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The program was challenging for me as an older single parent and I loved most of it. Even the required courses that I would not have chosen myself. Some of the professors were awesome and supportive which helped tremendously. It seemed to me that they truly care about teaching relevant real world lessons. The assignments were helpful and interesting and I enjoyed working in groups as we did for some projects. I honestly felt lucky to be a part of this educational institution, as I did at The University... Read More of Virginia where I completed my undergraduate degree in 1990. My only negative experiences came from the 2nd year internship. The social workers involved in my internship were inappropriate and unprofessional showed z favoritism to the other intern working at the same time. It was terribly difficult though I was able to work through it with the help of one of my professors and was able to eventually transfer to another internship that served me well. My new supervisor was great to work with and I appreciated her taking me on mid-semester. As an older student I had enough inner strength to move ahead. I think if I had been younger I would have truly doubted myself and it might have broken me. After graduation I worked for several non-profit agencies, and decided to move to Hawaii 6 years after earning my graduate degree from VCU. I was unemployed and had zero money in savings when I moved but I was ready for a change and an adventure. I had been working hard and paying down my student loans. Five years later I started my own practice in a small office without windows. My practice grew every year and in a few years I had an oceanfront office overlooking a beautiful beach in south Maui. This is amazing to me as I was not even seen as college material in high school.

After obtaining my Bachelor's Degree in Social Work, I had an idea of what I wanted to do in the profession but I wasn't exactly sure. I have always been interested in the field on mental health and have had some experience through internships and jobs but I haven't had the educational part to it. With VCU's social work program, I am able to focus in on mental health and take the two years to becoming fully competent in the area. I am provided lots of learning experiences as well as educational opportunities.... Read More The staff and fellow classmates become your biggest supports as well as role models. If you have your BSW and want to gain higher education or even have your Bachelor's Degree in a different field but are interested in social work, challenge yourself and apply to VCU's MSW program, it will be the best decision of your life.

I really enjoy the classes and professors at VCU, I am learning a lot of important and relevant information for my future work as a social worker. Professors are very helpful and willing to work with the needs of students. VCU provides transportation between MP and MCV campuses which is very helpful. However, working with administration is a nightmare, I received the wrong admissions letter and instead of fixing it, they made me take the 2 year track instead of the 1 year which I was originally accepted... Read More into but given the 2 year acceptance letter. Because of the location of the campus I do not feel safe and VCU alert texts about a robbery, stabbing, or shooting happen on a regular basis. Graduate housing is old and has mold issues. Staff says they are being proactive but in reality if you submit a work order saying you have mold growth in your room they only come wipe it off. Overall, I know that thanks to my classes and professors I will be extremely prepared once I enter the field of social work next year.