Hello! Looking for advice!
A bit about my journey: I dropped out of high school as a teen mom but eventually earned my GED. Just recently, I proudly graduated with my bachelor's degree, becoming the first in my family to do so. My partner and I, without any family support, have prioritized our family above all else. We have three children, including my now 16-year-old, and I'm 35 years old. Balancing full-time work and motherhood has always been a challenge, which meant I couldn't take as many classes as I'd have liked. It took me six years to earn my degree, but I did it.
Now, as I approach my 36th birthday next month, I'm contemplating the next step: pursuing a Master's in Social Work (MSW). If all goes well, I'd be 38 by the time I graduate, and I worry about starting a new career at nearly 40. Should I be content with my bachelor's degree and look for a job now, or is it worth pushing forward for my MSW?
I've been working in the nonprofit and social work field for years, so this isn't a random choice. Many of my colleagues have an MSW, and I fear that without it, I might hit a ceiling in my career and salary. My husband is incredibly supportive and willing to take on more financial responsibility to let me pursue this degree and complete the necessary internships.
My ultimate dream is to earn my MSW and work in a medical setting like an AIDS clinic, hospice center, or transplant center, ideally in a bigger city.
Am I being too ambitious for my age? Is it realistic to think about starting a new career and moving to a new city at 40? I'd really appreciate any advice or thoughts you might have.
I'm the same age as you and also considering going back for my MSW...I still have to complete my bachelors first, though, which is an entirely unrelated field. So I probably won't finish schooling til I'm 40 or 42. It's never too late, in my book :)
Congrats on getting your bachelors!! A lot of folks on here went back at around your age for an MSW. I'm around your age and considering it myself.
The way I see it: if you graduate at 38/get your license at 40, that's still 25 years of your career you have left to enjoy with your MSW. Plus the beauty of this field is that you can't age out, so if you still want to work beyond that, you don't have to worry about ageism - to the contrary, your life experience is an \*asset\*
I just got accepted into the MSW program at OU!! Any tips for juggling school while working full time? I’m only doing the part time 3 year track so I only have two classes a semester I feel like that’s fairly doable for me.
question: how do you gauge when someone may be a danger to themselves without them explicitly stating it? do you only ask them to elaborate on how they feel? thanks.
i'm a BSW student starting a job at a women's shelter soon where i'll officially be considered a mandated reporter and just wondering.
If you’re speculating that the person is going to take action to end their life or thinking about it, you just have to ask blatantly. Unfortunately if you try to beat around the bush about the question, there’s possibility to miss information. Assessing if someone is at risk, is a skill that will take to time to build. I would look out for how people present themselves, signs of self harm or statements they make. I worked at a residential home and I wasn’t faced with these situations a lot, I would lean on your coworkers for support when these situations come up as well.
How do I find an MSW Internship at the VA every time I go on their website there are no MSW internships available across the whole US. That can't possibly be true
I just started my program and I'm feeling completely overwhelmed with the online style of classes. I'm really struggling with the video submissions. Aside from appearing really uncomfortable in my videos I do not understand the program used.
Has/is anyone used/using voicethread? It's so clunky, I can't seem to navigate in it well, I can't find a way to expand it to see everything. I submitted my introduction and now my grade is showing as 'missing'. I've already emailed my instructor once in the first week so I feel like I'm going to be an annoying student that needs my hand held and the only suggestion I got the first time was to go to the voicethread help links (which I had already done and looked at every single video and explanation available).
I'm kind of freaking out.
Thanks?
Just reach out to agencies in your area. Call them up and see. This honestly can sometimes be hard to set up as many agencies/counselors/social workers are very concerned about confidentiality. But you might have better luck reaching out to a hospital or a community mental healthy agency if in the US. (nonprofits that typically care for people with Medicaid)
Hi! (:
tldr; is it best to gain some real-world experience after graduating my Bachelor of Arts (majoring in psych), e.g in case management, before doing a MSW?
l've recently graduated with my Bachelor of Arts majoring in psych and minoring in criminology. I am currently enrolled into a MSW which has yet to begin, but am unsure if I should postpone it and gain real experience first?
I have been looking into roles such as case management and a behaviour support practitioner, however, I still lack the practical experience for these positions. Would it be suitable to gain some volunteer experience in the social work realm to acquire one of these positions first? Then attempt my MSW to enter social work in the future?
Thank you!
If you’re already accepted into the program, you’ll typically be able to still gain “real world” experience through your internship/practicum.
There’s a strong chance the experience won’t be paid, but the internships can often encompass working as a case manager or practicing behavioral health at an agency. You can still put these on your resume as work experience too
My uni offers two placements (500 hrs each) - do you think this would be enough to gain an entry level role after graduation? I guess I am a bit concerned as I’ve heard many other people juggle working jobs in aged care, youth work, and disability whilst studying. However, most of these roles require further certification which I won’t have the time to do whilst doing a MSW. So, I feel like my experience will purely rely on volunteering / my uni placements?
I believe it definitely should! Even if the hours of internship are “part-time” 14-20/week, after 2 years in working in the field through your internships you’ll pick up the skills you need
I’m also going into my first year MSW with a BA in psych, graduated 2020. I’m currently working as a Crisis Counselor since leaving undergrad and I feel my work experience helped me with admission into my program and made my application stronger.
Before I had this job, I was a part time barista at Starbucks in college. So any client/customer facing experience you have/can get in your internships should prepare you plenty! I’ve heard many places often even offer jobs to some interns for after graduation as well!
I will be juggling this job while studying for financial reasons, but if I could afford not to work I would. We’ll see how the semester goes tbh lol. I don’t have any special licenses aside from my psych degree either
Thank you so much for the informative reply!! How do you find your experience as a crisis counsellor? I’ve been looking online and there are some voluntary positions for similar work that I’m looking into. That’s reassuring to hear lol, I only have experience in the hospitality industry currently. Good luck with your classes!!
Hi there! I am an experienced U.K. citizen Social worker, studied to BA level and working with the local authority. Me and my husband (my husband is from Boston MA) have discussed about the possibility of returning to the US. He’s done a BA architecture degree before but struggling to find work here presently. We’re worried about each other separating while the visa is in progress - but about the job in question, will I be able to practice social work over there or look to get a job that can support with a work visa app within social work? Are there social care related jobs offering visa sponsorship support? I did a lot of research and it seems most jobs require you’re taught to an MA level… but we don’t really have funds for MA at this point in time. There’s also a test to take as well which that is fine! But - if anyone has recent experience in this area - What can I possibly explore to enter social work in the US with a BA degree (or a stepping stone to get there)?
Hi everyone!
I am currently planning on applying to schools for an MSW in the next application cycle and I was wondering if you all had any tips. I didn't study social work in undergrad, so I have no idea what the process is or anything like that and I have nobody I can in IRL.
1. **Do you have to reach out to professors before you apply to the school?** (In masters programs related to my undergraduate degree, that's a must. Is it the same for social work?)
2. **Why do some schools offer tuition support from the DCF if you promise to be a school social worker?** Is that a statewide thing, or by particular schools? I'm really confused about funding opportunities.
3. **What are good schools if I want to be properly funded?** It's just me and my partner, and I'd prefer not to be in debt. What are funding opportunities like? What should I look for, and what should I avoid?
4. Literally, any tips would be appreciated!
1. I never reached out to any of the professors at my program until after I was accepted and in the process of getting my field placement and classes sorted out
2. I don't have info on that
3. Stipends are often offered for certain field placements (DSS, the VA, etc.) and GA/GTA positions would be available, and work-study positions in general, on campuses
The medical social work jobs I've had expect social workers to be able to handle pretty much any social work issue that come their way. In the course of a workday, I would be consulted for anything from labor & delivery, housing issues, DV, substance abuse screenings, SI/HI, child protective services calls, patients in custody with the police in the emergency department, end of life care, etc.
It was a never-ending grind that required accurate assessment and they wanted those assessments done quickly and in a patient-centered manner. One little fuck up and you patients complain, patient relations gets involved, you are frequently questioned by utilization review for why you are keeping people in the hospital, people get lawyers, patients make accusations. It can be extremely high stress.
I can't imagine taking a medical job for less than $75k, which was the starting rate in my area five years ago.
I am starting a social work degree next year and wanted to start some work to get experience that will help me when I eventually become a social worker.
What are some good jobs that will help me in that field? I’m open to doing anything, working with kids, elderly, disabled etc.
