Haven't Actually Been Admitted Yet, BUT

[kelseygwynne]

I need some objective advice, because my family is anything but. I am planning to apply for Fall 2014, so I DO have some time, but I really need help finding direction. I have two passions I'm interested in pursuing: helping those in Appalachia and helping those who are ill (without being a doctor or nurse). My ultimate goal is to work for a non-profit helping those in poor areas get access to health care. I also want to get an MFA in the future (I just graduated college with a degree in Writing) but I know that that cannot be a helpful degree for any non-profit jobs. I would also enjoy working with the state or national government (I have a background in politics) so I need to keep that in mind too. Anyway, the two programs I'm looking at now are an MA in Appalachian Studies OR and MS in Narrative Medicine. Both involve story telling, one of the people of a region and the other people in sickness. I know that both would be beneficial to potential employers, but I am torn as to which to choose. Can anyone give me practical advice from the head and not the heart? That's what I need to help I think. Thank you!

[ArtHistoryandMuseum]

I am not in your field. However, my first instinct is that the Narrative Medicine would open more job opportunities for you, than a focus on Appalachian Studies. 

 

Are you truly firm on remaining in the Appalachia region, or on working always with that culture? A degree may be useful to you, but my thought that it might be more helpful to them, to have a professional with a particular skill set, than someone "who has studied them". 

 

Also, if you did matriculate into the Narrative Medicine program, could you work on research (or a thesis) which you'd focus exclusively on the needs of those in Appalachia? It seems that way you can do a generalized program, develop a skill set, but still obtain crucial information on the region culturally.

Edited June 2, 2013 by ArtHistoryandMuseum

[rising_star]

I think, given your interests, that you might want to pursue a MSW. It would allow you to combine several of your interests, and position yourself well for a job at a nonprofit.

[kelseygwynne]

I am not in your field. However, my first instinct is that the Narrative Medicine would open more job opportunities for you, than a focus on Appalachian Studies. 

 

Are you truly firm on remaining in the Appalachia region, or on working always with that culture? A degree may be useful to you, but my thought that it might be more helpful to them, to have a professional with a particular skill set, than someone "who has studied them". 

 

Also, if you did matriculate into the Narrative Medicine program, could you work on research (or a thesis) which you'd focus exclusively on the needs of those in Appalachia? It seems that way you can do a generalized program, develop a skill set, but still obtain crucial information on the region culturally.

These are good points. I like the prospect of making a niche within this little niche! Thank you.

 

I think, given your interests, that you might want to pursue a MSW. It would allow you to combine several of your interests, and position yourself well for a job at a nonprofit.

This is interesting--why do you think an MSW? I've never even considered this before and I don't want to do social work. I am interested in this idea though!

[rising_star]

In a nutshell, because it's a flexible degree that will allow you to pursue either or both of your interests (working with the elderly, studying Appalachia), under the assumption that you're interested in helping people. If not, ignore this suggestion.

 

From the Council on Social Work Education:

"Social work is a profession that distinguishes itself through its own body of knowledge, values, and ethics. Although graduates of the other fields listed may, in various states, be employed by social service agencies and perform many functions that social workers do, their education and background knowledge are not distinctly that of a social worker. Please contact the accrediting bodies of the fields mentioned above to learn more specific information. Social work education not only focuses on the acquisition of knowledge and theory but also requires that students have field experiences in the last year of a baccalaureate program and in the 2 years of a master's program. This field experience provides students with an opportunity to practice skills learned and to apply knowledge and theory in actual practice settings."

http://www.cswe.org/About/FAQ/StudentQuestions.aspx

[kelseygwynne]

In a nutshell, because it's a flexible degree that will allow you to pursue either or both of your interests (working with the elderly, studying Appalachia), under the assumption that you're interested in helping people. If not, ignore this suggestion.

 

From the Council on Social Work Education:

"Social work is a profession that distinguishes itself through its own body of knowledge, values, and ethics. Although graduates of the other fields listed may, in various states, be employed by social service agencies and perform many functions that social workers do, their education and background knowledge are not distinctly that of a social worker. Please contact the accrediting bodies of the fields mentioned above to learn more specific information. Social work education not only focuses on the acquisition of knowledge and theory but also requires that students have field experiences in the last year of a baccalaureate program and in the 2 years of a master's program. This field experience provides students with an opportunity to practice skills learned and to apply knowledge and theory in actual practice settings."

http://www.cswe.org/About/FAQ/StudentQuestions.aspx

Thank you! That is definitely something I will look into. 

[aapril]

I would say the same for public health - very flexible and the skills can be applied in multiple settings. You might want to consider an MPH (or even MA/MS) in medical anthropology esp. with your interest in narrative medicine. I've met several people when I was in my MPH program working and doing research along that route. And if for whatever reason you cannot secure a job working directly with those in the Appalachia, the MPH is a practical/terminal degree that can fill many positions.