<p>I am a MSW student who is contemplating if this is the right career choice for me. I am interested in social justice issues and mental health. I am writing a paper about Section 8 public housing now. However, I think the academic rigor of the program is poor, I am concerned about my future salary, and being a male in an all female profession.</p>
<p>It is not an all-female profession, they might just be the majority in some areas. I know someone who wanted to go to a PhD program, but for whatever reason he went to an MSW program (yes, a guy) instead and plans to apply to doctorate programs when he finishes. I guess he was looking to get more research experience before applying to PhD programs.</p>
<p>Being male in a profession that has a lot of females should play little role in what you want to do with your life. It might just look that way because of the program/school you are in. Salaries range depending on the geographical area you work in and whether it is private or public services. Have you considered pursing a clinical program after your MSW? There are PhD (research-based) and PsyD (applied but unfunded) programs if you are looking to increase your prospective salary and stay in mental health services. An MSW seems better for the social justices issue, however, unless you make that your research focus.</p>
<p>You have no worries. My sister did her MSW and I think it is a terminal professional degree, so you should be in good shape financially after the end of the program.</p>
<p>It is terminal, meaning you can find a job with just that degree, but terminal doesn’t mean you can’t pursue higher degrees as well - but only if you REALLY want to go that route. Don’t do it just for the money.</p>
<p>You really need to start job hunting early before you graduate, and apply to many, many places so that you have some options. Talk to your profs about where former students have been placed.</p>
<p>Thanks for the advice. I am not interested in being in school any longer after the MSW so I will try to do what i can with that degree.</p>