Considering M.Ed

[ladybug3]

Hello

I am a BA in Psychology graduate and I have applied to Master of Social Work programs in my province. I am also a research assistant for a M.Ed professor. I was recently meeting with my professor when he recommended (again) that I apply for the M.Ed program he teaches. He claims I can end up with similar jobs as I will have a Masters degree, regardless of the field.

Now, I am and always have been interested in special education and adult education. I wrote my BA thesis on Asperger's Disorder and I have completed 7 weeks of in school placements before I decided to transfer to social work instead of remaining on the concurrent education program I was in. I have taken a variety of education courses in the past and much of my experience relates to teaching and education.

The deadline for this program is in February. I would have to quickly get an application ready, but it is do-able. It is at my home-town university, where I currently live and I attended for my undergrad. I guess this application would be an alternative option, as I would accept a MSW offer before the education offer..

This really just got my thoughts out.. but I am wondering, how applicable is a M.Ed to Social Work? I think I would really enjoy being an academic counsellor or a school counsellor of some sort, namely in secondary or post secondary education... would this be a valid option or am I only considering it due to my prof?

[michigan girl]

It depends. Which field do you want to enter: school social work, special education teacher, or school counselor?

Keep in mind they are all not the same. School social work route requires a MSW, special education teacher route requires an MEd in special education, and the school counselor route requires a MEd in counseling and mental health (K-12 track). Research each career carefully and possibly do informational interviews.

Once you figure out which field is best for you, then you can select a master's program.

[ladybug3]

I am Canadian. I don't know if this changes much..

The program I would apply to is a generalist M.Ed. I would specialize in Special Education/Mental Health but it is still just a General M.Ed.

I am quite interested in Guidance/Academic counselling, which I know the M.Ed here would allow me to do in either high schools or universities. I am particularly interested in how teenagers with mental health issues transition to adulthood and this is actually what I wrote my thesis on.

Any advice on getting a generalist M.Ed? Will that be a disservice compared to other types of Master of Education degrees?

[michigan girl]

The next question you should ask yourself is do you see yourself working in a K-12 or university setting? I can give you better advice based on your choice.

[ladybug3]

Yes, in high school or university. I would absolutely love to work with older teens/young adults. I was in a program to get my Psych major and primary/junior qualifications, however I left the teaching part because I learned (during my first 7 weeks of placement) that I did not want to teach young children.

I would fully enjoy working in a high school/college/university as support staff, such as in Disabilities Services or a Residence Supervidor. I could do these with Social Work as well, but I believe a M.Ed would make me just as qualified.

[michigan girl]

I think the Master of Social Work (School Social Work track) and Master of Education (School Counseling/Special Education/Rehabilitation track) will work.

In your case, I would lean more social work since you want to specifically work with special education (IEP) students. The degree is also flexible in case you want to switch careers or start a private practice in the future. Both fields will require state/province licensing. Just make sure you pick field placements in high school or college settings (disability offices, counseling and psychological services).

[ladybug3]

Thanks I have decided to apply and I have already written my research interests letter and got my application ready. I am just waiting on two of my three references. Fasted application I have put together; must be getting good at this.. haha