In order to avoid duplication of course content offered in undergraduate social work programs accredited by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE), a select number of students who meet specific criteria will be admitted into the advanced standing program. The Advanced Standing Program will allow a small number of exceptional students to complete their MSW degree in one year instead of two by waiving the first year foundation requirements. Students applying for this option must demonstrate their readiness to function at the level of a second-year MSW student.

Acceptance into the Advanced Standing Program is not automatic, and admission to the program will be competitive. It is the intent to limit admission to students who excelled academically and professionally during their undergraduate social work program.

NOTE: Graduating with an undergraduate degree in social work within the five-year limit does not prevent interested applicants from admission to the regular program of study.

Additional Eligibility Requirements for Advanced Standing:

• Earned bachelor’s degree in social work from a CSWE accredited program within the past five years
• Overall GPA of 3.2 or above
• Three exceptional letters of recommendation; At least two of them must be from faculty members familiar with the applicant’s academic work, and at least one from the applicant’s undergraduate field instructor, or if employed in a social work-related job, a recommendation from the applicant’s supervisor.
• MUST complete entire application packet prior to February 1 deadline
• Students who have not completed their undergraduate degree at the time of application must do so before the beginning of summer classes. Any offer of admission will be provisional until evidence of satisfactory completion is received.

The Advanced Standing Program is comprised of the concentration year courses (30 credit hours) plus three credits of a summer preparation course (SOCW 553-Advanced Standing Bridge Course). Upon successful completion of the summer term with an earned grade of “B” or above, students will join the ongoing MSW class and enroll in the second year of the regular MSW program. Part-time status in the Advanced Standing Program is not an option.

All advanced standing students will be assigned to the MSW program director for academic advising. In addition, the students must complete their practicum application and meet with the Director of Field Instruction prior to the beginning of the fall semester. Advanced standing students have the option of taking other elective courses in the summer but they are not required to do so.