Online Advanced Standing Master of Social Work (MSW) Program

Already have a Bachelor of Social Work? Earn your MSW online in as little as one year.

The University of Saint Mary Advanced Standing Master of Social Work pathway is designed for graduates of CSWE-accredited BSW programs who are ready to move directly into advanced graduate-level social work study.

Rooted in the USM mission of service and justice, the 30-credit Advanced Standing MSW can be completed in three semesters of full-time study or through a flexible two-year part-time pathway. Students choose a specialization in Health & Mental Health Social Work or Forensic Social Work while completing advanced coursework and supervised field education in their local communities.

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What Is an Advanced Standing MSW?

An Advanced Standing MSW is a shortened graduate pathway for students who have already earned a Bachelor of Social Work from a program accredited by the Council on Social Work Education. Because BSW graduates have already completed foundational social work coursework and undergraduate field education, they can move directly into advanced graduate study rather than repeating generalist content.

At the University of Saint Mary, that means qualified Advanced Standing students complete 30 credits instead of the 60 credits required in the Traditional MSW pathway. Full-time students can finish in as little as 12 months.

Advanced Standing students earn the same Master of Social Work degree as Traditional Standing students. The difference is the amount of foundational coursework required based on prior BSW education.

Advanced Standing MSW Curriculum

At the University of Saint Mary, your education is grounded in values. USM’s Catholic heritage emphasizes ethical leadership and service to others—principles that align closely with social work.

The Advanced Standing curriculum builds upon the generalist social work foundation students have already completed through an accredited BSW program. Students move directly into advanced practice, specialization coursework, research, field education, and capstone study.

The Advanced Standing pathway requires 30 total credits and can be completed full time in three semesters or part time over six semesters.

Full-Time Advanced Standing Pathway

Semester	Credits
Fall	12 credits
Spring	12 credits
Summer	6 credits
Total	30 credits

Advanced Standing students complete specialization coursework, research and assessment, field practicum experiences, and a capstone project. Course sequencing varies by specialization and enrollment plan.

Students in Advanced Standing choose to specialize in one of two areas: Health & Mental Health Social Work or Forensic Social Work.

Part-Time Advanced Standing Option

Students who prefer a lighter course load may complete the same 30-credit Advanced Standing curriculum over six semesters. This two-year option can provide additional flexibility for working professionals and students managing other responsibilities.

Advanced Standing Coursework

SW 601 — Orientation Seminar — 3 credits

SW 620 — Professionalism in Social Work — 3 credits

SW 950 — Capstone Project — 3 credits

SW 710 — Psychopathology for Clinical Social Work — 3 credits

SW 712 — Trauma Informed Care — 3 credits

SW 714 — Integrated Health Care Social Work Practice — 3 credits

SW 716 — Crisis Intervention-Disaster Response — 3 credits

SW 710 — Psychopathology for Clinical Social Work — 3 credits

SW 752 — Introduction to Forensic Social Work — 3 credits

SW 754 — Forensic Social Work Practice — 3 credits

SW 756 — Social Work and the Law — 3 credits

SW 800 — Specialization Practicum Seminar — 1 credit

SW 802 — Specialization Practicum Internship (300 hours at agency) — 4 credits

SW 900 — Specialization Practicum Seminar — 1 credit

SW 902 — Specialization Practicum Internship (225 hours at agency) — 3 credits

Choose Your Advanced Standing MSW Specialization

Health & Mental Health Social Work

The Health & Mental Health specialization prepares students for advanced social work practice in clinical, behavioral health, and healthcare settings. Coursework addresses topics such as psychopathology, trauma-informed care, integrated healthcare social work, and crisis intervention.

Graduates may pursue work in mental health agencies, hospitals, integrated care settings, community organizations, substance-use treatment programs, and other environments serving individuals and families experiencing behavioral or health-related challenges.

Forensic Social Work

The Forensic Social Work specialization prepares students to work where social work intersects with legal and justice systems. Coursework includes psychopathology, introduction to forensic social work, forensic social work practice, and social work and the law.

