Master of Social Work (MSW) Degree — Advanced Standing MSW Admissions Requirements & Curriculum

Advanced Standing MSW — For Those With A BSW

Those interested in the Advanced Standing MSW program must have earned a CSWE-accredited Bachelor of Social Work (BSW). See additional criteria below.

The Advanced Standing MSW program is cohort-based and begins in the Spring (May) each year and has two options for completion:

• Full-time (1 academic year)
• Part-time (2 academic years)

Looking for a decision before the end of the year? Submit your MSW application and all required materials (including transcripts and recommendations) by December 1.

All applications completed after December 1 will be reviewed at the end of the application cycle (February) for a decision notification by early March. 

Each application cycle provides opportunities to pursue either the MSW track (starts in July) or the Advanced Standing MSW Path (starts in May). 

Advanced Standing MSW Criteria

View All Advanced Standing MSW Criteria

• CSWE-accredited Bachelor of Social Work degree.
• GPA of 3.25 or higher, in the most recent 60 credits. NOTE: Students with GPAs lower than 3.25 may submit a statement of petition to be considered for admission - contact the program coordinator.
• Application Materials: Professional Reflection and Written Statement for MSW Applicants (233KB)
• Three references from educators or employers. At least one of these references must be from a social worker familiar with the applicant’s undergraduate field experience.

Advanced Standing MSW Curriculum

View Advanced Standing MSW Course Catalog

The Advanced Standing MSW program consists of 40 graduate-level social work credits.

Advanced Standing Bridge Courses (12 cr)

Students admitted to the Advanced Standing MSW program must complete the Bridge courses.

• SW 510 - Bridge to Advanced Generalist SW 1 cr
• SW 530A - Clinical Diagnosis 1 cr
• SW 530B - Supervision & Leadership 2 cr
• SW 541 - Social Work Research II 3 cr
• SW 550A - Application in HBSE & Policy 2 cr
• SW 550B - Integration of HBSE & Policy 1 cr
• SW 582 - Social Work Field Education III 2 cr

Advanced Generalist Core (22 cr)

All students must complete the Advanced Generalist Core courses.

• SW 630 - Human Services Management 3 cr
• SW 640 - Applied Research 2 cr
• SW 641 - Integrative Project 3 cr
• SW 660 - Advanced Generalist Social Work Practice I 3 cr
• SW 661 - Advanced Generalist Social Work Practice II 3 cr
• SW 680 - Social Work Field Education IV 4 cr
• SW 681 - Social Work Field Education V 4 cr

Electives

All MSW students must select a minimum of six credits of graduate SW electives. Electives will be scheduled based on faculty availability.

• SW 690 - Special Topics in Advanced Social Work 1-6 cr (This course may be repeated for up to 9 credits.)

1-Year Course Plan

2-Year Course Plan