Here are some tips for selecting schools, based on an analysis comparing each school to all others across dozens of factors:
Schools Concentrating On Family And School Social Workers
- Focus: For schools with a focus on this career area, look at Cal State Fullerton, National University, Cal State Northridge, and Cal State San Bernardino.
Fastest Response From Schools
- Request Info: For the fastest information for prospective students, look at the Spotlight schools on this page.
Student Body
- Part-Time: For schools emphasizing part-time studies, consider San Diego State, Cal State L.A., Cal State Stanislaus, and CSU Dominguez Hills.
- Female: For schools particularly welcoming to female students, consider Phillips Graduate Institute.
- Diverse: For a diverse student body, consider Cal State L.A., CSU Dominguez Hills, Cal State East Bay, and San Jose State.
- Adult Learners: For lots of adult learners, consider Phillips Graduate Institute, Brandman, National University, and Notre Dame de Namur University.
School Setting
- Out of State: For geographic diversity, take note of Whittier College, University of San Diego, Southern Cal, and University of Redlands.
- Dorms: For a residential campus environment, take note of Pacific Union College, Whittier College, Point Loma Nazarene University, and Saint Marys College of California.
Excellence
- SAT: For students with high SAT scores, look at Southern Cal, Cal Berkeley, UCLA, and Chapman.
- % Accepted: For selective institutions, look at Cal Berkeley, UCLA, Cal State San Bernardino, and Southern Cal.
- Class Size: For small class sizes, look at Loma Linda University, Whittier College, Pacific, and Pacific Union College.
Student/Alumnus Reviews of Schools for This Career and State
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UCLA • Los Angeles, CA
Studying Psychology (completion in 1993)
• 9/17/2011
"I enjoyed the experience of going to a large world-renowned university. However, I think that there was too much focus on academia and research for my interests."
Ratings are on a 1-10 scale
| Characteristic | Rating | Comment |
|---|---|---|
| Would Recommend? | no | I would recommend a California State University. You could get the same degree as a private school without the hefty price tag. |
| Program Reputation | 8 | UCLA has a reputation for being a good school. The department has an average reputation. |
| Program Quality | 5 | I work with people and their families who have been diagnosed with severe mental health issues. My program focused on General Psychology, which didn't provide me with the detailed knowledge needed to work in this field. |
| Instruction | 5 | Class sizes were large. There was not much individual attention, except in some of the more advanced classes. |
| How Difficult | 7 | I did well in the classes within my major. Some of the prerequisites (i.e. Calculus) were extremely challenging for me. |
| Hands-On vs. Bookish | The program was very academic vs. real world. There were no required internships. | |
| Schedule Flexibility | 10 | School was flexible. I attended classes during the summer both at UCLA and at nearby Santa Monica City College. It was easy to transfer those (much cheaper) credits to my degree. |
| Academic Facilities | 8 | The school has excellent resources. I participated in free tutoring groups, the libraries are first rate, space was well cared for, professors were available during office hours. |
| Social Life | 8 | Being that I went to a large school, there was a multitude of social opportunities available. There were many student groups on a variety of interests. |
| Placement Services | 1 | I didn't get any assistance from my school. I'm not sure if such assistance is available. If so, it is not well publicized. |
| Alumni Network | 2 | I only attended one alumni program. It seems they only contact me for a donation. |
University Of Berkeley • Berkeley, CA
Studying Sociology (completion in 2006)
• 9/22/2011
"I was extremely satisfied. The knowledge I gained from the program is spectacular. I know how to deal with kids and I can use my psychology skills as well to help understand them better."
Ratings are on a 1-10 scale
| Characteristic | Rating | Comment |
|---|---|---|
| Would Recommend? | yes | Yes, of course I would recommend my school to others. It's just a great way to gain the skills you need and to be recognized as a grad from a reputable institution. |
| Program Reputation | 8 | My school has a great reputation overall. It's been rated one of the top universities in our state. |
| Program Quality | 10 | My school gave us the opportunity to get hands-on experience by participating at local schools. Also, the lectures were amazing. |
| Instruction | 10 | We had the top professors working at our school. They have completed many doctoral works in their fields and are experts in what they teach. |
| How Difficult | 5 | It's not the most difficult program in the world. As long as you keep up with the readings you are fine. |
| Hands-On vs. Bookish | I would say it's more by the book but it gives you room to gain practical experience. Professors can assist you in placing you in a classroom situation to help you gain some insight into social work for kids. | |
| Schedule Flexibility | 7 | The flexibility is fairly good. There are a lot of courses available but sometimes a specific course is limited to mornings and fall/spring semesters. |
| Academic Facilities | 10 | My school had top notch labs and classrooms to help inspire us in our learning. They had plenty of media resources. |
| Social Life | 10 | Life in California is extremely interesting. There is always somewhere to go, especially if you are a part of a club or a team. |
| Placement Services | 10 | Their career services are very good. They help you find a job and improve your resume. They really aid you in your job search. |
| Alumni Network | 8 | The alumni network is not great. Many grads are not very responsive to the alumni discussion board so I would say it's okay. |
Chapman University • Antelope Valley, CA
Studying Psychology - MFT (completion in 2014)
• 1/7/2012
"I have truly enjoyed my time at Chapman, for the most part. I have found it an informative and enlightening process that has opened my critical thinking of research in general. I found the professors exceptional on the whole. There were two who seemed to wear their personal biases on their sleeves, but they were not in subjects that truly made an impact on the program and its success."
