Cal State MSW's - which are better? Is USC worth the $?

[genmsw]

I've applied to Cal State Long Beach, Cal State LA, Cal State Northridge and Fullerton. I wondered if anybody could offer insight as to which are the better state MSW programs, if there are any that stand out, and if there are any to avoid! I am still waiting on UCLA, was accepted to USC (but I don't think I can stomach the price-tag, realistically), and if I am choosing among the (seemingly very similar) Cal State programs, I am unsure as to their reputations. Please advise if you can! And while I'm here, what are thoughts on whether USC is worth 82k for the alumni network/reputation factor?! (no doubt it is an excellent program). I have people tell me I am a) crazy to get in that much debt, crazy to turn down a place at USC! Thanks everybody! Congrats to all on your acceptances and good luck to those waiting!

Edited April 12, 2011 by jenmsw

[Devyn]

I applied to USC as well... I choose Cal State fullerton. I want to go into adoptions and they had Child Welfare, I also like the area and the PRICE TAG!!!! good luck!

[feistygirl916]

I applied to USC as well... I choose Cal State fullerton. I want to go into adoptions and they had Child Welfare, I also like the area and the PRICE TAG!!!! good luck!

Devyn,

We should get a Facebook page going so we can "meet" one another before classes start! I would love to have a heads up on a few things!

[MSW hopeful]

In my opinion, and from what I have gathered from speaking to professors/PhD's who work in the field, state school MSW programs are well respected and the way to go! One of my professors from CSUSM says CSULB has the best MSW program in his opinion. I was accepted into the San Diego State MSW program for Fall 2011 and I am ECSTATIC! I was also accepted into a counseling program at USD but it is nothing compared to SDSU....it was just my back up. I am loving the price tag at SDSU. I also live in San Diego, and it just couldn't be a better fit for me.

[thestarsarealigned]

I applied to Cal State Long Beach and UCLA this year. I'm still waiting for UCLA but heard back from Long Beach in February and received the formal letter of acceptance in early March. I actually couldn't tell you which CSU programs would be better but have generally heard good things about Long Beach and their program. I considered applying to USC as well because they have a satellite campus in Orange County where I live but the huge price tag still deterred me from applying. Personally, I don't think it would be worth it to pay so much for an MSW especially when I don't expect to be raking in big bucks when I'm done. The alumni network and the reputation at USC is nice but at the end of the day, I feel that I can achieve a comparable educational experience elsewhere, incur a lesser amount in debt, and no matter where you go it is still up to you to seek out those opportunities to build a network with other professionals.

[cdinh007]

I got accepted to CSUDH! Does anyone know how great is their MSW program or reputation?

[MSWstudent]

In my opinion, and from what I have gathered from speaking to professors/PhD's who work in the field, state school MSW programs are well respected and the way to go! One of my professors from CSUSM says CSULB has the best MSW program in his opinion. I was accepted into the San Diego State MSW program for Fall 2011 and I am ECSTATIC! I was also accepted into a counseling program at USD but it is nothing compared to SDSU....it was just my back up. I am loving the price tag at SDSU. I also live in San Diego, and it just couldn't be a better fit for me.

How difficult was it getting into sdsu? What was your gpa? Where did you do your undergrad?

[MSWstudent]

I got accepted to CSUDH! Does anyone know how great is their MSW program or reputation?

I saw that you had a 3.2 gpa, where did you do your undergrad? I have a similar gpa & wondering what my chnaces are getting into csula...

[MSWstudent]

I applied to Cal State Long Beach and UCLA this year. I'm still waiting for UCLA but heard back from Long Beach in February and received the formal letter of acceptance in early March. I actually couldn't tell you which CSU programs would be better but have generally heard good things about Long Beach and their program. I considered applying to USC as well because they have a satellite campus in Orange County where I live but the huge price tag still deterred me from applying. Personally, I don't think it would be worth it to pay so much for an MSW especially when I don't expect to be raking in big bucks when I'm done. The alumni network and the reputation at USC is nice but at the end of the day, I feel that I can achieve a comparable educational experience elsewhere, incur a lesser amount in debt, and no matter where you go it is still up to you to seek out those opportunities to build a network with other professionals.

What was your gpa like?

