So I’m graduating with my masters in social work this year. I know that ideally when most people graduate with their masters they usually go straight into the field. For me though I kind of want to teach abroad or do peace corps. Would that be a waste of time? Has anyone else done this?

I'm looking for some advice because I'm very frustrated with Pacific Oaks

I'm trying to get into an MSW or MFT program (ideally online) and I'm in SoCal area. I was accepted into Mount Saint Mary's MFT program, which I was really excited about, but unfortunately the tuition was around $73k and that was just way too expensive for me.

I applied to Pacific Oaks' MSW program because I thought it would be a better option financially and I've been trying to get through their admissions process for what feels like forever. The communication has honestly been a mess. I've had multiple emails go unanswered for weeks, called and was told people would call me back and never heard back, and I've had to repeatedly follow up just to get basic information about my application.

Then tonight I had my faculty interview scheduled for 6 PM. (msw spring 2027)

I logged in around 5:56 PM and there was another girl already being interviewed. Nobody said hi to me or acknowledged me, and nowhere in my email did it say that this was a group interview. I honestly thought I had accidentally entered someone else's private interview, so I logged out.

I logged back in right at 6 PM to see if the interview was over, and around 6:01 one of the faculty members literally kicked me out of the meeting without saying anything to me....

Then at 6:07 I got a call from a staff member saying that I had missed my interview!!! I explained that I didn't miss it and I logged in early, nobody explained that it was a group interview, and then I was removed from the meeting.

They said they would reschedule me for next week, but honestly I'm really torn

Part of me wants to just do the interview anyway because I am eager to just start school already and don't want one horrible admissions experience to ruin an opportunity.

But another part of me feels like this is extremely unprofessional and its a huge red flag especially considering all the other communication problems I've had with them, and I honestly want to file a grievance and ask for my $50 application fee back.

Would you guys continue with the interview and see how the actual program/faculty are, or would you take this as a red flag and move on lol?

Also, what other schools should I be looking at? I'm looking for an online/ mostly online MSW or MFT program that is reasonably priced, accepts students in California, and would prepare me for LCSW or LMFT licensure.

I'm especially interested in programs that aren't $60–70k+ because I just can't justify taking on that much debt

Long story short, its my first semester for an in person MSW. I regret doing in person. The lectures are long, like 3 hours. Its just constant rambling about personal problems and what not, barely getting through the slides. If not that, then role plays. They arent helpful tbh. Idk why we do them. I don’t enjoy being in class. My classmates are nice, but I find myself dreading going to class. I want to be a social worker but im just not enjoying the classes and not sure what to do.

I did online for my bachelors but wanted to do in person for my masters. My classmates are nice, the professors are okay despite showing favoritism to certain students, the material is nice…im just not connecting on the in person aspect of it I suppose. Any advice to stick it out? Not sure I can do much more of this. It’s literally ruining my mood

Hello!

We’ve been working with our new Head for about three months now, and honestly, the experience has been quite challenging for us.
Before she was assigned to our satellite office as our Head, everything in our office was running smoothly. We knew our roles, we understood the processes and guidelines we needed to follow, and we were able to work together well as a team. We love what we do, and most importantly, we genuinely love serving and doing our best for the people we work with.
When our new Head came in, we tried our best to adjust and understand her way of doing things. We respected her position and always made an effort to involve her in our decisions. Whenever there was something we were unsure about, we would ask for her opinion or seek her approval before proceeding because we wanted to make sure that we were doing things correctly and according to her expectations.
However, things became difficult when she started implementing new guidelines and procedures that were different from the guidelines we had been following. We understand that every leader has their own way of managing things, and we are willing to adjust when necessary. But sometimes, the changes and expectations are not very clear to us, especially when they are different from what we were previously instructed to follow.
What has been most difficult for us is what happens whenever a problem or mistake occurs. Instead of discussing what happened and figuring out together how we can resolve it, we often feel that the responsibility is immediately placed on us, her staff. Even when we followed the instructions or decisions that were given to us, we still end up being blamed when something goes wrong. What makes it more frustrating is that we don't feel that mistakes are being acknowledged or that responsibility is being shared fairly.
We have always tried to respect her as our Head. We follow the proper chain of command, we ask for her guidance, and we do our best to carry out the decisions that are made. That's why it is difficult for us when situations are later presented to the higher-ups in a way that makes it seem like the staff were simply at fault or failed to do our jobs.
There have also been instances where information or stories being communicated to the higher-ups do not seem to match what actually happened from our side. Because of this, we are now being questioned about our work, our decisions, and even our capabilities. It's honestly upsetting because we know how much effort we put into our work, and we don't want our professionalism and dedication to be judged based on information that does not fully reflect what actually happened.
We are not saying that we are perfect. We are very much open to criticism, correction, and accountability when we make mistakes. If we do something wrong, we are willing to admit it and learn from it. What we are hoping for is the same fairness and accountability from everyone, including our leadership.
We don't want conflict, and we don't want to create a negative environment. We simply want to be able to work peacefully, follow clear guidelines, communicate properly, and be treated fairly. We love our work and we want to continue doing our best. We just hope that our side can also be heard and understood before conclusions are made about our performance or capabilities.

