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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.
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.
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.
Check out our frequently asked questions and find answers to help you understand the program's structure, qualifications and time to completion.
An advanced 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 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.
Yes! Except for the 250 hours of required in-person field experience, you can complete GCU’s advanced standing MSW online.
Original institution needs to be accredited Evaluated on a course-by-course basis 12 credit maximum Internship/Field Placement Hours/Course are not transferable Courses must have been taken within 5 years No credits accepted at less than a B
Credits: Fill out the Lopes Eval to find out what will transfer
Admission Requirements (Master's)
OR 2.5+ Unweighted GPA and
Admission requirements may differ based on degree level, program and modality, or transfer status. Some programs of study may require a higher GPA and/or other qualifying criteria for admission. Please review full admission and program requirements in the University Policy Handbook.
* Degree must be from an accredited college or program that has been approved by GCU.
** Combined verbal/quantitative, after August 2011 (1,000 combined verbal and quantitative, prior to August 2011).
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.
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.
Learn more about earning your Master of Social Work at GCU.
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
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
Estimated number of job openings for social workers from 2022 to 20321
