Last updated: June 2020
Advanced standing MSW programs online are designed for students who have earned a Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) from a CSWE-accredited undergraduate degree program. While admission requirements vary greatly between the different programs, advanced standing online MSW programs typically have stricter admission criteria and accept fewer students than traditional programs. Prospective students should anticipate more competition for acceptance into these programs and may want to consider applying to more than one program if eligible.
| University and Program Name | Study Length | Enrollment Type | Field Placement Support |
|---|---|---|---|
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Howard University
Master of Social Work (MSW) SPONSORED | As few as 12 months | Full-Time and Part-Time | N/A |
|
University of Denver
Master of Social Work (MSW) SPONSORED | As few as 12 months | Full-Time Part-Time | Support Available |
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Fordham University
Master of Social Work (MSW) SPONSORED | As few as 8 months | Full-Time Part-Time | Support Available |
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Simmons University
Master of Social Work (MSW) SPONSORED | As few as 12 months | Full-Time Part-Time | Support Available |
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Syracuse University
Master of Social Work (MSW) SPONSORED | As few as 24 months | N/A | Support Available |
|
Baylor University
Master of Social Work (MSW) SPONSORED | As few as 12 months | Full-Time Part-Time | Support Available |
|
Case Western Reserve University
Master of Social Work (MSW) SPONSORED | As few as a year and a half | Part-Time | Support Available |
SPONSORED
All 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. At OnlineMSWPrograms.com, we classify any program that requires a student to visit the campus two or fewer times per 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). As it builds on previous studies, advanced standing MSW programs may take less time than a traditional MSW program.
Name of Degree: Master of Social Work (MSW)
Enrollment Type: Part-Time
Length of Program: 1.25 years
Credits: 32
Concentrations:Health Across the Lifespan
Admission Requirements:
The Master of Social Work (MSW) online program from Baylor University is accredited by the Council on Social Work Education, enabling aspiring social work professionals to serve and empower vulnerable populations worldwide. Students will learn the skills and theories necessary to make meaningful, informed change and be challenged to think about the ethical integration of faith and social work practice. The MSW online program can be completed in as few as 12 months. GRE scores are not required to apply.
Enrollment Type: Full-Time
Length of Program: As few as 12 months
Credits: 32
Clinical Practice, Community Practice
Admission Requirements:
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Name of Degree: Master of Social Work (MSW)
Enrollment Type: Full-Time and Part-Time
Length of Program: 1+ years
Credits: 37
Concentrations: N/AAdmission Requirements:
Name of Degree: Master of Social Work (MSW)
Enrollment Type: Part-Time
Length of Program: 2 years
Credits: 43
Concentrations:Macro Practice, Clinical Practice
Admission Requirements:
Name of Degree: Master of Social Work (MSW)
Enrollment Type: Full-Time
Length of Program: N/A
Credits: 30+
Concentrations:Clinical Practice, Addictions
Admission Requirements:
Name of Degree: Master of Social Work (MSW)
Enrollment Type: Full-Time and Part-Time
Length of Program: N/A
Credits: 44+ quarter credits
Concentrations:Clinical Practice, Leadership and Supervision, Human Services
Admission Requirements:
Lead lasting change in your community. With no GRE required, you can earn a CSWE-accredited Master of Social Work online through Case Western Reserve University’s top-10 ranked school of social work1 and prepare to pursue licensure. The online program curriculum offers three paths of study: Children, Youth and Families; Community Practice for Social Change; and Mental Health with Adults.
1U.S. News and World Report, Case Western Reserve University’s Graduate School Rankings, ranked in 2022
Enrollment Type: Part-Time
Length of Program: As few as a year and a half
Credits: 39
Children, Youth, and Families, Mental Health with Adults, Community Practice for Social Change
Admission Requirements:
SPONSORED
Name of Degree: Master of Social Work (MSW)
Enrollment Type: Full-Time
Length of Program: 1 year
Credits: 33+
Concentrations:Advanced Clinical Social Work, Advanced Generalist Practice and Programming, Policy Practice, Social Enterprise Administration
Admission Requirements:
Name of Degree: Master of Social Work (MSW)
Enrollment Type: Full-Time
Length of Program: N/A
Credits: 30
Concentrations:Advanced Generalist Practice
Admission Requirements:
Name of Degree: Master of Social Work (MSW)
Enrollment Type: Full-Time
Length of Program: 1 year
Credits: 33+
Concentrations:Trauma Informed Practice
Admission Requirements:
Name of Degree: Master of Social Work (MSW)
Enrollment Type: Part-Time
Length of Program: 2+ years
Credits: 31+
Concentrations: N/AAdmission Requirements:
OnlineMSW@Fordham is the online Master of Social Work program from the top-ranked Fordham University Graduate School of Social Service. Designed for aspiring practitioners who want to help individuals and communities thrive, the program offers an integrated, future-focused curriculum with four inter-professional competency areas: Individuals and Families, Organizations and Community, Evaluation, and Policy Practice and Advocacy.