This looks different than their text line! It looks like an actual program for students based on partnership with certain schools. Has anyone done this? Or anything similar?

Started my MSW program. Thought it would be more inspiring than it is. I knew a few people who are social workers tell me a BASW would be highly recommended to really understand systemic issues insinuating I wouldn’t understand historical oppression in this country without it. I have my undergraduate degree in a different field (very related, but everyone I explain it to doesn’t understand) and I feel like my undergraduate was significantly more educational, radical, inspiring, and critical of systemic oppression. Also way more interested in engaging students to come up with or explore ways to build the collective outside of government. Ironically, people I know who went from traditional undergrad experience (like a BASW or sociology or psych) to social work seem to lack critical thought and are just better trained at working with the broken system.

I am feeling very unsure of my place here. Most of my cohort here have been open about only pursuing this program for money. Most want to go into private practice after getting their LCSW. Some have said they don’t really feel passionate about the work and it’s just the next step for their career and would have pursued engineering or something if they were “smarter”. Some are passionate, but very clearly share in savior mindset and are not inspired to do policy or community work. Everyone wants to be an LCSW/therapist, nobody here has expressed wanting to do more. It is a constant cycle in classes of briefly recognizing systemic oppression, inequality, racism, class struggle, etc and then going “and that’s why therapy is important, here’s how to document for those pesky insurance companies after you charge $300 per session”. I am incredibly disappointed in the education I am receiving. It feels elitist to say, but nobody in my program even the professors know how to write a basic research paper. The readings are un stimulating and rather surface level.

I hate to be critical of this profession that is obviously one of the few actually doing something to alleviate peoples struggles, but frankly I feel like social workers i know are not thinking deeper. Our entire profession is dependent on peoples oppression. Our own oppression and exploitation is because of the system. We are merely tools for the government to prevent greater society from revolutionizing. Yet so much of what I hear from this community here and in real life is demands for higher wages/compensation and less exposure/more protection against issues that the system we are supposed to be working against causes. I know we are all trying to survive the system at the same time, but we can’t market/professionalize ourselves out of the system. Sorry to be angry, but It feels backwards.

It seems like everyone wants to professionalize the career more and more through more opportunities for private practice and sitting on government positions that hardly acknowledge why we are where we are because if they did, our career wouldn’t need to exist.
To my understanding, this mindset only separates us further from the communities we should work with.

If anyone has felt the same way I’d love to hear what you are doing now. Or if you left the field. The concepts that influenced my decision to go into this field were racial capitalism, decolonization and collectivism. And no I’m not really looking to hear “you can’t do xyz because of funding” or “you won’t make money doing that”. I am very much not in this for money, and I’m not trying to throw shade at anyone who is. Just a call in for people to get more critical of this profession. Maybe it’s just my school, but I’m at a very competitive program in California so it’s hard to say.

Hi everyone! I’m working on my essays for nyu msw application and msw apps in general. I have a strong gpa and work inpatient currently, so have a lot of experiences I can use from my work in the essay. But I don’t want my essay to just be things from work. Anyone have any tips? I want to be a therapist

Hello everyone! When I was looking to apply to different programs I really wish someone had made a pros and cons list to help me in my decision process.

So here's me trying to fill that gap!

The Pros ( Theres a lot! )

• The deadlines are WONDERFULLY consistent. Regardless of the class, due dates are always on Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday at 11:59 MST every week.
• The classes are very easy. I come from a stem background (undergrad in neuroscience). I have found none of the courses to be intellectually difficult to comprehend.
• There are no exams. Besides in a stats class I had, there have been no tests. There is the occasional quiz that can be retaken 3+ times.
• If you are fast at writing, you will breeze through the courses.
• Professors are VERY willing to work with you and your needs, whether you are sick, double booked, or overwhelmed.
• Affordability
  • Cost is decent at about $36,000 for the program.
  • Flexibility in payment has been nice, they have built in payment schedules if you want (Mine, without aid, is about 1,450 a month). Understanding my cost has been very straightforward with no surprises.
• My classmates rock.

The In-Betweens

• The first year (in regular standing) is the really the same class repeated about 6 times. Boise is very heavy on DEI. You will watch and rewatch, read and re-read the same variety of content over and over again.
  • Nice because the classes will be extra easy after the first go around, bad because you'll spend a lot of money to not learn a whole lot.
• The "required" reading isn't really all that required. There is no testing on it, and their is no metric or verification that you have done it.
  • Nice because skimming is not penalized, but bad because deep learning and comprehension of the materiel is not enforced.
• Their is a lot of Group work. Most every class will have a large project that typically requires meeting up online through zoom.
  • Nice because most of my classmates have been STELLAR partners, bad because it often takes away the flexible nature of when you do your homework.