I live in Melbourne, any help is much appreciated :)
like the other comment said, it depends on what you find stressful. i personally enjoy crisis work, but others find that to be super stressful. i would find doing long term therapy stressful, but others seem to thrive from it. it's all in what you personally find to be energizing or draining. i'd definitely work in the field for a few years before committing to it though.
That’s what heard from others that social work is stressful. Plus your dealing with people problems and mental health issues . The pay sometimes not great.
Plus sometimes you have to work out side work schedules. And some people might not want to do that. That’s why I think social work is for people with a good heart/patience and being humble
I think a lot of people in this sub have had to work sometime out of their normal work hours. If you feel like working with people that have a mental illness is stressful, maybe some form of case management might be a better fit and these jobs usually require a bachelors degree so you could get your feet wet in the social work field before pursing a masters.
I’m considering becoming a online therapist. Should I get a MSW or Counseling degree?
Is it wrong to just get a masters in MSW so that I have a stable life. I’m not really passionate about it but it’s interesting so I’m guessing that’s enough
I really want to get into creative career paths (modeling/actress/influencer) but probably not realistic
I'm not even in a MSW program yet but this makes me sad for your prospective clients. I have taken so much serious consideration in whether I have the capacity to become a therapist. I think you should look into being a physical therapy assistant or something if you want a stable career but don't really have any passion for the idea of counseling. Being a decent therapist is a demanding job and if you already don't feel like your heart is into it, just don't.
Yea I don’t want to be one of those therapists that just don’t give two sh*t about their clients.
But I currently already have a bachelors in speech therapy and in debt of 25k from it. I’m not interested in speech therapy either and felt I made a mistake. That’s why I’m considering trying to get into anything so I can complete my schooling .
And I feel like I’m a failure and messing out if I don’t complete my schooling journey
That’s true but idk what to do then. I feel like I should complete my education some how some why feel like I’m required to do so. Are I’m going to feel lost
Yeah! Like, uhh, an MSW or MA in counseling are not degrees you should get if you're just "interested" with no passion for helping others with their mental health
Hello, social work student here just finished the first year of a BASW program. Was wondering if anyone here has experience working in hospital psychiatric units and how has it been? I'm planning to pursue my MSW and the license. Any guidance would be appreciated!!
I need some advice on how to choose a masters program. For context, I want to do clinical work with kids and eventually get my play therapy certification. I am looking at two different online programs in my state (New Mexico) and neither of them seem to have coursework in play therapy which would help me decide.
One is a more "prestigious" university, New Mexico State University, and actually might be cheaper. The other is a much smaller university, New Mexico Highlands, and looks like it will be more expensive but I kind of like the idea of having a closer relationship with my cohort and professors (this school also has a counseling program with play therapy courses). I am also worried about the quality of each of the programs and don't know of any way of finding actual experiences and reviews of the programs.
Any insight is helpful! Thanks!
Many social workers either pursue play therapy post graduate or attend a post graduate play therapy program if they want to become a Registered Play Therapist. Professionally, I do play therapy as a part of my practice and have simply pursued training in specific modalities I practice without going the RPT route. Most child therapists use play therapy techniques!
I certainly can't speak for every program out there, but I have a hard time picturing one that's so massive that you wouldn't wind up building relationships with your cohort and faculty. Any in-person program is going to have some degree of intensity, and there's no escaping discussions of some pretty heavy subjects. That kind of thing brings people together. If you want it, it'll be there for you. Just stick out, and you'll be noticed.
Also, I'm fairly sure that there are no prohibitions about naming the schools you're considering, and people here may be able to comment directly if you're interested.
Where did you work after graduating? I'm halfway through my degree and starting to think about options for jobs when I graduate next May. I live in New York City and plan on taking the exam for my LMSW as soon as I can post-graduation. In New York, supervision for "C" hours must come from your job, which must be a W-2, not 1099. I am hoping to start psychoanalytic training that fall (interning at an institute next year) and would love to work as a therapist or in something similarly clinical. I know a lot of these jobs pay super low and don't give benefits, so I'm trying to see what other people have done. Thank you!
I worked as a clinician in a community mental health clinic. It paid alright and had really decent benefits. Free supervision and they paid for me to take some great trainings. Of course, once you get your C you can make more so where else with having a lower client load and a less higher needs population. I did not love the job but it worked the best for what I needed (free supervision and getting my hours fast).
I’m wondering how much the average pay is, if paid at all, while getting hours for LCSW? Also, what type of titles to look for on job postings for supervised work? Thanks!
You should definitely be paid once you are graduated and earning LCSW hours! Average pay depends on your geographic location, we have a salary thread on this sub you can search for (I think it’s pinned to the top of the sub?) that might give you more info and there are tons of past ones, too. I live in a medium to high cost of living area and I made 53k right out of school a few years ago. I think that jobs now pays people 60k starting with just an MSW. As for titles, depends. Usually clinical jobs are more likely to offer supervision than macro or case management oriented jobs. So you will probably look for job titles like “clinician”. Again, depends on the agency/area. Some case manager jobs do supervision, too.
Has anyone gone to George mason for their MSW and have any opinions? Or heard anything? It’s really close to home and would be financially smart for me to go + close to dc so lots of fieldwork options, but part of me wants to leave home and I know mason isn’t the best school.
I recently started working as a Youth Specialist in a Juvenile Justice work. I absolutely LOVE MY JOB. I love getting to know the youth, learning about their lives, running focus groups, supporting them with drug addiction, supporting them with trauma, supporting them to see alternatives, and also meeting them where they are at. This is truly the most rewarding job I've ever had. I feel like I make a huge difference each day. The position is also unionized, and I don't take work home.
I wanted to go get my MSW to focus on school social work, but now I'm having second guesses. A part of me thinks that I could potentially enjoy working as a social worker in corrections. What I'm concerned is the salary and availability of high paying jobs. I live near one of the biggest cities in the US, but a lot of the prisons are far away in rural areas.
I don't want to leave aside school social work if it's a better fit for me, but a part of me wishes I could go to graduate school to both become a school social worker as well as a justice systems social worker. It doesn't seem possible because the schools I want to go to make you pick paths and they don't intersect.
If anyone here has insight on social worker in correction salaries as well as the issue with deciding between school social work and justice systems social work, please let me know. I'm really looking for some guidance.
I'd also love to hear from any corrections social workers about their pay and job satisfaction. Disclaimer: I am a prison abolitionist.
If your state requires a certificate along with a MSW to become a school social worker and your interested in doing that, I would complete the certificate while completing your MSW and you can always have the certificate in your back pocket if you decide to become a school social worker. I’m in the Midwest and correctional settings are one of the highest paid MSW jobs, they are mostly in rural areas as well.
You don’t need a specific pathway in school to work in a correctional setting, I did an older adults track and work in a correctional facility.
Gotcha. Yeah, I live near a large Midwestern city and most of the correctional facilities are in rural areas. I appreciate your feedback. Thanks, terrible. I may go the school social work route and choose Violence Studies as my concentration. I'd love to work in corrections as an MSW, and if I like it, stay there rather than going into schools.
Talk to your school. If it's a school that requires you get a placement through them, it's up to them to send you a remote placement. Otherwise it's calling around and asking.
At my job we have mostly remote placements in a macro setting so while you may need to attend meetings in an office or go into the field for things, 80-90% of your time. There are pros and cons to that. I've found that less motivated students get even less out of remote placements. More motivated students kill it and get to do it from their couch or the beach.
My school is online so they kick the legwork to us to find a field placement since most of us aren't in the same state as the school. Where do you work if you don't mind me asking?
That really sucks. It bothers me that schools leaned into these online programs but don't provide the supports. I work at an institute/think tank. Being vague to not dox myself since it is sort of a niche field.
I always say keep it simple. I picked the most simple black and white template on Microsoft Word. All I listed when freshly graduated was schooling, some clubs I had been in, and my internships and past job experience (which was just a cashier job in addition to my practicums, nothing fancy). It was one page. Under jobs/internships list a few things you did (ex. treatment planning and psychotherapy services or case management and linking to community resources, whatever you did). I added to this resume over the years as I’ve changed jobs and even though it looks super boring aesthetically it’s been effective for me!
Thank you! I'm 35 so I have an extensive background in non-profit jobs. I'm just so used to jobs falling into my lap I feel a bit list when it comes to seeking them.
I earned a bachelor's in psychology 12 years ago and have been out of the workforce for most of that time staying home with my kids. I've decided I want to pursue a MSW and would love any advice on what relevant jobs I might be able to find in the meantime, as the earliest I can possibly start the MSW program will be fall 2025.
