Advanced Standing MSW Program
- Evening
- Online
Develop Advanced Skills for Effective Social Work Practice
The Master of Social Work (Advanced Standing) degree program from Grand Canyon University is designed for students who have completed an accredited Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) degree and are ready to tackle advanced social work practice skills in advocacy, therapeutic counseling and critical analysis.
In this program, you will study advanced concepts in social work theory, practice and social work ethics.You will be taught to work effectively with individuals, families, groups, organizations and communities on various social and behavioral health issues. Students accepted into this advanced standing MSW program are eligible to move straight into advanced social work courses.
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
Credits:Fill out the Lopes Eval to find out what will transfer
Admission Requirements (Master's)
- Undergraduate Degree*
- 2.8+ GPA
OR 2.5+ Unweighted GPA and
- GMAT: 500
- GRE: 300 combined**
* Degree must be from an accredited college or program that has been approved by GCU.
** Combined verbal/quantitative, after August 2011 (1,000 combined verbal and quantitative, prior to August 2011).">
Admission requirements
may differ based on degree level, program and modality, or transfer status. Some programs of study may require a higher GPA and/or other qualifying criteria for admission. Please review full admission and program requirements in the University Policy Handbook
.
* Degree must be from an accredited college or program that has been approved by GCU.
** Combined verbal/quantitative, after August 2011 (1,000 combined verbal and quantitative, prior to August 2011).
Turn Social Work Theory Into Action at GCU
Rooted in a faith-integrated approach, our program emphasizes servant leadership and ethical practice, preparing you to engage compassionately with communities. Experienced faculty mentors provide personalized support throughout your journey. GCU also offers a range of scholarships and financial aid to make graduate education more accessible.
Courses are offered through an interactive online learning platform, allowing you to balance work and personal commitments. You will be taught by knowledgeable faculty and engage with peers through discussion boards that encourage collaboration and problem-solving. To help you stay on track, GCU provides comprehensive tech support, ensuring you have the tools needed to navigate your coursework.
As an advanced standing program, this MSW allows qualified students to bypass foundational coursework and move directly into the advanced year. This streamlined structure can shorten the overall time to completion, with total duration depending on your course load.
Coursework and Areas of Study in the Advanced Standing MSW
The curriculum for the online (See disclaimer 1 ) advanced standing MSW guides you through the core competencies of social work, from understanding different mental health conditions to treatment planning to counseling skills for individuals, families, groups and organizations. You will focus on evidence-based practice and the hands-on application of social work theories, and you will explore how to foster a welcoming, therapeutic environment for your diverse clients.
Along with coursework, you will complete 500 hours of in-person field experience, applying your skills in an approved community agency under the supervision of a social work professional. Our Office of Field Experience is available to assist you as you arrange and fulfill your required field experience.
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
Communication with various stakeholders
Hear From Our Dean
"Social workers are change agents that support people through their time of crisis. Our program offers a specific skill set that truly can lend a hand in changing people's directions."">" Social workers are change agents that support people through their time of crisis. Our program offers a specific skill set that truly can lend a hand in changing people's directions. "
"Social workers are change agents that support people through their time of crisis. Our program offers a specific skill set that truly can lend a hand in changing people's directions."">" Social workers are change agents that support people through their time of crisis. Our program offers a specific skill set that truly can lend a hand in changing people's directions. "
