MSW: Military/Veterans Focused

[FMSW]

I'm looking at Grad Schools to apply to for my MSW. Coming from a military family and having taken a good deal of military focused courses, I've realized that I absolutely want to a pursue a career as a Social Worker at the VA or with the military. All that being said, what would be the best way to prepare myself for that line of work? Are there any suggestions on which MSW programs out there produce the most competitive graduates for positions with the VA?

I saw USC's Military/Veterans Social Work specialization but it is extremely expressive so I'm hesitant in going that route. If that school does offer the best opportunity for employment in that field I suppose it would be the best option but I'm hoping some of you may have other suggestions on where to go for schooling.

Also, are there are MSW programs that are known for placing their students in VAs/military bases during Field Placements?

Thank you!

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[MissesKathy]

Are you only interested in working as a civilian with the military, or are you also wanting information on programs that would require an active duty obligation?

Also,are you geographically limited in your choices, or willing to move for school?

 

[Cassis]

I would suggest you to look into the Navy's MSW program. They send you to thier school in Maryland.

 

[MissesKathy]

The army has a MSW program as well, an accelerated 1 year program followed by two years of an army sw internship, separated into six month increments in different clinics/ specialty areas, and then you owe five years active duty. I believe you get officers pay and benefits while attending school and during internship, but I have not been able to confirm this yet. Oh yeah, the program is through fayetteville state university, btw, but it is an offsite program located at fort Sam houston, Texas.

 

[FMSW]

I am looking only as a civilian. Enlisting is not an option due to disability.
Moving is definitely an option...basically my own one due to the fact that the schools in my state do not offer such coursework. I was looking at USC due to the fact that it was online and I could save some money by not having to move, but after realizing how much tuition was I know I need to be open to moving.

 

[MissesKathy]

I have found info on a navy internship, but no info on a MSW program through the Navy...do you know what school it is?

 

[MissesKathy]

A lot of schools offer internship placements at VA hospitals or working with military, but they cannot promise you will get one of these slots. I would assume that almost any school in close proximity to a military base or VA hospital would have that possibility. Smith College has a great program with great placements, so definitely check that out- it is a little pricey as well, but not as bad at USC. For a list of programs offering some coursework in serving military populations or military placements, check this site: http://www.cswe.org/Meetings/36308/36310.aspx

 

[Cassis]

I have found info on a navy internship, but no info on a MSW program through the Navy...do you know what school it is?

You have to contact a recruiter. It isn't a scholarship. Just a way to enter the Navy and pursue a degree.

 

[zenman]

Check out University of Southern Mississippi. There you will find Raymond Scurfield, a vet and author of some of the best books on PTSD.

 

[FMSW]

Check out University of Southern Mississippi. There you will find Raymond Scurfield, a vet and author of some of the best books on PTSD.

Thanks for the recommendation! I checked out their website but it doesn't seem to have very much info about the program and application process unfortunately.