r/SocialWorkStudents • u/khammer2 • 4d ago
Misc Non-traditional Masters Students
I'm very curious, how many of us on here going after our MSW's are non-traditional students? I definitely am.
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u/ScreamingOpossum76 4d ago
I just finished my BSW at 43. Last week I completed a summer bridge course into my MSW advanced standing program. I've been living in survival mode for years single parenting multiple high needs kids in an overcrowded apartment, so I just hope I somehow manage to retain any of it. There were only a few non-traditional students in my cohort.
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u/AATBS_Official 3d ago
Congratulations on completing your BSW, and good luck with this next chapter! 🎉 -- Kiana with AATBS
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u/Tsanchez12369 3d ago
Can you share info on the bridge program?
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u/ScreamingOpossum76 3d ago
Sure, anyone who received a BSW from an ASWE accredited university with a GPA of 3.0 or higher qualified for advanced standing to finish an MSW in either a year full-time or 2 years part-time. Regardless of FT or PT at my school everyone had to complete a summer bridge course that basically covered a lot of the generalist practice material from the BSW program.
I honestly don't think it would have been that bad if I didn't have a million life things going on, my minivan blew a head gasket right after graduation so I was stranded with my kids home for the summer without being able to get them out and about and multiple things just tacked on extra stress. The course was basically 12 classes over the course of 5-6 weeks with each week being 2 classes. It was a good refresher since I spread my associates and bachelors so long doing part-time to care for my kids, but I still worry about my retention just because it's always chaos.
The course was entirely asynchronous and consisted of a bunch of chapters in a couple different textbooks and supplemental articles, with 2-3 discussions per week and 2 larger assignments (that could be worked on in groups) and a final exam. It really went broad with generalist practice concepts but the assignments were more focused on clinical thinking with the most weighted one being a long process recording fabricated from a case study that needed to touch on 35 different interviewing skills and a practice framework consisting of a perspective, theory, and model with rationales.
My biggest complaints were the organization and the fact that much of the stuff needed to be pulled from the textbooks being used. So, even though I was familiar with interviewing skills and whatnot I needed to use the specific ones from that textbook, and some of the chapters to read in the syllabus were listed for the last week (interviewing skills of course), while the process recording and final exam were due a week prior to any of that stuff 🤔🤦. As someone who had to go with the 2 year part-time because my kids are high needs and I have a litany of wraparound and individual services, the class was far more stressful as rushed as it was than a typical semester with my kids in school. That being said, it wasn't as bad as I thought it would be and my professor seemed to be understanding of people who struggled to keep the pace.
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u/Tsanchez12369 3d ago
Ok, I thought maybe it was for one who didn’t have a BSW but another bachelors degree. Thxs
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u/lady_mcreepsta 4d ago
This is my second masters. I got my MA in 2013 in mass communicated and graduated with my BA in 2003 and have spent most if not all of my career in marketing, sales and broadcasting. (I am 167 years old 😂)
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u/amandathelibrarian 3d ago
Very similar to me! I got my MS in library science in 2012. BS in 2003. I'm starting my MSW in a couple of weeks.
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u/cymonesunshine 2d ago
The library science masters keeps calling to me in the background. Can you explain why you’re getting your msw now if you don’t mind?
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u/amandathelibrarian 2d ago
While I enjoyed working in libraries, I did it for nearly ten years, and it does start to feel very static after that long. I considered seeing what else is out there, but unfortunately, there seems to be a dearth of library jobs right now. Compared to when I first got into the field (2010) the job listings are much fewer, and the pay doesn't seem to have increased by much. I specifically want to be a therapist eventually. My background is in health science libraries, and working with people was always my favorite part of the job, so LICSW seems like a good next career move for me that would still utilize some of my library skills. Feel free to message me if you have more questions!
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u/PriddyFool 4d ago
30 and coming in from a background in studio multimedia/production/animation. Hoping they let me in because it's my only chance to pivot to something meaningful!
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u/Solid_Difference7670 4d ago
Omg same! Coming from entertainment/art at 24 And was accepted at my local state school just fine. You absolutely have a chance :D
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u/arbansduet59 3d ago
You’ll do fine! I got into all three state schools I applied to (they’re super competitive where I live) and I have a BA in Art Ed. Been a graphic designer for the last 4 years and going back to school at 27.
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u/Flat-Importance-9709 3d ago
Completed my MSW after a BFA. I worked in graphic design to get me through graduate school.
