They call us "adventurers." I am a member of the first class in a brand new MSW program. I'm feeling pressure at all ends. The teachers have great expectations of themselves and us. My classmates and I are suffering from the growing pains the department is experiencing.

I'm wondering if my current level of stress (nearly desparation!!) is normal?

Do other programs require this degree of self-reflection (where nearly every lecture seems like therapy) in addition to academics?

I'm not sure what will ease my mind, to hear that others are suffering as much or to hear that my experience is extreme.

Help me out.

Could you be a little more specific about the types of questions you want answers to? You might get more answers that way.

More specific..

16 hours per week in class, 16 hours per week in practicum, 16 hours per week doing research.

Classes are not simply academics but we are obligated to dive in to our personal stuff....one recent assignment includes membership in a group where at least one student/member ends up crying every week.

In addition to regular assignments for courses we are required to complete a professional portfolio that includes 4 huge projects, all of which must have a connecting theme, to be presented to a faculty team at the end of these two years.

Questions:

Is this normal? (I've spent some time researching other programs and have not come to any conclusions)

How many hours do other programs require students to commit per week?

How are other students coping with advanced generalist or intergrated practice programs?

Thanks

Jane Doe:
I am in a well-established MSW program at a large university. I have 20 hours of graduate classes, a 20 hour research appointment, and the mandatory 16 hour field placement practicum. Completing a master's thesis is also part of the program, so I am also doing my own independent research and even work contingent on weekends at times. Welcome to graduate school...MSW programs may not be the most academically challenging programs, but they challenge students to experience as much as possible in order to be well-rounded. The problem is time...there just isn't enough time for everything, which is exhausting, but it gets easier and it is only two years. Make the most of it and just be sure to keep in constant communication with your advisor and professors about stress levels, work loads, and experiences.