[Lisbeth]

In my opinion, and from what I have gathered from speaking to professors/PhD's who work in the field, state school MSW programs are well respected and the way to go! One of my professors from CSUSM says CSULB has the best MSW program in his opinion. I was accepted into the San Diego State MSW program for Fall 2011 and I am ECSTATIC! I was also accepted into a counseling program at USD but it is nothing compared to SDSU....it was just my back up. I am loving the price tag at SDSU. I also live in San Diego, and it just couldn't be a better fit for me.

I know someone already asked you, but I'm considering taking the GRE only because I really like SDSU's MSW program description. But could you share some with us about your admissions criteria like GPA as asked before, how you did on your GREs and who your letters of recommendation were from? And since you've now I think JUST started the program, how is it? Thanks!

[Lisbeth]

I got accepted to CSUDH! Does anyone know how great is their MSW program or reputation?

Hey there, I know again I'm asking someone who didn't answer the first person lol, but if you get a chance could you explain how your application was, they said your gpa was 3.2 but who wrote your letters of recommendation and did you have strong work experience etc.? And did you just start at CSUDH? Or did you choose somewhere else? Any info. would be helpful thanks!

[MSW Bound]

Hey there, I know again I'm asking someone who didn't answer the first person lol, but if you get a chance could you explain how your application was, they said your gpa was 3.2 but who wrote your letters of recommendation and did you have strong work experience etc.? And did you just start at CSUDH? Or did you choose somewhere else? Any info. would be helpful thanks!

I went to CSUDH's informational, and they said either 2 professional and 1 academic or 1 professional and 2 academic.

[Charm]

Hey got in to Cal State Los Angeles MSW program and although I am waiting on other schools I am hecaa stoked!!!!....I hear this is a good program does anybody have personal eexperience with this program program or know how the community (food, shopping,entertainment) is around the area. Also I would like to know more about CSDH program if possible thanks

[rjose]

Hey Charm, I am thinking about attending Cal State LA also, has anyone replied to your question above about the program? I would also like to know of someone who has experience with the program and how that's going for them.

Thanks!

[Jōsh Medina]

Ahhhhh -- I applied to CSULA, CSULB, CSUDH, USC, CSUSB, LLU, & APU (MSW programs) and still haven't heard back from any of the schools. I am wondering if they'll send rejection/acceptance letters via e-mail or regular US Mail? It's driving me crazy though!

[TrojanManMSW]

Ahhhhh -- I applied to CSULA, CSULB, CSUDH, USC, CSUSB, LLU, & APU (MSW programs) and still haven't heard back from any of the schools. I am wondering if they'll send rejection/acceptance letters via e-mail or regular US Mail? It's driving me crazy though!

Hey Josh, I just spoke to one of the representatives at USC and he said that all decisions will be letters via regular US Mail. He said all decisions will be made before next Friday (March 30). Good Luck!

[Jōsh Medina]

.

Edited April 11, 2012 by Jōsh Medina

[Jōsh Medina]

Hey Josh, I just spoke to one of the representatives at USC and he said that all decisions will be letters via regular US Mail. He said all decisions will be made before next Friday (March 30). Good Luck!

I had an interview at Azusa Pacific and I am going on my second interview at Loma Linda tomorrow, but haven't heard anything elsewhere yet.

Edited April 11, 2012 by Jōsh Medina

[TrojanManMSW]

I had an interview at Azusa Pacific and I am going on my second interview at Loma Linda tomorrow, but haven't heard anything elsewhere yet.

Good Luck! Hope it went well!

[Outtherelcsw]

I've applied to Cal State Long Beach, Cal State LA, Cal State Northridge and Fullerton. I wondered if anybody could offer insight as to which are the better state MSW programs, if there are any that stand out, and if there are any to avoid! I am still waiting on UCLA, was accepted to USC (but I don't think I can stomach the price-tag, realistically), and if I am choosing among the (seemingly very similar) Cal State programs, I am unsure as to their reputations. Please advise if you can! And while I'm here, what are thoughts on whether USC is worth 82k for the alumni network/reputation factor?! (no doubt it is an excellent program). I have people tell me I am a) crazy to get in that much debt, crazy to turn down a place at USC! Thanks everybody! Congrats to all on your acceptances and good luck to those waiting!

To respond to your original question, IMHO the price tag for USC is not worth it (coming from an alumn who has been in the field for several years). Please do some research about median salaries in the geographic area you would like to practice in and compare with your approximate payment. USC is flooding the market and is having a difficult time placing students in good field agencies. In my experience all the Cal states are comparable with long beach and l.a. Being more clinical and csun more of a generalist program. They also tend to be more competitive than USC. Hope this helps!

