LCSW vs MA in Psychology

[kobe36]

Hi, everyone, I have been lurking on the board for awhile and have now decided to join because i need some help with grad school. My dilemma is this:

1) My gpa is not good ... (2.0 overall, 3.0 in major psychology) I messed up the first two years because i was an chemistry major before switching to psychology.

2) graduated from a state university three years ago.

3) haven't taking my GRE yet, am currently studying for it while working full time as a case manager for low income families.

4) good thing going for me ?? I have had three year experience working with the populations that I want to work with after I get my masters and also my current manager will write an excellent letter of recommendation for me.

5) my ultimate goal is to work with juvenile (preferably as a therapist) .... I would love to be able to work directly with youth who are in juvie and be able to give them a second chance. I am also interested in being able to testify in court for them.

so based on all these criteria. what do you think of my chances of getting into grad school ? I am undecided between a LCSW (license clinician social worker) or MA in forensic psychology. Any help would be grealy appreciated.

[Dreams]

I say take Social Work without a doubt!

[evenstar]

Based on what you want to do, do social work. Social work programs are less competitive than psychology ones, and social work is much more appropriate for your interests anyway. I was a social work major for 2 years before switching to sociology, that's where my advice is coming from...social work sounds perfect for you!

[savannahbee]

as an MSW applicant myself, I say go for that. it seems as if it's totally possible to do therapy with an MSW but harder to do social work with a psych degree.