MFT or MSW what is the difference?

[prin.anongchanya]

Hi everyone!

I am in the beginning process of researching about grad school. My original idea was to go to MFT but then I start doing more research on the job opportunities that can come with this degree versus MSW and now I am unsure. Can anyone help me? what the difference between MFT and MSW? i know in California the two degrees are use interchangeably. Can I applied to both programs at the same time? What is the salary difference between the two professions?

[zachidacki]

Hi everyone!

I am in the beginning process of researching about grad school. My original idea was to go to MFT but then I start doing more research on the job opportunities that can come with this degree versus MSW and now I am unsure. Can anyone help me? what the difference between MFT and MSW? i know in California the two degrees are use interchangeably. Can I applied to both programs at the same time? What is the salary difference between the two professions?

The MFT will train you primarily in counseling, whereas, in order to be accredited, the MSW has to give you a bit broader of an experience. The MSW will allow you to specialize in family work, but you will have to take courses in policy history, policy formation, and macro social work practice. The MFT will be more intensive clinical work. Also, do you want to be licensed as a counselor or a social worker? To be a LCSW you need to go the MSW route. In California the two degrees may be used interchangeably for family work, but if you want the option to extend that to community work, or, again, become a LCSW, you should go the MSW route. That being said, you can most definitely apply to both programs simultaneously. Salary difference I'm sure is minimal, though I don't know anything about that.