All candidates should hold a bachelor's degree, but schools differ in terms of minimum undergraduate GPA and standardized test score requirements. Online MSW Degree Programs in California. If a coworker screws them over … Does your program have any concentrations (e.g. u/LoseItIfYouNeedIt. gilgo 2 Posted March 11, 2011. gilgo. Master of Social Work. What are some important questions to ask a school about their MSW program? If your answer is no, then I highly recommend that you put the MSW on hold and get yourself at least a volunteer or part-time position working in the field so that you know what you’re in for. ... MSW, a relationship expert and dating coach. I'm 21 and a senior in undergrad. Ask questions that emphasise what you already know about the role you have applied for. Prospective BIPOC students are invited to this space to build community and ask questions to current MSW graduate students. You want them to be deeper and focus on the intricacies of the program. Here are five tips for interview success: 1. Whatever program or field you have applied to, grad school interviewers will ask you about it. Are there ample field placement opportunities in my area of interest? How often do I have to come to your campus? Update: Im more interested in questions that i can ask them my self at the interview. Finding an online program in CA may be a better fit for you. choices. Interviewing for a Nursing Job? Others are simply too personal to ask anyone while they show you around campus. 38 msw interview questions. You will also find several CSWE accredited online Master of Social Work programs to learn about. What's the caseload for social workers here? Posted by 7 years ago. If you work a regular full-time job, then this may be a struggle, especially if you don’t have much flexibility in your schedule. Having a nice return on your investment is always a plus, so if you find that the MSW is going to bring you more opportunities for salary increases and job advancements, then definitely consider pursuing it. FAQ: Are there any online MSW programs for non-BSW students? Quantitative descriptive questions are arguably the easiest types of questions to formulate. Some MSW programs offer different concentrations, so you will need to decide which fits your desires and needs the best. Fill out the form and we will contact you to provide information about furthering your education. However, there are inappropriate questions to ask on school visits. There is a lot of information to be considered. If the instructor is a licensed MSW holder, he or she must have two years of post-graduate experience. Everyone knows that you don’t enter social work for the money. For these reasons, it’s important to consider master’s in social work programs that have achieved CSWE accreditation or candidacy status. Keep in mind that an MSW program typically takes at least two years as a full-time student, unless you have a BSW in which you would only need to take one additional year of schooling. Are you or your spouse an active or retired U.S. military service member living outside the United States? Candidacy status indicates that an MSW program has been acknowledged by CSWE as a viable candidate for accreditation and that the institution is actively engaged in the process of pursuing accreditation. Online MSW programs may require that you complete coursework at a specific time each week while on-campus programs may meet at a scheduled time for a set number of weeks. 2016-10-24T13:53:44+00:00 By Natalie Hock, MSW | Ask A Social Worker | Ever since I got my Master’s in Social Work, my friends have come to me for “free” help and therapy. Please use our International Form if you live outside of the U.S. Among MSW grads, 78.6% had work experience before entering the program. Quantitative descriptive questions. In addition, the answer to many questions can be answered simply by visiting the school’s website. My alma matter has an amazing dual degree program pairing an MSW with Outdoor Education. In the section below you will find a few examples of what you might ask them. Like online programs, the admission criteria for brick-and-mortar MSW programs vary by institution. Although money may be important to some, almost everyone who enters this field does it because they feel called to do it. If your answer is no, then I highly recommend that you put the MSW on hold and get yourself at least a volunteer or part-time position working in the field so that you know what you’re in for. Our Lady of the Lake University Online Master of Social Work (MSW) Sacred Heart University – Online MSW; Widener University – Online MSW At the core of every online social work degree program is its faculty. There are a number of questions that you are encouraged to ask at your field placement interview. Answer Save. There will be other days when you feel like celebrating because a client went an entire week without one alcoholic beverage. If you’re a working professional, an online social work degree program can give you the flexibility to fit your studies into your current schedule. MSW programs give students and professionals the ability to move up in the field. For many of these folks, the decision was an emotional one. Evaluation questions, similar to research questions in academic research projects, guide the methods and tools used to collect data to understand the problem under investigation. Choosing where to pursue your Master of Social Work (MSW) degree is one of the most important—and