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I've been very indecisive about what to study (due to application deadlines coming up).
I'm contemplating doing an Online MSW program. But I would like to know if it's the same as regular in-class MSW degree when seeking employment? Also is an Online MSW program more rigorous and challenging?
I have no knowledge regarding rigor of MSW degrees. However, whenever I see a question regarding an on-line degree my response is the same. Only pursue on-line degrees from 'brick & mortar' universities.
Maybe some day in the future the On-Line Only schools will have reputations not negatively influenced by being On-Line Only. That day hasn't arrived yet to my knowledge.
No experience with that degree, but agree with above advice. Only do online if it's through a traditional college. I finished my degree online and it's the exact same diploma as those who did it in person.
Have you done a lot of online course work? Online isn't for everybody.
I disagree with the above. As long as you still have the state required practicums, it shouldn't make any difference. Obviously, those cannot be done online and they are full-time. The classwork is fine if it's online. You can get MSW degrees from reputable state/public and private universities, as suggested by MI-Roger.
No. No online degree, in ANY subject, is 'just as good' as a regular degree.
If you're contemplating a job where it wouldn't matter...
you should probably reconsider the jobs/employers you're looking for.
I'm looking into schools like Rutgers and Fordham.
Quote:
Originally Posted by crd08
No experience with that degree, but agree with above advice. Only do online if it's through a traditional college. I finished my degree online and it's the exact same diploma as those who did it in person.
Have you done a lot of online course work? Online isn't for everybody.
Yeah, I was wondering if it would look different to employers. Ok so it's the same.
I've done online coursework years ago at undergrad. It was hard because I pretty much neglected the classes. Time went by so quick and I ended up with a poor grade. I didn't get to followup with the professor like I would in a in-class course. There were deadlines and expectations and I didn't meet them it was tough luck. However, I work full-time so I'm wondering if an online program is best for me.
Yeah, I was wondering if it would look different to employers. Ok so it's the same.
I've done online coursework years ago at undergrad. It was hard because I pretty much neglected the classes. Time went by so quick and I ended up with a poor grade. I didn't get to followup with the professor like I would in a in-class course. There were deadlines and expectations and I didn't meet them it was tough luck. However, I work full-time so I'm wondering if an online program is best for me.
I work full-time as well, so that's why I finished mine online. I did the first two years traditional (with a few online), which gave me a good base. I am now looking into online grad school programs. I'd have rather done it all traditional, but I have to work so it was my only choice.
You definitely have to stay organized and stay on top of assignments. I wrote everything down in a planner. I printed the syllabus and checked things off as I went. I worked ahead when I could and always looked ahead at the assignments and emailed if I have any questions. It helped that my university was only 20 mins from me, so if I needed to meet an instructor in person, I could. Takes a lot of self discipline, but can be done.
I have had MSW interns from both online and traditional programs and I do see a difference between the two. My online Interns lacked a certain level of understanding, and it wasn't due to the individual. I think social work foundations really there on an organic learning environment that includes group reflection and interaction, more so than other fields given the nature of the work.
That being said, the most valuable experience is hands on experience, which you will still receive. When applying for jobs, your resume will still say MSW. So if that's the only way to do it, then go for it.
I have no knowledge regarding rigor of MSW degrees. However, whenever I see a question regarding an on-line degree my response is the same. Only pursue on-line degrees from 'brick & mortar' universities.
Maybe some day in the future the On-Line Only schools will have reputations not negatively influenced by being On-Line Only. That day hasn't arrived yet to my knowledge.
I don’t see how social work can be online only. There has to be clincals in a social work setting whether a school, hospital, state agency, etc (depending on focus of major) if the person gets good recommendations from their fieldwork supervisor that will make up for negative rep. If a school has ONLY online and no actual fieldwork, I wouldn’t go and I think most employers wouldn’t hire that person. In a field like this, exposure to the actual work environment is crucial.
I saw a show where an online school had a nursing program without clinicals, which is just nuts. The girls interviewed could not get hired anywhere and didn’t even meet the criteria for professional licensing. Look no further than schools like that one when placing blame for the bad rep online schools get.
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