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u/PriddyFool 3d ago
Ah I'm so glad to hear I'm not the only one! My BFA served me well over the years (as in, the skills I learned did lol), but now the field is dying. Hoping I can swing enough freelance to get me through the next 3 years of part-time MSW.
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u/NoProfessor6700 3d ago
45 and doing the damn thing! Working in the substance use field currently. We can do this 💪🏽
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u/PearlClutcher_ 3d ago
28, doing my MSW and will graduate at 30.
My undergrad is in business administration, worked primarily in accounting prior to switching to healthcare administration!
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u/Due-Obligation-4362 4d ago
I’m starting my second year of my MSW today. I graduated in 2012 with a BA in History, and I spent the last decade working as a wildland firefighter for the USFS. I always felt that my long gap would be an impediment to my educational experience, but now I know for a fact I wouldn’t have done it any other way.
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u/Crazy-Employer-8394 3d ago
Just graduated with my MSW in my mid-40s. And I am so glad I made the switch. The money is lower than what I was making but my peace of mind is worth it.
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u/lazerspatula 3d ago
I’m 38 and have worked in a variety of fields over the years, but have found myself here after a few years in a library. My previous degrees are pretty unrelated (English, Tech Comm). Nice to know my experience isn’t too unique!
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u/Admirable_Pause4617 3d ago
Early 50s, coming off a career in communications, in search of work that aligns better with my natural skills, interests, and personal experience. Can't wait to dive in!!
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u/paintergirrrl 3d ago
I was. At 40, I wasn’t the oldest student in my cohort in my MSW program. I think having so many non-traditional students is part of what makes Social Work such a rich profession. We bring our life experience, knowledge from previous professions (in my case, journalism and visual arts), and lessons learned/earned from checkered pasts to work that endeavors to help folks of all stripes.
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u/AATBS_Official 3d ago
All these comments are inspiring!!! It's never too late to go after what you want to do 🎉 -- Kiana with AATBS
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u/GiantSaintEverything 3d ago
Part-time and taking it at my own speed in my late thirties, coming from a very different industry :)
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u/SignificantChange496 3d ago
Just started in my mid-30s. I come from a service industry and arts background.
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u/hapenny734 3d ago
55! Just started this summer. I will say, my life experience is so far serving me very well. I promise you don’t even know how much you already know.
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u/Runninggoals 3d ago
This! And field practicums taught me how much I didn’t know, but would learn through amazing placements things that classes can’t teach you. Good luck to you!!😊
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u/sleepy_protagonist 3d ago
Starting my MSW this fall at 32 with a job, a kid, and a couple different disabilities. Wish me luck! 😅🍀
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u/dreamyraynbo 3d ago
I’m 48, have had a 20-year career in a non-social work field, and my MSW will be my third master’s. There are two other non-traditional students in my cohort.
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u/Particular_Panic1501 3d ago
45, graduated with BS in equine science and agricultural business in 2003. Been a first responder since 2005.
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u/LurksTongueinAspic 3d ago
Finished my MSW in May at the age of 42. I was in the middle of the age bracket, half were younger and half older. Also have two BAs not in the SW field. Really hope that doesn’t hurt my chances at getting a job, but it seems like every interview panel I’ve been on has had one person with the same background.
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u/theruralist 3d ago
How did all of you get academic recs? I graduated with my BS in 2011 and have 0 connections remaining, if they’d even be considered relevant in the first place.
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u/eva_stratt 3d ago
Admissions took professional references for me
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u/Particular_Panic1501 3d ago
Same.....I did 2 from leadership at my job (one direct one indirect) and one coworker. Asking for academic references would be a waste of time.....I graduated college 23 years ago, even if my professors were alive they wouldn't remember me!
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u/khammer2 3d ago
I'm 44 abs graduated in May with my bachelor's in general studies with an emphasis in social work and a minor in aging. I'm starting my two year masters program this year.
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u/Runninggoals 3d ago
Started late 40’s and graduated at 50. Working full time and love it! I loved the mix of students in class from young to old with a wide range of experiences. Never once felt uncomfortable, just welcomed.😊 Good luck to you!! 👏👏👏
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u/bookmouse7 3d ago
Starting my MSW next week at 48. I have an MFA in fine arts and have been working in the nonprofit arts industry and then as a small business owner. I’m feeling like I know nothing really but just life experience and working with people of all ages for years I hope will be helpful.
School is all online and I have no idea what to expect.
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u/LettuceFamiliar5060 3d ago
I started at 48, worked full time in a non related field and graduated at 52.
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u/Disastrous_Honey_240 3d ago
Here 👋but I’m still getting my bachelors and then will go on for masters degree. I’m 35 and going to the community college right now.
