Advanced Standing Program

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.

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

Length: 4 weeks

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

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.