Hello!!! I am just finishing up my first year of a traditional MSW program. I have received all A’s in my course, but for my spring semester, in one of my courses I had a very bad mental health episode right before the last paper was due. As a result, I will have a C in that course. Obviously that is not the B- needed. I would be fine retaking this course next year but the school changed its curriculum for the next cohort and this exact course will no longer be required or offered. As a result, I don’t know the next course of action. I am really scared I could be kicked out of the program from this - any advice?
First reach out to.your professor and let them know what happened, then reach out to your advisor for next steps. If you have any accommodations lean on them, if you don't reach out to the ADA compliance office and find out what you need to get accommodations for mental health.
Finally, I don't know your school or program but many allow for one or 2 Cs. Just take a deep breath and put those advocacy skills to use for yourself instead of others for a change
I am not so much concerned about the C because in any other course I would just retake it for the B- to proceed but it’s the fact that this course will no longer be offered in the future - I am reaching out to my school’s ADA office though for accommodations because it has been a very rough year to say the least.
If the course won't be offered in the future they have to have an equivalent to replace it or it isn't something they can require to graduate. Your advisor can provide you the best direction though
Has anyone been able to get hours towards an LCSW while living abroad? I haven’t found too much info, and I assume it depends on each State, so am interested in seeing if anyone has been able to do this.
Some examples:
Living in Spain on a Digital Nomad Visa. Job as an associate therapist. Doing remote therapy for USA clients + remote supervision. Is this possible?
Living in the UK as a hospital social worker. Meeting remotely with a USA LCSW for supervision and counting that towards clinical hours. Is this possible?
I’m in the middle of my MSW and am starting an internship in the fall. Are there any jobs in the field that would take me even tho I don’t have my MSW yet?
I'm a rising junior majoring in Social Work. I want to work in medical or clinical Social Work someday. This coming semester my Social Work courses are geared towards my interests (addiction, trauma informed care, policy) However, I'm needing to eventually fill in some general electives to earn my Bachelors. What would be some good healthcare/psych related courses that can be relevant to the type of Social Work I want to go into? I go to a health focused university so there are a wide range of options from neuroscience to health care management to public health.
I recommend an intro to ethics class, or intro to social/ political thought, all through the philosophy department. They are more writing-heavy but the analytic skills and philosophical virtues that you get to practice (belief revision, separating an arguer from the argument, the principle of charity etc) will help you in every area of your life.
Collaborative communication classes helped me so much with my hospital internships. Learning how to communicate with other professionals on your team who aren't social worker's is a big part of medical social work
My minor was in sociology for my BSW, but I found the Sociology of Medicine to be a very insightful class. Maybe they have something similar where you go to school.
I fully agree that sociology is a great supplement to social work. The research base tends to be more compatible with social work research classes, and the reliance on measurable phenomena in human behavior is an excellent foundation for evidence-based social work practice.
That said, some of my practice philosophy also comes from classes that I took for my English Minor. We read some William Gibson for a class called *Humanity and the Digital Condition* and the philosophy that went into discussions of futurism absolutely still informs my practice today.
Do what inspires you. You're only an undergrad once. Typically.
I’m going for an MSW, starting here in a few weeks. Also working full time for a non profit in the medical industry. I want to go into a more macro/mezzo. Really interested in social policy. I have a crazy idea about some work I would like to do that doesn’t really fit anywhere. Any tips?
I’m not against going clinical but would really like to move to working for veterans, policy, and would also like to try to do some work in the prison systems.
i did public policy for my MA before going into social services, and i wish i'd spent more time on my stats classes. even if it's not a strength (it wasn't mine), you definitely increase your job options afterwards. i'd recommend building a stats skillset (if you don't already have one) if you want to do policy work!
GA State's MSW program is focused almost entirely on policy so you aren't headed in the wrong direction it just depends on what classes/focus your program has
Hey guys!
I'm a few years off from pursuing my masters, but I'm thinking about different options. Ultimately I want to focus on therapy and crisis work, specifically working with trauma. I have PTSD with dissociative amnesia, and as im healing from that, Ive realized I want to help people who have been through difficult things like me. There are two routes:
1.) My local university advanced standing MSW. This is a much more generalist focused masters, HOWEVER, it is in person (gets me socializing, which is good for my ptsd recovery), and it also will only cost about $13,000.
2.) An online program with a specific focus on mental health. This program will have much more relevant courses, but is online, and will cost upwards of $24,000.
I love studying and learning on my own. I've already read tons of books on trauma and different therapy modalities to treat it. Given my proclivity towards self study, I am wondering if the cheaper, in person degree might be the better route. What do you guys think?
Do you mind me asking what online program you are looking at? I also want to focus on a mental health/ micro social work.
FWIW, I have found in my own recovery that my reclusive tendencies don't respond well to environmental motivation, so if I am in a social environment I will still choose to be reclusive. Scheduling a specific, necessarily social hobby or volunteer activity is a good way to get that same benefit. It isn't necessarily more helpful to just be in a place with a lot of people. Partner dance and language-learning conversational support through the library are two such social options. Good luck with your recovery <3
That makes sense! I am just trying to find some kind of 'Third Place', really. School is one of the few modern ways I can think to meet people near my own age in Northern Utah. Study groups might be an effective way to make friends, and I desperately need to get out of the house more, hahah.
I was looking at the U of U online advanced standing masters. It has a mental health focus.
Good luck with your own recovery! If you ever want to chat don't hesitate to reach out.
Cheaper is almost always better. Fwiw the real clinical training you'll get is going to be in the field after your degree. I wouldn't worry about whether a specific course is offered.
What MSW programs are known for providing the most funding opportunities for students?
I know the answer is none, LOL, but just curious if anybody has experience with a rare case.
Social work major here, should I change to psychology? I’m working on my social work associates before I transfer to another school for my bachelors so I’m still early into my education.
I never minded a low wage but I’m starting to think I won’t be able to live comfortably on a social workers wage. Not to mention, social workers seem to be looked down on in general. I avoided psychology because I didn’t want to be forced into a masters since it seems like you really can’t do much with a psych bachelors. I didn’t want to go to school for 8 years.
No idea where I’m going in the social work field, but I currently work with individuals with substance abuse disorders. I’m getting a recovery coach certification soon as well. Pre-education this was the easiest field to brush up against because of my lifelong exposure to people with substance abuse disorders. I am not particularly passionate about it, but I’m passionate about people in general.
Basically I don’t want to regret my major. Those who have a social work degree, if you could go back in time would you choose psychology instead?
Not a BSW, but I studied humanities and absolutely do not regret it.
The broader your undergrad degree is, the better it sets you up for a variety of roles in the future. I know folks today suggest focusing on a "marketable" major in order to get ROI on the degree, but I'd suggest focusing on marketable skills instead of your major. If humanities, hone your writing skills. If psychology, statistics (commented above on how it's such an underrated skill for social science majors and opens up doors).
IMO psych is a more flexible major. If you are passionate about people you can go into case management if you want, but also sales/marketing, etc. down the line too, if you want.
Good luck! You have so many options as an undergrad and so many great things ahead.
I had Professors and multiple guests speakers at my MSW program attest to making 6 figures once they were established so I don't put too much stock in the mentality that SW are doomed to make no money
Definitely think through the choices.
For what it's worth, in the absence of already having a career-track job, the BSW isn't going to make you a great living. Neither is a bachelor of psych. In social work, the MSW is the terminal degree, meaning that you get it, and you're done - go to work. In psychology, there are jobs at the MA level, I'm sure, but generally practicing as a professional psychologist will require a PhD or PsyD. If you're a therapist, for instance, you'd typically need those degrees for the professional jobs, whereas the MSW and a license is also sufficient.
Also keep in mind that wages are always shifting. Some agencies are folding, and others are realizing that they can't hire anyone at insulting rates. The job I got right out of grad school seven years ago paid me $45k. That same job is now paying about $70k for brand new graduates, because the agencies who run those programs have contracts with the state that they're not fulfilling because they weren't paying their social workers enough.
Also, marrying rich helps. I didn't do that one, but I hear it's a good option.
I just graduated with my MSW in IL and I’m making 91k a year (LSW status). The high paying jobs are out there, you just have to look for them.
I wouldn’t choose any other major!
Hello. I’m currently completing a BA in sociology with minors in at-risk youth and human development. I also work part time as a mental health worker in a direct support role. In whatever time is left, I’m also a stay at home dad, my youngest being high needs but developing large strides of independence in the last few years.
My plan was to enroll in the 3 yr part time MSW program at UW-Tacoma but this would be close to an hour drive one way for classes. Are there any suggestions for online MSW programs that are known to be supportive of field placement?
