Deana
Master's in Public Administration vs Master's in Social Work
I plan to get my bachelor's degree in social work with a focus on community organization and nonprofit managment. I want to work with nonprofit programs and government programs in the future, and I would on e day love to start my own nonprofit organization. Would it be more beneficial for me to pursue an MSW or an MPA? #social-work #nonprofits #social-services #public-administration #nonprofit-management #public-service
7 answers
Alyssa Kregel
Alyssa’s Answer
From the little that you shared in your question it sounds like you have a passion for helping people which is fantastic! If you are looking to be in charge of a non-profit or start your own it sounds like you're looking for a Master's in Public Admin, but if you want to work as a social worker within a non-profit then the Social Work Master's sounds like the degree for you. There are a lot of other cool jobs that you can do with a Social Work Mater's too. My opinion isn't what is important though. It's important that you research these programs yourself.
I'd really encourage you to talk to an academic adviser at the school you are interested in getting your undergrad degree at. Talk to them about what other students have done if they are going into non-profit work. Also, consider volunteering for a non-profit that interests you as soon as possible. I see that you're interested in being an AmeriCorps Vista service member. If you are able to perhaps consider serving as an AmeriCorps tutor or career adviser in the community where you are going to school or even as an AmeriCorps service member for a summer.
I wish you the best Deana.
Thank you so much! I am looking to help run programs in non profits after college, so I think that Americorps and then an MPA is looking like the way to go. I appreciate you taking the time to answer my question!
Deana
John Randall Leavy
John Randall’s Answer
The above answers are great, however, the fact is that the M.P.A. is geared toward business and it's inner workings. After getting a BA in anything and while working in business, not a non-profit, the M.P.A. is attained as an extension of business. Research the schools you wish to attend for the M.P. A and look closely at the content of the courses offered. There are generally eleven courses needed including several electives. See if the electives match your interests, if not then stick with the MSW. Good hunting. JRL
Thank you for the response. I was under the impression that an MPA was the public sector equivalent of an MBA, so it would be good to have if I was looking to work in the government or in a non profit organization. I have found a school that I'm interested in for the MPA which offers a specific track for non profit management. Would this be relevant or should I pursue an MSW. I appreciate you taking the time to respond.
Deana
Paul Goetzinger MPA
Paul’s Answer
The MPA emphasizes several different area of concentration, including finance, economics, management, and business.
This would allow you to go into a larger variety of jobs, from non-profits, to education, law enforcement and corrections, business administration, economic analysis, and city management.
I always believe it was beneficial to have a wider range of skills, in case the job market started to decline in one area. The MPA enabled me to go from one career occupation to another, without having to go back to college and attain another degree.
DeMecia Wooten-Irizarry, MPA, MSW, LSW
DeMecia’s Answer
Masters in Public Administration is not s business degree. That’s an MBA. Public administration is a branch of political science and is concerned with the implementation of government policy, and is an academic discipline that studies this implementation .
https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/public%20administration
If you’re interested in community and nonprofit management, you should concentrate in Macro Social Work. Macro-level social workers work at the community and systems-level, whereas mezzo-level social work focuses on neighborhoods, small groups and institutions. Micro-level work focuses on families or individuals. Macro-level social work does not typically involve working directly with individual clients in a patient-social worker relationship. However, the social workers may work with individual community members as part of research or interventions designed to address large-scale problems affecting the community.
https://www.socialworkdegreeguide.com/faq/what-is-macro-social-work/
Hope this is helpful.
Professor SIR Lloyd Christopher Stanton
Professor SIR Lloyd’s Answer
as a high school student you begin now with all related classes available to take now. also now go online and apply for online classes while in high school if you are financially able to pay for immediate college classes during the summer to give you ahead start now.
please take this course https://www.coursera.org/learn/genes
( please take a look at https://www.coursera.org )
11th grade begin your College Course Classes on weekends at your community college
Associate Degree in Public Administration: Program Summary
› Associate_Degree. Minor in NoN Profit Management
Earning an associate's degree in public administration can prepare graduates for entry-level careers in local, state or government agencies, as well as with nonprofit organizations. It is a suitable course of study
B. S . Degree in Social Work program
Masters in Social Work Graduate Level - LCSW - C
Thank you!
Deana
Angela Chan
Angela’s Answer
Based on what you shared, I think a MSW will be the way to go if you ultimately want to run your own non-profit organization. I currently work for a local city and have both a BSW and a MSW. I found my focus and education in social work was a great fit for my current position which I love. Many of my colleagues have a MPA and they were all focused on working within government agencies.
You may want to take a look at some professional organizations, they do a good job of describing their profession and passion for the work:
- National Association of Social Work, http://www.naswdc.org/
- Municipal Management Association of Southern California, http://www.mmasc.org/
Good luck and both MPA and MSW are great programs to study and be active in.
Ken Simmons
Ken’s Answer
Hi Deana!
Many people who get involved in therapy and counseling do so with a masters in social work. Here is the site for the National Association of Social Workers. It might be a good ideal to locate the local chapter and go to a meeting to learn more.
http://www.socialworkers.org/
Here is a site that will allow you to see many types of opportunities in the counseling and therapy area:
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/marjorie-hansen-shaevitz/post_9154_b_6865002.html
Best of luck! Be true to yourself. The feeling and concept of success is yours - and is very personal. Let me know if this is of help.
Thank you!
Deana