I heard that the University of North Dakota had a pretty good online program for the MSW. Do you think if a person did an online degree at a school that also has a physical campus, that the degree would be looked at with respect? Or are all online schools generally smirked upon in general? Has anyone here had any experience or insight on the UND MSW online program?
MSW Online question and specifically UND.
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There are parts of the MSW program where group interaction is critical. I can't imagine doing the degree without those components. I'm talking about practicum seminars, cultural diversity courses, and group therapy courses among others.
It's my personal bias, but if I were in a position to be hiring a social worker, I'd go with the one who went to the brick-and-mortar program. For one thing, I'd want letters of recommendation from faculty who have worked with the student. How would that get written (competently, anyway) from a professor who has never met the student?
A much more palatable option would be to find a program that has satellite programs in smaller cities. Those smaller satellite programs still offer the in-person coursework despite not being on the main campus of the university.
It's my personal bias, but if I were in a position to be hiring a social worker, I'd go with the one who went to the brick-and-mortar program. For one thing, I'd want letters of recommendation from faculty who have worked with the student. How would that get written (competently, anyway) from a professor who has never met the student?
A much more palatable option would be to find a program that has satellite programs in smaller cities. Those smaller satellite programs still offer the in-person coursework despite not being on the main campus of the university.
This would depend on what your scope of practice will be or you are anticipating to be. If you want a well rounded MSW degree that focuses on administration of case management, I don't think it would be a problem doing an online program.
The other side of the coin, if you are wanting to do ANYTHING clinical (psychotherapy), you need to be present at a physical campus. There is nothing that current online learning provides that can simulate learning group dynamics in real time, and one-on-one interaction. There is so many variables involved in this process. Of course I am not saying it COULDN'T be done, and you may be able to get by and get a great job after graduation, but in the end, you would be doing your self a professional dis-service and at-risk to being a danger to clients with your online learned clinical abilities.
I certainly wouldn't respect an online clinical program. No offense, just my .02.
The other side of the coin, if you are wanting to do ANYTHING clinical (psychotherapy), you need to be present at a physical campus. There is nothing that current online learning provides that can simulate learning group dynamics in real time, and one-on-one interaction. There is so many variables involved in this process. Of course I am not saying it COULDN'T be done, and you may be able to get by and get a great job after graduation, but in the end, you would be doing your self a professional dis-service and at-risk to being a danger to clients with your online learned clinical abilities.
I certainly wouldn't respect an online clinical program. No offense, just my .02.
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This seems to be the general concensus out in the real world. There is so much competition for jobs, so it will just be another hurdle to jump to stay in the running for positions.
Thanks you guys for chiming in. I tend to agree. i am just applying this fall to my state university for the 2012 program in the MSW...I really want it and only ask in case I needed a backup in the event I did not get accepted. At 45 years old, I would hate to wait another round of (2 years) to re-apply. Besides, to be honest, since I am a guy, I think it may be an uphill climb, since the field is majority female. I have no issues whatsoever with that. I just feel I need to get rolling quickly in the program and my first and foremost choice is my local state school...Unfortunately, moving or attending a physical campus elsewhere is not an option at this time. Thanks again for your guys' feedback!
I think being a male can actually help get in a female dominated program. It provides diversity and other perspectives, which social work gives a lot of lip service to. If they follow through with it it may seperate you from an comprable female applicant
