Neep

(I posted this in the social work forum as well because I wasn’t quite sure where to place this) I am finishing up my MSW from West Virginia University. Though I love the program I ultimately feel that I would really like to do school counseling- which sadly my MSW does not qualify me for. I love social work and I’ve had two fantastic field placements. I’m currently in a counseling setting, which is run by clinically licensed social workers. They are fabulous and I have learned a great deal, however I feel that my education has lacking in terms of the actual therapeutic background specific to a counseling setting, more specifically to school counseling. (I cannot afford, nor qualify, for funding to become a certified school social worker) so I have applied to MA in Counseling at Edinboro- which I interview for next week. part of me wants to start working and make money - which I intend to do either way. I also intend to sit for my LSW exam soon. I am conflicted on if I should pursue a second masters degree or drop the idea altogether or attend a doctoral program (online) in a year or two. (I graduated with my bachelors in 2009, so I’ve worked quite a bit in my field so it’s not like I don’t know what I’m into lol) I would love any insight. A lot of why I want to go back for counseling is to also obtain the therapeutic skills that I feel my MSW lacked (even though the programs is wonderful and is CSWE accredited). im just unsure if it’s worth it or not. As well as the question of how do I keep my LSW status (once obtained) but also work towards LPC status? Is that even possible? Is an LSW with an LPC marketable? Is this even beneficial? Advice would be appreciated:)

I am finishing up my MSW from West Virginia University. Though I love the program I ultimately feel that I would really like to do school counseling- which sadly my MSW does not qualify me for. I love social work and I’ve had two fantastic field placements. I’m currently in a counseling setting, which is run by clinically licensed social workers. They are fabulous and I have learned a great deal, however I feel that my education has lacking in terms of the actual therapeutic background specific to a counseling setting, more specifically to school counseling. (I cannot afford, nor qualify, for funding to become a certified school social worker) so I have applied to MA in Counseling at Edinboro- which I interview for next week. part of me wants to start working and make money - which I intend to do either way. I also intend to sit for my LSW exam soon. I am conflicted on if I should pursue a second masters degree or drop the idea altogether or attend a doctoral program (online) in a year or two. (I graduated with my bachelors in 2009, so I’ve worked quite a bit in my field so it’s not like I don’t know what I’m into lol) I would love any insight. A lot of why I want to go back for counseling is to also obtain the therapeutic skills that I feel my MSW lacked (even though the programs is wonderful and is CSWE accredited). im just unsure if it’s worth it or not. As well as the question of how do I keep my LSW status (once obtained) but also work towards LPC status? Is that even possible? Is an LSW with an LPC marketable? Is this even beneficial? Advice would be appreciated:)

Hi there, current MSW student in WVUs first CSWE accredited online school. I graduated with my undergrad in 2009. In 2019 I applied to my current program. I had zero recommendations from past professors. They were all volunteer or work based. My GPA as an undergrad at Penn State was only a 3.18. I was admitted and I’m happy to say will be graduating this summer. so don’t sweat the small stuff. It’s likely fine. They know with us “older” students that we havnt been in academia for a while

I am finishing up my MSW from WVU this summer. Though I love it and want to stay in the field, I feel not well prepared for the therapy side of social work, even though my field placement is in a counseling setting. So I have applied to Edinboros program for counseling online. I applied three weeks ago. I was offered an interview yesterday. I sit for that Valentines Day. Super nervous.

Hello, in 2019 I was accepted into West Virginia university’s online MSW program. I am graduating this summer. My undergrad GPA was a 3.2 and they were looking for a 3.0 or higher, so I would think you’re chance are good :) best of luck!

This would be the exception, not the rule.

