B.A. in Social Work or B.A. in Human Services?

[drdrewo]

I'm planning to transfer next semester, but am torn between the social work program at CSU Long Beach and the Human services Program at CSU Fullerton. My future career goals are to enlist in the Peace Corps and work in education either in academic advising or promoting higher ed with youth. Any recommendations or advice?

[Dr_Adventure]

In the long run the BA in social work is a more practicle degree. It will set you up for the Peace Corp and if you choose to go on for an MSW you could be elligible for applying Advanced Standing (meaning you could do the degree in a year). All things being equal I would go with Social Work. But you might want to talk to faculty in both programs. See if you have a good feel about them. DA

[jessicabrich]

I would suggest BSW (Bachelor of Social Work). I have a BSW and you can get a job over someone else who doesn't have a BSW easily. Having a BSW is really high up in Mental Health. But if you don't plan on doing Social Work, you might want to look into getting your education degree if you want to teach and do a minor in social work. That would probably suit your career path. having a minor in Social work is notable also. Good luck!

[jacquefromtexas]

I can assure you that you will be infinitely better off with an Social Work degree. Here's why:

1. Many social service jobs require a license (by preferance or by state law). You can get a license easier if you have a social work degree from an instituation accredited by the Council of Social Work Education. This license boosts your credibility, the pay is better and you have a universally recognized degree that you do not need to explain. The curicullum is standardized.

2. If you get a social work degree from an instituation accredited by the Council of Social Work Education, you automatically get 20 hours deducted from a master's program. This means a solid year of coursework is waived if you want a higher education in the field of human services. Also, most academic advisors are required to have a masters or above, so it may close a door to you to get a Human Services degree rather than a social work degree. A social work degree can mean a quick masters for you, even if you never decide to go that route. It's always good to have options.

3. With social work, you have advocacy organizations that are powerful lobby forces for your benefit professionally. You are in instant comraderie with a distinct profession with a rich history. You have benefits through these organizations and networking potential that you wouldn't have in a less-recognized field (human services).

4. The term "social worker" is universally known and respected and is less cumbersome than having to say, "I have a degree in human services." I simply say, "I'm an MSW" and people immeadiately recognize my standardized skill set. Jobs might not pay attention if they don't see those letters: SW because bias does exist. I know when I hire I has a perference towards BSW's and MSW's.

5. Social work degrees have limitless diversity. You can work with the elderly, with children, with adults, with families, with communities, with policy, ad nauseum. The list is endless. I am a statistician with my degrees in Social Work. Should you ever want to leave academic advising or the Peace Corps, you have a million doors open to you.

I wish you the best of luck in whatever direction you take. I look forward to having you out there in the working world and in the field, making a difference.