COSC vs Excelsior... eventual plan for MSW

[studyingfortests]

I'm curious - Are you dead set on just COSC and Excelsior?  Have you taken a look at TESU?  They have a BS Human Services program, not just a concentration, it's the "major".

I haven't ruled anything out, it just seemed like TESU would be spendier. I actually didn't notice the Human Services major. I'll def take a look at it.

I think you're better off with a BGS Individualized Studies from COSC with a concentration in Human Services or BS.Social Sciences from Excelsior with a Human Services Concentration.  If I would choose, maybe a BSLA/BALS or BGS with a social science concentration would work fine, if you already have an Associates in Human Services.

I have a certificate in Human Services, which is just the credits specific to the degree without the general requirements. But the more I have been reading, the more it seems that MSW admissions folks don't seem to care much about the undergrad degree unless it's an actual BSW.

What I suggest you do is to look at possible graduate programs you're interested in and look at what entrance requirements are needed, don't worry about the undergrad school of choice or even the degree.  Find out what subject matter requirements are needed and make sure you have those in your undergrad list of courses you are looking at.  Create a degree plan and map out all of these requirements, find the Big 3 or competency degree program that will accept most if not all of these requirements - and then work on finishing the BA/BS.

That seems like the sensible plan. I took a look at CSWE's requirements, and it seems I'm pretty close to in line with what it required (minus a bio credit or two, which most schools do not even seem to require.)  As for actual school... I'm leaning in the direction of an online program, and possibly something exotic like University of South Africa, which has an excellent MSW program.  I'm corresponding with CSWE to see what it would take to get that degree approved. If not, there are many online MSW programs, just trying to find one that won't break the bank.

Last but not least, look up job postings for requirements and also your state authority if there needs to be credentials or licenses that are required to work in that field.

It seems like the main criteria for licensure is an MSW degree from a CSWE-accredited program, passing the ASWB (national) social work exam, and, for private practice, a couple thousand hours of supervised experience.  And depending on the school, a couple of state-specific continuing ed courses might be required to meet state-specific education requirements.

Thanks very much for the detailed suggestions!