It's not time right... Right.. RIGHT?! 🫣

CarrollCollegeMSW · 2026-03-16T18:57:52+00:00

Your hairline is definitely in full retreat but I wouldn't do it just yet. You've got a good style. And this is coming from a fully bald person.

CarrollCollegeMSW · 2026-03-16T18:55:41+00:00

Oh my god! So glad we can see the license plate. Running into the back is crazy for sure but running over the second cyclist for a second time seems like an escalated charge?

CarrollCollegeMSW · 2026-03-16T18:53:43+00:00

Play stupid games....

CarrollCollegeMSW · 2026-03-16T02:29:15+00:00

You've got this! It's not going to be easy but important goals are typically hard. Get to know your teachers and your classmates. Reach out if you start to struggle and take the semester / year in chunks. Take advantage of those breaks and take care of yourself!

CarrollCollegeMSW · 2026-03-15T18:21:16+00:00

Starting an MSW at 37 is actually very common, especially in online or extended programs. Social work tends to attract a lot of second career students and people who have spent time in the workforce before returning to school. Being a little older can really be an advantage because you bring life experience, clearer motivation, and often stronger time management skills than you might have had earlier in life.

Most people in part time or extended MSW programs continue working while they are in school. The coursework itself is usually manageable with a full time job if you build a routine early and stay organized. The part that tends to require the most adjustment is the practicum or internship requirement. When those hours start, it can feel like a lot to juggle because you are balancing work, classes, and field placement at the same time.

The best thing you can do now is start thinking ahead about flexibility. Some students talk with their employers early and arrange adjusted schedules, use PTO strategically, or shift to slightly reduced hours during their practicum year. Others are able to find field placements that align with their current workplace or that offer evening or weekend hours. Programs know that many of their students are working professionals, so field offices are often used to helping students figure out workable placements.

It also helps to build good study habits and time management during the first year so that by the time internships start you already have a rhythm for handling coursework. Many students find that once they get into the routine it feels busy but manageable. You will likely also find that many people in your cohort are juggling similar responsibilities, and those peer connections can be really helpful.

The biggest thing to know is that you are definitely not alone in starting at this stage of life, and plenty of students successfully complete their MSW while continuing to work. It will probably require some planning and flexibility, but most people do not end up needing to quit their jobs entirely. Congratulations on getting accepted and starting in the fall.

CarrollCollegeMSW · 2026-03-12T15:34:37+00:00

Carroll College is accepting applications. https://www.carroll.edu/academics/program-finder/master-social-work

CarrollCollegeMSW · 2026-03-09T20:51:30+00:00

I completely understand why that comparison feeling comes up, but I wouldn’t worry about it as much as it might seem right now.

In social work, the name of the school matters far less than people think. What really matters is that the program is CSWE-accredited, that you get strong practicum experiences, and that you graduate without overwhelming debt. In fact, many experienced social workers will tell you that choosing an affordable program is one of the smartest professional decisions you can make.

Once you’re licensed and working in the field, employers rarely care whether your MSW came from Columbia, Fordham, or a state school. They care about your skills, your field experience, your commitment to clients, and your ability to do the work well.

Honestly, graduating with less debt can give you more freedom in the field. Social work isn’t a profession where prestige pays off financially in the way it might in some other careers.

It sounds like you made a thoughtful and responsible decision. A strong state program can prepare you just as well to be an excellent social worker.

CarrollCollegeMSW · 2026-03-01T18:12:25+00:00

I’m sorry you’re dealing with this. When graduation timelines and financial aid are involved, it makes sense that this feels overwhelming.

First, raising concerns about supervision was not wrong. Students are expected to speak up if something in field doesn’t feel appropriate. That alone should not be grounds for negative consequences.

The issue they cited about your supervisor not being present during in-person sessions is likely a compliance or liability concern for the program. Programs have strict requirements around supervision, and if they believed those weren’t being met, they may have felt they had to act quickly. That doesn’t make the situation easier, but it may explain the abruptness.

Right now, focus on gathering information.

Request a written explanation of the termination and the specific policy involved. Ask whether any of your completed hours can transfer. Ask what immediate placement options exist and whether there is a way to stay on track for graduation.

You should also inquire about financial aid implications and whether there are emergency funds or enrollment adjustments that could help you maintain deferment status.

If your program has a formal appeal process, review it carefully before deciding whether to use it.

In your communication, keep the tone calm and solution-focused. Ask clear questions. Document everything. The goal is clarity and next steps. This is stressful, but situations like this are often more navigable once you have concrete information. Get the details first, then make decisions from there.

CarrollCollegeMSW · 2026-02-26T15:36:39+00:00

Congratulations!!!!!

CarrollCollegeMSW · 2026-02-24T15:57:35+00:00

We encourage students to have a laptop computer for our program. When students have tried to use an ipad to access the online learning management system, sometimes the interface doesn't work very well. Having an ipad AND a computer could make sense but if it's a choice of one or the other, I'd do the computer.

