Online Advanced Standing MSW Program
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Overview

Develop Ethical and Professional Behaviors

At Grand Canyon University you can apply your knowledge from your accredited Bachelor of Social Work degree toward a Master of Social Work (MSW) degree and potentially graduate faster. Students accepted in the advanced standing MSW program are eligible to move straight into the advanced year social work courses. 

In this program, you will gain specialized skills and knowledge in the areas surrounding social work theory, practice and social work ethics. Students are taught to work effectively with individuals, families, groups, organizations and communities on various social and behavioral health issues.

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Why GCU

Earn Your Advanced Standing MSW Online

In this program, you will gain specialized skills and knowledge in the areas surrounding social work theory, practice and social work ethics. Students are taught to work effectively with individuals, families, groups, organizations and communities on various social and behavioral health issues.

GCU also provides a distinct MSW education, integrating Christian worldview and ethics throughout the courses. Graduates will be able to express aspects of the Christian worldview, which affect human value and dignity, ethical decision-making, academic disciplines and vocation. 

Most courses in this program are offered through an online learning platform, so you can complete your degree with some flexibility. You will be taught by knowledgeable faculty and have opportunities to network with peers.

Online Learning
Coursework

Course Topics in the Advanced Standing MSW Program

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GCU is committed to providing a quality education. The master’s program requires 250 hours of in-person field experience in which you will apply your skills in approved community agencies under the supervision of a social work professional.

The content is focused on pivotal areas including: 

Ethical and professional behavior

Diversity and difference in practice

Human rights and social, economic and environmental justice

Practice-informed research and research-informed practice

Policy practice

Engage, assess and evaluate individuals, families, groups, organizations and communities

Careers

Career Opportunities for Graduates

Social workers are valuable in many settings, providing a wide variety of career paths. Graduates of our program may choose to become a social worker at schools or within healthcare organizations. Social workers can also choose to work with families or individuals and specialize in various areas such as gerontology, criminal justice or healthcare.

Positions you may pursue with an MSW advanced standing degree are:

Social and community service manager

Marriage and family therapist

Counselor

Mental health and substance abuse social worker

Postsecondary social work educator

63,800

Estimated number of job openings for social workers from 2022 to 20321

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Clinical Licensed Social Worker

Alternatively, you can pursue a career as a clinical licensed social worker or therapist. This role requires certification as a licensed clinical social worker and includes postgraduate supervised practice. The requirements for licensure are set by the state. Be sure to check your state’s requirements as you work toward this career goal. 

Accreditation

Graduate With an MSW From an Accredited University

As with the Bachelor of Social Work program, the MSW program is accredited by the Council on Social Work Education Commission on Accreditation (CSWE). In addition, GCU is institutionally accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.

FAQ

Advanced Standing MSW Program FAQs 

Check out our frequently asked questions and find answers to help you understand the program's structure, qualifications and time to completion.

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Support and Engage in Your Community

Learn more about earning your Master of Social Work at GCU.

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  1. COVID-19 has adversely affected the global economy and data from 2020 to 2022 may be atypical compared to prior years. Accordingly, data shown is effective September 2022, which can be found here: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Outlook Handbook, Social Workers, retrieved on July 26, 2024. 

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