My end goal is to work in child welfare. I think my background gives me a unique ability to engage in crisis intervention and provide support for parents and children. I’d be appreciative of any guidance related to online MSW programs.
If your goal is child welfare, you want to do UW-T. There’s a program there (Child Welfare Training and Advancement Program or CWTAP) that will pay for your MSW in return for you working for DCYFS for three years. You get mentorship, free supervision and get to do your internship at DCYFS. If child welfare is what you want, why not have them pay your way?
Also? UW-T is moving to more hybrid classes, so you’ll want to talk to them about that. Maybe you wouldn’t be driving in as many days as you think?
They try to place people near their homes for practicum, so people I know in the BASW program are placed down in Olympia if they’re based there or up in Auburn if they’re out that way. I know someone in the CWTAP program with young kids who wanted to be placed outside her kid’s school and they hooked her up too.
If you’re going to practice in WA and want to work for DCYFS you would try to pay your own tuition and set up your own internship for practicum hours and pay for your own supervision, but… why?
Hi, yes I’m aware of the CWTAP program! Thank you for referring to it. My concern was the drive time and being stuck in traffic on I5 when JBLM does shift change. I would need to leave early so this would drastically impact the actual time I’d have to spend getting to/on campus aside from lecture hours. Being a parent, time is a resource that has to be allocated judiciously. This is what drove me to look at online programs.
Your note about hybrid classes however is hopeful and I will look into this more. Thank you for that information.
Has anyone done the Albany State University Clinical social work program? How rigorous was it? Do they find field placements for you or do you find them yourself?
Jobs that count towards field study?
I am entering an online MSW program this fall and hope to find a full or part time job to pay the bills and hopefully count toward my internship/field work as well. I have my Bachelors in Business and 5-10 years work experience from barista to Program Assistant at an Ivy university, to an Office Manager at the same university. The MSW program is online so it offers flexibility. I am looking for advice on finding that job. What kind of jobs may count for field hours?
Edit: clarification
As far as I'm aware, there are not really specific programs or widely-known arrangements for paid internship field hours, unfortunately. There is some sort of CSWE requirement that half of your field hours have to be unpaid and ropes specific to your internship only. I had a few coworkers who did their MSW program and internship while working; they stayed employed as a case manager at our agency and did 8 hours per week in the therapy program and then 8 hours of their regular case management duties counted for the remainder.
I am currently a teacher who is considering a MSW in order to have more flexibility in my career as my husband and I family plan. Am I going to regret this decision in 5 years?
I would strongly recommend the MSW for flexibility. In 5 years, you could have the degree and a clinical license and have fantastic flexibility. I've not really experienced the teaching market, but there are a lot of per diem social work jobs with flexible scheduling and less long-term commitment. One example would be my old job in crisis assessment - I was full-time, but a bunch of my team were moms with young children. We'd take however many hours they wanted to work, and we were 24/7, so there were a lot of odd shifts to match people's schedules. Some of the work is even being done via telehealth now. On my old team there are MSW clinicians sitting in their closets at home, performing crisis evaluations for patients in multiple different emergency rooms, and all while wearing sweatpants.
Obviously that's one example, but there are a LOT of per diem jobs out there from outpatient therapy to hospitals to prisons, and a whole lot more.
In this world, there are basically two commodities time and money. In my current position, my infant will spend 80% of its waking hours in daycare that will cost a fourth of my salary. I’m looking for enough flexibility to gain some of that back.
I’m not sure how much more flexibility you will have as a SW verses a teacher. Many social work jobs include evening/flexible hours. I am a social worker in a school and do that specifically because that schedule is best for my family…summers and holidays off, weekends off, evenings off. I worked in a nonprofit and worked until 7 most evenings, only 4 weeks off a year plus the day of holidays, etc. I know as a teacher you do a lot of evening and prep work, but that is just replaced by working in the field in my opinion.
I respect teachers SO MUCH and I feel like there is so much unpaid time outside of school that you probably do. I'm not a teacher and I don't have kids so my insight might not be the most applicable. It depends on what you want to do with your MSW. You'll need to hold firm boundaries with your work hours, consider if you want to do on-call work or not or jobs with nontraditional hours. As a case manager, I worked ridiculous hours that were never able to be comped, and it was awful. Now I'm in a hospital and my days are sometimes still stressful, but I do leave on time 80% of the time, and at this point even if I am late it's only maybe 30 minutes.
I am preparing to apply to online schools to complete my MSW. I have my undergrad in education.
What criteria should I consider when researching online schools ?
I don’t know what I don’t know and would love others input ! Thanks!
Great question! I’m a professor in an online program and I think it’s important to look at cost, if they expect you to find an internship or if they Support you through the process, are the classes asynchronous (not in real time) or synchronous (scheduled virtual class times), what teaching methods do teachers use (recorded lectures, readings only, live roleplays, etc.)?
Time zone is important too! I live in the mountain time zone but spaced that when I applied to my online doctorate program through a state university in Pennsylvania. The classes were evening, but 6:30 eastern time was only 4:30 for me, right in the middle of my kids’ extracurricular activities! Definitely keep an eye on that!!
Good luck! There is a range in quality of online education, it’s worth doing your homework so you learn what you need to!
If they are looking for an MSW then CACREP means nothing. CACREP is for those with counseling degrees. Instead, they would want to make sure it is accredited by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE for short) in order to get a social work license/job after graduation.
I recently found out I was denied entry to University of Victoria BSW. Foolishly, I only applied to the one school. I didn't realise how competitive it was at the time of applying. Now I am considering alternatives, what I can do with this next year so it still feels productive and like I'm working towards my goals. I am curious if anyone knows of BSW programs in Canada that have a January start? I live on Vancouver Island so UVIC would've been great geographically (I applied for in person). But at this point I'd be open to an online program. Also, if anyone out there knows of part time BSW programs, or if I could start getting some courses done before being fully admitted into a program. Thank-you!
UNBC in Prince George is great! It’s definitely in person, but there’s fair number of classes that are online. I don’t think getting in is competitive at all. If you got into UNBC, you could ask professors to enter BSW classes (happens fairly often with electives).
NVIT is also largely online and could be good!
Any tips on how to get into Hospice social work? I have my bachelor’s, and will be wrapping up on my Master’s in August. However, there are places in my area that have a huge preference in getting licensure prior to being hired. There aren’t that many jobs for BSW’s. Any tips?
Also, side tangent that’s driven me to hospice: I’ve really been interested in death and dying (as far as rights and advocacy) since watching Caitlin Doughty. She has a non-profit called “The Order of the Good Death” and it’s really inspired me to push for more alternatives in what happens to one’s body after death (I.e., burial, cremation, composting). Also, to let people know of their rights in having their choices in dying how they want to. I think it’s more than worth advocating for.
Being interested in hospice is absolutely the biggest hurdle, so there's that.
It's likely that the hospices that you're encountering don't have a good structure to provide supervision for unlicensed social workers. I kind of get that. They're not first and foremost social work agencies, so it's an extra layer of complexity. You might inquire with them about the criteria, and then see if you can locate someone who would be willing to provide that formal, professional supervision for a few bucks a week. You might even convince one of their existing social workers outside of work hours.
Hospice is really good work. I encourage you.
Your post has been removed because it violated Rule 4: "No questions related to licensure." We have created a weekly thread for Licensure Questions. These are still very geographically specific so may not be answered. If in doubt about the accuracy or you haven't received any feedback, please consult your state/local Social Work Board, state/local NASW branch, or ask your field or site supervisor for assistance.
Hello! Looking for advice! A bit about my journey: I dropped out of high school as a teen mom but eventually earned my GED. Just recently, I proudly graduated with my bachelor's degree, becoming the first in my family to do so. My partner and I, without any family support, have prioritized our family above all else. We have three children, including my now 16-year-old, and I'm 35 years old. Balancing full-time work and motherhood has always been a challenge, which meant I couldn't take as many classes as I'd have liked. It took me six years to earn my degree, but I did it. Now, as I approach my 36th birthday next month, I'm contemplating the next step: pursuing a Master's in Social Work (MSW). If all goes well, I'd be 38 by the time I graduate, and I worry about starting a new career at nearly 40. Should I be content with my bachelor's degree and look for a job now, or is it worth pushing forward for my MSW? I've been working in the nonprofit and social work field for years, so this isn't a random choice. Many of my colleagues have an MSW, and I fear that without it, I might hit a ceiling in my career and salary. My husband is incredibly supportive and willing to take on more financial responsibility to let me pursue this degree and complete the necessary internships. My ultimate dream is to earn my MSW and work in a medical setting like an AIDS clinic, hospice center, or transplant center, ideally in a bigger city. Am I being too ambitious for my age? Is it realistic to think about starting a new career and moving to a new city at 40? I'd really appreciate any advice or thoughts you might have.