Enrollment Type: Full-Time
Length of Program: As few as 8 months
Credits: 33
Individual and Families, Organizations and Community Practice, Evaluation, Policy Practice and Advocacy
Admission Requirements:
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Earn your Master of Social Work (MSW) online from the Howard University School of Social. Choose the Advanced Standing MSW track, designed for students who hold a Bachelor of Social Work. Community, Administration and Policy (CAP) and Direct Practice concentrations are available.
Enrollment Type: Full-Time and Part-Time
Length of Program: As few as 12 months
Credits: 45+
Direct Practice, Community, Administration and Policy (CAP) Practice
Admission Requirements:
SPONSORED
Name of Degree: Master of Social Work (MSW)
Enrollment Type: Part-Time
Length of Program: 2 years
Credits: 36+
Concentrations: N/AAdmission Requirements:
Name of Degree: Master of Social Work (MSW)
Enrollment Type: Full-Time and Part-Time
Length of Program: 1.5+ years
Credits: 41
Concentrations:Clinical and Community Practice
Admission Requirements:
Name of Degree: Master of Social Work (MSW)
Enrollment Type: Full-Time and Part-Time
Length of Program: 1+ years
Credits: 33
Concentrations:Child and Youth Services, Gerontology, Social Work Practice in Schools, Policy and Macro Practice
Admission Requirements:
Name of Degree: Master of Social Work (MSW)
Enrollment Type: Full-Time
Length of Program: 1 year
Credits: 30
Concentrations:Urban Children, Youth & Families, Addictions
Admission Requirements:
Name of Degree: Master of Social Work (MSW)
Enrollment Type: Full-Time and Part-Time
Length of Program: 1+ years
Credits: 43
Concentrations:Aging and Health, Mental Health and Substance Misuse, Child and Youth Services
Admission Requirements:
Name of Degree: Master of Social Work (MSW)
Enrollment Type: Full-Time and Part-Time
Length of Program: 1+ years
Credits: 30
Concentrations: N/AAdmission Requirements:
Name of Degree: Master of Social Work (MSW)
Enrollment Type: Full-Time
Length of Program: 1+ years
Credits: 46
Concentrations:Practice and Leadership with Communities and Organizations, Advanced Clinical Practice
Admission Requirements:
Name of Degree: Master of Social Work (MSW)
Enrollment Type: Full-Time and Part-Time
Length of Program: 1+ years
Credits: 39
Concentrations:Clinical Social Work
Admission Requirements:
Aspiring clinical social workers can earn their Master of Social Work degree online from Simmons University in as few as 12 months. The program prepares students to pursue employment in direct practice settings nationwide. Students may choose from two certificates: Trauma Practice or Mental Health Practice.
Enrollment Type: Full-Time
Length of Program: As few as 12 months
Credits: 37
Admission Requirements:
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Syracuse University’s CSWE-accredited online Master of Social Work program is preparing the next generation of social work leaders through an emphasis on digital innovation and social justice. No GRE scores are required to apply, and the program offers Traditional and Advanced Standing tracks.
Length of Program: As few as 24 months
Credits: 36
Advanced Integrated Practice, Advanced Clinical Practice
Name of Degree: Master of Social Work (MSW)
Enrollment Type: Full-Time and Part-Time
Length of Program: 2 years
Credits: 36
Concentrations:Advanced Practice Leadership
Admission Requirements:
Name of Degree: Master of Social Work (MSW)
Enrollment Type: Full-Time and Part-Time
Length of Program: Less than 1 year
Credits: 30
Concentrations:Clinical Social Work
Admission Requirements:
Name of Degree: Master of Social Work (MSW)
Enrollment Type: Full-Time and Part-Time
Length of Program: 1+ years
Credits: 48
Concentrations: N/AAdmission Requirements:
Name of Degree: Master of Social Work (MSW)
Enrollment Type: Part-Time
Length of Program: 1.5 years
Credits: 35
Concentrations: N/AAdmission Requirements:
Name of Degree: Master of Social Work (MSW)
Enrollment Type: Full-Time and Part-Time
Length of Program: 1+ years
Credits: 34
Concentrations:Advanced Generalist Practice
Admission Requirements:
Name of Degree: Master of Social Work (MSW)
Enrollment Type: Part-Time
Length of Program: N/A
Credits: 32
Concentrations: N/AAdmission Requirements:
The Graduate School of Social Work (GSSW) at the University of Denver offers a 54-credit online program that can be completed in as few as 12 months—the Online Advanced-Standing MSW Program: MSW@Denver—to students who have earned a Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) from a regionally accredited school at any point in time. Students in the Online Advanced-Standing MSW Program will bypass the foundational coursework already completed during their BSW and choose from one of two concentrations—Mental Health and Trauma or Health, Equity and Wellness.
