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Advanced Standing MSW
Go from BSW to MSW

Advance from BSW to MSW by enrolling in our Advanced Standing MSW program. Reach the next level of social work education in as few as 12 months (1 year).

Program Length

12 Mo.

Credits

36

Format

Online

Accredited1

CSWE
calendar

NEXT START September 3rd

Waived Enrollment Fee

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Go from BSW to MSW through our CSWE-accredited advanced standing MSW program

AccreditationCSWE accredited;1 Accredited by the Higher Learning Commission
EligibilityBachelor of Social Work (BSW) degree required
Format100% online classes delivered asynchronously; synchronous sessions offered weekly in each course allow you to discuss the material with professors
Field practicumWe can assist students in finding a practicum site, as well as allow paid and employment-based practicums  
FacultyLearn from experienced professionals: all professors are Licensed Clinical Social Workers
Areas of practiceChoose electives across 3 areas of practice
QuickPathsTransfer credit, stackable credentials, and adaptive learning technology build a faster pathway to a higher education with Herzing University

Learn More Today!

Classes start: September 3rd

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Satisfaction rate

Over 90%

Satisfaction rate

Our overall student satisfaction rate, according to the 2024 Herzing Graduate Survey.

Master of Social Work (MSW) – Advanced Standing

The Advanced Standing MSW degree program option is a 36-credit online graduate program which prepares you to advance your career in social work. The CSWE-aligned program curriculum1 provides students with advanced knowledge and skills in clinical social work, social justice and advocacy, psychosocial assessment, and more.

Herzing MSW graduate displays diploma with school president

  • Career-focused curriculum

    Discover the crucial knowledge and skills required to succeed in your work and build a foundation for continued career growth.

  • Flexible schedule

    You can take classes during the day or in the evening.  We work hard to help you maintain school-life balance, striving to be as flexible as possible for busy non-traditional students.

  • Virtual services

    Access to extensive virtual services, including academic advising, tutoring, support services, technical support and library services.

  • Lifelong support

    We support your ongoing career advancement by providing comprehensive, personalized student services with lifelong career coaching.

  • Rolling admissions

    No application deadlines to worry about. Apply when you’re ready and prepare to get started soon.

Curriculum

Courses & curriculum details

All didactic, lecture-style courses are delivered online, with 500 total field practicum hours. You can choose electives across three career-focused social work areas of practice: Mental Health, Medical Social Work, and Children, Families, and Aging Services.2

ProgramMonths iSemester Credits
Master of Social Work (MSW) - Advanced Standing12-2436

iAverage number of months for students to complete the program for full-time (12 months) and part-time (24 months) enrollment.

Required Core Courses

All courses, 19.00 semester credit hours, are required.

This course focuses on evidence- based practice theories of intervention with individuals, groups and communities. Systems theory, person in environment, trauma informed theory, crisis theory, grief, human behavior over the lifespan and human diversity are emphasized. 

This course focuses on specific clinical interventions that are evidence based and effective. Effective interventions including trauma informed care/treatment, motivational interviewing, task oriented, cognitive behavioral, EMDR overview, rational emotive therapy, family therapy, interventions will be explored. Students will demonstrate application through case studies and analysis. 

This course focuses on understanding psychopathology, behavioral health assessment, and diagnosis across the lifespan using the DSM-5 TR. Symptoms, risk factors, protective factors and interventions are explored. The process of psychosocial assessment, use of screening tools including: mental status exams, depression and anxiety screening tools, and differential diagnosis are covered. Additional emphasis on trauma, diversity and emphasis on how social work must use empowerment practice with medical model diagnosis as a tool for psychosocial assessment of clients' needs and goals. 

Quantitative and qualitative research methods will be utilized to gain new understanding of social problems. Students will use critical analysis and recommendations for future research based on existing literature. Students will demonstrate the ability to determine outcome/dependent variable and construct a program design and instrumentation to evaluate effective interventions. Methods of program evaluation, data analysis and summary, and qualitative case studies will also be explored. 

This class focuses on advancing human rights and social, economic, and environmental justice and will demonstrate the impact of social policies on desired client outcomes. Students will apply their understanding of social, economic, and environmental justice to advocate for human rights at the individual and system levels. Students will gain a deeper understanding of social work role in advocating for policy changes in their specialization areas, in addition to understanding political processes related to access and program funding and increase access to services and resources. TANF, SSI, Medicaid, Medicare, private insurance coverage, telehealth policies, confidentiality and privacy issues related to mental healthcare are some of the major topics this course will cover.

