The online Syracuse University Master of Social Work (M.S.W.) Advanced Standing program is designed for those who have completed a bachelor’s in social work already, and who now want their academic and field experience to count toward—and accelerate—obtaining their master’s degree.
The online M.S.W. Advanced Standing program—with its immersive fieldwork opportunities for students, and its live, online classes buzzing with student and faculty engagement—will empower you to advance human rights and social justice using a wide variety of engagement and evaluation methods.
As a Syracuse University student, you are encouraged to fully engage in the passionate Orange community. From collaborative online classes to one-on-one study sessions, you’ll experience a variety of benefits that include:
The program welcomes applicants from a wide range of academic fields. However, all students are required to have graduated within the past 10 years from an undergraduate social work program accredited by the Council on Social Work Education. Additionally, the admissions committee values a minimum 3.0 GPA in all social work courses for admission to the online Advanced Standing M.S.W. program.
Application requirements include:
GRE scores are not required to apply. If you are applying as an international student, please visit our international applicants page.
Give back to your community sooner, thanks to an online Advanced Standing M.S.W. Request information today.
Designed specifically for students with a bachelor’s degree in social work, the advanced standing M.S.W. curriculum allows students to bypass foundational coursework given their experience. The curriculum consists of 36 credits and can be completed in as few as 24 months.
Students in the online advanced standing M.S.W. program will learn to:
Foundational coursework will help you develop a deeper understanding of social work practice at the micro, mezzo and macro levels. Each class is taught by our expert faculty with years of experience in the social work field.
Students then choose an M.S.W. concentration that aligns with your unique career goals and desired social work career. To learn more about our M.S.W. online concentrations, visit our academics page.
The online M.S.W. program prepares you to earn your social work license by sitting for the Association of Social Work Boards (ASWB) licensing examination, which is required to become a licensed master social worker (LMSW) in New York and in most other states.
Prior to applying for your M.S.W. online from Syracuse University, you are encouraged to research the licensure requirements in your particular state. To learn more about how to qualify as a licensed master social worker (LMSW) or a licensed clinical social worker (LCSW) in New York, visit our licensure webpage.
What are the admissions requirements for the Advanced Standing M.S.W.? Applicants must hold a CSWE-accredited Bachelor of Social Work and meet the program’s recency requirement. They must also submit transcripts, a resume, a personal statement and letters of recommendation.
How long does the Advanced Standing M.S.W. take to complete? Students can complete the program in as few as 24 months. Actual timing depends on course pacing and fieldwork scheduling.
How many credits are required? The program requires roughly 36 credits. Foundational coursework is waived for qualifying B.S.W. graduates.
What concentrations are available? Students can choose from Advanced Clinical Practice or Advanced Integrated Practice. Each concentration allows for specialized study aligned with long-term goals.
What fieldwork is required? Advanced Standing students complete advanced concentration fieldwork in settings aligned with their chosen practice area. These placements deepen applied skills and career readiness.
Does this program prepare me for licensure? Yes. The CSWE-accredited curriculum helps prepare students for ASWB licensing exams, though requirements differ by state.
What is the online learning experience like? Students participate in weekly live classes, interactive coursework and virtual collaboration activities. The platform offers flexibility and tools designed for working professionals.
How do I know if Advanced Standing or the full M.S.W. is right for me? Choose Advanced Standing if you hold a recent CSWE-accredited B.S.W. and want a shorter, more focused pathway. Applicants without a B.S.W. should pursue the full Online M.S.W.
Can I work while enrolled? Yes. The program’s flexible structure supports students balancing employment, coursework and field placements.
What support services are available? Students receive advising, placement support, career guidance and technical assistance. Peer networking opportunities also enhance the online learning experience.
What is the total cost of tuition and fees? Estimated total tuition is approximately $43,056 (based on 36 credits at $1,196/credit). Additional costs may include tech fees, registration fees and other program-specific expenses. For a full breakdown, visit the program’s tuition page.
Request information today for our online Advanced Standing M.S.W.
