Advanced Standing Master of Social Work (MSW) Programs Online

Online programs must meet the same CSWE-accreditation standards as their campus-based counterparts. However, the definition of what can be called an “online” degree program may vary. OnlineMSWPrograms.com classifies any program that requires a student to visit the campus no more than twice a year as an online program.

Definition of Advanced Standing MSW

Advanced standing MSW is a recognition of successful completion of an undergraduate social work degree program (BSW). Because it builds on previous studies, advanced standing MSW programs may take less time than a traditional MSW program.

More Information on Advanced Standing MSW Programs

Candidates interested in online courses can learn about earning an advanced standing MSW with this resource, which is designed to help you make informed decisions about choosing a program to pursue.

Online vs. On Campus

Whether you choose to earn an advanced standing MSW online or in person depends on your learning style. Some students prefer the flexibility and convenience of online learning, while others thrive in the more traditional classroom setting. Consider your preferred learning environment when making your decision.

With online learning, there may be fewer fees. When attending in person, students may have to pay for room and board, meals, activity fees and other accommodations.

Accreditation

The CSWE accredits advanced standing MSW programs. This resource lists CSWE-accredited programs. Accreditation ensures that the program meets rigorous standards for social work education, regardless of whether you choose to learn online or in person.

Structure and Length of Advanced Standing MSW Programs

Credit requirements vary by school, but advanced standing MSW programs are typically much shorter than traditional tracks. In many cases, advanced standing students complete roughly the mid-20s to mid-40s in semester credits (often around 30–42), while traditional/regular standing MSW programs commonly require about 60–66 credits (and sometimes more, depending on the program).

• Full-time programs: Full-time advanced standing online MSW programs can typically be completed in one to one and a half years. Many programs have classes year-round so students can earn their MSW in one calendar year. Start terms vary; some require summer entry/bridge, others start fall/winter/spring. During the summer semester, students take prerequisite or bridge classes before joining students in the second year of a traditional program.
• Part-time programs: Part-time advanced standing programs can be completed in one and a half to three years. The majority of programs typically take two years to complete. While some schools only have summer admission, there are part-time programs that start in the fall and spring semesters as well.
• Field education: As with traditional online MSW programs, advanced standing students must also complete a field education requirement at a local health services agency under the supervision of a licensed field instructor. The CSWE requires at least 900 hours of field education for MSW programs. Full-time programs usually involve one internship (although some programs may have two internships) over two semesters and students can expect to work about 20 hours per week during that time. For part-time programs, the structure of field work is a little more varied, and the number of placements and hours per week depends on the program.

Admission Requirements

Advanced standing programs are designed for students who have completed BSW programs and have an understanding of foundational social work concepts. In addition to the standard admission requirements for traditional online MSW programs, prospective students typically must meet additional criteria that can include:

• Completed BSW degree
• Applications accepted up to five to seven years post-BSW, depending on the school
• GPA of 3.0 or higher
• Letters of recommendation
• Career/job related social work experience

Students may not be able to waive all foundation year classes, depending on the curriculum of their undergraduate program. To determine their eligibility for admission to an advanced standing program, students should speak with an admissions advisor. Students who are not eligible for advanced standing placement may still apply to a traditional online MSW program.

Concentrations Available

When it comes to choosing your social work specialty, you can explore several options. Master of Social Work programs, including advanced standing MSW degrees, may offer a range of concentrations:

• Clinical/Direct Practice Social Work (Micro)
• Advanced Generalist (Micro and Macro)
• Community Development, Management/Administration and Policy (Macro)
• Children, Youth and Family Work
• Administrative Leadership
• Mental Health and Adult Social Work
• Community Social Work
• Community Organization, Planning and Administration

Curriculum

What are the differences in the curriculum between an advanced standing MSW program and a traditional MSW program? Advanced standing MSW programs are accelerated degrees that skip the generalist requirements of traditional MSW programs, allowing students with BSWs to focus on their chosen concentration immediately. Traditional MSW programs, on the other hand, cover the basics of social work knowledge before moving on to upper-level coursework.

The typical curriculum for advanced standing MSW degrees may include the following and more:

• Advanced field experience
• Policy and programs
• Advanced research methods
• Social work in family and child settings
• Social justice

Tuition and Scholarships

There are a range of tuition, financing and scholarship options available that may help aspiring students pay for an advanced standing master’s degree in social work.

Educational institutions may offer reduced tuition for in-state students. You can find helpful information on most MSW program websites or by calling their admissions office. Learn more about student funding opportunities.

Pursuing Licensure

Social workers are required to meet their state’s licensing requirements to practice legally. The purpose is to establish standards for the safe and professional practice of social work. Licensing requirements can vary by state.

For social workers to legally practice, they are required to graduate from a program accredited by CSWE or other nationally recognized accrediting agency. Aspiring social workers can research requirements to become a licensed social worker. State standards for social work licensure are set by social work state licensing boards.

Job Outlook and Salary Information

Social workers continue to be in demand. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the projected growth rate for all social workers is 6% between 2024 and 2034, which is faster than the average for all occupations. The annual median salary for social workers was $61,330 or $29.49 per hour in May 2024, according to the BLS. Social worker salaries can depend on specialization and employment area, as well as geographic location.

Is an Advanced Standing MSW Right for You?

Before applying to a master’s degree program in social work, be sure to have a full understanding of what an MSW entails. Read our Social Work Degree Guide to identify potential roadblocks.

An advanced standing MSW may expand your opportunities in the social work field and even prepare you to pursue a Doctorate of Social Work (DSW) degree. It may also increase your salary potential.

Advanced Standing MSW FAQ

Is an advanced standing MSW the same as an accelerated MSW?

Advanced standing MSW programs are not the same as accelerated MSW programs, but they have similarities. Advanced standing MSW programs may be considered accelerated because students are required to hold a BSW degree, which allows them to waive foundational social work courses and focus on a concentration immediately, reducing the time needed to finish.

Students whose bachelor’s degrees are outside of social work can enroll in accelerated MSW programs with an intense curriculum that includes foundational social work courses. Students in these programs can accelerate their studies by taking more classes per semester and during the summer months.

Do advanced standing MSW programs require the GRE?

Depending on the MSW program you choose, taking the Graduate Record Examination (GRE), may not be necessary. Some programs require GRE scores, regardless of your GPA score, while others only expect the GRE if your GPA does not meet their minimum requirement. In the process of choosing an advanced standing MSW program, find out if GRE scores are required before applying for admission. See our list of online advanced standing MSW programs with no GRE requirement.

What are the GPA requirements for advanced standing MSW programs?

Most advanced standing MSW programs require a minimum GPA of 3.0. That criteria may vary: Some programs allow for a 2.5 minimum GPA, while others may require up to a 3.5 minimum GPA. If a student’s GPA does not meet the requirements, some programs may consider the GRE for admission.