Online MSW programs-- your thoughts

[julesevar]

I tend to think that online programs are somewhat of a "cash cow" for a University. What are your thoughts? Is it really worth it to do online classes vs. in seat classes, especially in light of recent college shutdowns moving to online education. I hope online is not a trend because I want a master's degree that is in-seat!

[ayshaface]

11 hours ago, julesevar said:

I tend to think that online programs are somewhat of a "cash cow" for a University. What are your thoughts? Is it really worth it to do online classes vs. in seat classes, especially in light of recent college shutdowns moving to online education. I hope online is not a trend because I want a master's degree that is in-seat!

I've generally thought that too, though I think when you do an online program that has a brick-and-morter it's a lot less like that. The fact is that being able to complete an "in-seat" Masters is a bit of a privilege if you think about it. But I totally understand, I want to complete my Masters in-person as well. To be honest however, I've considered applying to one online school considering everything going on and the fear that it would become online anyway ...

[bragierrnot]

 I've known some great social workers that got their degree online but they always had acquired the social skills needed outside of their program. I think there's so much you learn from the interactions of in-persons that goes way beyond the coarse material. I agree that it's a trending cash cow but it also can be a financial risk for universities (I.e. USC). I'm more worried that it'll effect the credibility of some great programs. That said It seems like its hear to stay 

[Neep]

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.

Edited March 22, 2020 by Neep