Sociology is the academic study of how people interact in groups and why. Social Work is a professional field of study concerned with the practical application of techniques to alleviate the problems of individuals in society (poverty, crime, etc…)

You can enter the field at an entry level with an undergraduate degree in any of the social sciences but a professional position will require a graduate professional degree such as Master of Social Work (MSW), Master of Education (MEd) in Counseling, Master of Arts (MA) in Counseling, or a Master of Arts in Psychology (with a specialization in counseling). You might also consider, if it’s your sort of thing, one of the religious master’s degrees that prepare pastoral counselors.

The best of these for what you describe is the MSW.There is such a thing as a BSW at some schools that can get you into the entry level of the field.

Your original question: The real difference between a sociologist and a social worker is that the sociologist asks “why are these people poor” while the social worker asks “what can I do about this poverty right now”

Happy learning!

You have gotten some good distiction on your actual question. Social Work sits actually draws upon MANY theoretical positions including sociology, psychology, group theory, community organizing, economics, political science, anthropology, business administration, and more. Social work works across client systems to improve NOT only the lives of individuals but the functioning of society. Sociology is really a theoretical degree which is about understanding social phenomenon. Now it is true that many who do work in sociology go on to get involved in trying to change them. The degree does not really prepare you for this. While the social work degree is about theory and practice. DA

RE:
What is the difference between a Sociology and a Social Work degree?
Interested in getting into the social work field as a youth advisor. Many people tell me go for the sociology degree and others social work degree. any help would be appreciated.

And to whoever said you need a Masters degree, NOT TRUE!! (and to Coach T: I am in a professional, RSW only position. The only difference once i get my masters is they will pay me more $. (Canada) Lots of experience working with youth is the key to landing a job. Start volunteering now.

You don’t have to go to grad school to get an entry level social work position. You can make that decision later.

For grad school, if you decide to do it, social work MSWs REQUIRE field experience. It is essential. Without the BSW it will not be as easy to get that. Start volunteering ASAP and get your feet wet. Of course, counseling, social work, psych, etc. are pretty closely linked fields. You can easily go for an MS in counseling with the BSW later or go for the MSW if you are a counselor, teacher or psych major.

Oh- and CoachT hits the nail on the head with “The real difference between a sociologist and a social worker … LOL

The degrees are pretty different — kind of like the difference between being an artist and an art historian.

A Master’s of Sociology, would be an MSS … Master’s of Science, Sociology. NO COMPARISON between the two areas of study, really … although there are a few ‘classes in common.’