challenging—decisions you will make on your higher education journey. Try to prepare a few, just in case some are covered by your interviewer before you get a chance to ask. A surprising number of MSW students are second-career social workers, meaning they have held full time jobs in other fields prior to applying to the MSW program. If this number is zero, you need to ask more questions about the professor’s experience as a mentor. As you review and compare online MSW programs, ask what specific support services are available to help students succeed. Use our contact us form to submit your questions. Is this something worth investing another couple of years in educationally and several more years in professionally? How can I know for sure? Time investment is also a big part of MSW programs. You may opt out at any time. Sessions may be synchronous or asynchronous. Since most work comes from nonprofit agencies, social workers often find themselves at the short end of the stick when it comes to salary. Does your program have more of a focus on macro vs. micro practice? Good questions to ask at university interview (social work)? Your institution’s Master of Social Work faculty should ideally be composed of doctoral-level scholars, researchers, and leaders with practical experience in their fields and communities. As you review various programs, here are some considerations to keep in mind: Accreditation by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE) confirms that a Master of Social Work program offers curriculum that meets core social work competencies and adequately prepares students to be effective practitioners in the field. posted by greta simone at 6:43 PM on September 10, 2012 For some, an MSW is the perfect way to get licensed and start a career as a therapist. They will ask why you have chosen it or what will you do with the degree. If you received your BSW or a degree in another related field, then odds are that you have at least some experience through an internship or practicum. How long does a graduate student usually take to finish? MSW Foundation: Students in the first year of the 2-year MSW program are expected to complete 400 clock hours in field, approximately 16 hours per week over two semesters. If you care about changing the world for the better, a degree in social work will give you the skills and experience to make a real difference in the lives of individuals and society as a whole. _____ Is the GRE required? Are you accredited by CSWE? Depending on the path and concentration you choose, you may be eligible to pursue licensure and be a licensed clinical social worker (LCSW) once you complete supervision. 91% of MSW grads got jobs working directly with individuals or families. Learn about interview questions and interview process for 75 companies. Are you ready to pursue your master’s in social work? What types of questions are typically asked for MSW programs? Listen to your heart, weigh the facts, and be a positive change in the world no matter what direction you go in! This is an important question. Students increase their self-awareness as helping professionals by understanding their own limitations, recognizing when they need additional resources and support, and knowing when and where to refer clients. How many students/professors are there in each concentration? Although the start of your placement may be months away, we ask you to remember that by accepting this placement, you are making a professional commitment to this agency, and we expect that you will honor the commitment you have made. FAQ: Are there any online MSW programs that do not require the GRE? I recently applied to a few MSW programs and was invited to interview for two of them. You should consult with each school’s admissions department to determine if the GRE must be taken and, if so, what minimum scores are typically required. You can find a list at the Association of Social Work Boards (ASWB) website. The second Summer Some programs may require you to work two regular days each week while others may require three days. Know the current topics and issues that are being debated. The following five questions can help you decide whether an MSW program is going to be beneficial right now or not. You should have several in mind, since some questions may naturally get answered during the course of the interview. However, it is important to know that graduation from a CSWE-accredited MSW degree program is necessary for licensure as a social worker in most states. If your answer is yes, then pursuing one of the various MSW programs available may be a great option for you! Top 3 Areas to Focus Your MSW in 2019. Most programs ask for an extensive Personal Statement/Statement of Purpose that focuses on particular questions.… CSWE accredited online Master of Social Work program from top-ranked USC Suzanne Dworak-Peck School of Social Work, is designed for aspiring social work leaders. In fact, I highly recommend that you ask yourself these five questions before pursuing an MSW program. I used to enjoy it but now I find that some of them have become overly dependent on me. Some students progress through the program with a cohort with whom … Some online MSW programs may use this test to gauge how well you will do in their program while others leave out the test and ask you to complete an essay instead. Thank you for the incredible list of interview questions social workers need to know. Is it affordable? Please view our Privacy Policy or Contact Us for more details. 