This course enhances the student's experience in their specialized field practicum and offers additional guidance on the integration of the NASW Code of Ethics into direct work with clients, policies that influence practice in the field agencies, and social work clinical interventions. The role of MSW supervision and preparation for professional practice, cultural humility, self-care and reflective practice will all be emphasized. Integrating knowledge, values, and skills from the curriculum with the field experience is a key focus. Students will use journals, case presentations, process recordings, and presentations to demonstrate the integration of the knowledge, values, skills, cognitive and affective processes.

This course is the final capstone seminar course where students integrate evidence-based practice, theories, the NASW Code of Ethics, policies that influence practice in the field agencies and specialized social work interventions. Integrating knowledge, values, and skills from the curriculum with the field experience is a key focus. The role of MSW supervision and preparation for independent practice, cultural humility, self-care, reflective practice, professional networking and membership, and licensure will all be explored. Students will create a digital portfolio with evidence to support their demonstration of each of the 9 competencies in their specialization areas.

Required Project Residency Core Courses

All courses, 8.00 semester credit hours, are required.

This is the first of two courses in the advanced field practicum experience where students will practice all 9 Council on Social Work Education competencies through 250 field education hours of direct work with clients under the supervision of an approved field MSW field instructor. Students integrate the knowledge, values, skills, cognitive and affective processes learned through their specialization coursework into their direct practice with clients in an organization their communities. Students will work in conjunction with their field instructor and program faculty to create a specific learning plan with practice behaviors and learning activities that allow the student to demonstrate proficiency in all 9 Council on Social Work Education competencies. Student progress will be monitored throughout the semester, with formal evaluation at midterm and at the end of the semester.

This is the final field experience course where students demonstrate proficiency of all 9 competencies through 250 field education hours of direct work with clients within an organization in their specialization areas. The student will continue to be supervised by a master's level clinical social worker and will demonstrate proficiency of each of the 9 competencies and specialized practice behaviors through working on specific tasks in their learning plan. Students will work in conjunction with their field instructor and program faculty to create a specific learning plan with practice behaviors and learning tasks that allow the student to master all 9 competencies. This course is the culmination of the advanced clinical coursework including theory, research, policy, specialization knowledge, values and skills and professional clinical practice.

Required Area of Practice Elective Courses

9.00 Semester credit hours are required. Students should select three courses from the list below to learn more about areas of social work practice. Course availability depends on enrollment. 

This course focuses on social work practice in medical settings with clients and their families who are experiencing significant health challenges across the lifespan. Medical terminology, roles, organizations, case management, theories of intervention and resource development are explored. Healthcare policies across the lifespan including Medicaid and Medicare. The role of social work in prevention framework and client health education, bereavement, grief therapy, and end of life care will be covered. Public health and community policies are explored. Private healthcare, nursing homes, hospice, managed care policies and impact on services also are covered. 

This course focuses on a wide range of substance use and other addictive disorders and interventions. The impact of substance use, interventions and relapse prevention strategies are a focus. Evidence based interventions such as current treatments for substance use disorders and addictive behaviors including therapy and medication treatment are explored. 

Course description: this course focuses on evidence- based trauma effective trauma interventions for people throughout their lifetime. Examination of the efficacy of various therapies, policies and practices through a trauma informed lens. 

The role of clinical social work services within the mental health systems will be explored. A variety of topics including access to services, case management, direct intervention strategies, and interprofessional collaboration will be covered. Students will learn how mental health policy impacts their clinical social work with clients. This class will also cover access to services including Medicaid, Medicare, private insurance coverage, telehealth resources, confidentiality and privacy issues related to mental and behavioral health. 

This class covers aspects of aging both in place and in supportive care settings. The impact of social policy and social work advocacy will be addressed. Topics covered will include Medicare, Medicaid, end of life polices, advanced directives, power of attorney, nursing home equity, home health access, hospice services, social security, and disability insurance.  students will gain advanced knowledge of evidence-based clinical practices in working with clients in later adulthood.  In addition, MSW clinical social work students will be able to apply appropriate types of biopsychosocial, spiritual and cultural factors to understand best practice methods to promote client engagement.

This course covers theory and strategies of family therapy and interventions. Diversity in family constellations, family life stages, communication, relationships, divorce, mediation, adoption, and multigenerational families are topics covered. Students will learn strategies in family engagement, assessment, interventions and evaluation. 

This course focuses on community health strategies, and efforts of prevention, interventions and improving physical and mental wellbeing. Topics also include reducing social isolation, policy efforts and community engagement. 

