Why I Chose BUSSW’s Worcester Hybrid Program

Hi, my name is Channing and I am a first-year clinical practice major at BUSSW’s Worcester Campus. After more than 5 years of working and life in the “real” world, I decided it was time to head back to school and to pursue the type of career I truly wanted: a career where I was in service of others and helping to foster a kinder, more compassionate world.

Several years ago, when I was deciding which undergraduate institution I wanted to attend, my understanding of the choice I was about to make was pretty limited. Little factored into my decision-making process beyond financial aid awards, proximity to my parents, and ensuring that I could access a wide variety of classes and educational opportunities. Choosing a graduate school, on the other hand, was a painstaking process.

After weeks of pro-and-con list-making, long talks with my therapist, family, and friends, and a lot of sleepless nights, I figured out what was important to me. First and foremost, I wanted a school that offered me a unique learning environment with the benefits that a well-respected, established institution offers. Secondly, I wanted smaller class sizes with a lot of individualized attention from program advisors and professors. Finally, I wanted to attend a school that allowed me to continue to work, maintain some semblance of a social life, and establish a healthy work-school-life balance.

Here’s why BUSSW’s Worcester Hybrid Program was the right graduate school for me:

1) Unique learning environment with the benefits of an established institution

One of my favorite things about the Worcester Hybrid MSW is that I get to be a part of a new and exciting program that is part of one of the most highly respected social work schools in the country. With its unique model of intensive, 7-week long classes that meet one day a week as part of the hybrid in-person/online class structure, I am able to get a degree from an incredible school while still living in Worcester – a city that I love dearly and which has a very high need for social workers.

Another benefit of the program is that I don’t ever have to commute to the Charles River Campus, but I still have access to the same benefits and supports my Boston classmates do.

2) Smaller class sizes with individualized attention from professors and advisors

Having such small class sizes allows me to get to know my classmates on an intimate level and form strong bonds and networks with each professor. Every professor I’ve had has given individualized guidance and constructive feedback, helped students write academic papers, and supported us in honing our skills for our particular career interests. Our professors get to know us not just as students, but as people. The first professor I had while enrolled in the program even sent myself and my cohorts individualized Christmas cards! We are also able to confer and meet with our advisors and Program Coordinator regularly for help in formulating long-term goals, to check-in, and to get help in attaining field placements.

3) Work-Life-School Balance

Having the ability to work while earning my MSW is the number one reason I chose BUSSW. Being in school can be stressful, but only having one class at a time and only meeting for class one evening a week allows me to continue to work, to socialize, and to do all the other things necessary for me to lead a happy, healthy, and fulfilling life. This balance is key to maintaining my sanity while juggling all the different aspects of pursuing an MSW.

Choosing to attend BUSSW’s Worcester Hybrid Program is a decision I am very thankful to have made. Not only am I engaging in thought-provoking, challenging discourses and academic classes, I am also building a network of professional connections and new friends, all the while continuing to work and pursuing my personal goals and interests.