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Hi all! I'm hoping you might have some advice/clarity/insight on a decision I'm trying to make. I'll try to make it brief (and hopefully coherent)! I'm applying to Bioethics + MSW programs at the University of Louisville (where those two are already an established dual degree program) and the University of Pittsburgh (which has both degrees but not integrated yet, so I'd do most of it separately). Both programs would take three years. If I were to qualify for in-state tuition (in either state), Louisville would be significantly less expensive. It also has an MSW specialization that's the only one of its kind and very much in line with my interests. The Bioethics program at Pitt is much more comprehensive - there is a two-part practicum (the opportunity to go on Grand Rounds, etc) as well as a thesis component. At UofL, other than the core coursework there is only a group capstone project. Maybe I'm wrong but it seems much less rigorous. I'm torn because I don't know yet exactly what I'll want to do after graduation. I definitely want to be able to do counseling/work one-on-one with patients and families, and I've read that as far as the MSW goes, the rank/prestige of the program isn't nearly as important as the internship and actual work you've done. But I love research and writing, love bioethics, and I know I get burnt out on direct patient contact, so I really want to have those research-oriented options after I graduate. I don't think I see myself working in academia, but I would love to be able to serve on a bioethics committee or do consulting. So essentially my question is, how big a factor is the rank/prestige of a Bioethics MA program? Say that after I graduated I really wanted to pursue the bioethics research/consulting route, would a less-intense (but also less expensive and already-established dual degree) program like UofL's count me out of those opportunities? Would it weaken my application to potential PhD programs? Thank you SO, so much for any advice. I'm feeling so stuck and just don't know how to weigh these options.

Hi- Wanted to start a topic for those accepted to UPitt for this upcoming fall. I was accepted to the PhD in Behavioral And Community Health Sciences. Anyone else accepted and considering this school?

Hi all! I know it's early but I just thought I would start this thread for those planning to apply to the University of Pittsburgh's MSW program this year. This can be a space to share our hopes, fears, stats, scholarship info, and any technical issues that we may be having with the process. As for me, I'm planning to apply by the December 31st deadline so that I can get that sweet sweet combination of guaranteed admission and scholarship assistance. This is my second cycle applying and I'm eager to get the process over and done with! Does anyone know if they have opened the application yet? I already asked my references from last year if they would mind writing me one more letter of recommendation and they all said yes, thank God. I'm having a little trouble with the ApplyYourself portal, though - when I log in and click on "Edit Application" nothing happens. I did create my profile last spring though so maybe that's part of the problem? Thoughts?

HELP! I feel like the honest answer is "never" because it will probably annoy her but also I'm not completely sure she ever received the link because when I sent it out the application said it was possible it could be sent to a spam folder. The application deadline isn't until December 31st so I know that I should chill, but also, I don't want to wait until the last minute and have her think I never sent it! I asked her if she would mind writing me another recommendation in June (this is my second cycle applying) and I submitted the form with her email on September 25th. I know she's probably just busy but I am starting to get worried... when do you guys think it would be okay to contact her? (Super apologetically, of course, and mentioning the spam folder thing!)

Just wondering....Is anyone waiting for upitt waitlist final decision for the PhD social work? Did anyone decline?

Hi, I am looking for some advice as I try to decide which school to attend for my PhD. I was fortunate enough to be accepted to two programs, with a possible third on the way. I was not admitted to my first choice, which was CU Boulder.Any help or perspectives would be much appreciated. I have 4 years experience teaching high school Spanish and History, as well as an MA in International Administration from the Korbel School of International Studies at the University of Denver. I want to study international comparative education and examine approaches to issues of immigration and education in other countries vs. the U.S. This includes transition and access to higher education, second language acquisition, and language immersion programs domestically and abroad.So, I have been accepted to UC Santa Cruz and the University of Pittsburgh. UCSC offered tuition, including health insurance expenses. There was encouragement regarding the possibility of TA and RA positions in the first or second year. Pitt did not offer funding, and the current students I spoke with both self-funded for the first two years. Here's where I am currently- both options seem good:UCSC:Pros- gorgeous campus, UC system, small school (110) and class size, excellent (hr+) conversations with future advisor, paid tuition, can work 1/2 timeCons- cost of living in Santa Cruz, relatively low ranking, Dept of Ed vs. School of Ed, less prestigePitt:Pros- prestigious, highly ranked program, internationally known advisor, research university, proximity to familyCons- big move geographically, 35K cost for tuition plus living expenses, little time for work during the first year (at least), large grad school (900)Thanks in advance for your help and advice!I also have been offered a contract to keep teaching at my current high school. I could defer and try to apply again to fully funded programs, though I'm not sure what would change about my application other than retaking the GRE's and revising my statement.

Hi everyone, I just accepted my offer to my dream school University of Pittsburgh! Anyone else offered admission and accepting their offer? Would be great to get in touch with some of you before some of the visit days - maybe there is a FaceBook page? I will be declining my admissions at Wayne State University, Ohio University, Case Western Reserve University, University of Tennessee, Syracuse University, and University of South Carolina. Good luck to those on waitlist - hope it helps someone get their dream school, too