I am graduating in May with my bachelors in social work. I want to get my masters. I am interested in the juvenile justice system. I am confused on whether It would benefit me more to do my MSW or master in criminal justice. I do not want to limit my job opportunities.
2006-12-18 14:09:26 · 8 answers · asked by innocence7847 1 in Education & Reference ➔ Higher Education (University +)
with a MSW you can be a therapist (even have your own practice), work in schools, with doctors, in hospitals, etc. I even know MSW's who work in hospitals with juveniles to prevent them from becoming a juvenile delinquent.. With CJ you are locked in to the CJ system..Of course, you always have your BSW to fall back on ..if you want to work like as a parole officer or something..go with CJ..personally I would stick with SW because even SW work in the CJ system.. My major is social work with minor in criminal justice.
2006-12-18 15:33:19 · answer #1 · answered by chilover 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I have an MSW. It's a very flexible degree and would definitely provide what you need to work in juvenile justice. If you go for the MS, you'll be pretty much locked into criminal justice. With an MSW, you will be prepared to work in the crim justice field, but you will also have the ability to branch out into something else in the future should you decide to do so.
That being said, after working as a social worker for several years, I ultimately ended up going to law school. If you REALLY want to do juvenile justice, why not as a lawyer defending (or prosecuting?) juvenile defendants (or offenders)? There are even law schools out there that offer dual MSW/JD degrees.
2006-12-18 15:23:13 · answer #2 · answered by anna13 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
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2016-06-02 22:09:58 · answer #3 · answered by ? 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The MSW is a much more versitile degree in general. It does depend a bit on what side of the Juvinile justice system you are interested in. Generally a degree in criminal justice prepares you better to be on the side of deterence and social control. Where as with a social work degree you generally will focus on the rehabilitation prevention side. You don't say if you did a minor in CJ as a part of your undergrad (this is usually a good thing). You might select an MSW at a school that has a good CJ program and/or a joint or dual degree. Also look for a program with some focus on adol. (University of Denver had quite a few folks with a focus in this area).
2006-12-18 17:20:57 · answer #4 · answered by Dr_Adventure 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I would suggest your MSW, only because it allows more flexability in future job searches. Suppose that juvenile justice doesn't work out for you, and you have your MS in Criminal Justice...what options are you left with?
Check with your grad school, you may be able to get your MSW and also a Certificate in Criminal Justice...the best of both worlds. :-)
2006-12-18 14:15:12 · answer #5 · answered by Brandon W 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
being as I know alot of friends in and out of jail i think going for criminal justice would be the way to go the law really needs help getting through to some people if I had a choice I would try to work with juveniles maybe I could help them before things get worse. Good Luck
2006-12-18 14:20:12 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
If you are a little more hardcore, get it done type of person who doesn't like any B.S., then go CJ.
If you are more the touchy,feely, empathic type that has lots of patience then go for the MSW.
I can see where both fields would be highly attractive, however. Look at your personality first before you decide on your path. As for me, I have patience and empathy to a point, but I'd get more satisfaction out of making society safer and helping victims - although you can help a lot of people with MSW too. :) Good luck!
2006-12-18 19:00:46 · answer #7 · answered by Lake Lover 6 · 2⤊ 0⤋
master in criminal justice.
2006-12-18 14:12:30 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