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MSW – Advanced Standing
Master of Social Work

Help people and communities navigate challenges, access resources and find a path to well-being with a Master of Social Work – Advanced Standing from Capella. Accredited by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE), the competency-based program equips you with advanced skills in generalist social work practice and the foundational knowledge to prepare for your state’s initial social work license. You’ll learn to use a strengths perspective, focusing on assets rather than deficits, when assessing issues and developing interventions. The program includes three practicums or internships that offer opportunities to enhance and reinforce critical skills as you work with individuals and families, serve communities and organizations, or advocate for systemic change on a larger scale.

If you don’t have a CSWE-accredited BSW, check out our MSW program.

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.

Position yourself for leadership in social work

Our competency-based curriculum will help you develop advanced generalist social work practice skills and a strengths-based approach, positioning you for leadership opportunities in the field.

Hands-on learning experiences with expert guidance

Under the guidance of scholar-practitioner faculty who are experienced social work professionals, you’ll apply evidence-based practices learned in the courseroom as you interact directly with clients during practicums and internships.

Comprehensive support at every step

Benefit from the guidance of enrollment counselors, academic coaches and a dedicated scholar-practitioner faculty advisor who brings real-world social work experience to your clinical training.

Compare program requirements if starting before Oct. 6, 2025.

Classes start August 4

Apply today with no application fee.

At a glance

  • Online & in-person
  • 7 Core courses
  • 2 Elective courses
  • 3 Practicum/internship
  • CSWE accredited
  • Mission-focused curriculum

Reduce your tuition up to $2,500

Enroll in a qualified program and apply for a $2.5K Capella Progress Reward scholarship to help fund your master's degree. Eligibility rules and exclusions apply. Connect with us for details.

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 a master of social work (MSW) degree.

Job titles to explore*

  • Behavioral health clinician
  • Case manager
  • Clinical social worker
  • Licensed clinical social worker
  • Medical social worker
  • Mental health social worker

Employment settings to explore*

  • Child and youth services
  • Colleges, universities and professional schools
  • General medical and surgical hospitals
  • Home health care services
  • Individual and family services
  • Kidney dialysis centers
  • Offices of mental health practitioners (except physicians)
  • Outpatient mental health and substance abuse centers
  • Residential intellectual and developmental disability facilities
  • Residential mental health and substance abuse facilities

*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.