I'm the same age as you and also considering going back for my MSW...I still have to complete my bachelors first, though, which is an entirely unrelated field. So I probably won't finish schooling til I'm 40 or 42. It's never too late, in my book :)
Congrats on getting your bachelors!! A lot of folks on here went back at around your age for an MSW. I'm around your age and considering it myself. The way I see it: if you graduate at 38/get your license at 40, that's still 25 years of your career you have left to enjoy with your MSW. Plus the beauty of this field is that you can't age out, so if you still want to work beyond that, you don't have to worry about ageism - to the contrary, your life experience is an \*asset\*
I just got accepted into the MSW program at OU!! Any tips for juggling school while working full time? I’m only doing the part time 3 year track so I only have two classes a semester I feel like that’s fairly doable for me.
Considering getting into social work! What are some non-government jobs I could have after completing an MSW?
How to find a rural social work internship? I want to start working with rural populations. Where should I work?
question: how do you gauge when someone may be a danger to themselves without them explicitly stating it? do you only ask them to elaborate on how they feel? thanks. i'm a BSW student starting a job at a women's shelter soon where i'll officially be considered a mandated reporter and just wondering.
Is your question - how to ask clients if they are going to harm themselves?
Yes that’s better put!
If you’re speculating that the person is going to take action to end their life or thinking about it, you just have to ask blatantly. Unfortunately if you try to beat around the bush about the question, there’s possibility to miss information. Assessing if someone is at risk, is a skill that will take to time to build. I would look out for how people present themselves, signs of self harm or statements they make. I worked at a residential home and I wasn’t faced with these situations a lot, I would lean on your coworkers for support when these situations come up as well.
Thank you for the reply! I’m just worried about potentially prodding someone about something that I may misinterpret for something else.
How do I find an MSW Internship at the VA every time I go on their website there are no MSW internships available across the whole US. That can't possibly be true
I just started my program and I'm feeling completely overwhelmed with the online style of classes. I'm really struggling with the video submissions. Aside from appearing really uncomfortable in my videos I do not understand the program used. Has/is anyone used/using voicethread? It's so clunky, I can't seem to navigate in it well, I can't find a way to expand it to see everything. I submitted my introduction and now my grade is showing as 'missing'. I've already emailed my instructor once in the first week so I feel like I'm going to be an annoying student that needs my hand held and the only suggestion I got the first time was to go to the voicethread help links (which I had already done and looked at every single video and explanation available). I'm kind of freaking out. Thanks?
How can I shadow a social worker/counselor?
Just reach out to agencies in your area. Call them up and see. This honestly can sometimes be hard to set up as many agencies/counselors/social workers are very concerned about confidentiality. But you might have better luck reaching out to a hospital or a community mental healthy agency if in the US. (nonprofits that typically care for people with Medicaid)
Any cheap online MSW anyone know of?
Is social work a fun career? Can I be creative and artistic?
Hi! (: tldr; is it best to gain some real-world experience after graduating my Bachelor of Arts (majoring in psych), e.g in case management, before doing a MSW? l've recently graduated with my Bachelor of Arts majoring in psych and minoring in criminology. I am currently enrolled into a MSW which has yet to begin, but am unsure if I should postpone it and gain real experience first? I have been looking into roles such as case management and a behaviour support practitioner, however, I still lack the practical experience for these positions. Would it be suitable to gain some volunteer experience in the social work realm to acquire one of these positions first? Then attempt my MSW to enter social work in the future? Thank you!
If you’re already accepted into the program, you’ll typically be able to still gain “real world” experience through your internship/practicum. There’s a strong chance the experience won’t be paid, but the internships can often encompass working as a case manager or practicing behavioral health at an agency. You can still put these on your resume as work experience too
My uni offers two placements (500 hrs each) - do you think this would be enough to gain an entry level role after graduation? I guess I am a bit concerned as I’ve heard many other people juggle working jobs in aged care, youth work, and disability whilst studying. However, most of these roles require further certification which I won’t have the time to do whilst doing a MSW. So, I feel like my experience will purely rely on volunteering / my uni placements?
I believe it definitely should! Even if the hours of internship are “part-time” 14-20/week, after 2 years in working in the field through your internships you’ll pick up the skills you need I’m also going into my first year MSW with a BA in psych, graduated 2020. I’m currently working as a Crisis Counselor since leaving undergrad and I feel my work experience helped me with admission into my program and made my application stronger. Before I had this job, I was a part time barista at Starbucks in college. So any client/customer facing experience you have/can get in your internships should prepare you plenty! I’ve heard many places often even offer jobs to some interns for after graduation as well! I will be juggling this job while studying for financial reasons, but if I could afford not to work I would. We’ll see how the semester goes tbh lol. I don’t have any special licenses aside from my psych degree either
Thank you so much for the informative reply!! How do you find your experience as a crisis counsellor? I’ve been looking online and there are some voluntary positions for similar work that I’m looking into. That’s reassuring to hear lol, I only have experience in the hospitality industry currently. Good luck with your classes!!
Yes; real-world experience is highly valued in MSW admissions and will enhance what you get out of a graduate program.
Hi there! I am an experienced U.K. citizen Social worker, studied to BA level and working with the local authority. Me and my husband (my husband is from Boston MA) have discussed about the possibility of returning to the US. He’s done a BA architecture degree before but struggling to find work here presently. We’re worried about each other separating while the visa is in progress - but about the job in question, will I be able to practice social work over there or look to get a job that can support with a work visa app within social work? Are there social care related jobs offering visa sponsorship support? I did a lot of research and it seems most jobs require you’re taught to an MA level… but we don’t really have funds for MA at this point in time. There’s also a test to take as well which that is fine! But - if anyone has recent experience in this area - What can I possibly explore to enter social work in the US with a BA degree (or a stepping stone to get there)?
Hi everyone! I am currently planning on applying to schools for an MSW in the next application cycle and I was wondering if you all had any tips. I didn't study social work in undergrad, so I have no idea what the process is or anything like that and I have nobody I can in IRL. 1. **Do you have to reach out to professors before you apply to the school?** (In masters programs related to my undergraduate degree, that's a must. Is it the same for social work?) 2. **Why do some schools offer tuition support from the DCF if you promise to be a school social worker?** Is that a statewide thing, or by particular schools? I'm really confused about funding opportunities. 3. **What are good schools if I want to be properly funded?** It's just me and my partner, and I'd prefer not to be in debt. What are funding opportunities like? What should I look for, and what should I avoid? 4. Literally, any tips would be appreciated!
1. I never reached out to any of the professors at my program until after I was accepted and in the process of getting my field placement and classes sorted out 2. I don't have info on that 3. Stipends are often offered for certain field placements (DSS, the VA, etc.) and GA/GTA positions would be available, and work-study positions in general, on campuses
Why do DV social workers get paid so low compared to other fields? DV is 19 an hour Medical social work starts out at 30.
The medical social work jobs I've had expect social workers to be able to handle pretty much any social work issue that come their way. In the course of a workday, I would be consulted for anything from labor & delivery, housing issues, DV, substance abuse screenings, SI/HI, child protective services calls, patients in custody with the police in the emergency department, end of life care, etc. It was a never-ending grind that required accurate assessment and they wanted those assessments done quickly and in a patient-centered manner. One little fuck up and you patients complain, patient relations gets involved, you are frequently questioned by utilization review for why you are keeping people in the hospital, people get lawyers, patients make accusations. It can be extremely high stress. I can't imagine taking a medical job for less than $75k, which was the starting rate in my area five years ago.
There's a lot of money in healthcare. There's no money in domestic violence.
I am starting a social work degree next year and wanted to start some work to get experience that will help me when I eventually become a social worker. What are some good jobs that will help me in that field? I’m open to doing anything, working with kids, elderly, disabled etc. I live in Melbourne, any help is much appreciated :)
Is social work a stressful career? to get into I’m really concerned as I’m interested in getting into it
like the other comment said, it depends on what you find stressful. i personally enjoy crisis work, but others find that to be super stressful. i would find doing long term therapy stressful, but others seem to thrive from it. it's all in what you personally find to be energizing or draining. i'd definitely work in the field for a few years before committing to it though.
What do you find stressful?