Enrollment Type: Full-Time
Length of Program: As few as 12 months
Credits: 54 graduate level credits
Mental Health and Trauma, Health, Equity and Wellness
Admission Requirements:
SPONSORED
Name of Degree: Master of Social Work (MSW)
Enrollment Type: Part-Time
Length of Program: 2 years
Credits: 39
Concentrations:Clinical Practice, Macro Practice
Admission Requirements:
Name of Degree: Master of Social Work (MSW)
Enrollment Type: Part-Time
Length of Program: 1.5 years
Credits: 36
Concentrations:Clinical Practice, Leadership
Admission Requirements:
Name of Degree: Master of Social Work (MSW)
Enrollment Type: Full-Time
Length of Program: 1 year
Credits: 30
Concentrations: N/AAdmission Requirements:
Name of Degree: Master of Science in Social Work (MSSW)
Enrollment Type: Full-Time and Part-Time
Length of Program: 1+ years
Credits: 30
Concentrations:Alcohol and Drug Counseling, Gerontology, Mental Health, Military Social Work, Psychosocial Oncology
Admission Requirements:
Name of Degree: Master of Social Work (MSW)
Enrollment Type: Part-Time
Length of Program: 2 years
Credits: 39
Concentrations:Advanced Clinical Practice, Planning and Administration
Admission Requirements:
Name of Degree: Master of Social Work (MSW)
Enrollment Type: Full-Time
Length of Program: 1.25 years
Credits: 30
Concentrations:Advanced Generalist Practice
Admission Requirements:
Name of Degree: Master of Social Work (MSW)
Enrollment Type: Full-Time
Length of Program: 1.3 years
Credits: 35
Concentrations: N/AAdmission Requirements:
Name of Degree: Master of Social Work (MSW)
Enrollment Type: Full-Time
Length of Program: 1+ years
Credits: 36
Concentrations: N/AAdmission Requirements:
Name of Degree: Master of Social Work (MSW)
Enrollment Type: Part-Time
Length of Program: 2+ years
Credits: 37
Concentrations:Trauma Informed Practice
Admission Requirements:
Name of Degree: Master of Social Work (MSW)
Enrollment Type: Full-Time and Part-Time
Length of Program: N/A
Credits: 35
Concentrations: N/AAdmission Requirements:
The MSW@USC, the online Master of Social Work from top-ranked USC Suzanne Dworak-Peck School of Social Work, is designed for aspiring social work leaders. Students gain clinical skills in virtual and in-person field education and will choose a department of study in either adult mental health, children and families, or social change. The Advanced Standing track, available to BSW holders, can be completed in as little as one year.
Enrollment Type: Part-Time
Length of Program: As few as 12 months
Credits: 37
Admission Requirements:
SPONSORED
Name of Degree: Master of Science in Social Work (MSSW)
Enrollment Type: Full-Time
Length of Program: 1+ years
Credits: 37
Concentrations:Evidence-Based Interpersonal Practice, Organizational Leadership
Admission Requirements:
Name of Degree: Master of Social Work (MSW)
Enrollment Type: Full-Time
Length of Program: 1+ years
Credits: 38
Concentrations:Community and Administrative Practice, Direct Practice in Aging, Direct Practice with Children and Families
Admission Requirements:
Name of Degree: Master of Science in Social Work (MSSW)
Enrollment Type: Full-Time
Length of Program: 1 year
Credits: 33
Concentrations:Administrative and Community Practice, Direct Practice with Latino Individuals, Families and Groups
Admission Requirements:
Name of Degree: Master of Social Work (MSW)
Enrollment Type: Part-Time
Length of Program: 2 years
Credits: 36
Concentrations:Advanced Integrated Practice
Admission Requirements:
Name of Degree: Master of Social Work (MSW)
Enrollment Type: Full-Time
Length of Program: N/A
Credits: 33+
Concentrations: N/AAdmission Requirements:
Name of Degree: Master of Social Work (MSW)
Enrollment Type: Full-Time
Length of Program: 1+ years
Credits: 39
Concentrations:Name of Degree: Master of Social Work (MSW)
Enrollment Type: Full-Time
Length of Program: 1+ years
Credits: 39
Concentrations:Name of Degree: Master of Social Work (MSW)
Enrollment Type: Part-Time
Length of Program: 2 years
Credits: 36
Concentrations:Clinical Social Work
Admission Requirements:
Name of Degree: Master of Social Work (MSW)
Enrollment Type: Part-Time
Length of Program: 2 years
Credits: 39
Concentrations: N/AAdmission Requirements:
Name of Degree: Master of Social Work (MSW)
Enrollment Type: Full-Time and Part-Time
Length of Program: 1.5+ years
Credits: 30
Concentrations:Gerontology and Palliative Care, Addictions
Admission Requirements:
To better prepare students for online courses, we’ve provided answers to some of the commonly asked questions related to earning your advanced standing MSW. Prospective students can use this information to help guide their decision when selecting a program to pursue.
