Columbia msw vs (free) mpa for macro/policy work

[iamemily03]

Hello!  This is my first ever post and I'm looking forward to tapping into the perspectives on this site.  Thank you in advance!

I am currently working in city government (I've been out of school for 3 years) and am looking to further my education.  My interests are mainly in social policy, mental health, homelessness, diversity/inclusion and equity.  My ultimate goal is to secure a government job in LA (where I am from) working as a manager or director of a social justice oriented program.  I just received a full tuition scholarship offer from USC Price's MPA program and am also deferred from Columbia's MSW program.  I am choosing between the two and would love to hear from anyone who is familiar with one or both programs.

Columbia's MSW program has a social policy specialization.  I am familiar with the program and understand the financial gravity of paying more than $100,000 for an MSW, but I have also witnessed firsthand alumni who have benefited from the name (it's irrational but it does matter) and flexibility of an MSW from Columbia.  My plan was to attend last year and apply for PSLF but in response to the anxiety about whether or not the program will continue to exist, I decided to defer.  Additionally, I get a sense that an MSW may be sufficient to work on a macro scale, particularly in issues related to social justice/mental health, but it does not seem to be the preferred or more common degree for governmental jobs on a directorial level.  I am much more drawn to the social justice curriculum of an MSW but feel that an MPA provides a more direct route to the jobs I want.  Additionally, I also get a sense that macro social work is more of an accepted concept in the East Coast, where I am currently based, whereas in CA (where I hope to ultimately work), an MSW may be viewed with more of a traditional clinical lens.  Thus, I applied to MPA programs this cycle and was thrilled to receive the full ride offer from USC.  

USC's MPA is obviously a solid program, particularly for those who aim to work in CA, but I do worry about a lack of diversity within the program, whether or not the school emphasizes a commitment to social justice, and am generally less excited about the curriculum.  However, I think graduate level education should be practical in nature and do feel as though the MPA will give me the skills to be a good manager and administrator and have a sense that going to school in LA will provide me with the network to secure an "in" in local government.  But I also wonder about the reputation of USC Price outside of Southern CA and generally, want to learn more about the notorious alumni network and ability of alumni to find jobs in more social justice oriented roles in local government in CA.  I'm also interested to see if students are able to specialize or cater their education to be more related to social justice.  To address this concern, I did also apply to USC's MSW program, because I was considering the dual degree, but am unsure if that's a worthwhile endeavor.

I apologize for the convoluted nature of my post and would be more than happy to answer any questions!  I would love to hear from anyone familiar with USC's MPA program, Columbia's MSW, the mpa vs msw conversation, mpa/msw dual degrees.  Thank you all!

[zoetrope]

From my perspective, this seems like an easy decision: go for the MPA. 1) It provides a more direct route to your professional goals. 2) No debt. 3) It is in the area you want to work in, so you will be making relevant connections in your program. These are all huge considerations.

I do think that name recognition and prestige are less primary concerns in social welfare fields.

You could consider doing a graduate certificate in social justice in addition to the MPA. I found this, for instance: https://priceschool.usc.edu/programs/certificate/social-justice/

[honeynut]

GO FREE! USC has a great reputation. in my opinion the MSW and the MPA are interchangeable unless you want to be a therapist and need the LCSW title. Congrats to you 

[iamemily03]

3 hours ago, zoetrope said:

From my perspective, this seems like an easy decision: go for the MPA. 1) It provides a more direct route to your professional goals. 2) No debt. 3) It is in the area you want to work in, so you will be making relevant connections in your program. These are all huge considerations.

I do think that name recognition and prestige are less primary concerns in social welfare fields.

You could consider doing a graduate certificate in social justice in addition to the MPA. I found this, for instance: https://priceschool.usc.edu/programs/certificate/social-justice/

Thank you so much for your perspective.  I will definitley explore that social justice certificate - I appreciate that so much!  

[iamemily03]

2 hours ago, honeynut said:

GO FREE! USC has a great reputation. in my opinion the MSW and the MPA are interchangeable unless you want to be a therapist and need the LCSW title. Congrats to you 

Thank you for sharing!  Yes I have heard they are interchangeable and I am not interested in a clinical career.  Appreciate your response!