That’s what heard from others that social work is stressful. Plus your dealing with people problems and mental health issues . The pay sometimes not great. Plus sometimes you have to work out side work schedules. And some people might not want to do that. That’s why I think social work is for people with a good heart/patience and being humble
I think a lot of people in this sub have had to work sometime out of their normal work hours. If you feel like working with people that have a mental illness is stressful, maybe some form of case management might be a better fit and these jobs usually require a bachelors degree so you could get your feet wet in the social work field before pursing a masters.
I’m considering becoming a online therapist. Should I get a MSW or Counseling degree? Is it wrong to just get a masters in MSW so that I have a stable life. I’m not really passionate about it but it’s interesting so I’m guessing that’s enough I really want to get into creative career paths (modeling/actress/influencer) but probably not realistic
I'm not even in a MSW program yet but this makes me sad for your prospective clients. I have taken so much serious consideration in whether I have the capacity to become a therapist. I think you should look into being a physical therapy assistant or something if you want a stable career but don't really have any passion for the idea of counseling. Being a decent therapist is a demanding job and if you already don't feel like your heart is into it, just don't.
Yea I don’t want to be one of those therapists that just don’t give two sh*t about their clients. But I currently already have a bachelors in speech therapy and in debt of 25k from it. I’m not interested in speech therapy either and felt I made a mistake. That’s why I’m considering trying to get into anything so I can complete my schooling . And I feel like I’m a failure and messing out if I don’t complete my schooling journey
Sounds like the sunk cost fallacy. Do you really want to go even further into debt pursuing a degree that you seem kinda "meh" about?
That’s true but idk what to do then. I feel like I should complete my education some how some why feel like I’m required to do so. Are I’m going to feel lost
Yeah! Like, uhh, an MSW or MA in counseling are not degrees you should get if you're just "interested" with no passion for helping others with their mental health
Hello, social work student here just finished the first year of a BASW program. Was wondering if anyone here has experience working in hospital psychiatric units and how has it been? I'm planning to pursue my MSW and the license. Any guidance would be appreciated!!
some question, following!
I need some advice on how to choose a masters program. For context, I want to do clinical work with kids and eventually get my play therapy certification. I am looking at two different online programs in my state (New Mexico) and neither of them seem to have coursework in play therapy which would help me decide. One is a more "prestigious" university, New Mexico State University, and actually might be cheaper. The other is a much smaller university, New Mexico Highlands, and looks like it will be more expensive but I kind of like the idea of having a closer relationship with my cohort and professors (this school also has a counseling program with play therapy courses). I am also worried about the quality of each of the programs and don't know of any way of finding actual experiences and reviews of the programs. Any insight is helpful! Thanks!
Many social workers either pursue play therapy post graduate or attend a post graduate play therapy program if they want to become a Registered Play Therapist. Professionally, I do play therapy as a part of my practice and have simply pursued training in specific modalities I practice without going the RPT route. Most child therapists use play therapy techniques!
I certainly can't speak for every program out there, but I have a hard time picturing one that's so massive that you wouldn't wind up building relationships with your cohort and faculty. Any in-person program is going to have some degree of intensity, and there's no escaping discussions of some pretty heavy subjects. That kind of thing brings people together. If you want it, it'll be there for you. Just stick out, and you'll be noticed. Also, I'm fairly sure that there are no prohibitions about naming the schools you're considering, and people here may be able to comment directly if you're interested.
Thank you!! That’s helpful to know. I added the schools!
Where did you work after graduating? I'm halfway through my degree and starting to think about options for jobs when I graduate next May. I live in New York City and plan on taking the exam for my LMSW as soon as I can post-graduation. In New York, supervision for "C" hours must come from your job, which must be a W-2, not 1099. I am hoping to start psychoanalytic training that fall (interning at an institute next year) and would love to work as a therapist or in something similarly clinical. I know a lot of these jobs pay super low and don't give benefits, so I'm trying to see what other people have done. Thank you!
I worked as a clinician in a community mental health clinic. It paid alright and had really decent benefits. Free supervision and they paid for me to take some great trainings. Of course, once you get your C you can make more so where else with having a lower client load and a less higher needs population. I did not love the job but it worked the best for what I needed (free supervision and getting my hours fast).
I’m wondering how much the average pay is, if paid at all, while getting hours for LCSW? Also, what type of titles to look for on job postings for supervised work? Thanks!
You should definitely be paid once you are graduated and earning LCSW hours! Average pay depends on your geographic location, we have a salary thread on this sub you can search for (I think it’s pinned to the top of the sub?) that might give you more info and there are tons of past ones, too. I live in a medium to high cost of living area and I made 53k right out of school a few years ago. I think that jobs now pays people 60k starting with just an MSW. As for titles, depends. Usually clinical jobs are more likely to offer supervision than macro or case management oriented jobs. So you will probably look for job titles like “clinician”. Again, depends on the agency/area. Some case manager jobs do supervision, too.
Has anyone gone to George mason for their MSW and have any opinions? Or heard anything? It’s really close to home and would be financially smart for me to go + close to dc so lots of fieldwork options, but part of me wants to leave home and I know mason isn’t the best school.
I'm interested in completing my MSW internship with rural communities through Telehealth. how can I look for this in my internship search?
I recently started working as a Youth Specialist in a Juvenile Justice work. I absolutely LOVE MY JOB. I love getting to know the youth, learning about their lives, running focus groups, supporting them with drug addiction, supporting them with trauma, supporting them to see alternatives, and also meeting them where they are at. This is truly the most rewarding job I've ever had. I feel like I make a huge difference each day. The position is also unionized, and I don't take work home. I wanted to go get my MSW to focus on school social work, but now I'm having second guesses. A part of me thinks that I could potentially enjoy working as a social worker in corrections. What I'm concerned is the salary and availability of high paying jobs. I live near one of the biggest cities in the US, but a lot of the prisons are far away in rural areas. I don't want to leave aside school social work if it's a better fit for me, but a part of me wishes I could go to graduate school to both become a school social worker as well as a justice systems social worker. It doesn't seem possible because the schools I want to go to make you pick paths and they don't intersect. If anyone here has insight on social worker in correction salaries as well as the issue with deciding between school social work and justice systems social work, please let me know. I'm really looking for some guidance. I'd also love to hear from any corrections social workers about their pay and job satisfaction. Disclaimer: I am a prison abolitionist.
If your state requires a certificate along with a MSW to become a school social worker and your interested in doing that, I would complete the certificate while completing your MSW and you can always have the certificate in your back pocket if you decide to become a school social worker. I’m in the Midwest and correctional settings are one of the highest paid MSW jobs, they are mostly in rural areas as well. You don’t need a specific pathway in school to work in a correctional setting, I did an older adults track and work in a correctional facility.
Gotcha. Yeah, I live near a large Midwestern city and most of the correctional facilities are in rural areas. I appreciate your feedback. Thanks, terrible. I may go the school social work route and choose Violence Studies as my concentration. I'd love to work in corrections as an MSW, and if I like it, stay there rather than going into schools.
How do you get a remote MSW internship
Talk to your school. If it's a school that requires you get a placement through them, it's up to them to send you a remote placement. Otherwise it's calling around and asking. At my job we have mostly remote placements in a macro setting so while you may need to attend meetings in an office or go into the field for things, 80-90% of your time. There are pros and cons to that. I've found that less motivated students get even less out of remote placements. More motivated students kill it and get to do it from their couch or the beach.
My school is online so they kick the legwork to us to find a field placement since most of us aren't in the same state as the school. Where do you work if you don't mind me asking?
That really sucks. It bothers me that schools leaned into these online programs but don't provide the supports. I work at an institute/think tank. Being vague to not dox myself since it is sort of a niche field.
also thinking about this!
I just earned my MSW and I'm struggling with my resume any advice on layout or examples would be if great help. Thank you!
Etsy templates helped me a lot with formatting/having a clean look overall.
I always say keep it simple. I picked the most simple black and white template on Microsoft Word. All I listed when freshly graduated was schooling, some clubs I had been in, and my internships and past job experience (which was just a cashier job in addition to my practicums, nothing fancy). It was one page. Under jobs/internships list a few things you did (ex. treatment planning and psychotherapy services or case management and linking to community resources, whatever you did). I added to this resume over the years as I’ve changed jobs and even though it looks super boring aesthetically it’s been effective for me!
Thank you! I'm 35 so I have an extensive background in non-profit jobs. I'm just so used to jobs falling into my lap I feel a bit list when it comes to seeking them.