Edited April 15, 2012 by Outtherelcsw

[allyba]

I think the original post was a question from last year but I am sure this debate continues. @outtherelcsw- I was wondering about what you commented on. Yes, LA is large but the huge class size at USC seems crazy and I was wondering if they really find good placements for everyone. The CSUs certainly have a great reputation for the field placements.

You make a good point about the flooding the market. USC does seem to be less competitive than many state schools. The alumni network is a great benefit as is the large amount of concentrations perhaps but, I wonder if they are doing anyone a favor letting in so many people. This is a rumor that I have heard- That while many of the CSUs will be frank about telling applicants they need another year of experience, USC accepts more people that don't have experience yet. I don't know if this is true as it was what I heard from someone. But, there is a reason that MSW programs across the country want to see related experience on the application.

Edited April 15, 2012 by allyba

[Curlysue911]

I was accepted to CSUN and USC and I am very torn because of the HUGE price difference. I have asked tons of people and have been hearing so many different people, so I was wondering if anyone here has any experience or advice.

Thanks!

[cschapman]

Has anyone been accepted to the Orange County Academic Center for Social Work at USC? I was recently accepted to that program and was wondering if anyone else was or if anyone needed a roommate!

[Outtherelcsw]

I think the original post was a question from last year but I am sure this debate continues. @outtherelcsw- I was wondering about what you commented on. Yes, LA is large but the huge class size at USC seems crazy and I was wondering if they really find good placements for everyone. The CSUs certainly have a great reputation for the field placements.

You make a good point about the flooding the market. USC does seem to be less competitive than many state schools. The alumni network is a great benefit as is the large amount of concentrations perhaps but, I wonder if they are doing anyone a favor letting in so many people. This is a rumor that I have heard- That while many of the CSUs will be frank about telling applicants they need another year of experience, USC accepts more people that don't have experience yet. I don't know if this is true as it was what I heard from someone. But, there is a reason that MSW programs across the country want to see related experience on the application.

I would ask current students about field placements. The reality is that between budget cuts, the accreditation of 2 new programs in the last 5 years, plus the expansion of other programs (primarily USC) it is becoming extremely difficult to find quality placements for all programs. I know several people interviewing for second year placements who are competing with 35 or more students for 1 or 2 spots. I second what you have heard, USC students seem overall greener. I'm not sure that the programs are preparing students for the realities of the job market. I would strongly suggest for any person who is considering an MSW to work in a bachelor-level social work job before committing to grad school. This will help then understand what being in social services/mental health etc entails. This will also help in securing placements and employment. Remember that field placements are not automatic. You will have to interview with the agency to ensure it is a match. Sites can turn down students as "not being a fit" and due to the excess supply, agencies can request a different student.

[vpsf]

Hi Everyone,

Thought I'd offer the little information I know about CSULB in case you find it helpful. My friend is about to graduate from CSULB's MSW program (older adults concentration) and overall, she likes her program. However, she didn't have the greatest second year field placement. Her supervisor wasn't very supportive and made her almost cry a few times! She also said it was challenging to make friends within her cohort, but she did interact with her classmates through group projects. One thing she did note was that field placement sites seem to prefer students from USC, but that there are field placements who host both CSU and USC students, so you would have access to similar field placement opportunities. Those sites might just take the USC student over you if spots are limited, but that doesn't mean you won't have access to other great opportunities! I don't think you can go wrong with CSULB. The cost of tuition can't be beat and if socal is where you want to be for the next two years or ten then seems like a no brainer.

Personally, I couldn't afford the tuition at USC and declined their offer. Tuition costs more than other private and ivy league schools, which I find absolutely unsettling. I also chose not to attend CSULB because I didn't want to move back to socal if I had the choice to stay in SF or move to another urban city. I think there are multiple factors that will influence the "right" choice, such as program, cost, location, where you see yourself, professional goals, etc.

A friend from college graduated from USC's MSW program in 2010 and seems to have liked his experience. He's currently working as a clinical social worker at San Francisco General Hospital - working with people who suffer from mental illness. It's a demanding job, but he loves it! I believe he makes at least 50k per year, if not more.

Hope this is somewhat helpful! Good luck on your decisions!