Online Advanced Standing MSW Program

Master of Social Work (Advanced Standing)

Offered By: College of Humanities and Social Sciences

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.

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.

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. 

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Embrace Your Faith

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.

GCU student interacting with child in outside envitonment
TOTAL CREDITS & COURSE LENGTH:
Total Credits: 33
Online: 8 weeks
[More Info]
TRANSFER CREDITS:
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
TUITION RATE:
Online: $590 per credit
[Tuition, Fees and Financial Aid]

Cost of Attendance

 

Course Topics in the Advanced Standing MSW Program

GCU is committed to providing a quality education. 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, intervene and evaluate individuals, families, groups, organizations and communities

Career Opportunities for Graduates

Social workers are valuable in many different 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

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.

63,800

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

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. 

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.

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. 

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! Except for the 250 hours of required in-person field experience, you can complete GCU’s advanced standing MSW online. 

Support and Engage in Your Community

Learn more about earning your Master of Social Work at GCU

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. 

Course List

Major:
33 credits
Degree Requirements:
33 credits

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.

  • GCU cannot and will not promise job placement, a job, graduate school placement, transfer of GCU program credits to another institution, promotion, salary, or salary increase. Please see the Career Services Policy in the University Policy Handbook.
  • 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

Locations

GCU Online Student


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.

GCU Evening Student


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.