Need Advice

[carpediem73]

Hi All... I am in the process of completing my GE's to transfer for my Bachelors. I want to get it in either Health Care management or Social Work, then apply to USC for my MSW. Do you recommend one degree over the other? Or will HCM be a good degree to obtain before applying for my Masters. I have been going back and forth with this decision. Any guidance or advice you can give me will be much appreciated!!!

[agentofchange]

Hello!

It really depends on what your ultimate goal is. What do you plan to achieve with a MSW? While health care management and social work coexist and work together in many areas, they are very different degrees. I believe that both degrees could work well with a MSW, but I would suggest taking both health care management and social work courses before deciding on a concrete path.

Like I mentioned before, it all boils down to what you have in mind for a career and what you enjoy doing most.

[carpediem73]

Thank you so much for your reply.

 

 I have been in the healthcare field over 15 years.  I work for a fortune 500 company.  I figured that i would like to use the last 20 or 25 years working in a rewarding profession, and have always wanted to work in social services.  I would like to work with Military Service members and their families, as I am a military brat and wife, or in a Hospital setting in Case Management.

 

I have started taking classes for the HCM degree, however, looking at the Certification process, etc. it seems like its a better bet to get my BA in Social Work.  Especially when applying for a MSW program.

 

I just don't want any regrets and pay for the HCM degree, but then finding out down the line that i should have gone the SW route.  There is only 1 CSWE school in my local area for the BA, so I may look into that.

 

Are you currently a Social Worker?

[agentofchange]

If you decide to pursue the BSW degree, you're eligible for advanced standing MSW programs in most areas. With that being said, you can finish your master's in one year instead of two years. That's one thing to consider if you're serious about pursuing a career in social work.

I'm not a social worker yet. I start graduate school in a few weeks for my MSW! My bachelor's degree is in communication, so it will take me two years to finish my MSW.

[citychild]

If you decide to pursue the BSW degree, you're eligible for advanced standing MSW programs in most areas. With that being said, you can finish your master's in one year instead of two years. That's one thing to consider if you're serious about pursuing a career in social work.

And something to consider as well for schools with higher MSW price tags.

[carpediem73]

Agent of Change:  congrats and good luck with your program!!  That's very exciting.

 

Citychild:  Thanks for your advice.  After looking deeper into the USC program... YOWZA!!!!  85k??  Dont think so.  Luckily there are plenty of state schools that I will be able to apply to when the time comes.

 

I just want to make sure that i am not painting myself in a corner.  I've seen places where I can get advanced standing ( SDSU for one) if i get my BSW.  I figure, if i continue with the HCM degree, I can still stay in the field until i am done.