10 Advanced Standing MSW Programs -Accelerate Your MSW

The advanced standing MSW program at USC is for students who hold a Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) from an accredited institution. A 37-credit program, the MSW may be completed on a full-time (three semesters) basis in as little as one year. A part-time (five semesters) option is also available.

Our Lady of the Lake University (OLLU) was founded in 1895 by the Congregation of Divine Providence. It is a coeducational institution offering over 30 undergraduate majors and minors, 14 master’s programs and two doctoral programs. Students may study in San Antonio, Houston, the Rio Grande Valley, and online

OLLU’s Worden School of Social Service offers an MSW program with both regular (57-credit) and advanced (30-credit) tracks. Students can also enjoy the flexibility of studying full time or part time, as well as either online or on campus. Eligible candidates may earn the advanced standing degree in as few as 12 consecutive months of accelerated study.

Walden University is an accredited institution of higher education that focuses on serving adult learners. They offer online bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral degrees, as well as certificates, in career-focused fields that promote positive social change. These include health sciences, counseling, human services, nursing, public administration, and, of course, social work.

Walden University’s CSWE-accredited Advanced Standing MSW program requires 55 total quarter credits, comprised of core courses, electives, and field experience. The program is online but requires a six-week hybrid class, during which you’ll spend four days participating in a face-to-face experience.

Simmons College is a small, private college based in Boston, Massachusetts. In addition to offering undergraduate programs with a liberal arts focus, they are home to graduate programs in areas like nursing and health sciences, education, liberal arts, management, communications, social work, and more.

Students who have earned a CSWE-accredited bachelor’s degree in social work (BSW) within the last five years might be eligible for the 12-month MSW Advanced Standing Program at Simmons College. The program offers a one-semester seminar that focuses on the integration of theory and practice, the chance to choose one of four advanced clinical specialization areas, and other features.

Fordham University is a Jesuit, Catholic university based in New York City. They offer a variety of undergraduate, graduate, and professional programs designed to foster wisdom, experience, morality, critical thinking, and creative problem-solving. Fordham University is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education.

Eligible students who have earned an approved BSW are considered to have completed the first, foundational year of their MSW at Fordham. Generally, 33 credits from your BSW may be transferred to the 66-credit degree MSW degree. Among other requirements, you must have earned your BSW within the past five years.

Boston University is a private research institution serving over 33,000 undergraduate and graduate students from around the world. They offer over 250 programs of study in areas spanning everything from the arts and sciences to social work. In fact, BU’s School of Social Work has roots dating back to 1918.

Students eligible for Boston University’s Advanced Standing Program receive credit for their foundation year of the MSW program. They must then earn the additional 43 credits required for graduation. The Advanced Standing Program may be available at the Charles River, Fall River, and BU North-Bedford campuses, as well as online.

Case Western Reserve University is a private university committed to enriching lives through research and scholarship. Based in Cleveland, Ohio, they offer undergraduate, graduate, and professional programs through eight schools and a college. The Jack, Joseph, and Morton Mandel School of Applied Social Sciences has been educating social work students since 1915.

Case Western Reserve University offers a Master of Science in Social Administration (MSSA), which is equivalent to an MSW or Master of Social Work. Eligible Advanced Standing students may be able to receive up to 24 credits toward the MSSA degree, potentially allowing them to earn the degree in 36 credit hours. Among other requirements for the Advanced Standing track, you must have earned your BSW within the last seven years.

Edinboro University is a public university based in Edinboro, Pennsylvania. Founded in 1857, the university is now the northwestern Pennsylvania region’s largest institution of higher education. In addition to undergraduate and certificate programs, they offer 16 graduate degree programs, including a Master of Social Work (MSW) program.

For students who meet the requirements for Edinboro’s Advanced Standing MSW program, the university typically waives the first semester (12 credits) of study. Further course waivers may depend on your educational background, and whether your prior social work courses are deemed equivalent to Edinboro University’s curriculum.

Tulane University is a private research university based in New Orleans, Louisiana. Founded in 1834 as a medical college, the university has expanded to offer over 70 majors in areas like science and engineering, architecture, business, liberal arts and public health. The Tulane University School of Social Work focuses on culturally-relevant social work education designed to build relationships and help students serve their communities.

Students meeting certain requirements, including earning an accredited BSW within five years with a cumulative GPA of 3.3 or better on a 4.0 point scale, may be eligible for Tulane’s advanced standing MSW program. Within the advanced standing track, the MSW degree may be earned in as few as three semesters of full-time study.

The University of Louisville is a public university in Louisville, Kentucky. They offer 204 programs across twelve colleges and schools, plus 16 online programs. The university’s Kent School of Social Work has been around since 1936, helping future social workers prepare to promote social justice and positive change.

The Kent School of Social Work at the University of Louisville offers an online Master of Science in Social Work (MSSW) program. Students who qualify for the Advanced Standing track may earn their MSSW in 30 credit hours. This track has two starts per year: summer and fall.