Cleveland State University

Date: Oct 15 2011
Major: Social Work (This Major's Salary over time)
First off, I am going to review the university as a whole- I feel that the academic advising department is disconnected and highly incompetent. I had spent extra thousands of dollars in tuition fees because they advised me to take classes which did not count towards my credits ( I was repeating a lot of the same credit requirement courses). First of all, advising dept staff must "fill" certain number of slots and will encourage you to take "x" class..etc. After having this happen to me more than once, I met with the "ombudsman"- what a joke-he was unable to resolve the issues by providing reimbursement for the ill-advising I received at this "educational facility". I had to go to each individual department and resolve the issue on my own, which took several semesters to fully resolve. If you are trying to complete a degree you must know if your classes will be accepted as a graduation requirement. Do not rely on the "academic advisers" to ensure you have fulfilled all requirements to have your degree "conferred"

Now, as a social work major, I graduated with an undergraduate degree. If you are looking for an "easy breezy" major, that does not require much critical analysis, then this is the program for you! The Social Work professors are mostly adjunct (at least the ones I had) and were difficult to get a hold of/had high course loads, some came across very lackadaisical. Here is my issue: I have entered into a MSW program at a highly prestigious university. I feel I am "behind" the rest of the students, as it relates to critical thinking/analysis. Most of the major's requirements were "fluff". I feel that in this regard the professors did not educate enough on development of critical analysis, and I have had to work hard outside of my master degree program to develop these skills. If you are seriously thinking about advancing your education in post-graduate studies, I would stay away from this social work degree program. If all you want is a 4 year degree and practice as a bachelor level, LSW, then by all means apply. Be prepared however, as LSW degree jobs are low-paying and menial- you will not do clinical work or provide individual therapy- you will need an LISW for this, which requires a master degree. The school WILL prepare you for LSW exam through the computer lab, which IS helpful.

The staff is friendly/approachable in the social work department, but there is a lot of favoritism amongst those who

ethnically homogenous

We are talking about a university within an exclusively urban setting, though.

All in all, proceed with caution. There is a slightly "ghetto" undertone of most of the students who matriculate at this college. Albeit, a very diverse group of students.