Clinical vs. Macro Social Work: Exploring Career Options with an M.S.W.

For aspiring social workers, choosing the right academic path matters. The profession offers two: macro and clinical. Both empower you to play an important role in communities, but through significantly different roles. Clinical social work focuses on preventing and treating mental, emotional and behavioral disorders; macro social work involves improving services and resources that enhance the quality of life, often at the system level.

VCU’s Master of Social Work (M.S.W.) Program online option supports both career paths through online instruction and field placements close to home. This article explores different careers in macro and clinical social work to help you determine which path is right for you. 

What Is Clinical Social Work? 

Clinical social work — typically categorized as micro-level social work — involves diagnosing and treating behavioral, mental and emotional conditions in individuals, families and communities. Clinical social workers have become increasingly important in recent years as demand for mental health services has grown. They provide direct assistance by applying social work theories and methods to help clients navigate various conditions and challenges, such as anxiety, depression, addiction and relationship issues. Their responsibilities may vary by setting or specialty but often include assessing clients and diagnosing problems, creating treatment plans, providing psychotherapy and collaborating with other health care providers. 

What Is Macro Social Work? 

Macro social work encompasses a wider variety of roles and responsibilities that focus on helping clients access services and resources, managing programs and improving policies and services that will benefit communities. The key responsibilities of macro social work jobs involve administration and management, community organizing, research and evaluation, advocacy and policy development, and analysis. By improving community services, advocating for the well-being of individuals and communities, and developing new programs to address inequities, macro social workers can contribute to systemic change. 

Education and Licensing: Key Similarities and Differences 

Aspiring clinical social workers must earn social work licensure to practice in their home state. A licensed clinical social worker (LCSW) has met specific educational and training requirements and passed an exam proving they have the knowledge and skills to provide clinical services. The pathway to becoming an LCSW generally includes the steps outlined below.

Meet Education Requirements

LCSW candidates need a bachelor’s degree and a Master of Social Work (M.S.W.) degree. An M.S.W. program typically takes two to four years, though students with a Bachelor of Social Work can complete an advanced standing pathway in as little as one year. M.S.W. programs require field placement hours for students to gain practical experience in the field.

Apply for Social Work Licensure

The professional title granted to licensed social workers varies by state; some use the title Licensed Clinical Social Worker, while others may use Licensed Independent Social Worker (LISW) or Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker (LICSW). The exact licensure requirements also vary by state, so aspiring clinical social workers should begin by determining what their state requires for licensure. After finishing their M.S.W., candidates must complete the minimum number of supervised experience hours required by their state. Once they confirm they have met their state’s requirements, they can apply for licensure, and their respective state board will verify their eligibility.

Pass the Social Work Licensure Exam

Prospective LCSW candidates must pay an exam registration fee and pass the ASWB social work licensing exam to obtain their LCSW. Once they have received their passing score and completed any other requirements mandated by their state, they will receive their LCSW license.

Macro Social Work Requirements

The requirements for macro social work roles are different because these roles focus more broadly on social issues rather than providing direct patient care. Some macro social work positions require only a Bachelor of Social Work, although even then an M.S.W. is sometimes preferred.

Some states require macro social workers to have a license or credential, while others do not. Aspiring macro social workers can review the licensing requirements by state to get a better understanding of what their home state requires. The M.S.W. online option at VCU supports both macro and clinical social work career paths.

Salary and Career Outlook: Clinical vs. Macro 

Social workers work in a variety of roles , earning a median annual wage of $58,380. Salaries vary between macro and clinical positions as well as by specialization, location, education, and experience. 

Generally speaking, clinical social workers draw higher incomes than their macro counterparts due to their advanced education, training, and credentials. Social work roles that typically require licensure, like health care social workers and mental health and substance use social workers, pay more than social and human service assistants who aren’t required to obtain licensure. Clinical social workers include child and family social workers, military social workers, criminal justice social workers and medical social workers. They work in various settings, including schools, correctional facilities, hospitals, mental health clinics and private practice. 

Macro social work positions include career counselors, program managers, community organizers, policy analysts and advocates. These professionals work in government agencies, nonprofit organizations, schools and similar institutions. While macro social workers tend to earn less than their clinical social work peers, they still have the potential to earn higher incomes. For example, macro social workers in local government agencies and educational services earn a median annual wage of $64,550 and $62,980, respectively, which is above the median for all social workers. 

There are many opportunities for macro social workers without a social work license. Allison Gilbreath (M.S.W.’16), who works as a senior director of policy and programs at Voices for Virginia’s Children and also served as an adjunct faculty member for VCU’s M.S.W. Program, commented, “I’ve never had a student not be able to find a job. In fact, it’s often the reverse. There are so few of us that we often have options.” Other M.S.W. Program alumni who work in macro social work roles include Lourdes Sandoval (M.S.W.’23), who works as a senior case manager for The Border is Everywhere, and Chrissy Wengloski (M.S.W. ‘16), who serves as a principal management analyst with the City of Richmond Police Department.

How to Choose Your Path in Social Work

Choosing between macro and clinical social work requires thoughtful consideration of your personality and goals. Take some time to reflect on your skills, strengths, interests and career goals. If you are still unsure, ask yourself the following questions to help narrow down your path:

• Would you prefer to work directly with clients or impact systems?
• Can you imagine yourself as a  therapist? A policy advocate or social service administrator?

Clinical social work is the likelier option if you want to work directly with clients or provide therapy services. Conversely, if you want to make an impact on the systems and policies that shape social work, macro work could better suit your goals. The VCU Online M.S.W. Program helps you find your ideal path. With enrollment advisors, virtual events and student success coaches available to answer questions and provide guidance, you’ll have the information you need to identify the best path forward. 

Spotlight: Explore the VCU M.S.W. Program

VCU ‘s M.S.W. Program is a highly regarded and accredited program that offers an accessible online format with field placements in students’ local communities, a manageable time commitment, and multiple program length options so you can pursue your career goals that best fits your lifestyle and schedule. Whether you’re interested in a macro or clinical path, you will receive support throughout your journey and acquire the knowledge and practical experience you need for a successful career. With an average of 25 students per class, you’ll have the opportunity to develop close relationships with faculty and peers. Additionally, students can choose specializations in macro and clinical fields and pursue a combined M.S.W. and certificate option, enabling them to tailor their education to their professional goals.

Social workers can make a meaningful impact on the lives of people and the communities they serve, whether they are clinical social workers providing direct care, or macro social workers focused on policy, advocacy and administration. Choosing a path aligned with their interests and goals leads to a more fulfilling career. If you want to improve the lives of people in your community, take the next step by applying to the VCU M.S.W. online option or connecting with an enrollment advisor for more information.