Ratings are on a 1-10 scale
| Characteristic | Rating | Comment |
|---|---|---|
| Would Recommend? | maybe | While Chapman is aimed at the adult learner, there is definitely a preference for younger students in their practicum placements. I am now fifty-two years old and have nearly completed my entire program. I still need six units of practicum, twenty hours of counseling, and a formal board interview exam. The delay in the program to obtain these last few items has been taxing. I am considering another university and transfer to complete my program now, due to this neglect. However, I have recommended it to many people for the bachelor's programs it offers, and I feel it excels at this level. |
| Program Reputation | 4 | Chapman is known more for its law program at the main campus than for psychology. I was actually challenged by one person as to the university's existence, because they had never heard of it. The person is a local resident and this was a little unsettling. |
| Program Quality | 7 | Classes were very small and there was a lot of individual attention to student needs from professors who taught the classes. The program is aimed at adult learners. |
| Instruction | 9 | The professors were readily available to assist in class and off campus during reasonable hours. The university provided excellent assistance for student financial aid to students and would walk you through the applications and requirements to aim for success. As with any program, there were a few instructors who were below par on their ability to hold the attention of a class. Most of the instructors were excellent in both their delivery of the material and involvement of the class for the students to succeed. |
| How Difficult | 1 | I was in the master's program with an MFT emphasis. I felt that the classes were very easy to complete and that in-class instruction was very good. I was able to complete most of the agenda without the need to open the textbooks. I even felt, and still feel, guilty that it was not more challenging on occasions. |
| Hands-On vs. Bookish | There were classroom enactments of situations and how to respond, but I have been waitlisted for the past three years for practicum classes. This is mainly due to a lack of qualified professors who are school-approved to supervise this. I am very disappointed in that aspect of the program and I am considering a transfer to another university to complete my master's MFT program. There was an average of two to three books required for each class, and the instructors based tests mainly on book information, rather than individual research. The research was covered exceptionally well via a required paper that was presented to the group in every single class I took. I am very well schooled at being over a fear of public speaking. | |
| Schedule Flexibility | 8 | I was able to attend online, in the evenings, and on weekends for my coursework with Chapman. The schedule was very flexible. The coursework is aimed at the adult learner with a job and family at home. The program wants you to succeed and offers a wide variety of schedule options to do so. |
| Academic Facilities | 8 | There was an extensive online library that allowed access to a multitude of research papers, which were free for all Chapman students to access. There was also a free delivery service available to use at home, where one could order a book and use it at home for a nominal fee. As to computer labs, these may have been readily available at the main campus, but the satellite I used did not have these facilities. Most research was done online through the Chapman library or the internet in general. I did do some at my local library, which I was unable to access online. There were no tutors, but advisors were readily available by phone, email, and in person, on site. |
| Social Life | 4 | Social events were rarely offered. There was one BBQ event offered that I am aware of. There were athletic events at the main campus, but none through the satellites. I am not aware of any parties that were ever offered for students or alumni. There was mention of a couple of clubs, such as Psi Chi, but I did not become involved in them. |
| Placement Services | 2 | There is no assistance for placement, once a person has completed their education. There is a small web-based job program, but listings are very few and generally aimed at the starving student wanting a part-time position to help with existing costs, rather than a true career move. |
| Alumni Network | 2 | I have yet to even be asked to join the alumni association and have received no communication that it would be beneficial for me to do so. The university changed names about two years ago and is now known as Brandman University. The affiliation with Chapman University has been demeaned by this for me. I was proud of the Chapman name and have never heard of Brandman. I completed my bachelor's in psychology with Chapman and registered with Chapman for my master's program after a short sabbatical. I have received no communication from either level to join the alumni association. |
UCR • Riverside, CA
Studying Psychology (completion in 2007)
• 1/20/2012
"The overall experience was good. They were very accommodating and I learned a lot."
