When Darnell Parker applied for admission to Syracuse University, he hoped to major in psychology. Instead, he was admitted to the School of Social Work as part of the “alternate offer” program, which allows students who are not admitted to their first choice program to enroll at the University in a different program. Such students may transfer to their initial major of choice after a semester or a year, but Darnell chose to stay in social work. “I found I really liked it,” he says. “Social work is more hands-on than psychology. You go out into the field and use what you learn before you even graduate. You have more exposure, more experience.”

Darnell says he also appreciates the diversity and versatility of a social work education. “You learn about policy, systems theory, group dynamics, ethics—so many things,” he says. “A lot of people don’t understand what social workers do, but there are so many possibilities.”

Similarly, Darnell has been gratified by the opportunities he has found at Syracuse University. “There are a lot of resources to take advantage of,” he says. “The faculty, the University, the community—it’s a great place to explore, to learn. There are so many different people and viewpoints here; if you’re open-minded, you learn a lot.” 

At the completion of his undergraduate years, Darnell enrolled in the advanced standing master’s program, which allows students with a bachelor’s degree in social work to earn an M.S.W. in one year. Though he was accepted to other graduate programs, Darnell says he chose to stay at Syracuse because of the faculty. “My professors know me and support me,” he says. “I really like the atmosphere here, and I feel comfortable here.” Eventually, Darnell hopes to earn a Ph.D. in social work and pursue a career in higher education.