Go back to school for MSW?

[Anonymous]

After staying at home for 10 years, I'm looking into various MSW programs. Catholic University seems to have a well known program -- can anyone provide experience on this? Also, is this a good investment of time and money? TIA

[Anonymous]

Were you just thinking about law school??

[Anonymous]

Catholic's MSW program is very well regarded in DC. You can do it part time, except the internship portions do require daytime hours. One caveat: EXPENSIVE. When I looked into it a few years ago, it cost around $50k (!!!).

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Catholic's MSW program is very well regarded in DC. You can do it part time, except the internship portions do require daytime hours. One caveat: EXPENSIVE. When I looked into it a few years ago, it cost around $50k (!!!).

Yikes! That is expensive. Not sure if I could rationalize paying that when we're saving for college and the salaries for social workers. May I ask what you ended up doing, if not going back to school? I am so stuck right now! (sigh)

[Anonymous]

I went to library school instead.

[Anonymous]

What were you doing before?

I was lazy and went back to my old field, but I am always thinking of pursuing a passion for a career if I could find a way to make it lucrative.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I went to library school instead.

I thought librarian jobs were being slashed. How are you finding the job market?

[Anonymous]

I have a MSW (though not from Catholic.) While Catholic is a good school and well regarded, if you are in VA look into Mason and if you are in Maryland look into UM. Just don't do the MSW program at Howard (really, not looked upon highly these days.)

good luck!

[Anonymous]

I attended Catholic for my MSW and thought it was a great investment in terms of general academics, preparation to work in the field, and networking. (If you're looking for an investment in terms of getting a lot of bang for your buck w/ salary, then social work may not be the best field for you.) CUA also has good practicum placements which often lead to a first job after graduation. Catholic is especially well known for it's clinical track, and has solid macro and combined focuses as well. Mason's MSW program is fairly new, Howard's is not well regarded (or does a good job of preparing their graduates, IMO). U of MD has a great program but I believe classes are in Baltimore, not at the College Park or satellite campuses.