Online MSW Advanced Standing Program
At Grand Canyon University (GCU), you can apply your knowledge from your accredited Bachelor of Social Work degree toward a Master of Social Work (Advanced Standing) degree (MSW) and graduate faster. Students accepted in the advanced standing MSW program are eligible to move straight into the advanced year social work courses.
In this advanced standing Master of Social Work, you will gain specialized skills and knowledge in the areas surrounding social work theory, practice and social work ethics. Graduates of this advanced standing MSW program are 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
As an MSW advanced standing student, you 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 accredited program, you already have knowledge in helping others. Earning an MSW advanced standing degree can strengthen your skill set and provide additional tools for helping improve the lives of others.
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Course Topics in GCU’s MSW Advanced Standing Program
As with the Bachelor of Social Work program, GCU’s advance standing MSW online and evening 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 knowledgeable faculty. 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.
Career Opportunities for Advanced Standing Master of Social Work (MSW) Graduates
Social workers are valuable in many different settings, providing a wide variety of career paths. Graduates of an advanced standing MSW online 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
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 career goal.
Advanced Standing MSW Program 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. These learned competencies allow the MSW advanced standing program students to move directly into the advanced year, creating a shorter and more in-depth program.
To be considered for GCU’s advanced standing MSW online program, you must hold a Bachelor of Social Work from a CSWE-accredited program and meet specific GPA requirements.
GCU’s online advanced standing MSW degree requires 33 credits to completion. Students may take the courses at their own pace or enroll in back-to-back courses. The program also requires 250 hours of supervised in-person field experience.
Yes! With the exception of the 250 hours of required in-person field experience, you can complete GCU’s advanced standing MSW online or through evening classes on campus.
1 COVID-19 has adversely affected the global economy and data from 2020 and 2021 may be atypical compared to prior years. The pandemic may impact the predicted future workforce outcomes indicated by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics as well. 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 Jan. 17, 2023.
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 prepares students with the practical skills essential for identifying and understanding various mental health conditions. The course utilizes the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM) criteria, enabling students to identify and determine the nature of the disorders by their signs and symptoms, recognizing how cultural factors influence interpretation of symptoms. Prerequisite: SWK-555 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. Prerequisite: SWK-600.
Course Description
This advanced practice course builds on students' foundational knowledge in working with individuals and families. The course focuses on specific theories and models for individual and family treatment planning, and interventions fostering an inclusive and equitable approach that promotes effective and culturally competent mental health care. Prerequisite: SWK-601.
Course Description
This course covers advanced social work practice with individuals, families, groups, communities and organizations 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. Co-Requisites: SWK-610 and SWK-625.
Course Description
This course prepares students to understand and utilize evidenced-based practices at the micro, mezzo and macro levels. Students engage in process, tools and intervention of evidence-based models. Students practice ethical and culturally informed delivery of evidence-based programs, policies, and services at all levels of social work practice. Prerequisite: SWK-620 or SWK-621.
Course Description
The purpose of this advanced practice course is to build on foundational learning and develop skills in working with groups. 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-625.
Course Description
The purpose of this advanced practice course is to build on foundational learning and develop 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. Prerequisite: SWK-640.
Course Description
This course covers advanced social work practice with individuals, families, groups, communities and organizations 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. Co-Requisites: SWK-640 and SWK-641.
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. as Political and ethical influences of conducting, using, and communicating research and evaluation findings in applied settings are discussed. Prerequisite: SWK-635 or SWK-636.
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 prior courses and apply their knowledge and skills in a final Capstone project. Knowledge demonstrated includes assessment, application of theory, practice skills, ethics, and cultural sensitivity. Prerequisite: SWK-645.
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.
* 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.