Online Advanced-Standing MSW Degree
One of the most common and popular education levels social workers have is a Master of Social Work (MSW) degree. In fact, nearly 60% of those working full-time in the social work field and over 80% of those working part-time in the social work field have an MSW degree, according to the Council on Social Work Education. The primary reason for this is that holding an MSW degree enables graduates to seek licensure and specialize in a particular field.
While most graduates must commit two or more years to their MSW degree, a small percentage of students may be eligible to complete their MSW in as little as a year through the Advanced-Standing MSW (ASMSW) option. In the sections below, we'll provide all the information you'll need to know to determine if you're eligible for this type of program and whether or not it's the right choice for you.
What is an Advanced-Standing MSW Degree?
The primary difference between a traditional MSW program and an Advanced-Standing MSW program is that an ASMSW is an accelerated program typically geared toward individuals with a proven background and knowledge in social work, including a prior Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) degree with a high GPA. This allows them to bypass some of the more introductory information offered in a traditional MSW. If you wish to pursue an MSW and have a bachelor’s degree in a related mental health field (such as a Bachelor’s in Counseling or Bachelor’s in Psychology), a traditional MSW program will be more suited to your needs.
2026 Best Advanced-Standing MSW Degree Programs
Fordham University
Bronx, NY - Private 4-year - fordham.edu
Master's - Advanced Standing M.S.W.
Online Learning - Visit Website
Fordham University's Advanced Standing M.S.W. program offers B.S.W. graduates a fast-track online path to a master's degree, with completion in as few as nine months full-time or two years part-time. Students can save over $30,000 while choosing from specialized domains like Individuals and Families or Policy Practice and Advocacy. The program includes a 500-hour field placement for hands-on experience and requires a CSWE-accredited B.S.W. for admission. No entrance exam is required for this master's-level program. This online format provides flexible coursework and access to a supportive alumni network to boost career prospects.
- Accelerated 9-month completion.
- Save over $30,000.
- Full-time and part-time options.
- 500-hour field placement.
- Specialized domains available.
- CSWE-accredited B.S.W. required.
- Boosts earning potential.
- Supportive alumni network.
- Hands-on experience.
- Flexible coursework.
Master's - Advanced Standing M.S.W. (Individuals and Families)
Online Learning - Visit Website
Fordham University's online Advanced Standing M.S.W. program with an Individuals and Families concentration allows B.S.W. graduates to complete their degree in just nine months full-time. This accelerated format saves over $30,000 and focuses on advanced clinical assessment, diagnosis, and tailored selectives aligned with career goals. The program includes 500 hours of field education in relevant settings and requires a CSWE-accredited B.S.W. for admission, with no entrance exam needed. This online program enhances earning potential and prepares students for licensure and advanced social work roles with clinical populations.
- Accelerated nine-month completion.
- Save over $30,000.
- Focus on Individuals and Families.
- 500 hours of field education.
- CSWE-accredited B.S.W. required.
- Advanced clinical coursework.
- Tailored selectives available.
- Part-time option for working students.
- Boosts earning potential.
- Leads to licensure eligibility.
Master's - Advanced Standing M.S.W. (Organizations and Community)
Online Learning - Visit Website
Fordham University's online Advanced Standing M.S.W. program with an Organizations and Community concentration provides B.S.W. graduates a fast-track option, completing in nine months full-time or two years part-time while saving over $30,000. The program features specialized coursework and a 500-hour field internship tailored to community and organizational social work. Admission requires a CSWE-accredited B.S.W., with no entrance exam required for this master's-level program. This online format offers flexible study options to enhance skills and earning potential for advanced roles in macro social work practice.
- Accelerated nine-month completion.
- Save over $30,000.
- Part-time two-year option.
- 500-hour field internship.
- Online study available.
- Specialized Organizations and Community focus.
- CSWE-accredited B.S.W. required.
- Enhanced earning potential.
- Tailored career preparation.
- Flexible coursework options.