This course explores the child welfare system, policies, and programs to provide protection for children and families. Topics include foster care, permanency planning, adoption policies and laws, mandated reporting, abuse prevention. This course also covers the juvenile justice and family court systems. Emphasis on the role of risk and protective factors related to desired clients' outcomes will be emphasized.
Accreditation

Choose a CSWE-accredited MSW program

Our MSW program has undergone the rigorous evaluation process required to earn full accreditation from the Council of Social Work Education (CSWE).✝

CSWE accreditation proves excellence in social work education meeting the highest professional standards—and reflects the dedication of faculty, field instructors, and program leadership. 

Herzing University devotes this dedication to every student enrolled in the MSW program. Choose the Herzing MSW program and join a passionate team of lifelong learners eager to help you find career success as a social worker.

Choosing the right area of practice electives

When you enroll in the Herzing MSW program, you will choose elective courses across three different areas of practice:

Mental Health

Develop an understanding of mental health assessment, diagnosis and intervention. Learn theories of human behavior, trauma, and diversity—and how to apply this knowledge to mental health provision and wellbeing.

Discover interventions, policies and laws related to mental health systems and become familiar with the service delivery structure of public and private mental health facilities.

Medical Social Work

Build an understanding of medical diagnoses in the context of a person-in-environment model. Study social work intervention strategies including crisis intervention, biopsychosocial assessment, and trauma-informed clinical approaches used in medical and addiction settings.

Immerse yourself in courses focusing on how you can utilize evidence-based social work research in clinical practice and in medical settings.

Children, Families, and Aging Services

Become an advocate for vulnerable children, families, and elderly clients in need of assistance. Build your understanding of social problems and their impact on individuals, families, and their communities across all age groups.

This area of practice explores interventions within the delivery structure of social services and how you can become a key facilitator of protective services for pediatric and gerontological clients.

Unsure which electives to choose? Our admissions team can help you determine what courses are right for you based on your personality and desired career path.

Field Practicums

Your field education experience

You can put didactic coursework into practice in the clinical practicum component of the MSW Advanced Standing program option. This represents hands-on experience that’s crucial to prepare you for career success right from the start. 

You’ll be required to complete two 250-hour Field Practicum courses within the area of practice of your choosing (500 total hours across two semesters).  

Where you complete each practicum can vary widely based on your location and area of practice you choose. We encourage you to choose your preferred Field Agency, but our Director of Field Education will provide support should you need help securing practicum sites. 

Examples of potential field practicum sites include community agencies, counseling centers, criminal justice organizations, hospitals, mental health facilities, and schools.

 

Learn about field education

Tuition & Cost 

Tuition & Cost

The cost of tuition for the Advanced Standing MSW program is $625 per credit.

You can potentially earn even greater savings by transferring credit from prior college coursework, applying for financial aid, or potential partnership opportunities through your employer.

Our goal is your career advancement. That's why we are always working to improve our curriculum and processes to make our program as affordable as possible while preparing you best for success in your work.

  • Scholarships & Financial Aid

    You may be eligible for multiple scholarships and grants, both through Herzing University and several national scholarship websites.

    Find scholarships and grants  

  • Military/Veteran Discounts

    Veterans, Active Duty U.S. Servicemembers, and spouses may qualify for a 10-20% tuition discount.

    VA/Military benefits  

Requirements

Admission Requirements

Candidates for the Master of Social Work (MSW) – Advanced Standing track must meet several prerequisites for acceptance, including the following: 

  • Cumulative GPA of 2.75
  • Prospective graduate students must have completed a bachelor’s or graduate degree in social work from a college or university accredited by an agency recognized by the U.S. Department of Education or have completed a three- or four-year bachelor’s degree at a foreign college or university recognized as equivalent to a U.S. bachelor’s degree by an approved foreign credential evaluator; within 7 years of the date their BSW was conferred, OR, have a BSW license in good standing
  • Transcript—BSW from a CSWE accredited program
  • A personal statement addressing MSW prompts—contact admissions for details
  • Optional Recommendations for both traditional and advanced standing MSW tracks: students may choose to submit recommendations to be considered with their application but are not required

Alabama, Alaska, Arizona, Arkansas, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, District of Columbia, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, North Carolina, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Vermont, Washington, West Virginia, Wisconsin, Wyoming, and the Virgin Islands.

