MFT AT CSULB or MSW AT CSULA??

[ramsdet1]

Hello everyone,

 

I appreciate the fact that you are taking time to read through my question. I am terribly conflicted and I need all the help I can get!  I got accepted to the MFT program at CSULB and the MSW program (forensic option) at CSULA. I am having trouble deciding which program to choose for several reasons. For starters, I am interested to work with at risk populations (offenders, those with substance abuse issues etc) as well as mentally ill patients. I want to provide some sort of therapy and provide some sort of case management to help them become functioning members of society. As it stands, I know that the MSW degree will provide me with a wider range of career possibilities once I graduate compared to the MFT degree. this is where I begin to debate the situation....

 

Because I am in the MSW forensic population option, where would I be placed for work once I graduate. WHERE specifically will I work? If I want to work in a mental health hospital, correctional facility, or goverment agency do I need to get an MSW to get these specific jobs? If I were to pick the MFT, if I were to do my practicum in a forensic setting, would I stll be able to gain experience and apply to the same jobs had I picked the MSW program? I like the MFT program at CSULB because they have great professors who have prestige and are in spmewhat in high places. Does this matter? I know nthing about the professors at CSULA so it makes me nervous! I am very adamant about getting a job in a forensic setting once I graduate and I don't know which program is better. If i were to pick the MSW at CSULA, am I guaranteed a job in the setting in which I want to work? If I pick the MFT, will my practicum give me enough experience to be eligible to apply to a job in such a setting? I hope this makes sense! Any input is GREATLY appreciated!