UChicago SSA -or- WashU Brown School

[_ubuntu_]

Hi!

I have been accepted to both UChicago School of Social Service Administration and Washington University in St. Louis (WUSTL) Brown School of Social Work. Same amount of scholarship around 80%. They feel like very different programs but I will get the full scoop in April during admitted students day.

At WashU, I would pursue the MSW with the Social and Economic Development Concentration and policy or system dynamics specialization. I would look at doing a public service fellowship through the school that would place me in local government to support different local initiatives and get my foot into local politics and public administration. The thing I like about WashU is the number of resources and programming they have in place to fast track your skill development and networking opportunities. The curriculum is also very flexible and they provide many hands-on learning courses, such as, consulting and incubator classes.

At SSA, I would pursue the AM (equivalent to MSW) and pursue the social administration track. There aren't as many specific school-based supports or programming but UChicago is such a well resourced and vibrant school in an awesome city that would provide a similar level of resources and support. The program provides a wide breadth of course options on issues in philanthropy, social policy, and their intersection of clinical practice which is a big interest of mine. There are also opportunities to take courses at Booth, the law school, and the Harris school of public policy. Many alumni seem to gain access to influential spaces in Chicago, DC, and NYC. WashU does also but seems it's more common for SSA grads. I also feel from my previous visits to the school that UChicago will be more rigorous and challenge me more personally and academically. But that may be a false perception.

 I am looking at potentially working in community development, philanthropy, and/or government throughout my career. I have worked in education (K-12) and policy research in DC that past 6 years.

 Does anyone have thoughts on the schools and what to consider in my decision? Thanks!

[Ternwild]

Full disclosure, I've never been to University of Chicago, but for what it's worth, I got accepted to WashU Physics in F17 and I loved their campus and that university.  Take that how you feel.  Good luck on your decision!

[sarah_B]

Hey! I go to the Brown School at WashU and am doing my concentration in Domestic SED. Feel free to message me to know more!  I also got into UChicago so I can give you some insight into my decision. 

[Scouttyke]

FWIW, WashU's environment is very collaborative, the faculty seem really engaged and invested in its students, and the campus is gorgeous.