Advanced Standing
The Advanced Standing MSW is an accelerated program that allows you to complete your master's degree in only three semesters so you can start making positive change in your community sooner.
For Students with a BSW
Our Advanced Standing program was developed for students who have already proven their commitment to improving vulnerable lives by earning a bachelor’s degree in social work (BSW) from a program accredited by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE).
Coursework
All students are able to choose their course of study (macro or clinical); one of six fields of practice; and over 50 electives. Advanced Standing students can complete up to two certificates.
12-Month and 16-Month Program Options
Advanced Standing MSW students can choose from two accelerated tracks — one that begins in January, and one that begins in May.
General Requirements
To be granted Advanced Standing, you must have finished an undergraduate program accredited by the Council on Social Work Education within five years of enrollment in our program.
Preference will be given to students with GPAs of at least 3.3 during the final two years of Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) study.
As part of your application, one of your three letters of recommendation should be from your BSW program director or advisor, and one should be from your undergraduate field supervisor or current social work supervisor.
Advanced Standing waivers will be considered for the following BCSSW courses: Human Behavior and Social Environment, Rethinking Diversity: Systems of Oppression and Privilege, Basic Skills in Clinical Social Work Practice, Basic Skills in Macro Practice, The Social Welfare System, Research Methods in Social Work Practice, and Field Education I.
The application deadline for both advanced standing programs is January 15. For a complete list of application requirements and to apply, visit MSW Admission & Aid.
Start Date Options
JANUARY
Apply for the January start if:
- You want to complete the program in 16 months.
- You are interested in Clinical or Macro Specialized Practice.
- You will choose one of the following fields of practice:
- Afrocentric Social Work
- Children, Youth, and Families
- Global Practice
- Health
- Mental Health
MAY
Apply for the May start if:
- You want to complete the program in 12 months.
- You are interested in the Clinical Specialized Practice only.
- You will choose one of the following fields of practice:
- Afrocentric Social Work
- Children, Youth, and Families
- Health
- Mental Health
January Start Advanced Standing Curriculum Plan
Starting the program in January allows you to earn your MSW degree in 16 months. You will take courses and have field placements over three semesters. Summer classes are optional to lighten your course load in the fall and spring semesters. This option is available for students interested in Clinical or Macro Specializations.
| FIRST YEAR | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fall | CR | Spring | CR | Summer (optional***) | CR |
SCWK 7722 Psychosocial Pathology (Clinical) OR SCWK 8833 Leadership & Social Transformation (Macro) | 3 | Elective | 3 | ||
SCWK 8855 Clinical Practice with Children & Families: Assessment, Intervention & Evidence-Based Practice (Clinical) OR SCWK 8886 Financial Management and Resource Development (Macro) | 3 | Elective | 3 | ||
| SCWK 8856 Clinical Practice with Adults: Assessment, Intervention & Evidence-Based Practice (Clinical) OR SCWK 8889 Social Innovation (Macro) | 3 | ||||
| SCWK 9932 Field Education II-CSW* OR SCWK 9942 Field Education II-Macro* | 3 | ||||
| SECOND YEAR | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fall | CR | Spring | CR | Summer | CR |
Elective | 3 | SCWK 8841 Program Evaluation | 3 | ||
Advanced Practice Course in Field of Practice | 3 | Advanced Policy Course | 3 | ||
Elective | 3 | Elective | 3 | ||
| Elective (if not taken during summer) | 3 | Elective (if not taken during summer) | 3 | ||
| SCWK 9933 Field Education III-CSW** OR SCWK 9943 Field Education III-Macro** | 4 | SCWK 9934 Field Education IV-CSW** OR SCWK 9944 Field Education IV-Macro** | 4 | ||
*Field placement 2 days per week (16 hours) in first year.
**Field placement 3 days per week (24 hours) in final year.
***Global Practice students should see Global Practice Curriculum Plan.
May Start Advanced Standing Curriculum Plan
Starting the program in May allows you to earn your MSW degree in 12 months. You will take courses and have field placements over three semesters. This option is only available to students interested in the Clinical Specialization.
| FIRST YEAR | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | CR | Fall | CR | Spring | CR |
SCWK 7722 Psychosocial Pathology | 3 | Advanced Practice Course in Field of Practice | 3 | Advanced Policy Course | 3 |
SCWK 8855 Clinical Practice with Children & Families: Assessment, Intervention & Evaluation Research | 3 | Elective | 3 | SCWK 8841 Program Evaluation | 3 |
SCWK 8856 Clinical Practice with Adults: Assessment, Intervention & Evaluation Research | 3 | Elective | 3 | Elective | 3 |
| SCWK 9932 Field Education II-CSW* | 3 | Elective | 3 | Elective | 3 |
| SCWK 9933 Field Education III-CSW** | 4 | SCWK 9934 Field Education IV-CSW** | 4 | ||
*Field placement 3 days per week (24 hours) from June to August.
**Field placement 3 days per week (24 hours) in final year.
Customize Your Graduate Education Experience
“BC has a lot more options for advanced standing than all of the other programs I got into. I just felt like BC had the only program where I would be able to take so many different electives.”
Succeed with Career Services
Our dedicated Career Services staff help you explore promising opportunities, connect with potential employers, polish résumés, and more. Our annual events include a job fair, alumni networking opportunities, and mock interviewing. Even after you graduate, you can participate in the Alumni Mentoring Program connecting young professionals with more seasoned social workers.
“Social work teaches us how to be advocates. We look at things through a holistic lens. We understand how policies are created, how policies affect individuals and communities, and I think that’s why we’re more than capable of holding office.”
Why Boston College School of Social Work?
50+
Electives
47%
Faculty diversity
99%
Employment rate within 1 year of graduation
6
Weeks of average length of job search
Connect with Us
Campus Tours & Virtual Visits
Get to know us on your schedule: Visit our beautiful campus in person, take a virtual tour, or sign up for an admissions webinar. Boston College offers a wealth of resources—from libraries and dining halls to an art museum and 244,000-square-foot fitness center—just six miles from downtown Boston.
Admissions Guidance
The BCSSW Admissions team is available to support students throughout the application process. We are proud to offer scholarships to 100% of our students. Join us for a virtual information session to learn more or connect with a member of the Admissions team for a one-on-one chat.
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Develop your skillset with an MSW degree.