should still be eligible to become a licensed counselor in most states, but you'd also have an educational academic background.
Best of luck.

[itlchick]

Ignore artsy.

I believe the MSW is a much more marketable degree. There are tons of jobs. M.A. in psyc or sociology is useful in some areas but not in others and many jobs would prefer a MSW.