5 years ago. By submitting this form, I agree to receive emails, text messages, telephone calls, and prerecorded messages from or on behalf of Walden University and its affiliates as listed in the Privacy Policy regarding furthering my education. In other words, you may interact with professors live at set times or participate in learning activities on your own time. This field can defeat you if your heart isn’t in the right place. They can get a feel for your character through your contact this way and it could bolster the strength of your letter. What questions should I ask at my field placement interview? in History with a minor in Urban Planning. It’s more about the passion to help others than anything else. Archived. These programs are ideal for working professionals who wish to continue their education while still working. When you are considering MSW programs, you will want to pay attention to the differences between each of them. Accreditation is a mark of high-quality curriculum and faculty, and degrees from accredited universities are more likely to be recognized and valued by employers and recruiters. Therefore, while you’re exploring Master of Social Work programs, be sure to check your state’s requirements for licensure with the appropriate board. When I did my MSW I was totally on my own for finding a placement, but other programs have practicum fairs, etc. What have you done to prepare yourself for a career in Social Work? Part time programs are very common as lots of folks come to MSW programs after being in the working world for some time. I have learned about an opportunity that will allow me to complete my 450 hour internship at the Department of Children and Family Services during my senior year. The biggest money struggle you will need to decide on is whether the MSW is going to help you advance and earn more than you currently make with a bachelor’s degree. Working in social work requires so much more than going through the motions. Perhaps something happened in their lives that led them to encounter a social worker. Evaluation questions may seem intuitive, and thus be quickly developed to get to the more detailed program planning. Posted by. I need some good questions to ask at the interview. Fill out the form and we will contact you to provide information about furthering your education. Beyond having the necessary academic credentials, instructors should also understand the nuances of distance learning and excel at integrating their expertise into the online classroom. For these reasons, it’s important to consider master’s in social work programs that have achieved CSWE accreditation or candidacy status. Does the program offer the specialization or concentration I want? Is the institution too big or too small? Hello-- I am applying for my MSW at several schools. Students in the Foundation program begin fieldwork after they have completed their initial five weeks of classroom learning. FAQ: Are there any online MSW programs that have multiple start dates? Due to the nature of the degree, you will be required to complete a certain number of practicum hours before you graduate. I understand that such calls, emails, and messages may be sent using automated technology. For example, “What is the average student debt load of MSW students?” is an important descriptive question. Evaluating Master of Social Work Programs: Questions to Ask. Ive got several interviews coming up. So, for like the 234897th time, call the school(s) and inquire about your concerns. I haven't taken it, but plan to. ... You can also ask at your current volunteer locations if your friends/co workers know any social worker contacts. So I only recently started looking into MSW programs and I have some questions: First, here is some background information about me. Both full-time and part-time students must attend the two Summer Institutes in order to graduate from the program. Close. #1: Do You Have Experience Working in Social Work or a Related Field? Does the program have enough acclaim to stand out on its own? And try to be insightful, rather than asking basic questions you could have figured out on your own. We ask students to let us know of their acceptance of a slot by May 1st. Is the MSW program at Renison offered Online? An invitation to interview at the graduate program of your choice is an amazing opportunity to let the graduate committee get to know you - but the purpose of the grad school admissions interview is also for you to learn about the graduate program. Questions about our Master of Social Work? Do you have a full-time vs. part-time program? 5 more subjective survey questions you must ask your mentors and mentees: These questions require a little more human touch. Once you’ve established an initial list of prospective programs, don’t forget to ask some “tough questions,” especially in the following three categories, to help identify potential deal breakers. What the interview is trying to understand here is where they fall in your school preference, and how dedicated you are to attending that particular program. You may, however, find it necessary to contact the program director or admissions counselor at some of the schools to ask more specific questions. Please refer to the online campus maps for parking information. Several resources in favor of as well in opposition are included for further reading. The following five questions can help you decide whether an MSW program is going to be beneficial right now or not. By: Jane