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What is the best degree to pursue if I want to help those in natural disaster/poverty stricken areas in global missions?
I am currently leaning towards the counseling approach and might take the psychology degree path.
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Nija Jackson, LCSW
Compassionate and Dedicated Social Worker currently seeking Social Work opportunities to establish growth and longevity.
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Nija’s Answer
To help people in areas hit by natural disasters or poverty, choose a degree based on how you want to assist. If you're interested in counseling and psychology, you're on a good track. Mental health support is crucial in communities facing crisis and trauma. A psychology degree can lead to roles in trauma counseling, community mental health, or humanitarian aid focused on emotional recovery.
Consider degrees in social work, public health, or international development if you want a broader approach. These fields can help you build sustainable systems, connect people to resources, or coordinate relief efforts. Social work offers both clinical training and a community perspective, useful in areas affected by poverty or disaster.
Ultimately, your passion to serve is key. People in global missions often have backgrounds in counseling, psychology, social work, or community development. Pick the degree that matches how you want to help, whether it’s through mental health support, advocacy, or direct community work.
You can also add certifications or training in trauma-informed care, crisis response, or global humanitarian work as you go. There’s no single path, choose the one that feels right for you.
Consider degrees in social work, public health, or international development if you want a broader approach. These fields can help you build sustainable systems, connect people to resources, or coordinate relief efforts. Social work offers both clinical training and a community perspective, useful in areas affected by poverty or disaster.
Ultimately, your passion to serve is key. People in global missions often have backgrounds in counseling, psychology, social work, or community development. Pick the degree that matches how you want to help, whether it’s through mental health support, advocacy, or direct community work.
You can also add certifications or training in trauma-informed care, crisis response, or global humanitarian work as you go. There’s no single path, choose the one that feels right for you.
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Chinyere’s Answer
Hi Annelise!
That you are drawn to using global missions to help people in places impacted by poverty and disasters is amazing. It is highly admirable that you have a heart for helping others, especially in some of the most disadvantaged situations in the world. Choosing the best academic pathway to further that mission is a major decision, however, by thinking about how your degree can help you achieve your objectives, you're already headed in the right direction.
A psychology degree is a good option if you're drawn toward counseling and have a great interest in psychological and emotional recovery. Working in communities that are recovering from disaster or continuous adversity requires a solid understanding of human behavior, trauma, and mental health, all of which are provided by this program. A graduate degree in clinical psychology, counseling, or even trauma-focused therapy could then lead to meaningful, practical work in international missions.
Combining psychology with international or humanitarian studies is an additional option to think about. You can concentrate on both mental health and global development, disaster response, or humanitarian help with certain institutions' dual degrees or interdisciplinary majors. This would provide you with the psychological understanding as well as the logistical, cultural, and ethical awareness required for mission work in a variety of demanding settings.
In addition, experience is just as important as education. You can gain practical experience and hone your interests in this profession by volunteering with mission organizations, non-governmental organizations, or community-based initiatives. Your empathy and commitment will be your most valuable assets regardless of the path you take, and with the correct training, you'll be well-equipped to make a difference where it's most needed.
Best wishes!
That you are drawn to using global missions to help people in places impacted by poverty and disasters is amazing. It is highly admirable that you have a heart for helping others, especially in some of the most disadvantaged situations in the world. Choosing the best academic pathway to further that mission is a major decision, however, by thinking about how your degree can help you achieve your objectives, you're already headed in the right direction.
A psychology degree is a good option if you're drawn toward counseling and have a great interest in psychological and emotional recovery. Working in communities that are recovering from disaster or continuous adversity requires a solid understanding of human behavior, trauma, and mental health, all of which are provided by this program. A graduate degree in clinical psychology, counseling, or even trauma-focused therapy could then lead to meaningful, practical work in international missions.
Combining psychology with international or humanitarian studies is an additional option to think about. You can concentrate on both mental health and global development, disaster response, or humanitarian help with certain institutions' dual degrees or interdisciplinary majors. This would provide you with the psychological understanding as well as the logistical, cultural, and ethical awareness required for mission work in a variety of demanding settings.
In addition, experience is just as important as education. You can gain practical experience and hone your interests in this profession by volunteering with mission organizations, non-governmental organizations, or community-based initiatives. Your empathy and commitment will be your most valuable assets regardless of the path you take, and with the correct training, you'll be well-equipped to make a difference where it's most needed.
Best wishes!