Herzing Faculty

Meet our Faculty & Leadership

Elizabeth Wilson - PhD, MSW, LCSW
View Bio

Elizabeth Wilson - PhD, MSW, LCSW

Program Chair
Master of Social Work

Nicki Schoonover - MSW, LCSW
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Nicki Schoonover - MSW, LCSW

Director of Field Education

Dr. Hyacinth McKee DBH, LCSW-BACS, ACSW
View Bio

Dr. Hyacinth McKee DBH, LCSW-BACS, ACSW

Professor

KaRon Spriggs-Bethea, DSW, MSW, LCSW
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KaRon Spriggs-Bethea, DSW, MSW, LCSW

Professor

Phi Alpha Honor Society

Herzing University established the Delta Kappa Sigma Chapter of Phi Alpha International Honor Society in 2024 with Dr. Hyacinth McKee as the Faculty Advisor. Membership in this chapter represents the highest honor a student can receive in our social work program. Members enjoy several benefits, including:

  • Your academic excellence is recognized. Phi Alpha honors high-achieving students (3.5+ GPA), rewarding those who go above and beyond and establish themselves as eager lifelong learners.
  • Engage with the community. Make your impact outside of the classroom with access to organized volunteer work and community events. Get involved with service, advocacy, and awareness initiatives.
  • Networking and career opportunities. Earn access to a large network of social work professionals, alumni, and other students. Become an active participant in the social work community and expand your career possibilities. 

Membership in Phi Alpha rewards your academic success and accelerates your path to career success well before you are set to graduate with an MSW.

Phi Alpha Honor Society Logo
Career

What you can do with a master’s in social work

While the field of social work has evolved to become more diverse and specialized, core master’s degree courses prepare you for a wide variety of job possibilities.

Choose the area of practice electives best reflecting the social work career path you want to walk.

Job titles can vary widely with overlap across each area of practice.3

  • Behavioral Health Therapist
  • Mental Health Social Worker
  • Psychiatric Social Worker
  • Psychosocial Coordinator
  • Residential Therapist
  • Substance Use Disorder Clinician
  • Suicide Prevention Specialist
  • Therapist
  • Victim Advocate

  • Home Health & Hospice Social Worker
  • Hospice Social Worker
  • Medical Social Worker
  • Oncology Social Worker
  • Residential Treatment Coordinator
  • Social Work Case Manager

  • Adoption Social Worker
  • Adult Protective Services Worker
  • Child Protective Services Supervisor (CPS Social Worker)
  • Domestic Violence Advocate
  • Family Protection Specialist
  • Family Resource Coordinator
  • Family Service Worker
  • Foster Care Social Worker
  • Gerontology Social Worker
  • Pediatric Social Worker
  • School Social Worker
  • Veteran Affairs (VA) Social Worker
  • Youth Specialist

Job Outlook

7%
Projected employment growth, 2022-2032, Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS)*

Employment of social workers is expected to increase across all specialties, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.

Among available BLS occupational groupings, employment of mental health and substance abuse social workers is expected to rise the fastest (11% growth).

Accreditation & Recognition

Our accredited & recognized online school

We strive to earn rank as one of the top private, nonprofit universities in the United States. Just as you work every day to become the best version of yourself, so do we as a university.

We are proud to have attained institutional and programmatic accreditation in addition to industry recognition for our accomplishments helping students earn a college education and find career success.

  • CSWE Council on Social Work Education

    ✝Herzing University's Master of Social Work (MSW) program is accredited by the Council on Social Work Education’s (CSWE) Board of Accreditation (BOA). Accreditation of a baccalaureate or master’s social work program by the BOA indicates that it meets or exceeds standards of program quality evaluated through a peer review accreditation process. An accredited program has sufficient resources to meet its mission and goals and the BOA has verified that it demonstrates compliance with all sections of the Educational Policy and Accreditation Standards (EPAS). Accreditation applies to all program options, which includes locations and delivery methods. Accreditation provides reasonable assurance about the quality of the program and the competence of students graduating from the program. Review our program’s accredited status in CSWE’s Directory of Accredited Programs. For more information about social work accreditation, contact CSWE’s Department of Social Work Accreditation.

  • Herzing University is institutionally accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (hlcommission.org), a regional accreditation agency recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.

    View all Herzing University Accreditations and Approvals.

Faq

Frequently Asked Questions

Didn't find the answer to your question? Send us an inquiry and we will be happy to answer all your questions!

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The skills and traits required for success as a social worker overlap with those of a human resources manager or professional. Both careers require strong communication skills, empathy, and a desire to help both individuals and groups thrive.

However, there are significant differences in the day-to-day life of HR professionals vs. social workers, including work environment, schedule, who you’ll work with, and types of problems you’ll be solving.

Learn more about the difference between human resources and social work careers.