University of Akron
Akron, OH - Public 4-Year - uakron.edu
Master's - Master of Social Work (MSW)
Online Learning - Visit Website
The University of Akron's 100% online Master of Social Work program requires no GRE for admission and offers advanced standing for BSW graduates, allowing completion in 11 months. This asynchronous program provides full-time and part-time options with concentrations in Micro and Macro practice. Students gain real-world experience through field internships and can earn a cognitive behavioral therapy certificate alongside their degree, focusing on social justice principles.
- No GRE required
- 100% online asynchronous
- Full- and part-time options
- Advanced Standing for BSW graduates
- Micro and Macro concentrations
- Cognitive behavioral therapy certificate
- Field internships available
- Expert faculty advisors
- Focus on social justice
- Tailored learning paths
Master's - Master of Social Work (MSW) (leadership)
Online Learning - Visit Website
This 100% online MSW program with a leadership concentration requires no GRE for admission and offers flexible scheduling for working professionals. Students can pursue agency-based internships and earn a cognitive behavioral therapy certificate while developing advanced leadership skills. The program includes Advanced Standing options for BSW graduates and features expert faculty guidance through current research and methods in social work leadership.
- 100% online asynchronous classes
- No GRE required
- Flexible full- and part-time options
- Leadership concentration available
- Expert faculty with diverse experience
- Agency-based internships
- Cognitive behavioral therapy certificate
- LICDC obtainable through coursework
- Advanced Standing option for BSW holders
- Micro and Macro practice concentrations
Master's - Master of Social Work (MSW) (medical)
Online Learning - Visit Website
The University of Akron's 100% online MSW program with a medical concentration requires no GRE for admission and offers full-time or part-time options. Students specializing in medical social work can earn a cognitive behavioral therapy certificate while completing agency-based internships. The program provides Advanced Standing for BSW graduates and emphasizes hands-on skills for healthcare settings, supported by expert faculty and social justice principles.
- 100% online asynchronous classes
- No GRE required
- Full- and part-time options
- Medical concentration available
- Cognitive behavioral therapy certificate
- Agency-based internships
- Expert faculty with diverse experience
- Advanced Standing option for BSW graduates
- Focus on social justice
- Flexible learning tailored to goals
Master's - Master of Social Work (MSW) (mental health)
Online Learning - Visit Website
This 100% online MSW program with a mental health concentration requires no GRE for admission and offers flexible full-time or part-time scheduling. Students gain clinical experience through agency-based internships and can earn a cognitive behavioral therapy certificate. The CSWE-accredited program provides Advanced Standing options for BSW graduates and focuses on advanced clinical work in mental health settings with expert faculty guidance.
- No GRE required
- 100% online asynchronous classes
- Full- and part-time options
- Mental health concentration
- Agency-based internships
- Cognitive behavioral therapy certificate
- Expert faculty
- Advanced Standing option available
- Micro and Macro practice concentrations
- CSWE accredited
Kansas State University
Manhattan, KS - Public 4-Year - k-state.edu
Master's - Master of Social Work
Online & Campus Based - Visit Website
Kansas State University's hybrid Master of Social Work program, offered in partnership with the University of Kansas at the Salina campus, provides an Advanced Standing option for BSW graduates seeking accelerated completion. This program blends bi-weekly Saturday on-campus sessions with online learning, allowing specialization in clinical social work or macro practice. Full-time students may qualify for a $10,000 scholarship through the Integrated Health Scholars Program, which emphasizes interprofessional clinical training. No entrance exam is required for admission to this master's-level program.
- Hybrid program format
- Advanced Standing option
- Clinical or macro specializations
- $10K scholarship available
- Interprofessional clinical focus
- On-campus classes bi-weekly
- Online learning components
- Full or part-time study
- Partnership with KU
- Integrated Health Scholars Program
Master's - Master of Social Work (Clinical Social Work Practice)
Online & Campus Based - Visit Website
Kansas State University offers a Clinical Social Work Practice concentration within its hybrid Master of Social Work program, specifically designed for BSW graduates pursuing Advanced Standing. This program combines on-campus classes every other Saturday with distance learning, with full-time students completing in one year and part-time in two years. Eligible students can access a $10,000 scholarship through the Integrated Health Scholars Program. The curriculum focuses on enhancing clinical practice skills through flexible hybrid delivery, with no entrance exam required for this master's-level program.
