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Advanced Standing Program

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The Advanced Standing MSW Program offers an accelerated pathway for students who have recently earned a BSW/BASW from a CSWE-accredited program and are ready to move directly into advanced graduate-level study. This one-year program begins with a required summer bridge experience, followed by advanced coursework during the fall and spring semesters. The curriculum builds on undergraduate social work education while deepening students’ understanding of social work values, ethics, diversity, social and economic justice, and advanced practice. Through coursework and practicum education, students develop the knowledge and competencies needed for specialized social work roles across a wide range of settings.

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Eligibility Criteria

Applicants must meet ALL the following requirements:

  • Earned a BSW or BASW from a CSWE-accredited program within the previous five years.

  • Achieved a minimum 3.5 GPA in the last 60 semester / 90 quarter units of their bachelor’s program.

  • Maintained good academic standing throughout their BSW/BASW program.

Program Structure

The Advanced Standing Program consists of:

  • Summer Bridge Transition Program
  • Practicum Readiness Education Program (PREP)
  • Two academic semesters of advanced MSW coursework
  • A minimum of 30 units, meeting all CSWE accreditation requirements for the MSW degree

Summer Bridge Transition Program

This program introduces students to the expectations of graduate-level social work education. It supports students in:

  • Refreshing foundational knowledge from BSW/BASW coursework
  • Understanding advanced curriculum areas
  • Building the professionalism and academic readiness expected at the graduate level

Practicum Readiness Education Program (PREP)

Length: 2 weeks (32 hours)
Format: Day 1 in-person, remaining sessions online with deadlines
Requirement: Must be completed before starting practicum

PREP prepares students to meet the expectations and responsibilities of MSW practicum education. Content includes:

  • Practicum expectations and safety practices

  • Technology and tele-mental health

  • CSWE competencies and ethical standards

  • Mandated reporting for children, adults, and older adults

  • Suicide risk assessment and intervention

  • Antiracism, Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion

  • Use of supervision and evaluation through the Comprehensive Skills Evaluation

  • Practicum seminar expectations and readiness for placement

Certificates of completion must be submitted prior to placement.

 

Required Coursework

Fall Semester
Course Title Units
MSW 503 Social Work Perspectives on Human Behavior III 3
MSW 512/514/516 Advanced Social Work Practice 3
MSW 522/523/524 Advanced Social Work Policy 3
MSW 542 Advanced Social Work Practicum Instruction I 3
MSW 596 Master’s Project Development 3

 

Spring Semester
Course Title Units
MSW 564 Macro Social Work in Communities and Organizations 3
MSW 543 Advanced Social Work Practicum Instruction II 3
MSW 597 Master’s Project 3
MSW 5XX Elective 3
MSW 5XX Elective 3

Students in the Advanced Standing MSW Program are not eligible to participate in the: Pupil Personnel Services (PPSC) School Social Work Credential, or Bienestar: Social Work with Latinx Communities Certificate Program.

Application Process

When applying for the Advanced Standing Program, you will need to two applications: CalState Apply and our Department Application.

After completing the CalState Apply application, you will complete the department application for the two-year program. Within the this application, you will complete a supplemental application indicating your interest in the Advanced standing program. 

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