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MSW–Advanced Standing
Master of Social Work
As a skilled social work professional, you can help people navigate life’s challenges and find a path to well-being. The CSWE-accredited master of social work (MSW)–advanced standing specialization from Capella can build your expertise toward an advanced generalist practice. The curriculum is designed to help you develop critical skills and knowledge and prepare for your state’s initial social work license.
In addition to being accredited by the CSWE, this program is aligned to national standards and designed around advanced generalist practice licensing standards. Apply the skills and knowledge you gained from earning a CSWE-accredited bachelor’s degree in social work, and take the next step forward.
If you don’t have a CSWE-accredited BSW, our MSW program may be a better fit for you.
Classes start April 10
Use the code WINTER to waive the $50 application fee.
At a glance
- Online & in-person
- 8 Core courses
- 2 Elective courses
- 3 Practicum/internship
- CSWE accredited
- Mission-focused curriculum
Reduce your tuition by $2,500
Enroll in a qualified program and apply for a $2.5K Capella Progress Reward, a scholarship to help fund your master’s degree. Eligibility rules and exclusions apply. Connect with us for details.
Explore social work courses
- This degree requires a total of 52 program credits
- You’ll need to complete eight core courses, two elective courses and three practicum courses/internships
| SWK5003 * |
Human Behavior and the Social Environment 1
The focus of this course is on the systems approach used to analyze the impact of various social forces on individual and family dynamics. Throughout the course, learners employ theory, social work best practices, and research findings to understand and assess the functioning of individuals and families in their social environments. For MSW and MSW—Advanced Standing learners only. Prerequisite(s): SWK5001, completion of or concurrent registration in SWK5002. Cannot be fulfilled by transfer except by coursework from a CSWE-accredited program. |
4 quarter credits |
|---|---|---|
| SWK5013 * |
Mental Health Practice and Advanced Interventions: Theory and Practice
This course prepares learners for advanced mental health best practice. Learners use multiple theoretical frameworks and technology to engage, assess, intervene, and evaluate individuals, families, groups, organizations, and communities within the mental health field. For MSW and MSW—Advanced Standing learners only. Prerequisite(s): SWK5007; completion of or concurrent registration in SWK5008. Learners in the MSW—Advanced Standing degree program are exempt from these prerequisites. Cannot be fulfilled by transfer except by coursework from a CSWE-accredited program. |
4 quarter credits |
| SWK5016 * |
Integrative Technology in Advanced Social Work Practice
This course is an introduction to transformative and innovative methods of client interviewing, follow up, documentation, evaluation, professional development, and communication through the use of technology, with particular emphasis on 21st-century social work practice skills used to serve diverse clients. Learners engage in interactive roleplay activities and create a technology-based initiative that promotes social justice and best practices. For MSW and MSW—Advanced Standing learners only. Prerequisite(s): Completion of or concurrent registration in SWK5015. Cannot be fulfilled by transfer. |
4 quarter credits |
| SWK5017 * |
Clinical Supervision and Leadership in Social Work Practice
This course is an introduction to leadership theories and skills, ethical decision-making, self-care efficacy, strategic planning, and administrative roles in social work organizations. Throughout the course, learners investigate technology integration; administrative, educational, and supportive supervision; supervision procedures; conduct of supervision; and legal and regulatory guidelines. For MSW and MSW—Advanced Standing learners only. Prerequisite(s): Completion of or concurrent registration in SWK5016. Cannot be fulfilled by transfer except by coursework from a CSWE-accredited program. |
4 quarter credits |
| SWK5018 * |
Systems Analysis of Social Work Practice: Theories, Skills, Values, and Professional Practice
This course provides a synthesis of all social work practice systems. Learners apply critical-thinking skills as they delve into the identification of social work values and ethics; the assessment of professional behaviors and skills; the engagement of cultural competence; the integration of research, knowledge, human behavior, and theory; and the application and analysis of social work best practice, social justice, policy, technology, and leadership. For MSW and MSW—Advanced Standing learners only. Prerequisite(s): Completion of or concurrent registration in SWK5528. Cannot be fulfilled by transfer. |
4 quarter credits |
*Course has prerequisite(s). See catalog for details.
What you'll learn
The Master of Social Work (MSW) specialization builds a theoretical and practical foundation for professional advancement in the field of social work. The curriculum is designed to equip you with a comprehensive understanding of the field, based on Educational Policy and Accreditation Standards from the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE). Upon successful completion of MSW foundational courses, you’ll focus your expertise by choosing electives in the areas of clinical practice, leadership and supervision, or human services.
On successful completion of this program, you should be able to:
- Identify and conduct yourself as a professional social worker
- Apply social work ethical principles to guide professional practice
- Apply critical thinking to inform and communicate professional judgments
- Engage diversity and difference in practice
- Advance human rights, social justice, and economic justice
- Apply knowledge of human behavior and the social environment
- Engage in policy practice to deliver effective social work services and advance the socioeconomic well-being of clients
- Respond to contexts that shape current practice
- Engage, assess, intervene, and evaluate diverse individuals, families, groups, organizations, and communities
- Engage in both research-informed practice and practice-informed research
Review the Capella career exploration guide to learn more about this program and career paths to explore.