According to the CSWE’s most recent Educational Policy and Accreditation Standards, the 9 Social Work Competencies are listed as such: 

  1. Demonstrate Ethical and Professional Behavior 
  2. Advance Human Rights and Social, Racial, Economic, and Environmental Justice
  3. Engage Anti-Racism, Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (ADEI) in Practice
  4. Engage in Practice-Informed Research and Research-Informed Practice
  5. Engage in Policy Practice
  6. Engage with Individuals, Families, Groups, Organizations, and Communities
  7. Assess Individuals, Families, Groups, Organizations and Communities
  8. Intervene with Individuals, Families, Groups, Organizations, and Communities
  9. Evaluate Practice with Individuals, Families, Groups, Organizations, and Communities

Learn more about the most important skills needed to succeed as a social worker.

The average salary for a social worker depends on several factors, including where they work, the state in which they practice, how long they have practiced, and chosen specialization.  

The Bureau of Labor Statistics provides average salary estimates for three different types of social workers:* 

Social workers provide assistance to individuals, families and communities to address problems in their everyday lives. They can work in a “macro” role directly coordinating with organizations or policymakers, or a “micro” role focusing on individuals and their families. 

The social work job description varies—social workers can have a wide variety of duties: 

  • Find those in need of help 
  • Work with people in all stages of life from birth to end of life 
  • Assess their situation: what they need, who supports them, what their goals are and develop interventions and strategies to help 
  • Collaborate with community resources to offer a network of care and refer clients accordingly 
  • Diagnose and treat mental, behavioral, and emotional health problems 
  • Maintain clear case files and records 
  • Raise awareness and advocate for solutions at the local, state, or even national level 
  • Navigate crisis situations, such as child abuse, family and community violence, or health emergencies 

Yes, you can potentially leverage your education and experience in nursing into a career as a social worker. You may choose to stay in the healthcare field as a medical social worker.

You'll want to consider a Master of Social Work degree program to earn the new skills in knowledge to succeed in the field and position yourself best when applying for jobs.

Learn more about the RN to social work pathway and discover some of the primary differences between each career path.

Educational and licensing requirements can vary by state and employer across both jobs. The disciplines are distinct enough to demand separate master’s degree curriculums.

The primary difference between clinical social workers and mental health counselors is the scope of their duties and the education required to perform them. Generally, counselors focus solely on mental health issues, while clinical social workers carry a wide variety of responsibilities including and beyond mental health care.

Becoming a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) includes more involvement in managing your clients’ support network and larger community. While clinical social workers can potentially adopt a direct, active role in diagnosing and treating mental health issues, it’s not the sole purpose of the profession as it is for mental health counselors.

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Disclosures

Accreditation & Disclosures

1. Herzing University's Master of Social Work (MSW) program is accredited by the Council on Social Work Education’s (CSWE) Board of Accreditation (BOA). Accreditation of a baccalaureate or master’s social work program by the BOA indicates that it meets or exceeds standards of program quality evaluated through a peer review accreditation process. An accredited program has sufficient resources to meet its mission and goals and the BOA has verified that it demonstrates compliance with all sections of the Educational Policy and Accreditation Standards (EPAS).  Accreditation applies to all program options, which includes locations and delivery methods.  

Accreditation provides reasonable assurance about the quality of the program and the competence of students graduating from the program. Review our program’s accredited status in CSWE’s Directory of Accredited Programs. For more information about social work accreditation, contact CSWE’s Department of Social Work Accreditation.

2. The Bureau of Labor Statistics identifies three specialties projected to grow at an above average rate from 2023-2033: Mental health and substance abuse social workers (12%), Healthcare social workers (10%), and Child, family, and school social workers (5%).*

3. Individuals considering the Master of Social Work program should be aware that state certification/ licensure requirements and eligibility to apply for certification/licensure vary from state to state. While certification/licensure is not a requirement for certain types of jobs, in some states, it may be required for any positions titled ‘Social Worker’ and to refer to yourself as a Social Worker in professional settings.

* BLS pay estimates calculate the median annual wage for various occupations. Per the BLS the median wage for an occupation is: "The wage at which half of the workers in the occupation earned more than that amount, and half earned less. Median wage data are from the BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics survey." Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook 2024. BLS median wage estimates do not represent entry-level wages and/or salaries. Multiple factors, including prior experience, age, geographic market in which you want to work, and degree level and field, will affect career outcomes, including starting salary and earnings as an experienced employee. Herzing neither represents that its graduates will earn the median salaries calculated by BLS for a particular job nor guarantees that graduation from its program will result in a job, promotion, particular wage or salary, or other career growth.

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Classes Start: September 3rd

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Discover the educational pathway designed to maximize your career potential. Reach for greater heights with Herzing University.

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