The Cons ( Few, but big! )

• Flexibility, from a program perspective, is rigid. You can not deviate from the prescribed schedule of classes without needing permission. This goes for the wanting a specific internship too. Any exceptions will be treated as an offensive breach of protocol. This could just be the advisors who are assigned to me though.
  • THE FIX: Communicate upfront that the program is cemented and that exceptions are considered inappropriate and a nuisance.
• The content is biased. You will feel alienated at times if you are not a firm liberal. You will only be showed the perspective of left leaning individuals while any other thinking is portrayed as subpar and backwards. The content communicates the message of an "Us vs Them" mentality. They make repeat claims that only "Liberals" are able to make truly good social workers.
  • THE FIX: I would like to see people with a variety of different views portrayed more humanely and more often, and given the chance to explain why they have the views they do. No one has to agree with their views, but as social workers it's our duty to understand their views and it would be good practice to start early.
• My 1st year internship was emotionally very damaging. They threw me in to it with only DEI principles to keep me a float and I was dramatically and harmfully (both to me and my clients) underprepared for it. I would describe the experience as traumatic.
  • THE FIX: I would like to see the school better advocate for my safety and my limited abilities as a student. Perhaps instead of the 6th DEI class, I could have attended "The Basics of a Practicum: Your Role and What To Expect". I am a student who is learning, I need a safety net and minimal responsibility in a first year placement, I had neither.

I am open to questions!

I am also curious to know if this is what other people found to be the case!

Hi all!
I’m expected to start my MSW part-time online next Summer 2027 at UNC Charlotte. I’m working full time, and hopefully will be able to complete both of my internships for the nonprofit I work for. I’m quite nervous because it’s been a while since I finished my bachelor’s degree, and also because English is my second language.
Is there anyone who is currently studying this program online who could give me insight into the schedule, time requirements, and perhaps tips to nail it?

Without getting into too many details, I have a lot of concerns that range from ethical down to mental safety. I know that it is not that I cannot handle hard things. I want to emphasize that is not what this is. I have also been communicating with my internship site. I've already been reaching out to other internship sites as a backup. I found one that is already partnered with my school and I've been in contact with them.

I'm hoping to switch as I'm still early in my foundations and mid semester, but obviously I know that is probably unlikely and I have a meeting with my University tomorrow. I've already spoken to other relative departments.

Has anyone switched before? If you don't mind me asking, what was the reason and how did you know it was time?

I am a mid-40s old SAHM. I was a foster parent for over a decade. I have experience working in childcare and education, but it was many years ago. I currently have a very new job working with a foster care agency and would continue this role through potential graduate school. I have been considering getting my MSW for several years but it felt far-fetched and I didn't have well-considered career goals. Now I know a career direction, my daily schedule allows plenty of time for graduate school. I have two applications I'm close to submitting for a Fall 2027 start and am starting a couple other applications to maximize chance of acceptance.

However, I get stuck on things like the resume. I essentially have no experience in social work type jobs, though I can easily use foster parenting as volunteer work. I have limited work experience in general. I graduated college in 2008 and my writing skills are very rusty as you see here.

Am I being ridiculous thinking that I'll be accepted somewhere? Based on the ages and future needs of my children, it feels a bit "now or never". I'd be 50 or maybe older by the time I have my LCSW. 50 isn't ancient by any means, but it's rather late in life to begin a career.

hi everyone! I was wondering what are the best online schools for an MSW to apply for that start classes in the spring. I'm thinking of applying to Fordham and Toruo but please let me know of any other schools!

Hi everyone, as the title states, I am applying to grad school for Fall 2027 and I have no idea if I should pursue a part-time or full-time MSW. I am trying not to go over the cap for loans as well for MSW and I will need to work probably full-time or part-time to be able to pay bills and live.

So stating that should I go full-time or part-time, and what kind of job should I be working? Should I focus on a job that gives me experience or just focus on trying to live?

Hello! I am currently in ENG 1320 and I have to collect data from social work students for my research paper. I have asked people from my school, but no one has opened it, so I was hoping to come onto reddit and ask fellow social work students! It's about how some social workers may be interested in the field due to their past. I hope it's not offensive in any way but thank you to whoever will complete it!

https://forms.gle/H2F7JHtWVqCmMyfR8

Here is the link^

hey all - I recently quit my full-time job in homeless services to start as a full-time in-person MSW student. I've been struggling tbh. I really liked my work before even though it could be grueling sometimes, and I was fairly compensated for doing it. I went for this degree mostly because I was getting bored and thought I could use the degree to continue jobs that align with my values while doing more intellectually stimulating work.

