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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 Master of Social Work – Advanced Standing degree from Capella, accredited by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE), 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.
This program is accredited by CSWE and is aligned with the 2022 Educational Policy and Accreditation Standards (EPAS). The program engages in specific and continuous efforts within the curriculum related to anti-racism, diversity, equity and inclusion, and helps students understand and use their knowledge, awareness and skills to engage in practice. The program is designed around advanced generalist practice licensing standards.
If you don’t have a CSWE-accredited BSW, check out our MSW program.
Classes start January 8
Use the code MSFALL 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 $2,500 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 quarter credits
- You’ll need to complete eight core courses, two elective courses and three practicum courses/internships
| Course | Descriptions | Quarter credits |
|---|---|---|
| SWK5012* Culturally Responsive Social Work Practice with Diverse Populations | Learners examine diversity and difference, power and privilege, and oppression related to social work practice. Throughout the course, learners become knowledgeable of one's biases toward race, ethnicity, culture, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, social and economic status, political ideology and disability; how those biases contribute to discrimination and oppression; and the ethics of culturally responsive best practice. In addition, learners utilize the diversity, equity, inclusion, power and anti-racism (DEIPAR) framework to reflect on personal values, beliefs and behaviors to understand and guide ethical and effective social work practice with people of diverse backgrounds. Through technology, learners engage in strategy and leadership best practices to address biases in social work practice. For MSW and MSW-Advanced Standing learners only. Must be taken during the first quarter by learners who have been admitted to the MSW-Advanced Standing degree program. 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 |
| SWK5017* Clinical Supervision and Leadership in Social Work Practice | Learners examine Advanced Generalist Social Work leadership practice, 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. Cannot be fulfilled by transfer except by coursework from a CSWE-accredited program. Prerequisite(s): Completion of or concurrent registration in SWK5016. | 4 quarter credits |
| SWK5018* Systems Analysis of Social Work Practice: Theories, Skills, Values, and professional Practice | Learners gain knowledge of 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. Cannot be fulfilled by transfer. Prerequisite(s): Completion of or concurrent registration in SWK5528. | 4 quarter credits |
| SWK5525* Advanced Internship Seminar/Lab | Learners prepare for field placement. Throughout the interactive seminar, learners review social work best practices as well as the steps necessary for success in the field, including professionalism, interviewing techniques, process recording, documentation, evaluation and safety. MSW and MSW – Advanced Standing learners only. Special permission is required for registration. Cannot be fulfilled by transfer. Prerequisite(s): SWK5013, SWK5014. | 4 quarter credits |
*Course has prerequisite(s). See catalog for details.
What you'll learn
The Master of Social Work degree program is designed to equip you with the knowledge and skills to pursue specialized, advanced generalist social work practice in a variety of fields.
The curriculum includes online course work and face-to-face learning experiences. Learners will encounter social work practice skills that promote personal growth and competence in ethics, values, diversity, ecological perspectives, cultural competence, technology and leadership in 21st-century specialized advanced generalist social work practice.
As you complete this program, you’ll learn to:
- Demonstrate ethical and professional behavior
- Advance human rights and social, racial, economic and environmental justice
- Engage anti-racism, diversity, equity and inclusion (ADEI) in practice
- Engage in practice-informed research and research-informed practice
- Engage in policy practice
- Engage with individuals, families, groups, organizations and communities
- Assess individuals, families, groups, organizations and communities
- Intervene with individuals, families, groups, organizations and communities
- Evaluate practice with individuals, families, groups, organizations and communities
- Communicate in a manner that is scholarly, professional and consistent with expectations for members of the social work profession
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 online Master of Social Work program is to educate and prepare diverse adult learners to serve as innovative, ethical and culturally responsive advanced generalist social work practitioners. Learners will demonstrate skills and knowledge based on scientific inquiry and apply strengths-based, person-in-environment and ecological perspectives.
In the quest for social, racial, economic, and environmental justice, learners will make a commitment to ethical practice by demonstrating cultural humility, anti-racism, anti-oppression, diversity, equity, inclusion and technology best practices. Guided by a local and global perspective, learners will emerge as leaders who ethically and effectively promote human and community well-being with individuals, families, groups, organizations and communities in advanced generalist social work practice by applying the core values of social work to enhance life for all people.
Furthermore, learners will also develop advanced generalist practice skills to aid business, community and government leaders in leveraging diversity, instilling equity and leading with an inclusive lens by engaging in social work practice while expanding access to work and improving communities at all systems levels.
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 quarter
$21,600
MAX TRANSFER CREDITS
$27,540
AVERAGE TRANSFER CREDITS
$540 per credit, $150 resource kit fee, 52 total quarter credits, 12 max transfer credits
*This is only an estimate, effective July 10, 2023, and is subject to change. Your price will vary depending on your specialization, transfer credits, and tuition discounts. Books, supplies, and other fees are not included in this estimate. GuidedPath prices show the tuition you would pay if you brought in an average number of transfer credits or the maximum allowed transfer credits. New or recently revised program estimates are based on comparable programs.
Capella is committed to transparency in its tuition and pricing. In addition to tuition, you will be responsible for additional costs, which may include an application fee, travel expenses, and practicum costs. A resource kit fee of $50-$200, charged quarterly or per billing session, covers the cost of required books, software, and other course materials. Click here to review program-specific fee amounts in our University Catalog.
Find out more about financing and payment options to help you complete your program. Federal aid also is available to help manage the costs of higher education. Learn more about financing your education.
Questions about cost?
Contact an enrollment counselor.
Alumni Outcomes Survey, 2022–2023
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 University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission
Accreditations and recognitions provide evidence that we meet standards for quality of faculty, curriculum, learner services and fiscal stability. See all our accreditations and recognitions.
Capella University’s Master of Social Work programs are accredited by the Council on Social Work Education’s Board of Accreditation. For information about social work accreditation, visit: https://www.cswe.org/. In compliance with the CSWE public disclosure policy, Capella University reports this program's student learning outcomes.
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 CSWE-accredited program in good standing
- Your official bachelor's transcripts, with a grade point average of 3.0 or higher on a 4.0 scale; if your GPA is lower, call enrollment services at 1-866-736-1751
- A signed Acknowledgement Agreement
- 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.
Articles and resources
Expand your perspective on academic and career topics with articles and resources from Capella University.
Financing Guide
We can help you understand education financing, review your options, and explore ways to save on your degree.
Helping Professions Guide
Explore paths and programs that leverage your unique interests to help build a better world.
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
- Medical social worker
Employment settings to explore
- General medical and surgical hospitals
- Colleges, universities and professional schools
- Other individual and family services
- All other miscellaneous ambulatory health care services
- Offices of physicians (except mental health specialists)
- Direct health and medical insurance carriers
- Other general government support
- Home health care services
- Elementary and secondary schools
- Child and youth services
*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.