Review of Florida A & M University's MSW Program (2023)
Honey is a student at florida A&M University.
FAMU’s Master of Social Work (MSW) program is located in Tallahassee, Florida. The school is accredited by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE).
Name: Amanda “Honey” Roan
Anticipated graduation date: August 2024
Tuition: $3,651.00 (In-state, off-campus living) for nine credit hours
Traditional or Advanced Standing: Advance Standing (Part-Time)
What made you choose your MSW program? The style of the curriculum. Until I met with the program Director (Professor Donaldson) and Professor Brown-Dennis, I almost chose FSU. Many students believe that FAMU’s MSW program doesn’t provide any clinical experience, which is false.
Our curriculum was created with the understanding that the most successful social workers understand the importance of community engagement. First, we are taught how to reach out, gather information, network, write grants, build programs, etc. However, many of us, like myself, aim to receive a License in Clinical Social Work (LCSW). In that regard, we are given board-approved electives that qualify us for licensure.
Who are your favorite instructors? My favorite professor has to be Professor Rolanda Brown-Dennis. I have a particular interest in social work and holistic wellness. I never imagined finding anyone, especially a professor, who understood and encouraged my ideals. She is a department favorite, a professor you can relate to. Despite the professor/student relationship, you are treated as an equal. She has often told us that we are her “future colleagues.”
What was your favorite class? Hot take! My favorite course was the most difficult one: Program Design and Development. I love(d) the idea of being able to either ‘improve’ a current program or create one of your own.
This course allowed those who dream of opening a private practice to experience building a business plan. In this setting, you can make and learn from mistakes without pressure. Dr. Robin Perry is an incredible professor who holds you accountable for your desires.
Tell us about your internship. My current internships are with Manifestation Wellness and Tallahassee Chambers’ TalentHub division. Manifestation Wellness is a holistic-based private practice that provides EMDR therapy, holistic-based therapy, crystal sound baths, courses, etc. As an intern, I help create and implement different community engagement events and child/adult courses.
TalentHub is an online database that allows people in Tallahassee to find and apply for entry-level jobs. My role is to help them spread the word about their services, expand the capabilities of their database, and identify areas where they can better engage the community.
What was your favorite place to study on campus? My favorite place on campus is the library. I remember staying there until 4 a.m. during undergrad to finish work. Some days, I even took naps between classes on the quiet floor. There is something serene about being surrounded by books and the smell of coffee.
What is your favorite place to eat on campus? My favorite place to eat is called “Chopping Block,” where you get to create your salad. I have always loved a good salad, so I was excited when they opened the restaurant.
On other days, I may swing by Chik-fil-A. If I want a good breakfast, I go to Oleans, an off-campus-on-campus southern cooking restaurant.
What was the best thing about your academic program? We, as students, are respected, considered, and listened to. No matter your goal, it can be achieved. Walking across the stage without bursting at the seams with knowledge, experience, and confidence is impossible.
Graduate school may be challenging, but here, it feels worthwhile. And there’s a special joy in watching your friends achieve their goals alongside you; many of us met in undergrad and have built long-lasting friendships. The Department means it when they say we are a FAMUly.
What are you reading right now? Self-Love for Kids by Keri K. Powers (For my internship) and White Fragility by Robin Diangelo (for my Dynamics of Oppression course).
Where do you see yourself in three to five years? What are your goals? My long-term goal is to open my holistic-based private practice for BIPOC Womxn; I refer to it as my “mental health salon.” Currently, my biggest goal is to get experience in different areas of social work and find a way to apply them in my way. My past and current experiences are all different settings; I enjoy seeing how I can help people when given the opportunity. I have always seen myself assisting others to help themselves. I have no specified plan to do it; I just know I always will, no matter where I am.
Advice to applicants: First, know what you want for yourself. You don’t have to have a set plan, but an idea of what kind of social worker you want to be goes a long way. Second, meet with the faculty of the program(s) you apply for. The atmosphere of your environment can either make or break you. Being surrounded by people you feel have your best interest at heart is vital. Lastly, and most importantly, never let anyone tell you what you can or can’t do. You can be the first, last, and/or best; It’s all up to you. The first person you impact should always be yourself.
For more information: Click here for more information about the MSW program at Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University.
Thank you, Honey!
Social work students and graduates are not paid by Social Workers Are Awesome for their program reviews.
Interested in reviewing your social work program? Reach out to Social Workers Are Awesome here.