MSW + doctoral degree immediately, or wait to get doctoral degree?

[xena35o]

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I'm interested in counseling and other clinical work that would be open to me with an MSW. However, I suspect that after several years of clinical work, I might want to move into administration, teaching, and/or research. From what I understand, the MSW is enough to do clinical work and administration. However, I would need a DSW or PhD in social work to try to rise to the top at a research university.

With these things in mind, do you think it makes sense to try to get an MSW and a DSW/PhD at the same time? Or would it make more sense to stop at the MSW, spend a couple years getting licensed, spend a few more years continuing with clinical work, and then heading back to school for the doctoral degree?

Thanks for any advice!

 

[Psychadelic2012]

I'm interested in counseling and other clinical work that would be open to me with an MSW. However, I suspect that after several years of clinical work, I might want to move into administration, teaching, and/or research. From what I understand, the MSW is enough to do clinical work and administration. However, I would need a DSW or PhD in social work to try to rise to the top at a research university.

With these things in mind, do you think it makes sense to try to get an MSW and a DSW/PhD at the same time? Or would it make more sense to stop at the MSW, spend a couple years getting licensed, spend a few more years continuing with clinical work, and then heading back to school for the doctoral degree?

Thanks for any advice!

Either way, it is my understanding that social work PhD programs require you to have 2 years of post-MSW work experience. Some programs help you to get that during your time in the program, but you'll need it regardless (and it may be easier to get when not in school!).

 

[wigflip]

I'm interested in counseling and other clinical work that would be open to me with an MSW. However, I suspect that after several years of clinical work, I might want to move into administration, teaching, and/or research. From what I understand, the MSW is enough to do clinical work and administration. However, I would need a DSW or PhD in social work to try to rise to the top at a research university.

With these things in mind, do you think it makes sense to try to get an MSW and a DSW/PhD at the same time? Or would it make more sense to stop at the MSW, spend a couple years getting licensed, spend a few more years continuing with clinical work, and then heading back to school for the doctoral degree?

Thanks for any advice!

It depends in part on how well you know yourself and how well you know social work. I thought I would be a good fit for my social work program, but hated it and dropped out.

I think it's harder to go back to school after you stop. You get used to "real life," having money and time to yourself. You might also want to invest some time in searching the academic job market to see how many openings there are at universities for social work/social welfare faculty. The academic job market is pretty horrible right now. If you know that you LOVE research, and are in a financial position to do the doctorate without taking on loans (which are crippling), and your interest in pursuing the doctorate exists independent of your future academic job prospects, go for the doctorate. If not, it may be smarter and more satisfying to get the MSW and stop.