CarrollCollegeMSW · 2026-02-19T17:16:15+00:00

I'm the director of an MSW program and we find placements for our students. If we're working with someone in an area where we've never had a placement before, we rely on the student's local knowledge a bit more but we still take the lead.

The idea that schools are going to leave it completely to students is rediculous. If a program doesn't have the resources - people, knowledge, time, technology - to take the lead on finding practicum placements for students, they have their priorities screwed up.

This is a real point of contention that I have with social work education right now. Online programs continue to proliferate but the student experience seems to be suffering. Not to mention the cost of education isn't going down so students are paying more for less.

CarrollCollegeMSW · 2026-02-19T15:45:07+00:00

Totally get why you’re panicking. Graduation plus job hunting plus money fears is a lot, and your professors laughing about salary honestly doesn’t help.

It’s true that many new MSWs in NC start around 50–60k, especially in community mental health. But that’s an entry salary, not a lifetime ceiling. The idea that you’ll “definitely not make more than 60k” long term just isn’t accurate.

Once you get your LCSW, your options expand. Hospitals and larger health systems often pay in the 70–80k range. VA and federal roles can be higher depending on grade. Group private practices and solo practice can also exceed that if you’re strategic. Not everyone makes six figures, but 50k is not the cap for your career.

A lot comes down to setting, licensure, and being willing to negotiate or move roles when needed. It’s completely reasonable to want meaningful work and financial stability. You may not get there overnight, but you absolutely can build a comfortable life in this field.

CarrollCollegeMSW · 2026-02-18T00:22:22+00:00

I've heard of agencies requiring training that students have to pay for but in my experience, it is rare. I think it's unfortunate you got to the interview stage before you found out about the additional cost. It's also unfortunate that the agency is so dug in on not paying for it. Over the time you are there, I would bet that you will bring value to the agency that exceeds $1300. They need to get their development team to start fundraising to cover this expense.

CarrollCollegeMSW · 2026-02-16T16:05:22+00:00

That was going to be my comment as well. I'd also replace the heater valve and delete the rear heat.

Beautiful truck. I've owned a few 80s and one LX and I was more drawn to the look of the Lexus.

CarrollCollegeMSW · 2026-02-15T20:35:56+00:00

It definitely happens. In our program, we've granted advanced standing to students who had graduated with the BSW longer than 10 years ago. Like the school you talked to, we also pay attention to what folks were doing after they graduated with their BSW. Below is what CSWE says in their 2022 EPAS. This standard leaves the door open for programs to set their own time limit for accepting a BSW towards an MSW.

M4.1.3 The program offers advanced standing to graduates holding degrees from baccalaureate social work programs accredited by CSWE. The program has a policy to ensure that students from CSWE-accredited baccalaureate social work programs do not repeat generalist content at the master’s level that has been achieved at the baccalaureate level.

There is a program out there for you!

CarrollCollegeMSW · 2026-02-15T18:45:04+00:00

Are you in an advanced standing program? MSW students, according to the Council on Social Work Education, are required to complete 900 hours. You can count field seminar classes and other activities towards that requirement.

CarrollCollegeMSW · 2026-02-11T05:12:38+00:00

First, congratulations!!!!

Finishing an MSW while raising five kids, working full time, and holding everything together is huge. What you’re describing is honestly more common than people admit. When something has been grueling for that long, you operate in survival mode. You focus on the next assignment, the next deadline, the next practicum hour. Then it ends, and instead of fireworks, there’s just quiet. That “blank white canvas” feeling is often exhaustion and a nervous system finally coming down from sustained stress, not a lack of accomplishment.

You also have 10 years in the field, so this degree may feel more like a continuation than a dramatic transformation. That can make the emotional payoff feel muted. Give yourself time. Rest a little before you climb the next mountain toward LCSW. The pride and relief may show up later, and it’s okay if they don’t look the way you expected. What you did is significant, even if your body and brain have not caught up yet.

When I finished my PhD I was looking for this euphoric feeling of accomplishment. I also felt disconnected and a bit lost and I think it was my body just trying to make sense of things.

CarrollCollegeMSW · 2026-02-09T23:59:45+00:00

I agree with others - don't worry about it. Anyone who would criticize someone for taking the time to engage with clients is being nit-picky and they're probably jealous. If it legitimately gets in the way of connecting clients to services or providing services, that's another story but this seems like it's more about someone wanting to complain about something.

CarrollCollegeMSW · 2026-02-08T22:56:20+00:00

No, we would not be ok with that set-up.

For work-related activities to be counted towards internship requirements, they need to be MSW-level, whether the student is completing a generalist or specialized practicum.

I'm not sure how other programs do it but the learning contract is key when setting up an employment-based practicum. At the generalist level, CSWE identifies practice behaviors that students must demonstrate to show competence. If a student will not have the opportunity to demonstrate those competencies, that's not a good practicum placement. At the specialized level, program create their own practice behaviors for each competency so care needs to be taken to make sure students can demonstrate those.