E. Shersher, LSW & Founder of Counselors Autonomous, a program within Ava Today Choosing an MSW program to apply to can be overwhelming and challenging, but there is a way to have a successful experience… this is the path that I took to achieve clarity and focus in my search: Candidacy status indicates that an MSW program has been acknowledged by CSWE as a viable candidate for accreditation and tha… Information on accrediting bodies is available at the Council for Higher Education Accreditation’s website: www.chea.org. Your ability to apply for licensure depends on the requirements of your particular state. In addition, students understand the treatment principles and philosophies of addiction-related programs. Q: What is the ranking for the MSW Program? Some programs want it, others don't. A FIELD LIAISON is an experienced MSW Social Worker who is a member of the faculty in the HBSSW Social Work Program. The first Summer Institute is scheduled in late August at the very start of the program. MSW Field Instructor: A field instructor for an MSW student must be a licensed social worker who holds an MSW degree from an accredited program and has at least two years of post-graduate experience. These are the kinds of additional questions you will want to ask yourself. 14. Message from the President: COVID-19 | Advancing Racial & Social Justice. The Directory of Colleges and Universities with Accredited Social Work Degree Programs will provide you with the name and title of the appropriate contact person at each of the accredited schools. There is no RSVP required to attend an information meeting. When you’re evaluating Master of Social Work degree programs, choosing an institution that’s accredited can help ensure you receive an excellent education. I will be attending some info sessions and webinars. A: Schools of Social Work are not rated or ranked by a professional association; however, US News and World Report , in their 2019 rankings of graduate schools of social work, rated the University of Pittsburgh School … Students in the Foundation program begin fieldwork after they have completed their initial five weeks of classroom learning. Consider not just the immediate but long-term financial implications of graduate school. You have to learn how to invest in people and empower them so that they can become better individuals themselves. Some questions you might ask include: What's a typical day like in this role? Recent Questions. If you feel like you aren’t going to make much more and will be drowning in debt by the time you are done, then you may want to get your finances figured out before you take the next step. Most SW programs aren't super-huge and have time to answer your questions. These questions commonly arise in prospective MSW students who are ready to take the next step in their career. Decaf; Members; 2 1 post; Share ; Posted March 11, 2011. Over one-third of those employed in a clinical setting worked with children and families. Some programs even offer academic residencies that let you meet and collaborate with peers and faculty face-to-face. Questions You Can Ask. Prepare a few questions that genuinely interest you and that will make you sound smart. The only way you could get it wrong would be if you don’t have any questions to ask. If you have any questions, please contact the Field Education Office. Will there be opportunities to specialize my MSW degree at NMU? Whichever one you choose, make sure you can commit to the requirements. There are many CSU full-time MSW programs and also part-time and online programs. If you care about changing the world for the better, a degree in social work will give you the skills and experience to make a real difference in the lives of individuals and society as a whole. MSW Foundation: Students in the first year of the 2-year MSW program are expected to complete 400 clock hours in field, approximately 16 hours per week over two semesters. What are some important questions to ask a school about their MSW program? 1 … Many online MSW programs are designed for adult learners, allowing you to participate in classes weekly when it’s convenient for you. They’re motivated to help people and want to make a career of it. child welfare, mental health, aging populations)? When preparing your answer for graduate school interview questions like this, think back to why you said you want to attend this program. Most often this occurs when you are asking the right question, just to the wrong person. To better help you organize the pros and cons, I wanted to provide you with some benefits of getting your MSW. Featured Online MSW Programs. This article covers the recent thoughts regarding Online Master of Social Work Programs including those of the CSWE and CSWA. Field education is an essential part of all Master of Social Work (MSW) programs, and is defined as internships that MSW students complete in real social work settings under the supervision of a qualified social worker (also known as a field instructor). Evaluating Master of Social Work Programs: Questions to Ask, The Richard W. Riley College of Education and Leadership, College of Social and Behavioral Sciences. This seems the best fit, but just in case I'd like to search around at some other programs that might come close. From personal student success advising to career guidance to research and writing assistance, support is an essential part of a successful master’s in social work experience. 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