This pathway may be especially relevant for students interested in criminal justice, corrections, child welfare, victim advocacy, court systems, legal services, or community organizations that serve justice-involved populations.

Advanced Standing MSW Field Education

Advanced Standing students complete supervised field education. These experiences allow students to apply advanced social work knowledge and skills in professional practice environments while working under qualified supervision.

Field education may take place in settings such as:

Mental and behavioral health agencies
Hospitals and healthcare systems
Schools
Community organizations
Child welfare agencies
Criminal justice and corrections settings
Advocacy organizations
Other approved social service agencies

USM assists students with field placement. Placements are arranged in students’ local communities whenever possible, and employment-based internships may be considered when they meet program criteria. The USM MSW program currently has 55 practicum partnerships across 15 states and is still adding partners.

Learn more about field placement and practicum requirements

Advanced Standing MSW Admissions Requirements

Advanced Standing applicants must have earned a Bachelor of Social Work from a program accredited by the Council on Social Work Education.

General admissions requirements include:

Bachelor of Social Work from a CSWE-accredited institution
Minimum undergraduate GPA of 2.75, with conditional consideration available in some circumstances
Official college transcripts
Completed graduate application
Current résumé
No GRE required

Applicants should review the current admissions information before applying, as requirements and deadlines may change.

View complete MSW admissions requirements

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How Much Does the Advanced Standing MSW Cost?

For cohorts beginning in Fall 2026, USM’s MSW tuition is $625 a credit hour.

Tuition is subject to change, and additional costs or fees may apply. Financial aid and scholarships may be available to qualified students.

USM also uses free Open Educational Resources for approximately 98% of MSW textbooks, reducing the cost of required course materials.

Explore MSW tuition, scholarships, and financial aid →

CSWE Accreditation and Social Work Licensure

The University of Saint Mary Master of Social Work program is accredited by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE).

Advanced Standing students earn the same CSWE-accredited Master of Social Work degree as Traditional Standing students. Graduates may pursue professional social work licensure, including LMSW, LSW, and LCSW pathways, depending on state requirements.

Clinical licensure such as the LCSW typically requires additional supervised post-graduate experience and successful completion of applicable licensing examinations. Requirements vary by state, so students should consult the licensing authority where they intend to practice.

Learn more about becoming a clinical social worker.

Frequently Asked Questions About the Advanced Standing MSW

Want a deeper explanation of how an advanced standing pathway works? Read What Is an Advanced Standing MSW?

Can I complete an Advanced Standing MSW online?

Yes. USM’s Advanced Standing MSW coursework is delivered online. Students also complete supervised field education, typically through an approved practicum site in their local community.

How long does USM’s Advanced Standing MSW take?

Full-time students can complete the 30-credit program in as little as one year, or three semesters. A two-year, six-semester part-time option is also available.

How many credits is the Advanced Standing MSW?

The University of Saint Mary Advanced Standing MSW requires 30 graduate credits.

Do I need a BSW for Advanced Standing?

Yes. Advanced Standing is specifically designed for students who have earned a BSW from a CSWE-accredited program. Students with bachelor’s degrees in other fields can pursue USM’s 60-credit Traditional MSW pathway.

Is the Advanced Standing degree different from the Traditional MSW degree?

No. Advanced Standing and Traditional Standing students earn the same Master of Social Work degree. Advanced Standing students complete fewer credits because their BSW education has already provided foundational social work coursework and field preparation.

Does USM help find field placements?

Yes. USM assists students in identifying appropriate field placements in their local communities whenever possible.

Can an Advanced Standing MSW lead to LCSW licensure?

Yes. Graduates of the Advanced Standing pathway earn the same CSWE-accredited MSW as Traditional Standing graduates and may pursue clinical licensure. Additional supervised post-graduate experience, examination, and other requirements vary by state.

Already Have Your BSW? Take the Next Step.

Build on the social work education you’ve already completed and earn your CSWE-accredited Master of Social Work online in as little as one year. With two advanced specializations, local field-placement support, flexible full- and part-time options, and a mission grounded in service and justice, USM can help you move forward in your social work career.

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Not eligible for Advanced Standing? Explore all University of Saint Mary MSW pathways.