Online Clinical Counseling, Social Work Masters that are "most" affordable

Discussion in 'Nursing and medical-related degrees' started by wiser, Nov 23, 2016.

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  1. wiser

    wiser New Member

    Hey peeps, I am in the initial stages of my research. I want to work at a school as a child psychologist or counselor. Job posts seem to ask for someone who is LPCC (Licensed Professional Counselors) , LSW (licenses social worker)

    Thus, I found myself looking for affordable Online masters programs in mental health counseling, or in social work.

    Since I will not get rich doing this and I am not trying to, I would like to keep the costs low.

    Locally, we have St Kate costing $48k+ (for LSW), Augsburg at $40k+ for the program (for LSW) , Adler (for LPCC) at about $33k+, Argosy (for LPCC) pricey, also Walden and Capella at about 13k/yr.

    Locally Adler is the most affordable... and online/locally Walden and Capella.

    I want something even more affordable.

    It has to be well-accredited yet I really need this to be affordable. I do not want to teach with the degree, only to seek employment at a school to work with children and to be able to obtain state licensing as an LPCC or LSW:

    LPCC - https://mn.gov/boards/behavioral-health/lpc-and-lpcc/continuing-ed.jsp
    LSW - Apply For LSW / State of Minnesota Board of Social Work


    Please recommend to me according to your best knowledge, the most affordable yet well-rated online masters programs in counseling and social work.

    Thank you all!
     
  2. Jan

    Jan Member

    IMHO, the initial issue one needs to address prior to focusing on cost is whether they wish to pursue a graduate degree in Social Work or Counseling!

    Although there are similarities between these two professions, there are distinct differences in their focus and emphasis, which in my opinion I would suggest should be explored in depth prior to making a decision as to which one to pursue. One primary issue to consider is the level of recognition and status of these professions. In that regard, at this time, a licensed psychiatric social worker has significantly more recognition, status and job opportunities and earnings than does an LMHC. This has to do with the fact that the profession of social work is a very well established field with a very long history of development coupled with strong lobbying by the NASW, promoting this field and its constituents. In addition, the graduate degree in social work enables one to practice clinically as well as in administrative/managerial roles. While LMHC degree programs provide excellent clinical training, it is a relatively new field and does not yet have the recognition, status or varied job prospects that one finds in the social work field. Although there is lobbying for this profession by the National Board for Certified Counselors, it is not on par with that of the NASW.

    Just some food for thought.
     
  3. Jan

    Jan Member

    IMHO, the initial issue one needs to address prior to focusing on cost is whether they wish to pursue a graduate degree in Social Work or Counseling!

    Although there are similarities between these two professions, there are distinct differences in their focus and emphasis, which in my opinion I would suggest one should explore in depth prior to making a decision as to which one to pursue. One primary issue to consider is the level of recognition and status of these professions. In that regard, at this time, a licensed psychiatric social worker has significantly more recognition, status and job opportunities and earnings than does an LMHC. This has to do with the fact that the profession of social work is a very well established field with a very long history of development coupled with strong lobbying by the NASW, promoting this field and their constituents. In addition, the graduate degree in social work enables one to practice clinically as well as in administrative/managerial roles. While LMHC degree programs provide excellent clinical training it is a relatively new field and does not yet have the recognition, status or varied job prospects that one finds in the social work field. Although there is lobbying for this profession by the National Board for Certified Counselors, it is not on par with that of the NASW.

    Just some food for thought.
     
  4. Kizmet

    Kizmet Moderator

    Here's the list of DL MSW degree programs. I think you'll find that none of them are especially cheap.

    Council on Social Work Education (CSWE) - Online and Distance Education
     
  5. wiser

    wiser New Member

    Jan, you are correct I was just coming here to say that. I decided that MSW is what I'm after ... I interviewed a couple social workers and did online research.. SW is for me.

    Looking for a the most affordable, MSW, online, accredited by CSWE
     
  6. wiser

    wiser New Member



    Thank you I have seen this list.. it is long.
    I am looking to hear recommendations from people who might have studied MSW online... and have an opinion on affordable schools.
     
  7. Jan

    Jan Member

    Wiser,

    Kismet is correct. None of these distance online programs will be offered at bargain tuition rates. You will be paying for the technology and convenience of doing the masters program online. The key point is to contact those schools which you find congruent with your career goals and determine your level of comfort with the chair persons of the department and faculty.
     
  8. Afterhours

    Afterhours Member

    The least expensive MSW program that I know of that is offered online is Indiana Wesleyan University. It's a relatively new program, but IWU already grants BSW degrees that are accredited by the social work accrediting agency, (CSWE) so I don't think they will have any issues.

    In terms of professional counseling programs, Grace College (Indiana) Lindsey Wilson College (Kentucky) and University of the Cumberlands seem to be the least expensive.
     
  9. Kizmet

    Kizmet Moderator

    Social work programs in general are on the expensive side. I don't know that they are more expensive as a result of being online. Here in Boston for example, at Simmons College, the per credit tuition is a bit higher for online students but there are some fees that you don't have to pay so it's pretty much even-Stephen between the two modalities. I haven't checked other schools but frequently the cost of onlive programs is actually a bit less than their B&M counterparts.

    Any CSWE accredited program will make you license eligible wherever you are but be careful of the counseling programs as that is not always the case.
     

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