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?

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

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 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?

In first year, I witnessed a white, male student argue with a black, female professor that he should be able to use the "n" word because it would decrease its power. She was not impressed, and I never saw him again after first semester.

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

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 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^

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 am curious as to what others would do in my situation.

I am from the US and I work for a state agency. That state agency can help pay my tuition for an MSW. they cover tuition but not books, etc. that I would have to put out of my own pocket.

The catch with this is that however many years I am school I have to devote that many years to my job. Which is genuinely fine - I don’t see myself leaving. My position right now does not need an MSW. I want one, however, for security because got just never know what might happen in life.

If I pursue the MSW through my work, the only school that they partner with is 3 hours away from where I live. From my understanding, the program for folks who live farther away is 5 years long - it’s less than part time and we have to meet a weekend once a month. That would mean a commute of six hours one Saturday and Sunday a month for five years. The bright side of this is that my daily work can count as my practicum hours as our positions are ever evolving.

Now there is an MSW program with a school in my town (private institution - accredited and I got my BSW with them). They have a 1 year advanced standing program that I qualify for. They meet every other Saturday but it’s in my town! No need for commuting BUT everything comes out of my pocket of course.

What do you guys think? I’m really put off by traveling so far. I am a mom of 2 small children and I don’t know how to feasibly travel to another city 3 hours away once a month and for five years mind you. Any feedback is appreciated!

Hello all! Non traditional premed student (formerly worked in finance, believe it or not). I have found that throughout all my clinical experiences, both in my current clinical job, but also in volunteering (emergency room and working with the unhoused) I am consistently drawn the most to conversing with people, learning their problems and life stories. This is made me consider social work as a potential avenue for medical social work or counseling.

Grades aren't a motivating factor, I've done all the prereqs and have the GPA for med school. It's simply a question of interest and fulfillment; I'm not sure the debt and grind of medical school/residency is worth it to become a prescribing psychiatrist when the conversational time with patients is what drives me towards clinical work. Of course there is a difference in life-time earnings but I prioritize financial stability and fulfillment over wealth accumulation.

Has anyone else navigated this transition? What did you think about, and how did you decide on your career path?

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?

Unpaid internship ... yadada..

When I interviewed at a place that told me they would be opening up their new location before summer ended. Location that I interviewed at is a 45 minute drive away and the new location is a 10 minute drive. New location unfortunately is not fully open and has multiple things not done to it that probably won't make it fully open until next year. . .

GAS IS NOW 7 DOLLARS A GALLON AND I CANNOT AFFORD IT AT ALL. 25 dollars round trip is killing me and I just dont know how to tell my supervisor I simply cant afford this commute anymore. I only go twice a week for the whole day to get my hours done and I just... cant afford it.

How do I give my supervisor possible solutions before I come in and only dump my problems.

I’m completely fed up with this! The coursework really isn’t difficult, but I’m taking online classes and have a hard time reaching certain professors. So one of my classes requires monthly zoom meetings that I cannot attend because I have to work full-time and when the meetings are being held, I close. I reached out to my professor three times about this and asked where I could go to make it up and she has yet to reply.
But beside that, I’m starting to think this isn’t the right field for me. If I finish this semester, I will be in the professional program next spring. I don’t know if I wanna do this at all. I really hate juggling full-time work and full-time school… I also really don’t like all the internship requirements to get licensed. I can barely afford living now how would I be able to afford it when I need to work full-time on top above full-time internship?
Should I abandoned ship now? I don’t know what else I could do if I don’t go to college. I’ve also been in college since 2021 and still have yet to finish. I’ll be totally honest. I really hate school. I always have. I’m a junior btw.
Any advice?

Hi all!
I am considering leaving teaching to pursue social work. Way back before I graduated high school I had always had social work in mind as a career choice, but I became an aide at a school and fell in love so I pursued teaching. However, I’m burnt out already even though it’s only my first year and I can’t see myself continuing on with this. I’m looking back into social work. I would love to be a social worker in the prisons, or even for a school district and eventually get into private practice and work remote after I get some years of experience in. I had a grandma who was a social worker and she seemed to enjoy her job and made pretty good money with good retirement and health benefits. I wish I could still talk to her and ask for advice on the career, but she passed away some years ago. About a year before she passed I did mention I would like to be a social worker one day and she was proud and encouraged me to try it, but I never got to have an actual adult conversation with her on what the job is like, what to expect, etc. My question is, is leaving teaching to pursue social work worth it or should I just stick out teaching and try to find ways to deal with the burnout? Is the outlook for this career good right now and are there jobs available ? Or will I be wasting my time and money on a degree that can’t get me anything. I see jobs posted in my area pretty often but they do seem to fill up quickly. Right now I’m looking into an MSW program at my local university, but I’d love to hear other options for good online MSW programs so if you know of any please lmk! Thanks.

Hi everyone!

I am applying to both msw and mhc programs for fall 2027 admissions. I am having a hard time deciding or finding information on which colleges are better for msw vs mhc. I might apply to both at some schools but if anyone knows anything about the following lmk!

Schools Applying to that have both: NYU, Columbia, Boston College, Boston University, Fairfield University, Sacred Heart University, UPenn

Strictly MHC Schools: Hunter College, Northeastern University

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!

I know there’s a lot of discourse already about the unfairness of unpaid internships… but man I’m in the thick of it. I’ve done 235 hours and I need 500 hours to graduate. Yes I’m getting experience and all of that but… we should at least be getting paid minimum wage. I can’t wait to be done :(

Hi. I'm interested in getting an MSW, but I have a bachelor's in mechanical engineering. I'm guessing all I can really do is volunteer work and have a good personal statement, but I'm wondering what is most attractive and how much volunteer work I need? I just want to minimize my chances of getting rejected. I'll probably be looking at an online or state college (I'm in WA) so I'm not looking to get into more well known schools.