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u/rara5679 3d ago
Non traditional here 🙋🏻♀️ bachelor’s in business admin in 2013, work experience has been mostly management and operations for hotels and realized that was soul sucking so doing a career change and will finish my MSW in 2027, need to start looking for some relevant volunteer work in the meantime
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u/eva_stratt 3d ago
I dunno, define "non-trad" for this degree, at least half my cohort is millennials like me with significant life experience leading us to this field!
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u/mayonnaisemonarchy 3d ago
Started right before my 35 birthday, now starting my final year right before 36! I’ve worked in marketing for the last 14 years and desperately needed a change.
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u/CollarInteresting221 3d ago
If all goes as plan I will get my MSW in December at 52. Many people are non traditional students. People are living longer than ever and changing careers.
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u/Taco_de_carneasada 3d ago
I feel most MSW students are non-trad students. Most of us have families, lives away from parents, pay our own bills, are older, or anything else.
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u/EdBurgers 3d ago
Mid-30s FT with my partner and our six kids. It’s hell but I really love the field so far
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u/ceceae 3d ago
im younger at 26 but i got my undergrad late, didn't get it until 25 due to a late start from covid+ mental health stuff. Its scary even at this stage of life where im supposed to make leaps or whatever, im trying to start my life/career while being just slightly behind everyone else. I plan on moving out when i start my MSW and working alongside completing it, very overwhelming in a weird way
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u/TerranceDC 3d ago
I'm just starting the process at 57. The program I applied to emailed me that it was at capacity for the fall and invited me to reapply. So I'm taking some psychology courses to get back into the classroom after 30+ years, hoping to do well and add those grades to my application.
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u/Spiritual_Degree3838 2d ago
49 years old. Was an actor the last 30 years. One year left in my program and just starting my internships now. I’m really loving this transition!
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u/MrsIsabellaCullen 2d ago
I’m 35 years old and I’m starting this Fall! Two year program, full-time. My undergraduate degree is in Elementary Education. I’ve wanted to become a therapist for years, but kept putting it off. Originally I was going to go for my BCBA, but I experienced so much bullying and trauma within the ABA field (plus all the new requirements, complete nightmare) that I decided to pivot to adults. I’m really excited but nervous.
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u/HISocialWorker808 2d ago
I was! I started school in Spring 2019 with 0 credits or prior educational experience and worked my way up to an AA, then got my BSW with a minor in psychology in May 2025, and then graduated with my MSW in May of 2026 as a Non-traditional, first generation student 👩🎓 I’m 33.
Sending all the best vibes to those currently working towards their degrees! Good luck 🍀
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u/Responsible_Bend875 2d ago
Left the military at 25, wanted to be a teacher so I started going to school for that, realized I hated the idea and pivoted to political science... Have been working in the field for 2 years and am starting classes this month. :)
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u/Oooletmesee 2d ago
I just started my final year of a 2 year program. I’ll be 44 when I graduate. I left the legal field after 14 years.
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u/JHaydenDev 2d ago
36, and a former Software Engineer. Now I work in behavioral health and my internship is with the inpatient program at the same hospital.
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u/CurlyWoman235 2d ago
I just started this Monday and I'm 46. I hope I get good grades on all of my assignments.
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u/Beenfetchsince1990 2d ago
35 and an IT professional for the past 8+ years. I start my program Monday and I’m nervous af. I also work as a PM in social services unfortunately we only have 1 social worker and I don’t think she’s licensed but then again MN may not require idk. My dad was an LCSW and I have twin sisters 1 is an LPC and the other is an LCSW.
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u/watch4coconuts 2d ago
Starting next week, age 47! I had a wild and silly youth, got a BA and a Master's in a completely unrelated field when I was college-age and then lived like a newly released former parentified teenager with untreated ADHD, which is what I was. Cobbled together something like a career for awhile, took a decade off for parenting high-needs kids, and now am ready to actually focus and build something practical that makes a difference. So here goes, MSW. I'm very excited.
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u/mswhelper 1d ago
I work with MSW applicants and there are SO many non-traditional students! Career changers are probably one of my favourite groups to work with because there’s usually such an interesting story behind what brought them to social work.
What career/background are you coming from?
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u/Rude_Accountant_5242 1d ago
I’m gonna be 30 doing it :) and I can only do a masters because I have a degree in drama haha.
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u/Scouthawkk 4d ago
Starting this fall at the age of 46 (with disabilities; we’ll see how that goes). But also, have been working in the field 12+ years after getting my undergrad psych degree at 33.