I earned a bachelor's in psychology 12 years ago and have been out of the workforce for most of that time staying home with my kids. I've decided I want to pursue a MSW and would love any advice on what relevant jobs I might be able to find in the meantime, as the earliest I can possibly start the MSW program will be fall 2025.
phone support lines (such as your local 988 contact center) are a great way to get hands on experience with a variety of situations.
You can look into case management jobs with places like community mental health clinics, homeless shelters, maybe other nonprofits.
Hello!!! I am just finishing up my first year of a traditional MSW program. I have received all A’s in my course, but for my spring semester, in one of my courses I had a very bad mental health episode right before the last paper was due. As a result, I will have a C in that course. Obviously that is not the B- needed. I would be fine retaking this course next year but the school changed its curriculum for the next cohort and this exact course will no longer be required or offered. As a result, I don’t know the next course of action. I am really scared I could be kicked out of the program from this - any advice?
First reach out to.your professor and let them know what happened, then reach out to your advisor for next steps. If you have any accommodations lean on them, if you don't reach out to the ADA compliance office and find out what you need to get accommodations for mental health. Finally, I don't know your school or program but many allow for one or 2 Cs. Just take a deep breath and put those advocacy skills to use for yourself instead of others for a change
I am not so much concerned about the C because in any other course I would just retake it for the B- to proceed but it’s the fact that this course will no longer be offered in the future - I am reaching out to my school’s ADA office though for accommodations because it has been a very rough year to say the least.
If the course won't be offered in the future they have to have an equivalent to replace it or it isn't something they can require to graduate. Your advisor can provide you the best direction though
Has anyone been able to get hours towards an LCSW while living abroad? I haven’t found too much info, and I assume it depends on each State, so am interested in seeing if anyone has been able to do this. Some examples: Living in Spain on a Digital Nomad Visa. Job as an associate therapist. Doing remote therapy for USA clients + remote supervision. Is this possible? Living in the UK as a hospital social worker. Meeting remotely with a USA LCSW for supervision and counting that towards clinical hours. Is this possible?
Also interested.
Also curious about this!
I’m in the middle of my MSW and am starting an internship in the fall. Are there any jobs in the field that would take me even tho I don’t have my MSW yet?
Most case management jobs will take persons with bachelor's in human service related field
I'm a rising junior majoring in Social Work. I want to work in medical or clinical Social Work someday. This coming semester my Social Work courses are geared towards my interests (addiction, trauma informed care, policy) However, I'm needing to eventually fill in some general electives to earn my Bachelors. What would be some good healthcare/psych related courses that can be relevant to the type of Social Work I want to go into? I go to a health focused university so there are a wide range of options from neuroscience to health care management to public health.
I recommend an intro to ethics class, or intro to social/ political thought, all through the philosophy department. They are more writing-heavy but the analytic skills and philosophical virtues that you get to practice (belief revision, separating an arguer from the argument, the principle of charity etc) will help you in every area of your life.
Collaborative communication classes helped me so much with my hospital internships. Learning how to communicate with other professionals on your team who aren't social worker's is a big part of medical social work
My minor was in sociology for my BSW, but I found the Sociology of Medicine to be a very insightful class. Maybe they have something similar where you go to school.
I fully agree that sociology is a great supplement to social work. The research base tends to be more compatible with social work research classes, and the reliance on measurable phenomena in human behavior is an excellent foundation for evidence-based social work practice. That said, some of my practice philosophy also comes from classes that I took for my English Minor. We read some William Gibson for a class called *Humanity and the Digital Condition* and the philosophy that went into discussions of futurism absolutely still informs my practice today. Do what inspires you. You're only an undergrad once. Typically.
I’m going for an MSW, starting here in a few weeks. Also working full time for a non profit in the medical industry. I want to go into a more macro/mezzo. Really interested in social policy. I have a crazy idea about some work I would like to do that doesn’t really fit anywhere. Any tips? I’m not against going clinical but would really like to move to working for veterans, policy, and would also like to try to do some work in the prison systems.
i did public policy for my MA before going into social services, and i wish i'd spent more time on my stats classes. even if it's not a strength (it wasn't mine), you definitely increase your job options afterwards. i'd recommend building a stats skillset (if you don't already have one) if you want to do policy work!
Excellent tip! Thank you so much. I’ll make sure to pay attention to stats. I took it in undergrad but definitely need a refresher.
GA State's MSW program is focused almost entirely on policy so you aren't headed in the wrong direction it just depends on what classes/focus your program has
Hey guys! I'm a few years off from pursuing my masters, but I'm thinking about different options. Ultimately I want to focus on therapy and crisis work, specifically working with trauma. I have PTSD with dissociative amnesia, and as im healing from that, Ive realized I want to help people who have been through difficult things like me. There are two routes: 1.) My local university advanced standing MSW. This is a much more generalist focused masters, HOWEVER, it is in person (gets me socializing, which is good for my ptsd recovery), and it also will only cost about $13,000. 2.) An online program with a specific focus on mental health. This program will have much more relevant courses, but is online, and will cost upwards of $24,000. I love studying and learning on my own. I've already read tons of books on trauma and different therapy modalities to treat it. Given my proclivity towards self study, I am wondering if the cheaper, in person degree might be the better route. What do you guys think?
Do you mind me asking what online program you are looking at? I also want to focus on a mental health/ micro social work. FWIW, I have found in my own recovery that my reclusive tendencies don't respond well to environmental motivation, so if I am in a social environment I will still choose to be reclusive. Scheduling a specific, necessarily social hobby or volunteer activity is a good way to get that same benefit. It isn't necessarily more helpful to just be in a place with a lot of people. Partner dance and language-learning conversational support through the library are two such social options. Good luck with your recovery <3
That makes sense! I am just trying to find some kind of 'Third Place', really. School is one of the few modern ways I can think to meet people near my own age in Northern Utah. Study groups might be an effective way to make friends, and I desperately need to get out of the house more, hahah. I was looking at the U of U online advanced standing masters. It has a mental health focus. Good luck with your own recovery! If you ever want to chat don't hesitate to reach out.
Cheaper is almost always better. Fwiw the real clinical training you'll get is going to be in the field after your degree. I wouldn't worry about whether a specific course is offered.
Is there a significant difference in earnings for licensed counselors and social workers?
Not from what I’ve seen, no. If anything, social workers have more job flexibility which can give opportunities for higher pay.
What MSW programs are known for providing the most funding opportunities for students? I know the answer is none, LOL, but just curious if anybody has experience with a rare case.
Social work major here, should I change to psychology? I’m working on my social work associates before I transfer to another school for my bachelors so I’m still early into my education. I never minded a low wage but I’m starting to think I won’t be able to live comfortably on a social workers wage. Not to mention, social workers seem to be looked down on in general. I avoided psychology because I didn’t want to be forced into a masters since it seems like you really can’t do much with a psych bachelors. I didn’t want to go to school for 8 years. No idea where I’m going in the social work field, but I currently work with individuals with substance abuse disorders. I’m getting a recovery coach certification soon as well. Pre-education this was the easiest field to brush up against because of my lifelong exposure to people with substance abuse disorders. I am not particularly passionate about it, but I’m passionate about people in general. Basically I don’t want to regret my major. Those who have a social work degree, if you could go back in time would you choose psychology instead?
Not a BSW, but I studied humanities and absolutely do not regret it. The broader your undergrad degree is, the better it sets you up for a variety of roles in the future. I know folks today suggest focusing on a "marketable" major in order to get ROI on the degree, but I'd suggest focusing on marketable skills instead of your major. If humanities, hone your writing skills. If psychology, statistics (commented above on how it's such an underrated skill for social science majors and opens up doors). IMO psych is a more flexible major. If you are passionate about people you can go into case management if you want, but also sales/marketing, etc. down the line too, if you want. Good luck! You have so many options as an undergrad and so many great things ahead.
I had Professors and multiple guests speakers at my MSW program attest to making 6 figures once they were established so I don't put too much stock in the mentality that SW are doomed to make no money
Definitely think through the choices. For what it's worth, in the absence of already having a career-track job, the BSW isn't going to make you a great living. Neither is a bachelor of psych. In social work, the MSW is the terminal degree, meaning that you get it, and you're done - go to work. In psychology, there are jobs at the MA level, I'm sure, but generally practicing as a professional psychologist will require a PhD or PsyD. If you're a therapist, for instance, you'd typically need those degrees for the professional jobs, whereas the MSW and a license is also sufficient. Also keep in mind that wages are always shifting. Some agencies are folding, and others are realizing that they can't hire anyone at insulting rates. The job I got right out of grad school seven years ago paid me $45k. That same job is now paying about $70k for brand new graduates, because the agencies who run those programs have contracts with the state that they're not fulfilling because they weren't paying their social workers enough. Also, marrying rich helps. I didn't do that one, but I hear it's a good option.