Ratings are on a 1-10 scale
| Characteristic | Rating | Comment |
|---|---|---|
| Would Recommend? | maybe | Maybe, because it depends. The environment and the programs they have aren't for everyone. |
| Program Reputation | 6 | Seems like my school has an average rating and reputation. I guess the quality of teaching is just average. |
| Program Quality | 7 | I had a hands on program when I was in school. Various internship got me prepared. I think this is good and important, but I don't think the required hours are enough. |
| Instruction | 7 | It was good because we had good preparation and advice. I learned well from my professors. They told me what to expect, but it is very different when you get out there. |
| How Difficult | 5 | Academically, It wasn't very difficult. I was able to get things quickly and remember them. |
| Hands-On vs. Bookish | We had more book learning than hands on learning, but overall it wasn't bad because I was able to get hands on work through my internship. | |
| Schedule Flexibility | 6 | Not so good. It was difficult to find classes sometimes, especially when you are working. |
| Academic Facilities | 6 | Professors were very accessible. We were able to have study groups because we were teamed up in some classes. |
| Social Life | 6 | I wasn't very active. I don't usually socialize too much. |
| Placement Services | 8 | They have good counselors and career advisors. They were helpful in advising which subjects and programs to take. |
| Alumni Network | 8 | We have a network online that keeps us updated and if we want to meet after a few years, there are options. We can suggest to have a reunion. |
Point Loma Nazarene University • San Diego, CA
Studying Bible And Christian Ministries (completion in 2006)
• 3/2/2012
"I'm very happy about the education I received. It was costly, but worth it. I just wish they had better job support or job placement after graduation, especially in this economy."
Ratings are on a 1-10 scale
| Characteristic | Rating | Comment |
|---|---|---|
| Would Recommend? | yes | You will get a well-rounded education from a very well-respected school. The internship program is a great way to get your foot in the door and start your career. |
| Program Reputation | 10 | Point Loma Nazarene University is ranked among the top fifty schools to attend. They are also extremely respected because of the quality theologians who graduate from that program. |
| Program Quality | 10 | Point Loma Nazarene University really provided me with a good, well-rounded education. The things I learned there I apply every day at work. They also encouraged me to get involved in the nonprofit, religious agency that I now work for. |
| Instruction | 10 | The quality of the curriculum was amazing. Everything that I learned was relevant to my job. They also prepared me to work with the homeless population. |
| How Difficult | 9 | It was fairly difficult. There was a large amount of papers and assignments you had to complete. You also had to do internships for the career field you were going into. The school also had an academic standard, and if you didn't meet that, you were put on probation. |
| Hands-On vs. Bookish | They really concentrate on the academics at this school, though they do make sure that they have you experience your career field outside of the books. For example, we lived and stayed in the inner-city while we studied sociology and religion on certain days and interned on other days. | |
| Schedule Flexibility | 7 | They provide evening classes, summer classes, and some online classes. They try to accommodate the working student. With the amount of staff they have, they do a good job accommodating. |
| Academic Facilities | 10 | Your professors are extremely accessible. They will become your best friends. They are very present on campus. They also have a tutorial center open every day, and every student is assigned an academic advisor depending on major. |
| Social Life | 8 | The only reason I gave this a less-than-perfect rating is that we didn't have a football team. We had plenty of school spirit and different events to build that spirit. We had amazing basketball and baseball teams. Go Sea Lions! |
| Placement Services | 6 | They didn't help me find a job after graduation. But because I was involved in the intern program, I developed a relationship with my present employer. |
| Alumni Network | 8 | Even though we do have a good alumni network and there are certain benefits to being an alum, I rated it an 8, because there is little participation. I went to one of my reunions and there were very few there. They do provide opportunities to travel at least once a year with fellow alumni. |
Cuyamaca Community College • El Cajon, CA
Studying Child Development (completion in 2013)
• 4/17/2012
"I am satisfied with Cuyamaca Community College because of their wide selection of courses. The staff is knowledgeable and I obtained my goal of a good education."
