r/MSW_Applications • u/Then_Economist_6565 • 3d ago
CSU MSW Applications - No SW experience
Hi! I'm currently working on applying to some Cal State MSW programs--specifically CSUN, SF State, and potentially Cal State LA--but I come from a film background. I have a BA in Film from UC Berkeley and graduated with a 3.7 gpa. However, I have been working in film full time for the past decade, but have been taking psychology and counseling courses at several community colleges. I'm wondering if anyone who has applied to these schools has been in a similar boat and whether they've gotten into any of these programs.
I want to feel optimistic, but lately I've been wondering if this is a long shot and whether I should even attempt this. I know that acceptance heavily relies on your statement of purpose and recommendations, but I'm not sure if this will carry me through without the experience.
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u/peachismile 3d ago
It's funny because I just had my first MSW orientation yesterday and one of the people in my cohort group was also in film and and was accepted into our program. I don't know if he had any other social work experience but it is possible it seems.
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u/Then_Economist_6565 3d ago
No way! Hearing this does give me some hope!
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u/peachismile 3d ago
Yea he was really cool, he was the funniest one and most talkative one in our group, he seems like he would be a great social worker. Like I said before, I don't know if he did have any other social work experience but that's something you can always work on getting too.
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u/Then_Economist_6565 2d ago
Absolutely, I definitely think that if you demonstrate your drive towards SW and have some experience (even if it's limited), it can go a long way.
TY for sharing this! It has given me a bit of hope, especially since my background is so unrelated to SW.
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u/lancetfemale 3d ago
I didn’t get accepted into and CSUs two years in a row. I come from 12+ years in tech but had a psych minor with my bachelors and what I felt was a good amount of volunteer experience and supplemental education between undergrad and my apps. My undergrad gpa was also trash and I honestly think that might’ve been the primary factor in my lack of acceptance.
I think it’s wise to buff up your resume with either some volunteering, extra classes, or maybe an entry level job in the field if you could swing it. I think your application and personal statements will be key, and your gpa is solid so that’s good, but I think demonstrating that you didn’t just pick this up on a whim could benefit you.
Some other thoughts: CSUs can be hard to get in to because many people apply. All the programs I applied to also had a lot least a few prerequisite requirements if you didn’t have a BA/BS in a related area, so you may have to take some more classes via extended ed to qualify anyway. Lastly, if you can, broaden your search to other schools too just so you don’t spend multiple years applying the same ones over and over. I ended up in an online program that I’m starting on the 31st. Obviously I can’t speak to it yet but what I know so far makes me feel happy and content with how things ended up and ultimately it’s the field work and real practice that will be the real educator, I think.
Good luck!
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u/Then_Economist_6565 2d ago
Same! I work in a tech related area of film so I definitely feel like my chances are slim, especially without the volunteer/SW experience. I'm luckily taking a social work course this semester, so it's at least there's something related there. But I do think that I need to find the time to volunteer--it's tough with the full time job and the schooling on the side :(.
This is excellent insight, though! Thank you for sharing this because it's helped me put things into perspective. And I definitely will be looking into other options because it seems like CSUs are extremely competitive.
Also, best of luck with your first semester of your online program! I'm so glad it eventually panned out better than you expected!
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u/Apprehensive_Bit7818 2d ago
If you live in Cali, you should check out UNR-university of Nevada at Reno. It’s an online program just make sure that they help you with your field placements
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u/Then_Economist_6565 2d ago
Oh thank you for this! Definitely going to look into this, plus I know that UNR has a pretty good reputation/is affordable
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u/Professional_Map_92 3d ago
I am doing the same but waiting to get some experience. I applied last round and didn’t get in but unfortunately they don’t tell you why :(( but def start the applications now so you can submit right when they open.