When it comes to learning online or on campus, there are pros and cons that are different for each person. One student might prefer to learn online in the comfort of their own home while another may thrive learning in a classroom full of peers. Knowing the type of learning environment that you excel in is the best way to gauge if you should earn your advanced standing MSW online or in person.
With online learning, there are likely fewer fees. When attending in person, students may have to pay for room and board, meals, activity fees and other accommodations.
We list only CSWE-accredited advanced standing MSW programs, so students can easily compare programs based on the same standards. All of our online programs must meet the same on-campus program requirements to be accredited, which means you’ll receive the same education as your on-campus peers without having to drive to class.
Structure and Length of Advanced Standing MSW Programs
The number of credit hours required to graduate varies between the different programs and ranges from at least 28 credits to more than 48 credits (compared to 60 to 66 credit hours for traditional programs).
In general, advanced standing programs are designed for students who have completed undergraduate 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 meet additional criteria in order to be eligible for admissions:
It is possible that students may not be able to waive all foundation year classes, depending on the curriculum of their undergraduate program. Therefore, students should speak with an admissions advisor to determine if they are eligible for admission to an advanced standing program. Typically students who are not eligible for advanced standing placement may still apply to a traditional online MSW program.
When it comes to choosing your social work specialty, there are many options. Master of Social Work programs, including advanced standing MSW degrees, can be focused into one of several types of concentrations:
There are some differences in the curriculum between an advanced standing MSW program and a traditional MSW program. A traditional program will cover the basics that help build a foundation of social work knowledge before jumping into upper-level concentrations. advanced standing MSW programs are accelerated degrees that typically skip the generalist requirements to move directly into the more advanced coursework.
The typical curriculum for advanced standing Master of Social Work degrees may include the following and more:
There are a wide range of tuition, financing and scholarship options available that may drive down the cost of earning an advanced standing master’s degree in social work.
When considering tuition, educational institutions may offer reduced tuition for in-state students, which could make your degree more affordable than expected. You can find this information on most MSW program websites within their tuition details page, FAQ page or by calling their enrollment office. There are also numerous student funding opportunities, so be sure to search for social work scholarships and financial aid before choosing the course that’s right for you.
Social workers are required to meet their state’s licensing requirements to practice legally. The purpose is to help the public regulate the standards for the safe and professional practice of social work. Licensing requirements and regulations can vary from state to state and each state typically has the same barrier to entry.
For a social worker to legally practice, they are required to graduate from an institution accredited by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE) or other nationally recognized accrediting agency. To become a licensed social worker, there are different requirements per state that one must meet. For more information on the state-specific requirements for social work licenses, refer to our resource on Social Work State Licensing Boards.
Social workers graduating today may be able to look forward to a promising career and salary growth opportunities over the next 10 years. According to the BLS, the projected growth rate for all social workers is 13% between 2019 and 2029, which is much faster than the average for all occupations. The annual median salary for social workers is $50,470 per year or $24.26 per hour, according to data from the BLS as of March 2021. Social worker salaries can vary depending on specialization and employment area, as well as geographic location.
While comparing master’s degree programs in social work you may find yourself asking if this decision is the right choice. It’s important to understand what an MSW is and consider the pros and cons. Before making your decision, consult our Social Work Degree Guide to help uncover any possible roadblocks.
An advanced standing MSW opens the door for opportunity in the social work field. The BLS projects faster than average job growth and upon graduation you can qualify for licensure exams to become state-certified. An advanced standing degree may increase your potential salary. To gain an encompassing view of what this program entails, read our article that explains in detail the Doctorate of Social Work Degree.
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Advanced standing MSW programs are not the same as accelerated MSW programs, but they share similarities. Advanced standing MSW programs are considered to be accelerated because students are required to hold a Bachelor’s of Social Work (BSW) degree upon admission. This could, in turn, speed up the duration of the curriculum given that the student has already met some of the qualifications upon completion of their BSW.
The difference in the programs is that accelerated MSW programs are intensive courses that continue through the summer, while most advanced standing programs only offer fall and spring semester classes, aimed at allowing students to graduate a semester earlier than traditional programs.
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. Take into consideration if GRE scores are required before applying for admission when choosing an advanced standing MSW program that’s right for you. See our full list of online advanced standing MSW programs with no GRE requirement.
Most advanced standing MSW programs require a minimum GPA of 3.0. There is a range though; some programs allow for a 2.5 minimum GPA, while others require up to a 3.5 minimum GPA. If a student’s GPA does not meet the requirements, some programs request the GRE for admission.