Master of Social Work mission
The mission of Capella University’s Master of Social Work program fits with the purpose of social work, which is to promote human and community well-being. Through strengths-based and ecological perspectives, learners are trained to identify strengths and challenges by assessing the person-in-the-environment construct to build individual, family, and community resiliency.
Guided by the profession’s ethics and values, advanced generalist practitioners commit to respecting difference, promoting human and social well-being, and advocating for the social, economic, an environmental justice of individuals, families, groups, organizations, and communities.
Finally, 21st-century advanced generalist practitioners fulfill their work using traditional and emerging interventions, including the incorporation of new technologies to enhance the quality of life for all persons.
How much does the MSW – Advanced Standing cost?
The total cost of your degree will depend on academic performance, transfer credits, scholarships and other factors. See GuidedPath cost information below.
A structured learning format with an active peer community and faculty guidance. We’ll set the schedule, you meet the deadlines.
- Based on the quarter system; 1–3 courses per 10-week quarter
- 1 semester credit = 1.5 quarter credits
- Weekly assignments and courseroom discussions
- Pay for what you take, price varies by courseload or term
$21,200–$27,030*
MAX TRANSFER CREDITS–AVERAGE TRANSFER CREDITS
$530 per credit, 52 total quarter credits, 12 max transfer credits
8 max non-CSWE accredited transfer credits, 4 CSWE accredited MSW credits.
*This is only an estimate, using general program pricing, and it does not include fees (including application and resource kit fees). Your price may be higher or lower depending on your specialization, transfer credits, and tuition discounts. If transfer credits are allowed in this offering, the prices above show what you would pay if you brought in the average number of transfer credits and the price if you brought in the maximum allowed transfer credits.
Questions about cost?
Contact an enrollment counselor.
*Alumni Outcomes Survey, 2021–2022
Are there scholarships available for master's degrees?
Your education is an investment in your future. There are more ways to save than you might think.
Capella is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
Capella University’s Master of Social Work programs are accredited by the Council on Social Work Education’s Commission on Accreditation. For information about social work accreditation, visit: https://www.cswe.org/.
Accreditation and recognitions provide evidence that we meet standards for quality of faculty, curriculum, learner services, and fiscal stability.
See all our accreditations and recognitions.
Preparing for licensure
It is important to understand all educational and individual requirements for licensing. Capella University cannot guarantee licensure, certification, or endorsement. State regulations vary regarding professional licensure. It is your responsibility to understand and comply with requirements for your state.
What are the MSW admission requirements?
Admission requirements
Applicants to the MSW–Advanced Standing degree program must provide the following information for admission:
- A conferred bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited institution; admission to the MSW–Advanced Standing degree program also requires a bachelor’s degree in social work from a CSWE-accredited program
- Your official bachelor’s transcripts, with grade point average of 3.0 or higher on a 4.0 scale.
- 2 letters of recommendation completed by professionals who can assess your aptitude for graduate education in social work
- A three-page essay
- A signed Acknowledgement Agreement
- Your résumé or curriculum vitae (CV)
- A valid, government-issued form of photo identification
- A $50 nonrefundable application fee, required at the time of application, to cover transcript requests, transcript evaluation, and other administrative costs
GRE and GMAT are not required for admission.
All admissions decisions are final.
International student requirements
If you completed your most recent academic coursework, degree, or credential at an institution outside the United States, regardless of your citizenship or where you currently live, you are considered an international applicant.
In addition to the above admission requirements, you will need to submit these materials:
- Minimum score on acceptable test for proof of English proficiency
- Transcript evaluation
Learn more about international student admissions.
What support does Capella offer online students?
Our programs are designed to meet the unique needs of a master’s student. We’ve structured the experience in manageable pieces to help you earn your degree with support from faculty, staff and online resources.
What can you do with an MSW degree?
Your education can help you reach your professional and personal goals. While Capella cannot guarantee that a graduate will secure any specific career outcome, such as a job title, promotion, or salary increase, we encourage you to explore potential jobs and employment settings. Here are some ideas and examples for a graduate with master’s in social work (MSW)–advanced standing specialization.
Job titles to explore
- Social worker
- Clinical manager
- Case manager
- Director of social services
- Clinical director
- Program director
- Social services coordinator
- School social worker
- Adjunct or part-time social work faculty
- Full-time social work faculty
Employment settings to explore
- Ambulatory care services
- Hospital
- Individual and family services
- Health insurance carrier
- Government – local, state, federal
- K—12 schools
- Community college
- Land-based or online college or university
*These are examples intended to serve as a general guide. Some positions may prefer or even require previous experience, licensure, certifications, and/or other designations along with a degree. Because many factors determine what position an individual may attain, Capella cannot guarantee that a graduate will secure any specific job title, a promotion, salary increase, or other career outcome. We encourage you to research requirements for your job target and career goals.
Articles and resources
Expand your perspective on academic and career topics with articles and resources from Capella University.
Field Education Gives Social Work Students Real-World Experience
For MSW students, hands-on learning is an essential way to prepare for the opportunities and challenges ahead.
Financing Guide
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Helping Professions Guide
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