Schools in Miami

[jmallory]

I plan on relocating to Miami, and I'm interested in going back to school... Again. Lol. I already have a masters degree, but I want to go back for a MSW...Masters of Social Work. I have tried to research some schools in the area, and I've found Barry University and FIU. Since I'm not in Florida yet, I honestly don't know about the reputation of the two schools. I'm sure they are great schools, but I just want to know the general consensus. What are your opinions?

[Jess]

Don't forget University of Miami!

Having not gone to any of these schools, I really cannot share an opinion. But Matt Meltzer is a UM alumni and still teaches there, he may be able to shed more light on the different colleges here.

[jmallory]

Yes, definitely University of Miami. I know that school and it's reputation. It's a great school! Well I may check out some schools while I'm there next week.

[Jess]

I have sent Matt the link to this thread to help you out some more next time he is online. Good for you getting another Masters degree!

[dylan]

I have heard good things from both schools, and I have met people who attend both. From hear say Barry sounds more engaging as far as teachers go, FIU has a more open approach where students work more independently. I have heard both schools tend to be more affordable than UM. However I also know UM students that love the school. As far as scheduling classes UM gives you the least flexibility followed by FIU, then Barry being the most flexible. All of this is from what my friends have shared with me. I myself attend MDC.

[Matt Meltzer]

UM is dfinitely the best school in town. Actually, the best in Florida. But you may not like the 35K a year pricetag so much. Also, it actually gives you the MOST flexibility with classes, since you get what you pay for and all. I Went there and UF and UM is much easeir to register and the like.

That said, of your othe two options, FIU is like a big commuter school. So not much campus life, though I'm not sure that matters so much for Grad school. And big classes. Again, maybe notsomuch at the grad level. Barry is small and not really well known. May also cost more than FIU.

I'd say work for a year then try and get in-state at FIU.
BTW why are you trying to get a masters in social work? I read the other day that's one of the most useless advanced degrees one can get.

[jmallory]

I have an MA in Gerontology....which is not as valuable as an MSW, in my opinion. The problem is most jobs I apply for (I work with the elderly) want you to have an MSW, LCSW, or even a nursing license. I have been thinking about going back to school for a while since I know how much valuable an MSW is in my field. I have known people that have an MA in Gerontology that went back to school for social work or counseling. An MSW is more valuable than a MA in Geronotology...plus with an MSW I can be licensed and go into private practice. I have been to conferences, and they are saying that we need more Geriatric nurses, doctors, social workers, etc. It's not set in stone, but I want to keep my options open. I just should have went for the MSW when I had the chance.

[Mario]

UM is good, it is private and more on the pricey side. Barry is private, Catholic and rather small. FIU is a large public university. Many students work and go to school. I went to FIU, and it's convenient in the sense that it has many courses scheduled in the evening hours.

[Mario]

I went to FIU for grad school, classes tend to be much smaller and grad students form tight-knit groups. While in grad school, I had no time for campus life events.

[Matt Meltzer]

Ah, ok. Interesting. I know a few people getting MSW degrees. DO you think a degree like that is necessary for the work you do? I know nothing about it, but I have been talking with some people rcently about how jobs that really shouldn't requre advanced degrees are now requiring them.