<p>I am interested in getting into an MSW program in order to pursue a career as a clinical social worker upon graduation. Currently, I am an undergrad about to declare a major, and I'd appreciate some solid advice because I got myself into a problem that has made it difficult to choose between 2 majors.</p>
<p>The two majors I'm choosing between are psychology and philosophy. My preference as an undergrad is to earn a BA in philosophy and then further study psychology in graduate school to earn my MSW since you don't really need to major in psychology as an undergrad to apply. </p>
<p>My thinking is that philosophy would give me a good liberal arts background and a chance to develop critical thinking, problem solving, and writing skills, to better think in abstract terms, and to investigate the big questions and best ideas in life. I think this would serve me well in any career I may wish to pursue in the future.</p>
<p>My problem is this (in 2 sections): </p>
<p>(A) in a couple of previous quarters I took some courses and had to withdraw past the deadline due to financial difficulties. Some of those courses were in psychology and, if repeated, my GPA would improve significantly. But if I choose to major in philosophy, I won't have room in my schedule to repeat those psychology courses (that is, if I wish to meet my projected graduation date.)</p>
<p>So, at the very best, if I major in philosophy, I'm looking at a 3.2 GPA. If I major in psychology, however, I'm looking at a 3.5-3.7 GPA. I've e-mailed a graduate school that has an MSW program to ask about the importance of GPA and was basically told a 3.0 GPA is required for consideration, but one person (a counselor ) replied that a 3.2 GPA rather than a 3.5 GPA wouldn't significantly hurt my chances. Also, the literature on their website indicates a higher GRE score can help compensate for lower GPA. Specifically, it says a GRE isn't required unless you have less than a 3.0 GPA.</p>
<p>(B) I already have 3 courses in psychology that can be applied towards the major,
whichi means I need to complete fewer credit hours (36 left) to complete the major. I pretty much need to start from scratch (50 credit hours) if I choose to major in philosophy. I've worked out potential schedules for the next two quarters and have found that if I wish to major in philosophy, I won't be able to schedule in work-study, but if I major in psychology, the schedule will make work-study possible. </p>
<p>Being able to participate in work-study this coming year would not only mean extra money so I won't be stretched to pay for rent (always helpful for a poor student), but this year I may have an opportunity to participate in a community service program helping disadvantaged youth. A year's worth of experience in this program would give me some good work experience that would probably strengthen my candidacy when I apply for an MSW program. Plus it would show a commitment and interest in helping others.</p>
<p>So, while my preference would be to major in philosophy rather than psychology as an undergrad (for reasons stated above), I have to consider which path will give me the best chance of getting into an MSW program, since ultimately I will need to get into and complete one in order to pursue a career in clinical social work.</p>
<p>The work experience and the higher GPA possible if I major in psychology (due to scheduling possibilities not available if I major in philosophy) certainly doesn't hurt,
and I could always study philosophy on my own to try to gain some of the aforementioned benefits. I doubt it I will get as much out of independent study of philosophy, however, since I lose out on discussion opportunities and someone to critique my papers.</p>
<p>Anyway, if you guys and gals could share some solid advice and thoughts on this matter, I'd greatly appreciate hearing from you. </p>
<p>Thank You.</p>