Program Overview

Introduction to the Advanced Standing MSW Program

The Advanced Standing MSW is an accelerated program that allows students to complete their master's degree in only three semesters. This program is designed for students who have already proven their commitment to improving vulnerable lives by earning a bachelor's degree in social work (BSW) from a program accredited by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE).

Program Details

• Start Dates: Advanced Standing MSW students can choose from two accelerated tracks — one that begins in January and one that begins in May.
• Coursework: All students are able to choose their course of study (macro or clinical); one of six fields of practice, and over 50 electives. Advanced Standing students can complete up to two certificates.
• Field Practicum: Our students engage in direct social work practice in public schools, medical centers, government agencies, non-profit organizations, and a wide range of settings in the human services sector.

Admission Requirements

• BSW Requirement: To be granted Advanced Standing, students must have finished an undergraduate program accredited by the Council on Social Work Education within five years of enrollment in our program.
• GPA Preference: Preference will be given to students with GPAs of at least 3.3 during the final two years of Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) study.
• Letters of Recommendation: As part of the application, one of the three letters of recommendation should be from the BSW program director or advisor, and one should be from the undergraduate field supervisor or current social work supervisor.

Curriculum Plans

January Start Advanced Standing Curriculum Plan

Starting the program in January allows students to earn their MSW degree in 16 months. They will take courses and have field placements over three semesters. Summer classes are optional to lighten the course load in the fall and spring semesters. This option is available for students interested in Clinical or Macro Specializations.

May Start Advanced Standing Curriculum Plan

Starting the program in May allows students to earn their MSW degree in 12 months. They will take courses and have field placements over three semesters. This option is only available to students interested in the Clinical Specialization.

Fields of Practice

Within either specialized practice (clinical or macro), students will develop expertise by selecting one of six fields of practice:

• Black Leadership in Social Work
• Children, Youth, and Families
• Global Practice
• Health
• Latinx Communities
• Mental Health

Certificates and Electives

• Certificates: Build additional knowledge and specialized skills by completing an optional certificate. Certificates give students the opportunity to build knowledge in subject-specific areas of social work.
• Electives: Our MSW program consists of 12 required courses and 5 electives. Each semester, there are 50+ electives to choose from, allowing students to customize their curriculum plan, deepen their knowledge, or venture into an area of practice that is new and fascinating.

Career Outcomes

Graduates of the Advanced Standing MSW program have gone on to work in various organizations, including:

• Boston Medical Center
• Catholic Charities of Arkansas
• Catholic Relief Services
• East Boston Neighborhood Health Center
• The Florence Immigrant and Refugee Rights Project
• The Home for Little Wanderers
• Jesuit Refugee Service
• Massachusetts Department of Children and Families
• Massachusetts Department of Public Health
• Massachusetts General Hospital

Support Services

• Advising Center: Access academic guidance, including course selection, certificate information, and tips for maintaining work/life balance.
• Field Education Team: The BCSSW field education team will help students find their perfect match, facilitating connections with agencies.
• Career Services: Through individual appointments, programming, and events, BCSSW Career Services helps students attain their career goals.
• Social Work Library: Enjoy a dedicated space to study and access hundreds of research databases.
• Advisors: Advisors support students throughout the program, ranging from full-time faculty members to active practitioners and leaders in various human services settings.