MSW vs Human Service

[Sylvia11]

I have been looking into several online programs for months. The problem is that I don't know which program to pick. I'm a 41 year old Center Director of a preschool/child care and don't want to be doing this much longer. I enjoy talking to others and helping them figure out their problems. I also enjoy engaging with children and being a support to others. Any advice would be greatly appreciated.

[nugget]

Given the current state of the economy, your age and the high costs involved with going back to school - I'd go with the degree with the best job prospects. Of course, I'm not advising you to take something you don't like. But if you like 2 or 3 programs nearly equally, this is how I'd approach it.

 

You could also go on job boards, look up job postings that interest you and find out that kinds of degrees employers are looking for and base your decision on that.

 

Whatever you end up choosing, you seem to have good job experience so that should help you out significantly when you end up changing careers. Good luck!

[Purplescarves]

Great ideas posted above. I would second all of it, especially the idea of doing mock job hunts now. In an ideal situation, what job would you have? Find several ideal jobs and then check out the requirements.

[Sylvia11]

Thanks for the feedback.  I will check back when I have finally made a decision.

[CJMSW]

What can one do with a degree in Human Services? I've seen the program offered at a few schools but have yet to see careers associated with them. Is it a waste of a degree?

[Sylvia11]

There have been serveral jobs that I have thought about applying for but didn't have the degree to go along with.  I see a lot of jobs that have Psychology, Social Work, or Human Service degree.  Jobs that I have considered applying for are with the foster care system, adoption agencies, and with the state.  They all require some type of human service or psychology degree.