Careers: social worker, substance abuse counselor, human services assistant, community health worker, and psychiatric technician. Majors: Psychology, Social Work, Human Services and Counseling, Sociology, and Special Education.
College majors for psychology and social services
Psychology
Studies how people think, feel, learn and behave.
Social Work
Prepares you to help individuals, families and communities facing challenges.
Human Services and Counseling
Prepares you to support people through social service and counseling programs.
Sociology
Studies societies, groups, institutions and social change.
Special Education
Prepares you to teach and support students with disabilities.
Careers in psychology and social services
Social Worker
Help children and families stay safe, get support and overcome hard times.
- Typical training: 4 years (BSW); 6 years for MSW
Substance Abuse Counselor
Help people recover from addiction and mental health challenges.
- Typical training: 1–6 years depending on credential
Human Services Assistant
Help clients get food, housing, benefits and support services.
- Typical training: 1–4 weeks on the job
Community Health Worker
Connect neighbors with health care and help them stay healthy.
- Typical training: 1–3 months
Psychiatric Technician
Care for patients with mental illness and developmental disabilities.
- Typical training: 1 year or less
Rehabilitation Counselor
Help people with disabilities live independently and find meaningful work.
- Typical training: 6 years (bachelor’s + master’s)
Social and Community Service Manager
Lead programs and teams that serve communities and people in need.
- Typical training: 4 years + under 5 years of experience
Court Clerk
Keep court, city and license records running for the public.
- Typical training: 1+ year on the job
Healthcare Social Worker
Help patients and families cope with illness and plan care after the hospital.
- Typical training: 6 years (BSW + MSW)
Skills these careers use
- Case management
- Interviewing
- Risk and safety assessment
- Documentation
- Assessment
- Treatment planning
Minors that fit this interest
- American Sign Language: Builds communication skills with Deaf and hard-of-hearing people.
- Gerontology: Focuses on aging and the needs of older adults.
- Psychology: Adds an understanding of how people think, feel and behave.
- Sociology: Adds an understanding of groups, institutions and social issues.
Start building skills now
A self-paced online course on what social workers do: duties, 15+ key terms, step-by-step tasks, tools, safety and how to launch the career.
Skills you build: case management, risk and safety assessment, and interviewing
Why it fits: Fits your interest in Psychology and Social Services
A self-paced online course on what substance abuse counselors do: duties, 15+ key terms, step-by-step tasks, tools, safety and how to launch the career.
Skills you build: assessment, treatment planning, and group facilitation
Why it fits: Fits your interest in Psychology and Social Services
A self-paced online course on what human services assistants do: duties, 15+ key terms, step-by-step tasks, tools, safety and how to launch the career.
Skills you build: benefits applications, resource navigation, and case documentation
Why it fits: Fits your interest in Psychology and Social Services
A self-paced online course on what community health workers do: duties, 15+ key terms, step-by-step tasks, tools, safety and how to launch the career.
Skills you build: health education, outreach, and care coordination
Why it fits: Fits your interest in Psychology and Social Services
Psychology and Social Services: frequently asked questions
What careers are there in psychology and social services?
Careers connected to psychology and social services include social worker, substance abuse counselor, human services assistant, community health worker, psychiatric technician, rehabilitation counselor, social and community service manager, and court clerk.
What should I major in if I am interested in psychology and social services?
Majors connected to psychology and social services include Psychology, Social Work, Human Services and Counseling, Sociology, and Special Education. Compare what each includes, the skills it builds and where it leads.
What psychology and social services careers do not require a four-year degree?
Examples include human services assistant, community health worker, psychiatric technician, court clerk, residential advisor, and eligibility interviewer. They typically start with a high school diploma, a certificate, an associate degree, an apprenticeship or on-the-job training.
Which psychology and social services careers usually require a bachelor’s degree or more?
Examples include social worker, substance abuse counselor, rehabilitation counselor, social and community service manager, healthcare social worker, and fundraiser. Some also need a license or certification.
What skills do you need for a career in psychology and social services?
Skills that come up often in these careers include case management, interviewing, risk and safety assessment, documentation, assessment, and treatment planning, along with communication and problem solving.
What minors fit an interest in psychology and social services?
Minors connected to psychology and social services include American Sign Language, Gerontology, Psychology, and Sociology.
How do I start a career in psychology and social services?
Learn about the careers in the field, choose one or two that fit you, check the education or training each requires, and build practical knowledge early through classes, part-time work, volunteering or short career training.
Can I explore psychology and social services careers before choosing a college major?
Yes. Career profiles, job shadowing and short online career training let you learn what jobs in psychology and social services involve before you commit to a major or program.
Does Career Education Institute offer training related to psychology and social services?
Yes. Related online trainings include Social Worker Training, Substance Abuse Counselor Training, Human Services Assistant Training, and Community Health Worker Training. They are general, non-credit courses that teach what a job involves; they do not grant a degree or license.
Which colleges offer programs related to psychology and social services?
Use the college search to find U.S. colleges that report awarding degrees in related majors, filtered by state, city, ZIP code, online programs and type of school.