Non Matriculating MSW Questions

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I have a BFA from Parsons in Photo/fine art (gpa 3.5) and after nine years working in the arts as an art dealer I decided what I really want is a M.S.W. eventually leading to a LCSW. I'm interested primarily in hands on clinical work. It looked like NYUs program at the Silver School of social work was the one for me. However I didn't have any work or volunteer experience in social science or social work. I also lacked involvement in community activities or participation in organizations committed to humanistic values...

I met with a few admissions councilors and current students who encouraged me to apply. I did and was rejected for Fall '12. I was interested in the 32 month program for working professionals. All my references were business related as to my personal character and work ethic and not social work orientated.

So now I'm sure the reason was my lack of applicable social work background coupled with a lack of psych classes in undergrad. Now I'm trying to plan my reapplication process for next year. I plan on taking a non matriculating class at either Hunter (cheaper) or NYU on the graduate level to help. It's very expensive at NYU at around 3k for one 3 credit class as opposed to half that at Hunter. Does anyone think this is a worthwhile idea? Should I aim for undergrad classes instead? It would also be a good way to get a reference more suited to social work.

Lastly I've got to start volunteer work or try to get a part-time job with a social work organization. My 2nd question for those students either currently in a MSW program or who have been accepted into one is what sorts of work did or (didn't) you do. I ask this as I know two people that went through NYUs program and neither did any volunteer work. I'm thinking of looking into the Samaritans of NYC, but again I've heard bad things about them from people that have worked there (you're just a number and people are fired at a moments notice for all sorts of things).

Thanks! I remain committed to getting a MSW despite my current setback.
-n

Originally Posted by Nathianander

Lastly I've got to start volunteer work or try to get a part-time job with a social work organization. My 2nd question for those students either currently in a MSW program or who have been accepted into one is what sorts of work did or (didn't) you do. I ask this as I know two people that went through NYUs program and neither did any volunteer work. I'm thinking of looking into the Samaritans of NYC, but again I've heard bad things about them from people that have worked there (you're just a number and people are fired at a moments notice for all sorts of things).

I can't really answer the question about classes, but here's my take on the volunteer work. I am going the PsyD route, but I did apply to MSW programs and I work and volunteer at places that employ mostly MSWs. Many of the people I interact with there (both LCSWs and SW interns) did have some sort of volunteer experience before going in. It doesn't hurt to have some, imo.

Samaritans requires a lot of volunteer hours per month and I've also heard not-so-good things about the experience. There are other options in NYC that are more manageable and that provide a lot more support. I've worked on a hotline and in a shelter and both were amazing experiences. They were geared towards social work and LGBTQ populations and I'd be happy to give you more information if that interests you.

Writing this from the Hunter SSW library -- I believe that Hunter encourages non-matriculated social work students to apply for their regular programs after taking these courses, and takes into account their class performance in deciding whether to admit them. Hunter also allows you to put nine of those non-matric credits toward the M.S.W. degree. It isn't clear from your post whether you intend to apply to Hunter, but it won't be a waste of money to take these courses if you can apply the credits to your degree. Definitely check with NYU to see if they also allow transfer of credit either from Hunter's or from their own non-matric courses.

Thanks Qwerk and Minty. I emailed hunter about the availability in the non-matriculating program. I wouldn't be opposed to applying there, I like the 32 month program at NYU only because it allows me to continue earning a wage while studying.

I'd definitely be interested in learning more about your experiences volunteering Minty, those sound like worthy causes.

Part of me also wonders if the competition for the 32 month program is more fierce simply because the economy isn't doing well and many people are looking to go back to school for a masters. The Q & A session I went to at NYU for all the MSW programs was packed with more than a hundred people and the majority was > than 30 years old.

Originally Posted by Nathianander

Part of me also wonders if the competition for the 32 month program is more fierce simply because the economy isn't doing well and many people are looking to go back to school for a masters. The Q & A session I went to at NYU for all the MSW programs was packed with more than a hundred people and the majority was > than 30 years old.

I absolutely agree, I think that's the biggest factor right now.

I'll PM you about the volunteer work.