What current students are saying...

          After attending Roberts Wesleyan College for my undergraduate degree, I knew I wanted to go on for my Master’s degree.  The workplace being what it is, I knew I needed to further my education at an institution that would provide me with the education necessary to excel.  I looked at several programs in the Rochester area, and spoke with people from the different programs as well. As I got further along in my journey, I hadn’t heard anything convincing from any other school than Roberts.  I had heard that the rigorous program was challenging, but not impossible; and the integration of religion/spirituality with the traditional bio-psychosocial model was extremely useful in today’s society.  Although I was hesitant to attend the same college as my undergrad, I couldn’t honestly find another program that coincided so well with my personal and professional development goals.

            The Advanced Standing program is built to be completed in one year, which was an extreme attraction for me. I could not find better way to hone my skills and gain a useful degree; as well as to have the workforce not far beyond my reach.  The summer is separated into two, 5 week intensive sessions, accumulating 8 credits.  The first reading course challenges your reading and writing abilities, as the assignments are composed of several hundreds of pages of reading, as well as applying critical thinking skills in writing. The second session begins to prep the students for entering the fall semester alongside the two year full time students.  With an introduction to social work practice skills as well as research, the first class works to prepare the students for the work ahead.  The second class is a social work and religion course, which causes the student to examine his/her current beliefs and explore the possibility of differences with future clients.  These courses are helpful and interesting as they build up the student’s knowledge of religions other than their own, and prepare them to work with the general public. 

              I am finding RWC MSW program to be fast paced, but enjoyable.  Because my background is in social work, I do find that some of the material is repetitive, however I am enjoying deepening my knowledge in these areas. Also, I am finding that despite the comprehensive nature (building upon past knowledge to be sure you’re up to speed with the foundation year students), I am learning new and useful information as well as being reminded of what I have learned in the past.  Although I have only been in the program a short time (~6 weeks), I have found that my excitement for the profession of social work is growing and I am being equipped with the tools necessary to be effective in the field.  As I look toward to the fall semester, I am nervous and excited as I consider the new experiences that await me.  I know that there will be a demand for my time at home, at work, at school, and at my internship, but I feel that through persistence, organization and diligence I will proceed through this next year unscathed and enter the social work field prepared, invigorated and renewed.

                                                                                                   Amanda Rudd 07'