Thinking about switching grad school and program...please help.

[dicastom]

Hi guys,

I apologize for my long story. Hopefully you guys can help me out

I have been constantly researching and asking friends and families if I should move to a different graduate school with a different graduate program. I am currently in a CSU campus doing the MS Counseling Program(MFT)/PPS credentials. I love the program and the reason why I decided to go there in the first place is due to being a dual program in MFT and school counseling; however it takes me almost 4 hours just driving to school and coming back home. I commute two times a week, but I notice it is becoming a hassle, plus I am not sure if I will need to drive more than 2x per week next year due to class schedule conflicts. I have 2 part-time jobs by where I live so I cannot move near the campus, plus I cannot afford to move out due to financial reasons.

So I was thinking of switching to another CSU campus that is 20 minutes near where I live so I can save up the 4 hrs of driving back and forth. If I end up transferring there, I will apply for the MSW program since my main goal is to get licensed in order to become a therapist. In addition, I realized that if I become bored with doing therapy, I can focus in another occupation since the MSW degree is quite flexible compare to the MFT. I will also try to get the PPS credential since school counseling interest me a lot.

As for the cons, only 9 units will be transferrable to the MSW if I switch; which its okay since I am barely going to complete my first semester with 13 units (so I will loose 4 units). I also need to apply for the Fall of 2013 term, in which makes me feel like I wasted a year with my education. Nonetheless, the program I am doing now correlates the MFT with PPS credentials so I can finish in 3 years; while if I transfer, I am sure it will take me 3-4 years if I do the MSW and later get the PPS credential.

What do you guys suggest? Should I continue the long drives and stick with the program I am in now or transfer to the campus that is close to me?

[michigan girl]

Have you thought about moving closer to the current graduate school program? I know that you may not want to pay for housing expenses. If you truly want to stay in this program, you may need to live closer. 2-3 years does pass by very quickly.