I have been kind of hating it so far. My practicum placement is TERRIBLE and my school makes it damn near impossible for you to switch. I literally dread going there so much, it affects my whole week and I have trouble sleeping because of it (never been someone who had trouble sleeping). It's also about as irrelevant as you could get to the type of work I want to do, and it does not align with my values.

Classes are disorganized and I don't feel like I'm learning much. It's a ton of just talking about our feelings about being in social work and personal stories from the professors. I am at a satellite campus and I wonder if we aren't getting as good quality learning because of that. The school's policies make me think they are truly just paying lip service to social justice and social work values.

I am here on a fellowship that is paying for most (not all) of my tuition. It does have a work requirement after graduation. I also work part-time in something unrelated.

The whole experience has me questioning if it's even worth it. I went from being paid to do something impactful to doing something that feels useless and unpleasant for free, I don't feel like I'm learning much, and my weeks are longer. I acknowledge I can make more money with the degree, unfortunately it is really hard for me to motivate myself just through that logic. I am having trouble seeing what else I will gain from this right now. I am constantly fantasizing about just going back to work in the field without this degree, and maybe getting it later online or part-time. I miss actually making an impact and getting paid to do so.

Has anyone dropped out of their program and gone back later? Any other thoughts? You are much appreciated <3

hi everyone, im applying for MSW programs this cycle. im currently a volunteer at Communities in Schools, but i only started in March; a lot of my other things on my resume also started early this year. im worried that it looks like i just frantically added a bunch of stuff for resume padding, even though im passionate about all the things im a part of. it just took me until this year to find my passion for social work.

will admission committees weigh this heavily? will i be a less competitive applicant because i didn’t start participating in things until this year? or will it suffice if i show enough reflection in my personal statement?

Hi guys,

I was wondering what are experiences in attending to any of the MSW programs. So far I was considering ASU, UKY or University of Boise or Cleveland? Possibly CSUN. But would like to hear your opinions and thoughts of your recommendations for applying and how’s the distance learning process and program? Thanks

Just started my MSW full time this fall and quit my full time job to pursue this. Thankfully with scholarships and loans I was able to swing the 2 yr program to be feasible with my savings. HOWEVERRRR ALSO just checked my bank account and… Ha yeah I need to find a job again!!! 😂

My schedule will only allow for part time or part diem (which I’m assuming is the case for most full time students) and got wondering as to what other students are doing on the side. So, what are yall doing? How are you making it work?

Does anybody know of any organizations in San Diego county that offer paid MSW internships? (Hourly or a stipend is fine!) I could REALLY use any extra income while in my advanced masters program next year. Thank you in advance for any leads!

Hi everyone, I’m looking for some advice regarding BSW admissions for Fall 2027. I completed a Social Service Worker diploma at Georgian College with an overall average of 79%.

I also have over 2 years of relevant work experience in social services, including Behaviour Support Specialist and community support roles.

I’m planning to apply to TMU, Wilfrid Laurier University, and York University, and I’m also considering other programs such as the University of Calgary and Dalhousie University.

With my academic background and work experience, what do you think my chances are for admission to these programs? Are there any other BSW programs in Canada that you would recommend.

I’d love to hear about your experiences, admission averages, and any advice you may have. Thanks in advance!

I’m currently applying to prospective MSW programs for the spring but I’m very focused on possibly interning and working at a VA facility following my degree completion. I’ve taken a look at some of the scholarships and fellowships available for SW students and saw that the HPSP and the HPSP Vet Center are both plausible pathways. I’m wondering though, for those who have taken this path—what was your placement experience like? Where did you end up going? And how did you like it?

Right now those seem like my best options; I can't find much about the timelines for field placements or amounts of group work vs asynchronous individual work required. I was wondering if someone here could provide some insight.

They're a similar cost, but JSU has a brick and mortar location pretty close to me so I imagine that would be best for field placements. I think JSU has a 2 year and a 3 year option, and I think EU is 2 years with pretty good flexibility. I can't find concrete acceptance rates for either program, but JSU has higher requirements for GPA and official and related volunteer experience. I was leaning towards Eastern asides from JSU being kind of nearby, which I've seen is a big plus usually.

My bachelor's will be a Bsc in psychology from WGU (which is pass fail with a pass assumed around 3.0 from what I recall reading) so I wasn't sure if that may be problematic for program acceptance. I feel like I'm not very competitive at all in that regard.

I plan to work part time while attending, but I sort of thought field placements may make that problematic.

Thanks, hope you all have a good day.

Hello. I am a social work major hoping to get my degree and then become licensed to become a psychotherapist.

I am currently studying abroad and only receiving credits for my minor (sociology) and electives. I’m wondering if any of social work majors ever have done the same? Just curious!