- Hybrid program format.
- Clinical Social Work Practice concentration.
- Advanced Standing option.
- One-year full-time study.
- Two-year part-time study.
- Classes every other Saturday.
- Distance-learning alternate weeks.
- $10K scholarship available.
- Integrated Health Scholars Program.
- Flexible learning options.
Master's - Master of Social Work (Social Work Macro Practice)
Online & Campus Based - Visit Website
Kansas State University's hybrid Master of Social Work with a Social Work Macro Practice concentration prepares BSW graduates for leadership roles in social service administration, policy development, and advocacy through its Advanced Standing option. The program blends bi-weekly on-campus Saturday sessions with online learning, offering both full-time and part-time study paths. Students may qualify for scholarships, including a $10,000 opportunity through the Integrated Health Scholars Program, which emphasizes integrated healthcare leadership. No entrance exam is required for admission to this master's-level program.
- Hybrid learning format
- Advanced Standing option
- Focus on Macro Practice
- Scholarships available
- Flexible full/part-time
- On-campus classes bi-weekly
- Online components alternate weeks
- Prepares for leadership roles
- Integrated Health Scholars Program
- $10K scholarship opportunity
Rutgers University-Newark
Newark, NJ - Public 4-Year - newark.rutgers.edu
Master's - MSW Advanced Standing
Online Learning - Visit Website
Rutgers University-Newark's online Advanced Standing MSW program is designed for graduates with a CSWE-accredited BSW degree. This 39-credit program offers flexible completion in 1-2 years through full-time or part-time study, with no entrance exam required. The online format provides accessibility for working professionals, featuring 500 practicum learning hours and multiple scheduling options. The program maintains CSWE accreditation and is military-friendly.
- 39-credit Advanced Standing MSW
- Multiple program format options
- Full/part-time study available
- CSWE-accredited program
- 500 practicum learning hours
Master's - MSW Advanced Standing
Online & Campus Based - Visit Website
Rutgers University-Newark offers a hybrid Advanced Standing MSW program for BSW graduates from CSWE-accredited programs. This 39-credit program can be completed in 1-2 years full-time or part-time, with no entrance exam required. The hybrid format combines online and in-person learning, starting summer 2025, and includes 500 practicum hours tailored to student preferences. The program is military-friendly and emphasizes real-world experience through flexible scheduling options.
- 39 credit program
- Hybrid learning options
- Full-time or part-time
- 500 practicum hours
- CSWE-accredited BSW required
- Starts summer 2025
- Flexible scheduling
Michigan State University
East Lansing, MI - Public 4-Year - msu.edu
Master's - Statewide Blended Advanced Standing, MSW (Clinical Practice)
Online & Campus Based - Visit Website
Michigan State University's Statewide Blended Advanced Standing MSW program offers a Clinical Practice concentration through a hybrid format. This program combines online coursework with monthly Saturday Zoom sessions, requiring 36 credits and 500 hours of field education. Students can choose between full-time (1-year) or part-time (2-year) tracks. The curriculum focuses on developing advanced clinical skills for real-world social work practice. No entrance exam is required for admission to this master's-level program. The hybrid delivery provides flexibility while maintaining structured learning opportunities.