Ratings are on a 1-10 scale
| Characteristic | Rating | Comment |
|---|---|---|
| Would Recommend? | yes | Cuyamaca offers a wide variety of child development courses. The counselors are helpful and knowledgeable. |
| Program Reputation | 6 | My school has been known to teach child development quite well. They offer many courses and provide adequate support. |
| Program Quality | 5 | Since I attend a community college, I do not receive the same support as I would from a 4 year University. I do, however, feel satisfied with the campus and staff. |
| Instruction | 5 | The counselors are helpful but are often busy. I feel like there is not enough staff to compensate for the student body. |
| How Difficult | 6 | Having to take many education classes can be difficult. I know that I must master not only certain Science courses, but also Education courses. |
| Hands-On vs. Bookish | Many of the teachers choose to teach more by the book. The homework assignments are all from the book. | |
| Schedule Flexibility | 7 | At Cuyamaca, teachers offer a variety of in-class or online courses. The classes get full fast, but most people waitlisted get in. |
| Academic Facilities | 6 | With a newly remolded campus, Cuyamaca has a new library and the media building is very well equipped. I am very satisfied with the facilities. |
| Social Life | 4 | Being at a community college is not for those who want to be a socially active student. There is very little school spirit. Students are there to complete classes and go home. |
| Placement Services | 5 | Being at a community college, there are not a lot of staff in that department. However certain counselors are very well trained and know how to solve students' problems. |
| Alumni Network | 4 | Coming from a community college, the influx of students is very large and there is not a real sense of connection between students. I do not read the school newspaper. |
California Polytechnic State University San Luis Obispo • San Luis Obispo, CA
Studying Sociology (completion in 2011)
• 4/12/2012
"I am very happy that I chose to go to Cal Poly. I almost chose a different university closer to home but I'm glad I was able to go to Cal Poly to learn all that I did, make the connections that I did and to get great friends along the way."
Ratings are on a 1-10 scale
| Characteristic | Rating | Comment |
|---|---|---|
| Would Recommend? | yes | I think the greatest thing about going to Cal Poly for Sociology was the professors. If you want to go to school and learn from professors that are passionate about what they do, and get you passionate about making a difference in your community and the world then this is a great place. |
| Program Reputation | 5 | Again, the Sociology Department at Cal Poly doesn't really have too much of a reputation (good or bad) due to the fact that it is a fairly new program. I would say that it is starting to develop a better reputation as the students who previously graduated say good things about it and even make guest appearances in the classroom to provide an after graduation perspective. |
| Program Quality | 9 | Although Sociology is new to Cal Poly, the Social Sciences and Child Development programs provide other resources to Sociology students as well. All of the teachers are very passionate about the field and get their students passionate about getting out there and making a difference. |
| Instruction | 7 | Many of the professors have connections with other local people involved in the field and can help set up potential job opportunities in social work in the local area. This is how I ended up at my job. New elective courses in sociology are becoming available at Cal Poly to help the students pick even more classes and subjects that they are interested in. |
| How Difficult | 7 | Most students in the program are highly encouraged to get an internship on top of their course load, which takes up more time. Some of the classes are very difficult. For example, Research Methods had many projects and papers assigned every week with very stringent guidelines and formats that must be followed. Just as it is in other places, some teachers are easier than others and this helps balances out some of the more difficult courses. |
| Hands-On vs. Bookish | As I mentioned earlier, they encourage many students to get an internship. I did this and was able to get a unit of credit by writing about what I did and how my internship related to Sociology. Many of the professors provide extracurricular opportunities to get involved with as well. Many of the classes go through the textbooks but we were also encouraged to look at articles online and gain more information outside of just the textbook. | |
| Schedule Flexibility | 7 | Again, Sociology is fairly new to Cal Poly as a degree offered. There aren't very many online and summer offerings. During the normal school year, though, it's fairly easy to make a schedule that fits your needs (even if you have a part-time job outside of school). |
| Academic Facilities | 6 | The Cal Poly Kennedy Library offers many peer reviewed journal articles for free online which is crucial to many class projects/senior project and often times a resource that is required by the professor to be utilized. All of the professors take our learning seriously and make themselves available during and outside of office hours. There is a only a fairly small group of professors, however to reach out to due to the small department and newness of the degree. |
| Social Life | 9 | Cal Poly has a lot of Greek life. There are hundreds of clubs to get involved with. There are also many religious focused groups and clubs that meet weekly to get involved with. Cal Poly encourages its students to go to its sports games by making them free to students. You can even go to some of the baseball games and get free food and beer for the whole game! |
| Placement Services | 6 | Cal Poly does have a career website linked to the Cal Poly portal called Mustang Jobs that details which jobs are available, where they are located, the requirements to apply and how much they pay. This however is very limited in terms of the amount of sociology related jobs that are posted. This is because Cal Poly has many more engineering students and is skewed thusly. There are many local potential job opportunities to be had during school and after graduation. |
| Alumni Network | 5 | Cal Poly does have an alumni network set up where you can see other students that also graduated in Sociology and what they do for a living. Cal Poly primarily focuses on contacting its alumni for donations to the school to help the programs continue to grow. |
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