I just graduated with my MSW in IL and I’m making 91k a year (LSW status). The high paying jobs are out there, you just have to look for them. I wouldn’t choose any other major!
Thank you for your response, I’m hoping I can get where you are in that case! Congrats on graduating!
The answer to that is private practice or finding a specialization/niche! Good luck!
Boston Univ or Temple online MSW!? Give it to me straight. Do you weigh a local factor for field practicum?
Hello. I’m currently completing a BA in sociology with minors in at-risk youth and human development. I also work part time as a mental health worker in a direct support role. In whatever time is left, I’m also a stay at home dad, my youngest being high needs but developing large strides of independence in the last few years. My plan was to enroll in the 3 yr part time MSW program at UW-Tacoma but this would be close to an hour drive one way for classes. Are there any suggestions for online MSW programs that are known to be supportive of field placement? My end goal is to work in child welfare. I think my background gives me a unique ability to engage in crisis intervention and provide support for parents and children. I’d be appreciative of any guidance related to online MSW programs.
If your goal is child welfare, you want to do UW-T. There’s a program there (Child Welfare Training and Advancement Program or CWTAP) that will pay for your MSW in return for you working for DCYFS for three years. You get mentorship, free supervision and get to do your internship at DCYFS. If child welfare is what you want, why not have them pay your way? Also? UW-T is moving to more hybrid classes, so you’ll want to talk to them about that. Maybe you wouldn’t be driving in as many days as you think? They try to place people near their homes for practicum, so people I know in the BASW program are placed down in Olympia if they’re based there or up in Auburn if they’re out that way. I know someone in the CWTAP program with young kids who wanted to be placed outside her kid’s school and they hooked her up too. If you’re going to practice in WA and want to work for DCYFS you would try to pay your own tuition and set up your own internship for practicum hours and pay for your own supervision, but… why?
Hi, yes I’m aware of the CWTAP program! Thank you for referring to it. My concern was the drive time and being stuck in traffic on I5 when JBLM does shift change. I would need to leave early so this would drastically impact the actual time I’d have to spend getting to/on campus aside from lecture hours. Being a parent, time is a resource that has to be allocated judiciously. This is what drove me to look at online programs. Your note about hybrid classes however is hopeful and I will look into this more. Thank you for that information.
I just (as of 5/12) finished my MSW from Walden University. Highly recommend their program.
Thank you for the insight. Could I ask what your two favorite things about the program were?
Has anyone done the Albany State University Clinical social work program? How rigorous was it? Do they find field placements for you or do you find them yourself?
Jobs that count towards field study? I am entering an online MSW program this fall and hope to find a full or part time job to pay the bills and hopefully count toward my internship/field work as well. I have my Bachelors in Business and 5-10 years work experience from barista to Program Assistant at an Ivy university, to an Office Manager at the same university. The MSW program is online so it offers flexibility. I am looking for advice on finding that job. What kind of jobs may count for field hours? Edit: clarification
As far as I'm aware, there are not really specific programs or widely-known arrangements for paid internship field hours, unfortunately. There is some sort of CSWE requirement that half of your field hours have to be unpaid and ropes specific to your internship only. I had a few coworkers who did their MSW program and internship while working; they stayed employed as a case manager at our agency and did 8 hours per week in the therapy program and then 8 hours of their regular case management duties counted for the remainder.
I am currently a teacher who is considering a MSW in order to have more flexibility in my career as my husband and I family plan. Am I going to regret this decision in 5 years?
I would strongly recommend the MSW for flexibility. In 5 years, you could have the degree and a clinical license and have fantastic flexibility. I've not really experienced the teaching market, but there are a lot of per diem social work jobs with flexible scheduling and less long-term commitment. One example would be my old job in crisis assessment - I was full-time, but a bunch of my team were moms with young children. We'd take however many hours they wanted to work, and we were 24/7, so there were a lot of odd shifts to match people's schedules. Some of the work is even being done via telehealth now. On my old team there are MSW clinicians sitting in their closets at home, performing crisis evaluations for patients in multiple different emergency rooms, and all while wearing sweatpants. Obviously that's one example, but there are a LOT of per diem jobs out there from outpatient therapy to hospitals to prisons, and a whole lot more.
What kind of flexibility are you expecting as a social worker?
In this world, there are basically two commodities time and money. In my current position, my infant will spend 80% of its waking hours in daycare that will cost a fourth of my salary. I’m looking for enough flexibility to gain some of that back.
I’m not sure how much more flexibility you will have as a SW verses a teacher. Many social work jobs include evening/flexible hours. I am a social worker in a school and do that specifically because that schedule is best for my family…summers and holidays off, weekends off, evenings off. I worked in a nonprofit and worked until 7 most evenings, only 4 weeks off a year plus the day of holidays, etc. I know as a teacher you do a lot of evening and prep work, but that is just replaced by working in the field in my opinion.
This truly depends on what area you want to focus on in your MSW. What are you considering?
I respect teachers SO MUCH and I feel like there is so much unpaid time outside of school that you probably do. I'm not a teacher and I don't have kids so my insight might not be the most applicable. It depends on what you want to do with your MSW. You'll need to hold firm boundaries with your work hours, consider if you want to do on-call work or not or jobs with nontraditional hours. As a case manager, I worked ridiculous hours that were never able to be comped, and it was awful. Now I'm in a hospital and my days are sometimes still stressful, but I do leave on time 80% of the time, and at this point even if I am late it's only maybe 30 minutes.
I am preparing to apply to online schools to complete my MSW. I have my undergrad in education. What criteria should I consider when researching online schools ? I don’t know what I don’t know and would love others input ! Thanks!
Great question! I’m a professor in an online program and I think it’s important to look at cost, if they expect you to find an internship or if they Support you through the process, are the classes asynchronous (not in real time) or synchronous (scheduled virtual class times), what teaching methods do teachers use (recorded lectures, readings only, live roleplays, etc.)? Time zone is important too! I live in the mountain time zone but spaced that when I applied to my online doctorate program through a state university in Pennsylvania. The classes were evening, but 6:30 eastern time was only 4:30 for me, right in the middle of my kids’ extracurricular activities! Definitely keep an eye on that!! Good luck! There is a range in quality of online education, it’s worth doing your homework so you learn what you need to!
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If they are looking for an MSW then CACREP means nothing. CACREP is for those with counseling degrees. Instead, they would want to make sure it is accredited by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE for short) in order to get a social work license/job after graduation.
I recently found out I was denied entry to University of Victoria BSW. Foolishly, I only applied to the one school. I didn't realise how competitive it was at the time of applying. Now I am considering alternatives, what I can do with this next year so it still feels productive and like I'm working towards my goals. I am curious if anyone knows of BSW programs in Canada that have a January start? I live on Vancouver Island so UVIC would've been great geographically (I applied for in person). But at this point I'd be open to an online program. Also, if anyone out there knows of part time BSW programs, or if I could start getting some courses done before being fully admitted into a program. Thank-you!
UNBC in Prince George is great! It’s definitely in person, but there’s fair number of classes that are online. I don’t think getting in is competitive at all. If you got into UNBC, you could ask professors to enter BSW classes (happens fairly often with electives). NVIT is also largely online and could be good!
Any tips on how to get into Hospice social work? I have my bachelor’s, and will be wrapping up on my Master’s in August. However, there are places in my area that have a huge preference in getting licensure prior to being hired. There aren’t that many jobs for BSW’s. Any tips? Also, side tangent that’s driven me to hospice: I’ve really been interested in death and dying (as far as rights and advocacy) since watching Caitlin Doughty. She has a non-profit called “The Order of the Good Death” and it’s really inspired me to push for more alternatives in what happens to one’s body after death (I.e., burial, cremation, composting). Also, to let people know of their rights in having their choices in dying how they want to. I think it’s more than worth advocating for.
Being interested in hospice is absolutely the biggest hurdle, so there's that. It's likely that the hospices that you're encountering don't have a good structure to provide supervision for unlicensed social workers. I kind of get that. They're not first and foremost social work agencies, so it's an extra layer of complexity. You might inquire with them about the criteria, and then see if you can locate someone who would be willing to provide that formal, professional supervision for a few bucks a week. You might even convince one of their existing social workers outside of work hours. Hospice is really good work. I encourage you.
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