- Hybrid program format
- Clinical Practice concentration
- 36 credits required
- 500 hours field education
- Full-time and part-time options
- Monthly Saturday Zoom sessions
- Online coursework
- Advanced clinical skills focus
- Real-world practice preparation
- Flexible scheduling
Master's - Statewide Blended Advanced Standing, MSW (Organization and Community Leadership (OCL))
Online & Campus Based - Visit Website
Michigan State University's Statewide Blended Advanced Standing MSW program features an Organization and Community Leadership (OCL) concentration delivered in a hybrid format. The program combines online learning with monthly Zoom sessions and occasional face-to-face classes in Lansing, MI. Students complete 36 credits and 500 hours of field education, with full-time (1-year) and part-time (2-year) options available. This program prepares students for leadership roles in social work through practical skill development and community engagement. No entrance exam is required for this master's-level program, which emphasizes flexible scheduling for working professionals.
- Hybrid learning format
- Focus on OCL specialization
- 36 credits required
- 500 hours field education
- Full-time and part-time options
- Monthly Zoom sessions
- Some face-to-face classes
- Leadership in social work
- Practical skills emphasis
- Community engagement focus
Advanced-Standing MSW Admissions Requirements
The two main Advanced-Standing MSW admissions requirements that you'll see listed for practically every accredited program are a BSW degree and a GPA of at least 3.5. Apart from these requirements, you'll likely also need the following:
- Submission of official transcripts
- Letters of recommendation
- Resume or curriculum vitae (CV)
- Statement of purpose or personal statement outlining career goals and motivations for pursuing the program
- Relevant professional or volunteer experience in the field of social work may be preferred or required by some programs
RELATED: Find out more about Social Work Degrees.
Can I Get an Advanced-Standing MSW Degree Online?
Yes, it is possible to earn an Advanced-Standing Master of Social Work degree online. Many universities and colleges offer online MSW programs, including Advanced-Standing options. These programs allow students to complete coursework online, with field placements often arranged in the student’s local area. These programs are designed to provide flexibility for working professionals or those with other commitments who wish to pursue a higher degree in social work. They are also ideal for those in more rural communities who don’t have a college campus within feasible commuting distance.
Advanced-Standing MSW Curriculum
The curriculum of an Advanced-Standing MSW program typically consists of advanced coursework tailored to build upon the foundational knowledge and skills acquired during undergraduate social work studies. While specific requirements may vary by institution, students can expect to complete approximately 30-40 coursework credits, including core and elective courses. Examples of course titles may include:
- Advanced Social Policy Analysis
- Clinical Assessment and Diagnosis
- Advanced Practice with Individuals and Families
- Diversity and Social Justice in Social Work Practice
- Research Methods in Social Work
Additionally, many ASMSW programs require students to complete field placements or internships, allowing them to gain hands-on experience in a real-world social work setting under the supervision of experienced social work professionals. Field placements may involve working in various settings such as hospitals, schools, community organizations, or government agencies, providing students with valuable opportunities to apply theoretical knowledge to practical situations and develop essential clinical skills.
LEARN MORE: Find out about Social Work Careers.
Advanced-Standing MSW vs. Traditional MSW Programs
Check out the table below to see a comparison of traditional MSW programs and Advanced-Standing MSW programs:
| Advanced-Standing MSW | Traditional MSW | |
|---|---|---|
| Program Length | Typically 1 year for full-time students who have completed a BSW from a CSWE-accredited program | Typically 2 years for full-time students |
| Prerequisites | Completion of a BSW from a CSWE-accredited program with a high GPA | A bachelor’s degree in any field, although a BSW may provide some advantages |
| Curriculum | Focuses more on advanced coursework and field education, with fewer foundational courses | Includes foundational courses in social work theory, research, and practice, along with field education components |
| Field Education | Usually involves a shorter field placement, as students have already completed a BSW field placement | Typically includes longer field placements to ensure students gain comprehensive hands-on experience |
| Admission Requirements | May require a higher GPA and additional application materials, such as a resume and letters of recommendation | May have slightly lower GPA requirements and a more standard application process |
| Cost | Ranges from $25,000 to $50,000+. Lower cost due to shorter program length and potentially fewer required courses | Ranges from $30,000 to $70,000+. Higher cost due to longer program length and potentially more required courses |
