Online Advanced Standing MSW
Apply your knowledge from your Bachelor of Social Work degree toward Grand Canyon University’s Master of Social Work (Advance Standing) degree and graduate more quickly. In this Advanced Standing master’s degree, you will gain specialized skills and knowledge in the areas surrounding social work theory, practice and social work ethics.
As a graduate of this advance standing MSW program, you will be equipped to work effectively with individuals, families, groups, organizations and communities on various social and behavioral health issues.
Help Improve Lives in Your Community With GCU's Advanced Standing MSW Program
Advance standing MSW students will be prepared to actively engage in social justice issues affecting each system level, employing evidence-based practice strategies and interventions through this advanced generalist specialization. As a graduate of a Bachelor of Social Work CSWE accredited program, you already have knowledge to help others. Earning a MSW degree can strengthen your skill set and provide additional tools for helping improve the lives of others.
What Can You Do With an Advanced Standing MSW?
Social workers are valuable in many different settings, providing a wide variety of career paths. Graduates of a MSW 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. You may choose to specialize in various areas such as gerontology, criminal justice or healthcare.
Alternatively, you can pursue a career as a clinical licensed social worker or therapist. This role requires certification as a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) and includes post graduate supervised practice. The requirements for licensure are set by the state. Be sure to check your state’s requirements as you work toward this goal.
The GCU Difference
GCU’s online Advance Standing MSW program adheres to the social work standards and competencies established by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE). GCU is committed to providing a quality education taught by seasoned professors. The content of the program is designed to provide a competitive edge in the workforce, focusing 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
- Engaging with individuals, families, groups, organizations and communities
- Assessing individuals, families, groups, organizations and communities
- Intervening with individuals, families, groups, organizations and communities
- Evaluating practice with individuals, families, groups, organizations and communities
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.
Advanced Standing MSW FAQs
View our frequently asked questions for this online advance standing MSW program.
An advance standing MSW program is designed for students who have already completed a CSWE-accredited bachelor’s degree in social work. This former knowledge allows the MSW advance standing courses to bypass the introductory lessons, creating a shorter and more in-depth program.
GCU’s online advanced standing MSW degree is 33 credits. Students may take the courses at their own pace or enroll in back-to-back courses.
Yes! You can earn a MSW online. GCU's Master of Social Work (Advance Standing) is available fully online.
Core Courses
Course Description
This course is designed as an orientation for the graduate learning experience at Grand Canyon University for the Advanced Standing Master of Social Work students. There is an emphasis on developing and strengthening skills for success as a graduate student of social work. Students explore career interests, internship goals, necessary steps for licensure following graduation, and utilization of the tools for graduate success.
Course Description
This course helps students to understand and analyze common classification systems and nomenclature used by practitioners to communicate, predict, and plan interventions for individuals with serious mental disorders. The course also helps students understand diagnosis in the context of a social work and person-first perspective. Prerequisites: SWK-516, SWK-525, and SWK-541 or BSW degree from a CSWE-accredited program.
Course Description
This course is based on client advocacy as an ethical responsibility in the field of social work. This course explores the individual, family, group, community, organizational, and political advocacy efforts and processes that are necessary in influencing social problems and achieving social justice. There is an emphasis on analysis, assessment, development, and application of macro-level advocacy. Prerequisites: SWK-516, SWK-541, and SWK-545 or BSW degree from a CSWE-accredited program.
Course Description
The purpose of this advanced practice course is to build on foundational learning and start to develop advanced skills in working with individuals and families as a complement to ongoing field instruction. The course focuses on specific theories and models for individual and family work and how to effectively implement them. Special attention is given to factors of oppression, understanding diversity individually and in family systems, and outcomes.
Course Description
This course covers advanced clinical social work practice with individuals, dyads, families, and small groups in approved community agencies with professional supervision. Continued integration and application of concepts, cognitive and affective processes, and professional social work skills from concurrent social work courses is practiced. Practicum/field experience hours: 250. Prerequisites: SWK-600 and SWK-601.
Course Description
This course prepares students to combine well-researched assessment and intervention approaches with professional experience and ethics, client preferences, and culture, and to guide and inform the delivery of evidence-based programs, policies, and services at all levels of social work practice.
Course Description
The purpose of this advanced practice course is to build on foundational learning and start to develop advanced skills in working with groups as a complement to ongoing field instruction. This course explores theory and practice of group dynamics with an emphasis on the development of effective group work skills, analysis of processes and interactions, and values and ethics with a multi-social-cultural perspective. Prerequisite: SWK-610.
Course Description
The purpose of this advanced practice course is to build on foundational learning and begin to develop advanced skills when working with organizations and communities. The course focuses on using micro and macro skills to impact both organizations and communities while highlighting the importance of evaluation and ethics. Prerequisites: SWK-516, SWK-525, and SWK-541 or BSW degree from a CSWE-accredited program.
Course Description
This course finalizes the students field placement experience. It provides a culmination of advanced clinical social work practice with individuals, dyads, families, and small groups in approved community agencies with professional supervision. Continued integration and application of concepts, cognitive and affective processes, and professional social work skills from concurrent social work courses is practiced. Practicum/field experience hours: 250. Prerequisite: SWK-621.
Course Description
This course introduces students to the theory and practice of agency- or community-based evaluation and evaluation capacity building. Topics to be explored include standards and guiding principles for evaluation work, evaluation approaches and models, and evaluation methodology basics, as well as the politics and ethics of conducting, using, and communicating research and evaluation findings in applied settings. Prerequisite: SWK-555 or BSW degree from a CSWE-accredited program.
Course Description
This is the final course in the Master of Social Work and Master of Social Work Advanced Standing programs. It requires students to integrate their learning from past courses and apply their knowledge and skills in a final project. Knowledge demonstrated includes assessment, application of theory, practice skills, ethics, and cultural sensitivity. Prerequisite: SWK-635 or SWK-636.
Pursue a next-generation education with an online degree from Grand Canyon University. Earn your degree with convenience and flexibility with online courses that let you study anytime, anywhere.
Grand Canyon University’s evening programs cater to the demands of working professionals who prefer an in-person learning environment. Our night classes meet just once per week and offer the interaction and discussion of a typical college classroom.
* Please note that this list may contain programs and courses not presently offered, as availability may vary depending on class size, enrollment and other contributing factors. If you are interested in a program or course listed herein please first contact your University Counselor for the most current information regarding availability.
* Please refer to the Academic Catalog for more information. Programs or courses subject to change.