<p>Hi There,</p>
<p>Brand new to these boards.</p>
<p>I am a late-30s career changer, researching Social Work, Sociology and Psychology masters and doctorate programs. I have worked in business development for the past 13 years but have finally fun out of gas. I applied to the University of Michigan's MSW program and was admitted for Fall 2011. Given that my main interests are clinical work and academia, I am giving some thought to applying to PhD programs. </p>
<p>A few questions:
1. Should I get my MSW first before applying to PhD programs?
2. Michigan offers a dual PhD in Social Work and a Social Science (e.g. Sociology, Psychology, etc.). Does anyone have any experience with this program? If so, what is the acceptance rate, etc.?
3. General thoughts on a MSW would be appreciated. </p>
<p>Thanks a lot!</p>
<p>Chris</p>
<p>I would definitely talk to the people at Michigan and see what your options are! Really, PHD in social work is, as a friend in that program said, just if you want to do research in social work or be a professor.</p>
<p>I am currently getting my MSW from New York University. I got my Bachelors in Social Work… so my masters is only one year 
I feel, unless you want to become a Social Work researcher, there is no reason to get a PhD in the field of Social Work. If your going to get a PhD I would get it in Psych. BUT it sounds like you want to focus on Clinical, which means a PhD would be useless for you. I really think you are looking for the “easy way out” and have not really researched psych, social work or socio. All three of these careers have VERY differernt beliefs and idiologies. Social Work follows a person-in-enviorment perspective. Whereas, psych does NOT follow that and focuses on a biological model. Socio, I dont know as much about their models but all my friends that did their undergrad in Socio changed majors for the masters because they couldnt get a job… most people with majors in Socio do research. That being said. You really need to research these fields and choose one that fits you best. Dont just go to Socal Work because it seems easy or because you got accepted. Use mature judgement and spend time researching these careers. And also, research what you want to do for your life… clinical work, academia, research. It sounds like you havent thought this through very much and are jumping into a very expensive situation.</p>
<p>I’m wondering the same thing. I’m a junior at Berkeley majoring in sociology. I want to get my MSW and maybe a PhD(social science), but I’m not sure whether I should apply for University of Michigan’s MSW first or go straight for their PhD+MSW program. My main concern is that the MSW program is probably easier to get into (no GRE etc). So I don’t want to get rejected from the more competitive PhD program when I could have been accepted to the MSW program. Any thoughts?</p>
<p>A PhD student at Michigan’s School for Social Work told me that the ONLY reason why anyone would get a PhD in social work is if you want to teach and be in academia. Otherwise, the MSW is just enough.</p>
<p>I would agree with ticklemepink. </p>
<p>I’m not familiar with the field; but, one thing you may want to consider is that (unfortunately) your age may count against you if you’re looking for a university faculty position. If the field is anywhere similar to the sciences, it’ll take you 5/6 years beyond the bachelors to get your Ph.D. Then you’ll have to build up a lot of research experience BEFORE you will be considered for a faculty position. Your age will probably add another hurdle…Age discrimination is real.</p>
<p>A quick google search seems to indicate that people who go for a Ph.D are already seasoned professionals. So I would advise you to stay on your current path. Get your MSW, then get experienced.</p>
<p>Thanks for the advice! I was kind of thinking the MSW in social work + the PhD in either anthro, soc, or psych would nice. I wouldn’t mind the versatility in the career field. Plus I wouldn’t mind extending my life in school and postponing getting a job for another 2 years :)</p>
<p>Definitely go for the MSW in social work and PhD in your favorite subject. The more the merrier. I would pick psych because that’s my favorite.</p>
<p>Everyone gave good advice. Only apply to PhD programs if you want to become a researcher and/or professor in academia. If you want a more practitioner role, the PhD in Social Work and other related disciplines is often a waste of time and money.</p>
<p>In addition to LMSW I would also look into LPC. Depending on your state, you might find one more employable (though LMSW usually bills a little higher)</p>