I go to West Virginia University online. I cannot speak for other online programs but I can tell you I work my butt off as much as anyone else sitting in the physical classroom. In fact the same professors who teach on campus, teach my online courses. We do not do any less work or have lower expectations than the on-campus students. Our curriculum is the exact same as the one site curriculum. I am SO glad I am online during this pandemic! WVU moved all of their on-campus classes to virtual. Many departments are scrambling trying to figure that out. But my fellow peers who are oncampus are really lucky that this online program is in existence and is the same exact program they would get face to face because there is little confusion to the professors. I understand some schools are not so rigorous. I understand there is still a stigma. But I am here to say that you are wrong. Entirely wrong. I have put in as much, and maybe even in some ways more effort than the face to face students. It takes a lot of discipline and a ton of hard work. My degree is absolutely as strong as the face to face degree. Plus with CSWE accreditation that speaks volumes to the quality... Likewise, I have to do just as many field work hours as the student sitting in class. I still have to interact with my professors and adviser via live, video. I still have to engage with my peers in live video formats and discussions. To me, the social aspect is every bit there as it is in class. It may look slightly different, but I promise you the interactions are highly similar. And I would add there are struggles that must be overcome being online, which adds to the social Interactions, that doesn't take place face to face. For example, we still do group work and projects. That isn't always the easiest when people live in different time zones! Point is, you do get that interaction piece in a quality program. It is easy stereotype online education. And there are some totally awful programs online for just about any degree or degree level. But if there is a CSWE backing the program, it will be quality and it will be a lot of work. If there isn't that accreditation, it isn't even worth pursing anyways. I would have loved to be face to face just because I prefer the format better. But with my location and lifestyle that wasnt an option. I am SO happy I did this. Online education is seriously becoming so normal that I truly do not believe, at a quality school, that its frowned upon by any potential employers. And as far as internships go, those are local to where you live. so you still 100% get that experience and it wont be virtual.

I am loving it! The profs are absolutely amazing. The field coordinator is so helpful with obtaining an internship. & even though my cohort is virtual, we have all grown close. With this pandemic, I am SO glad I am online. I start my first internship in June and I am so excited! Hopefully COVID19 doesn't change that. But anyways, I cannot say enough good things about WVU! You wont regret it if you come here (=

I cant speak to the other universitys but WVU does not offer anything outside of student loans to their online program. The thing is, WVU per credit hour is far less expensive than the other schools you mentioned. So even thought its online program doesnt offer additional aid or scholarships, its likely still way less expensive. Their oncampus option does have a few great programs to geg credit hour paid for. Unfortunately they are not currently being offered for the online program. I just took my last final of the semester. Still totally loving it!

I just wanted to update you. I am LOVING WVUs online MSW program! I just got through midterms and i still reallt enjoy the program. I do put the work in, for sure. I read one to two chapters each week, per class. [Im taking 2 classes]. Then the actual class session takes me about 2 hours. Could take way less for others but i like to take good notes. I usually have to do a discussion post each week per class and then i have to reply to a couple other peers discussions. I have had to write two papers and will have to do about two moee by the end of the semester. I take quizes almost weekly per class. I also have some homework assignments, mainly doing case vignettes. We have done a lot of video threads and that has been very neat. Makes me feel like i am in perosn w class even tho its done all on my schedule. I absolutely love the pgroam and i def think i put about 10 to 20 h9urs in each week. I truly love what im learning though and it is very doable parttime. Anyways hope this helps. I highly recommend them but im.bias (;

I fully agree with this. As long as the program is CSWE-Accreditted, i would go for cost. Licensing is pretty standard across most states. Also, I started West Virginia University this week and so far I love it! We utilize cameras and i have even gotten invited to attend events in person (if i want) or via live camera. The classes are not usually a set time, so it is flexible. But it has been great actually seeing my classmates. I feel, so far, that the program in person is highly similar to online. In fact the same profs teach it and they use the same exact curriculum. Using Zoom has made the experience seem so in reality and not just online. I can't say enough good things, but you really need to do your research. I think with you already having a masters degree, I would highly suggest finding a much more affordable school to go to. No one really cares about the name when it comes to an MSW, they care about the accreditation. Likewise, paying more than necessary isn't going to help you out much.

I start at West Virginia University this month. Way more affordable and an excellent school, highets research rating as well. That was the only program i applied to. I mean, it is probably wise to have backup schools but i think 8 is beyond plenty. Talk about your relevent work/volunteer time. That is always imperative w MSW programs, but especially so for someone coming from an entirely different profession. Boise State is also very affordable and a great program.

No. The name is not worth the debt, at all. I camt seem to locate the thread but there is a post explaining why a schools name isnt worth the debt for an msw. The only thing you should be concerned with ia that it is is CSWE accredited to sit for lisencing. No one else really cares what the certificate says. They just want that lisence.