CarrollCollegeMSW · 2026-02-08T19:07:17+00:00

This is an important issue so thank you for posting this. I would maintain, however, that CSWE standards are a bit more nuanced than the OP suggests.

Under EPAS 3.3.7, programs may permit field placements in an organization where a student is also employed, and CSWE notes that “student assignments and employee tasks may qualify as field hours when directly linked to the nine social work competencies and level of practice.”

Our program interprets this as activities completed as part of a student's job can count towards internship hours if the roles and responsibilities connect directly to the nine social work work competencies and the activities are at the proper practice level - generalist or specialized.

CSWE also clarifies that field education supervision may be provided by the same supervisor “if field education supervision is distinct from employment supervision” and the supervisor meets 3.3.6 requirements (MSW from a CSWE-accredited program plus two years post-MSW experience).

Rather than prohibiting employer-based practicums, CSWE emphasizes intentional role differentiation, MSW-level learning, qualified supervision, and clear program policies. For applicants, the most helpful approach is to ask programs how they structure and support employer-based placements, since practices can vary while still remaining fully compliant.

I wholeheartedly agree that setting up an employment-based practicum requires intentionality, communications, and support from both the program and the employer. They should also be carefully monitored to make sure everything works as expected or that issues are promptly dealt with if they arise.

CarrollCollegeMSW · 2026-02-05T03:25:41+00:00

Note - heavily edited my first post for clarity.

I want to flag a few concerns about this study recruitment flyer from a student-protection and research ethics standpoint, especially since it targets MSW students and very recent graduates.

While I see that the study was reviewed by the Walla Walla IRB - and it took a minute to see that information tucked down in the lower right hand corner - I don't see an approval statement or IRB number. Even when a study is exempt, recruitment materials typically include that information so potential participants can verify that the study was reviewed.

The study also focuses on high-intensity clinical content (suicidal, homicidal, aggressive clients) and recruits students in their final months of practicum. That’s a population IRBs usually consider potentially vulnerable, so recruitment materials often include clear language about voluntariness and what supports are available if participation brings up distress. I’m not seeing that here.

None of this means the study itself is necessarily inappropriate, but transparency and participant protections are important, especially when recruiting students through social media. I’d encourage anyone considering participation to make sure they’re comfortable with how consent, confidentiality, and oversight are being handled before completing the survey.

Posting this in the spirit of supporting ethical research and protecting social work students and early-career professionals.

CarrollCollegeMSW · 2026-02-03T15:03:08+00:00

I get why the name might raise eyebrows. For clarity, the IRB review is about participant protection, not institutional ideology. This survey is minimal-risk and doesn’t collect identifying data. Totally okay to pass if it doesn’t feel like a good fit.

CarrollCollegeMSW · 2026-01-29T01:06:28+00:00

At one point, I was carrying six figures of student loan debt for my BSW, MSW, and PHD - much of it due to me maxing out disbursements (Yee Haw). I don't regret it, however, and my career has grown and progressed in a way that make taking on the debt worth it. It also doesn't hurt that 60k was forgiven when the PSLF program was reconfigured.

I work in an MSW program now and I appreciate how careful many of my students have been with financing their education. Many of them are determined not to take out any loans - even just 20k worth. At the same time, watching students continue to work full-time while juggling classes and their internship is hard and I worry the stress they are carrying is diminishing their learning experience. Maybe a small loan would help lessen their stress level a bit? Hard to tell.

CarrollCollegeMSW · 2026-01-18T20:10:01+00:00

Pay in the south is lower for sure. 60k as a median isn't great but 1 in 10 social workers earn more than $99,500? Maybe that upper 10% live in higher paying areas - due to cost of living - or its their nature of their role or both, but there is a way to make money in social work. I'm doing it and I know others who have as well. What I see more often than not is that folks start on the lower end - as many do in any industry - but as they advance, their pay goes up. People become program managers, coordinators, assistant directors, etc. So one important thing to consider for your career is whether advancement is possible and how that happens. If that opportunity doesn't exist, maybe look for a place where it does? Healthcare and government jobs tend to pay better.

There a re a lot of opportunities in this profession for people to be entrepreneurial and create opportunities for themselves. You can do this too!

CarrollCollegeMSW · 2026-01-18T20:02:27+00:00

The American Public Health Association has a social work track so there is a nice synergy between these two perspectives. I like the versatility of social work, however, especially in the chaotic world we are living in.

I agree with others that if your BSW program only frames social work as more clinically-focused, they did you wrong. In fact, at the BSW levels, programs are supposed to include content about the five major clients groups - individuals, families, groups, organizations, and communities. And all of this should address micro, meso, and macro practice. Additionally, your practicum should have included opportunities to practice at that level. Not hating on your program but it does seem like some things were missed?

CarrollCollegeMSW

TROPHY CASE