What can one do with a phd in social work?

Question

I am currently pursuing an MSW & PhD in Social Work. I decided on this combo degree to increase my chances of obtaining a faculty position in Social Work. (mind you this is my third master's, I have one in P. Science and the other one Public Administration) Meanwhile, I had to take 7 courses that I have had before. I was not allowed to sub any of these courses . I have been extremelly disappointed. It feels that I have waisted two years of my life w/o learning much. MSW macro is similar to MPA. Instead I could have worked, gotten in relationship and made money. Instead I have spent ab. 20 hours/ wk in field placement working for free (despite my past 6 years of senior level positions in gov and nonprofit) and all been doing is lit reviews. A prof did not even put my name in paper though I produced 34 pgs lit review. So should I quit the PhD (am in 1st yr & have 1 more yr. of courses but am not sure I want to bec. a professor any longer?) What else could I do w/PHD in SocW?

Answer 1

You are correct that the MPA and MSW macro are very similar.  However, they are two different professions.  If you want to teach in social work you will need both the MSW and the PhD.  As for what else you can do with the PhD in social work - research would be the next most lucrative (and program eval).  Program Admin would also be an option.

Now should you quit.  Only you can answer this.  you have put a great deal of time into this process.  One piece you may want to look at is do you want your PhD in social work.  You might consider a PhD in Public Admin.  or in Business Admin (the pay is much better in business than in social work).  

You want to negotiate your name on papers from the very beginning and make it clear that you want this - be respectful, but indicate it would be great to be second author - your faculty should support this as it will make you much more employable.

You should know that the hardest part of the PhD is what comes after the course work.  This is where most people end their studies at ABD.  If you are not really motivated this self-directed process gets harder and harder.

Also you will want to consider that you really need two years post MSW experience to get many faculty positions - so be sure you pick this up.

DA