Is there a thread/forum for MSW students that start this fall, regardless of where at? I would love a facebook group or some group on here for that added support. Any leads?

I dont know anything about bioethics, so I cannot answer to that. I do want to drop a line and say that University of Pittsburgh is an absolutely amazing school and their MSW program is terrific! The only reason I didn't apply there is because of location and I got a little scared off with tuition. But Pitt is a great opportunity!

I think it depends on what the school wants. Be sure to follow their directions first and foremost and answer everything that they ask. I can't say for sure, but when I applied i set my paper up more like one essay and then used titles in bold along the way and transition words. So there were three questions asked. My statement ended up being technically one essay with eight pages worth to sufficiently answer their questions. My school left the formatting ambiguous. I think they want to see if you can write, follow directions, and use reasoning and logic to answer. Unfortunately, I do not think this is a one size fits all answer

Widener University has a great trauma focus, which would be highly clinical. Maybe check them out also.

I couldn't agree more with this. I went to Penn State in my undergrad, which was amazing and one of the best schools (maybe im bias?!), but it was not worth the name. Dont get me wrong, I learned a lot and it was rigerous and i believe that accounts for something, But now i have over $50,000 in student loan debt, just from my undergrad. And that was after maximum funding with grants and scholarships. I start my MSW in a month with West Virginia University in their online program. I did not see that on your spread sheet. I would highly recommend looking into it. Something I like about their program is that it is well rounded. No, it does not have a clinical focus exactly, but it does explore all avenues at the micro, mezzo, and macro levels so you are bound to get some clinical in there and also broaden your horizons. I also like their cost. I do think money should be a key factor in this field. For as much as I would have loved Portland State University for their MSW with a healthcare concentration (i want to be a medical social worker), i just cannot justify the out of state cost! There are some great programs but im already paying way too much in student loans from my undergrad and hardly scrapping by. Are you looking for online schools or face to face? Personally, I would have preferred face to face but the closest MSW program is 3 hours from me and relocating is not an option.

And as far as cost goes, you generally pay per credit hour anyways, so whether it takes 2 years or 3 years, it is going to be roughly the same amount of money. Just another angle to consider, if money is an issue.

I completed my undergrad at age 21. I applied to grad school at age 30. I was accepted at age 31. My time in that 10 year gap has included raising children (they are still little) amd working. I know people worry about that gap year vut i actually think working in my profession before.going onto graduate school has worked in my favor to really know what to get further ed in, what i like, what i dont like, and the ability to offer several perspectives that i could not have without that gap. I will be 34 when i graduate

My program is for an M.S.W. ...i know i will get enough funding via government loans but WVU has several scholarship and grant opportunities, so i was hoping to see if i got any of the free money. Ultimately, i will still attend if i get nothing but i am so anxious to hear if i got something. Im $50K in debt from my undergrad so i am trying to keep cost as low as possible. Luckily with this school, it is one of the more affordable ones but still, every free dollar is helpful

I was accepted int WVU on April 1st for a Fall 2019 start. The letter said financial aid and student account info would be soon be sent. It has been almost one month now. Is that normal? When can i expectnto recieve my financial aid package? When did you recieve yours?

I applied to West Virginia Universitys online regular standing program and i hear back about two weeks later. Im not familiar with your school but the way WVU is setup, their online program only starts once a year-in the fall. The final deadline to apply was april 15th. Does your program have more than onr start date per year? If so, perhaps that could be normal for them. If not and ita similar to WVU, i think that sounds really late. But every school is different

There is a fabulous thread on here about debt for an MSW...i cant find it but basically dont go into more debt than necessary for an MSW. Make sure it is a CSWE accreditted program. But otherwise, just get the requirement for licensing and dont worry over prestige. Its not worth the money if you have a better option

Im 31 and starting my MSW in august. There is plenty of time. This one lady i know just compelted her phd and she is 60! Anyways, i say do whatever time frame is going to compliment your current life. If part time makes it more managable, then go for the 3 year program. You gotta be able to survive day to day to get to the end goal, pushing yourself too hard may not have a positive result either. Personally i dont believe one year later with graduation is that long in the grand scheme of things. On the other hand, stretching yourself too thin to do a two year program may not be in your best interest either. If you know you are going to have to work, do the part time. You want to set yourself up for sucess