Trying to decide between Counseling or Social Work at Pitt? Both programs are available to students at the University of Pittsburgh and offer different skills and experiences to their students.
Overview of Social Work
Social workers help individuals, families, and groups restore or enhance their capacity for social functioning, and work to create societal conditions that support communities in need.
The practice of social work requires knowledge of human development and behavior, of social, economic and cultural institutions, and of the interaction of all these factors.
Social workers help people of all backgrounds address their own needs through psychosocial services and advocacy.
Social workers help people overcome some of life’s most difficult challenges: poverty, discrimination, abuse, addiction, physical illness, divorce, loss, unemployment, educational problems, disability, and mental illness. They help prevent crises and counsel individuals, families, and communities to cope more effectively with the stresses of everyday life.-CSWE refers to NASW
“Social work is a profession devoted to helping people function the best they can in their environment and social workers help people solve and cope with problems in their everyday lives. -National Association of Social Workers & Bureau of Labor Statistics ”
Overview of Clinical Mental Health Counseling
Clinical Mental Health Counseling programs prepare graduates to work with clients across a spectrum of mental and emotional disorders, as well as to promote mental health and wellness. Clients may be seen individually, in couples, families, or group settings. Clinical Mental Health Counselors are knowledgeable in the principles and practices of diagnosis, treatment, referral and prevention and often work in interdisciplinary teams with other health professionals (e.g., psychiatrists, social workers, MDs).- CACREP
“Counseling is a professional relationship that empowers diverse individuals, families, and groups to accomplish mental health, wellness, education, and career goals. — American Counseling Association”
Master’s Degree Program Comparison Chart
| Pitt Program Details | Master of Social Work | Master of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling |
|---|---|---|
| Department | Social Work | Department of Counseling and Behavioral Health |
| School | School of Social Work | School of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences |
| Accrediting Body | Council on Social Work Education | Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs |
| Certificate Options by University | Gerontology or Integrated Healthcare | None. |
| National Certificate and Certification Options | National Network of Social Work Management: Human Services Management | National Certified Counselor (NCC): National Board for Certified Counselors Certified Rehabilitation Counselor (CRC): Commission on Rehabilitation Counselor Certification (CRCC) |
| Certificate Options by State | Home and School Visitor | None. |
| Focus Area Options Recognized by School | Mental Health, Children Youth & Families | Medical, Psychosocial and Assistive Technology Considerations in Disability, Treatment for Children and Adolescents and Trauma and Grief |
| Credits for Degree | 60 | 60 |
| Start Term | Fall term only | Fall term only |
| Advanced Standing | If BASW completed within 7 years, students can enter into MSW program with up to 21 Transfer credits. If full-time, can complete MSW in 12 month option or 16 month sequence. | None. |
| Average Cohort Size | ~270 students a year | ~30 students per year |
| Average Class Size | 25 | 25-30 |
| Duration | 2 years full-time 4 years part-time | 2 years (5 terms, including 1 summer term) |
| Student to Faculty Ratio | 7:1 | 4:1 |
| Primary Instructural Method | Field course work or practicum are robust internship opportunities that can comprise of 12-18 worth of course credits and comprise of 720 – 1080 internship hours. These are considered classrooms in the field. Other courses are taught using diverse methods including didactic lectures, invited community based guests/experts, labs, role plays, experiential projects, discussion groups, films, and site visits. The program emphasizes diverse, anti-racist and intersectional approaches to instruction methods. | Courses vary but typically employ readings, brief didactic presentations, videos, live demonstrations, in-class role-plays in dyads and triads, discussion, and recorded sessions with paid standardized patients. |
| Field/Practicum Requirements | Non AS: 1080 total; AS: 720 total | Students complete 100-hour practicum and a 600-hour internship. Many students complete both of these placements at the same site, allowing for an in-depth 700-hour field training experience. |
| Number of Clinical Training Sites | ~600 | ~75 |
| Process for Matching Students to Training | Students complete a Request for Field Placement form which is forwarded to the Field Office. Students then are assigned and meet with a Field Faculty Advisor and review the Request form, the student’s interest and any requirements for their generalist or specialization placement. | Students work with the clinical coordinator to Identify clinical sites tailored to their interests. Each student develops a plan to personalize their clinical placement experiences. |
| Licensure Process | Students can take the LSW exam during the final term. Now becomes eligible to be a Licensed Clinical Social Worker after completing at least 3000 hours of supervised clinical experience in no less than 2 years and no more than 6 years. Half of the clinical hours must be supervised by an LCSW. | Students can take the NCE/NCMHCE during their final term. Graduations become licensed after completing at least 3000 hours of supervised clinical experience in no less than 2 years and no more than 6 years. Half of the clinical hours must be supervised by an |
| Perks of License | Marketable Reimbursement for Services (Private Practice) Higher Salaries than non-licensed peers Better Opportunities for professional advancement Increased credibility among other licensed professionals Shows commitment to the profession and the public Competency | Marketable Reimbursement for Services (Private Practice) Higher Salaries than non-licensed peers Better Opportunities for professional advancement Increased credibility among other licensed professionals Shows commitment to the profession and the public Competency |
| Requirement to get License | Social workers can provide clinical counseling services even if they are not licensed, as long as they do so under the supervision of an LCSW. Also, Social Workers who go the Community Organization and Social Action (COSA) — macro route and don’t plan to independently provide clinical counseling to clients don’t necessarily have to take the exam/get licensed | No. Some employers require licensure, but many employers have no preference, require applicants to be “licensure eligible,” or “prefer” licensure. Because licensure requires completion of post-graduation supervised clinical hours, graduates must practice in the field for at least two years while working toward licensure. Many counselors who work in community, school, or hospital-based settings do not need licensure because they are not directly billing insurance companies. |
| Career Services | Pre and post Graduation support from Vankirk Career Center. | None. |
| Fellowship Opportunities | 9 different fellowship opportunities | None. |