Valparaiso University Rankings by Salary Score™

I went into college undecided, which seemed scary at first but the school provided many resources to help find a degree that interested me. All undecided students took an exploratory class in which we explored our values as people and what we might value in a career. Additionally, I worked with the Career Center on campus to identify potential careers I would have interest in using personalized extensive reports from career assessments. Furthermore, many professors were eager to assist me in exploring careers... Read More and majors, which speaks to the character of the university. Eventually, I stumbled upon a Sociology class fall semester of my sophomore year. Out of all the classes, I had taken thus far I enjoyed this class the most. However, my biggest question was "how do I apply these concepts?" and I decided to go to my professor ask this. Her response was that I should take some more social work courses, so then the next semester I took 4 social work classes without ever taking a social work class before. Before the semester had ended, I worked on my admission paperwork to the program (a statement of interest and an interview with a professor.) This process seems intimidating, but all of the staff and faculty involved were very nice and welcoming. Soon I would learn that Heidbrink Hall (the social work building on campus) would become a second home on campus.

Once I started to take social work classes, I had realized I stepped into a rigorous academic program for which I am very grateful for. I enjoyed every minute of my social work classes; my professors were thoughtful and challenged us in ways that would make us grow as individuals and as a cohort (class of students). As graduation approached, I began filling out graduate applications and learning the power of Valparaiso University's Social Work Program - it was fully accredited by the Council of Social Work Education (CSWE). This would allow me to be admitted to many graduate programs across the country and begin with "advanced standing status" and receive credit for that school's foundation courses. I ended up choosing the George Warren Brown School of Social Work at Washington University in St. Louis for concertation and the number of research centers the social work department has (about 15!)

Had I not chosen to have the experiences I did at Valparaiso University, I would not be where I am today - about to start a prestigious graduate program! I could talk all day about my student activity experiences and positions I held on campus, but that would require another 300 words, just know your ultimate campus experience is what you make of it.

Best of luck in finding your school, it will work out!