Columbia University School Of Social Work

I graduated in 2001 from the Masters in Social Work program. I felt that the name is nice to have on my resume — just as the one reviewer mentioned but it’s not worth the price. It wasn’t as organized as I thought it would be and the field placements were so-​so. You’re better off staying in state and going to a school such as UCS. It’s also a good name but I hear it’s a better program. Plus if you live in California already, maybe that would help lessen the expense of everything.

I expected a much more rigorous curriculum but the social work program, although top rated, didn’t live up to that. I had some great professors and one terrible one. There was lots of reading on top of the field work and a few papers. I made some great friends here but, in hindsight, I might have looked at more affordable schools. I know having Columbia on my resume has opened doors but I’m not sure if it was worth the money. I spent my first year in the old building and the new building is much better. There’s a nice little selection of restaurants nearby for lunch and happy hour.

I don’t know where Unilocal got this Purchase, NY address, so I just updated it.
Maybe the Ivy League status got to me and I’m biased, but this is an amazing school. Teacher’s were cool, not scary. The bldg is new. I was in the first entering class when the bldg opened. Great internships. Great networking possibilities.
I think this school attracts a lotta good people, b/​c I’ve meet and still keep in touch with classmates from all over. People with good hearts that put it all out there to help the most vulnerable populations. I have classmates who do amazing work with sex offenders to truant kids. Others that work for the local to federal government. Even international work from St. Lucia to South Africa. Love you guys and wish you all the best. Don’t forget to nurture yourself b/​c we are the ultimate victims of burnout and vicarious trauma. Peace.