Two Masters Degrees

[PsyDLICSW]

Hi All,

I am currently in a PsyD program that offers a masters along the way to a doctorate. Before I got into my current program, I earned an MSW and use it on my signiature line. I just passed my competency exams and now have two masters degrees, an MA and MSW. I want to use both masters degrees after my name on signiature lines, cards, etc. Which one should come first? I thought about using the MA first because I am practicing psychology and not social work. Any thoughts?

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[KillerDiller]

Don't know if this helps much, but I also have two masters degrees--an MA and an MS. When I am doing clinical work, I put the MA first and when I am presenting research or teaching, I put the MS first. In your case, I guess that translates to putting the MA first for the reason you suggested 🙂.

 

[Shatani]

Hi All,

I am currently in a PsyD program that offers a masters along the way to a doctorate. Before I got into my current program, I earned an MSW and use it on my signiature line. I just passed my competency exams and now have two masters degrees, an MA and MSW. I want to use both masters degrees after my name on signiature lines, cards, etc. Which one should come first? I thought about using the MA first because I am practicing psychology and not social work. Any thoughts?

i dont know that it matters in a technical sense....i just think MA, MSW has a better ring to it.

also, congratulations!

 

[Phipps]

i dont know that it matters in a technical sense....i just think MA, MSW has a better ring to it.

also, congratulations!

..and here is my (somewhat related) question: which degrees do I put behind my name if I have more than two (I am a career changer)?? Also, one master's degree is from oversees, one MS and one practical doctoral degree (D.Min.) from here. Only the MS is in the field of arts and sciences (psychology) and I will enter a doctoral program (psych) in Fall. So, does it make sense to only mention my MS in counseling psych or only my highest degree (D.Min.) or both or all?? I don'y think it is smart to line up all degrees. So, right now I go with the MS only.

 

[aequitasveritas]

Laws and regs of the practice of pro psych suggest that you state the degree that is most pertinent to the field and audience.

For ex: I have a MA and a PhD...but only the PhD goes on there. If I had an MA in an unrelated field I also would not present it to clientele, since that would misrepresent my credentials and suggest that the unrelated degree is somehow related to the services I provide.

 

[hopefuldoc97239]

I think in general, you list your degrees first to last but feel free to drop any that you don't want to share.

In general it goes: Degrees (first to last), Licenses, Honors

So:

Michael Smith, BSN, MSN, PMHNP, FAAN
Sally Jones, MD, FACS
Bret Pibers, ND, LAc

 

[PsyDLICSW]

i dont know that it matters in a technical sense....i just think MA, MSW has a better ring to it.

also, congratulations!

Thanks for the feedback and congrats. I agree that the MA, MSW has a better ring to it. I use the MSW because it's relevent and I worked hard for both degrees. I intend to apply for licensure as a clinical social worker after graduating with my PsyD. I could apply for licensure now if my supervisors were clinical social workers because I have enough hours(social work is funny about who supervises whom for licensure). So, if I were to get licesed as a psychologist and social worker, what should that look like? XXX XXXX, Psy.D., Licesned Psychologist, LICSW, ABPP?

 

[ClinicalPHD5]

MA, MSW, PsyD sounds like too much to me. I think the PsyD/PhD would be enough for me.

Welcome to the most overeducated field!

 

[Shatani]

Thanks for the feedback and congrats. I agree that the MA, MSW has a better ring to it. I use the MSW because it's relevent and I worked hard for both degrees. I intend to apply for licensure as a clinical social worker after graduating with my PsyD. I could apply for licensure now if my supervisors were clinical social workers because I have enough hours(social work is funny about who supervises whom for licensure). So, if I were to get licesed as a psychologist and social worker, what should that look like? XXX XXXX, Psy.D., Licesned Psychologist, LICSW, ABPP?

just in terms of credentials, i would use PsyD, LCSW....i dont think its necessary to add that you are a licensed psychologist unless its on your business card. like if youre doing a presentation or something they will put your name and credentials...but there will usually also be a blurb that will likely mention your educational background and the licenses you hold (as well as the states in which you hold them)

but who knows! i generally go by what sounds best 🙂 welcome to the struggles of the overly educated!