Best Advanced-Standing Online MSW Programs

Is an Advanced-Standing MSW Program Right for You?

Advanced-standing MSW programs offer great benefits, but how do you know if this path aligns with your background and goals? The decision comes down to your previous education, your career objectives, and your personal circumstances. By reflecting on these questions, you can gauge whether a faster pace and higher-level entry point is the right choice for your social work journey.

1. Do you have a recent BSW from an accredited program?
   This is the fundamental question, as advanced-standing tracks are specifically for those with a Bachelor of Social Work. If you earned a BSW (typically within the last five or so years), you check this crucial box. Your BSW means you’ve covered foundational social work theory and practice as an undergrad, making you eligible to skip straight to advanced graduate coursework. However, if you don’t have a BSW, you’ll need to pursue a traditional MSW program.
2. How strong is your foundation in social work practice?
   Advanced-standing programs assume mastery of core social work concepts like human behavior theory, social policy, and generalist practice. Consider your BSW performance and field placement experience. If you excelled in undergraduate coursework or have relevant work experience, you’re likely prepared for an accelerated pace. If you need to refresh fundamentals, a traditional two-year MSW might be more appropriate.
3. Can you commit the time and energy to an accelerated program?
   Advanced-standing MSW programs compress two years of study into roughly one year. Consider whether you can balance 20+ hours weekly for classes and internship alongside existing work and family obligations. While some thrive under this intensive schedule, others may benefit from part-time options that extend the program to 16-24 months.
   
   It’s also important to consider whether your chosen program requires GRE scores. If so, you may need additional time to prepare for the exam. To learn more, explore OMD’s guide to the best online MSW programs with no GRE requirements.
4. Is saving time and tuition a top priority for you?
   Advanced-standing programs offer significant savings in both time and money by condensing the MSW curriculum. Consider whether financial constraints or career opportunities make a faster completion essential. While you’ll save on tuition and re-enter the workforce sooner, ensure these benefits outweigh any potential stress from an accelerated pace.
5. What are your career goals, and how soon do you want to reach them?
   Consider whether your professional objectives require quick completion of an MSW. If you’re pursuing advanced clinical roles, supervisory positions, or planning to open a private practice, an advanced-standing program can accelerate your timeline. However, if you’re exploring different interests or content in your current role, a traditional pace might better suit your needs.

The Benefits of Advanced-Standing MSW Programs

Advanced-standing MSW programs are designed for students who already hold a Bachelor of Social Work (BSW). By building on your prior education, these programs let you skip foundational courses, taking you straight into advanced social work practice. Below, we highlight three major benefits of pursuing your MSW through an advanced-standing online program.

Accelerated Graduation Timeline

Completing an MSW typically takes two years, but advanced-standing programs can cut that in half. For example, after earning a BSW, students might enrol in a one-year online advanced-standing MSW, enabling them to start working as a licensed social worker while many peers are still in school. This fast-track option means you enter the workforce sooner, applying your skills to help communities without a long delay.

Lower Overall Cost and Less Debt

Fewer credits and a shorter duration can also mean lower tuition costs. Advanced-standing MSW students often complete around 30 to 40 credits instead of 60, which can save tens of thousands of dollars. Additionally, completing your degree faster means less time away from full-time work (and a quicker return on your educational investment through increased earning potential).

Quicker Path to Advanced Roles

With an MSW in hand sooner, you can advance your career faster. Graduating sooner not only means earlier eligibility for licensure exams, but also earlier access to higher-paying jobs. In short, advanced-standing programs propel you into advanced practice and leadership roles in less time, boosting both your impact and earning potential.

Comparing Online Advanced-Standing MSW Programs

Below are three accredited U.S. universities that offer respected online advanced-standing MSW programs. Each summary covers the program’s format, length, cost, admissions requirements, and unique features, giving you a snapshot of what to expect. All programs are fully accredited by the Council on Social Work Education and offer an online or hybrid advanced-standing track.

FAQs for Advanced-Standing MSW Students

Q: Can I work full-time while earning my advanced-standing MSW online?

A: Yes, many students continue working while in an online advanced-standing MSW, but it requires good time management. Compared to traditional online MSW programs, advanced-standing programs offer a more intensive course load. The good news is online programs offer flexibility—often with part-time tracks or asynchronous classes. 

Before you commit to a program, consider your work schedule and choose a pacing (full-time in 1 year vs. part-time) that fits your life. Ultimately, working while studying is feasible with an online program, but be prepared for a challenging year and make use of time-management strategies (and possibly employer flexibility) to stay on track.

Q: How much do advanced-standing online MSW programs cost?

A: The cost of an advanced-standing online MSW can vary widely by university and state residency. In general, public universities tend to offer lower tuition (especially for in-state students) than private universities, and total tuition will depend on the number of credits required. Advanced-standing tracks have fewer credits (usually 30–45 credits) than traditional MSW programs, so you will pay significantly less overall than a two-year program. Some online programs cost around $15,000–$25,000 total at the low end, while others (especially private or out-of-state) can be $30,000 or more.

Be sure to factor in any fees, and look for financial aid, scholarships, or employer tuition benefits that can help offset costs.

Below is a comparison of three online advanced-standing MSW programs and their tuition figures:

If you need help with financing your education, explore OMD’s comprehensive resources, including our financial aid overview, guide to graduate school grants, extensive list of 68 master’s scholarships, and essential college budgeting 101 guide.

Q: Will an online advanced-standing MSW be respected by employers and meet licensure requirements?

A: Yes. As long as the program is accredited by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE), an online MSW—advanced-standing or otherwise—is considered equivalent to an on-campus degree in the eyes of licensing boards and employers. Graduates of accredited online advanced-standing programs are eligible for the same social work licensure (e.g., LCSW or LMSW) as any other MSW graduate. Plus, your diploma generally won’t specify “online”; it will simply state that you earned a Master of Social Work.

Q: How do online MSW programs balance clinical skills training with virtual learning?

A: Programs utilize innovative approaches to teach clinical skills through virtual role-playing, recorded practice sessions, and interactive case simulations. Students participate in supervised virtual counseling sessions and receive detailed feedback from experienced practitioners. Programs typically incorporate synchronous practice groups where students can develop intervention techniques. Plus, many use advanced technology platforms that allow for real-time observation and coaching for clinical skills development.

Q: How do online MSW programs foster peer connections and professional networking?

A: Programs create virtual communities through cohort models, online study groups, and collaborative projects. Students engage in regular video discussions, participate in virtual student organizations, and attend online networking events with alumni and practitioners. Additionally, many programs organize regional meet-ups and professional development workshops. And of course, social media groups and program-specific networking platforms help students build lasting professional relationships despite the distance learning format.

Top Choices for Advanced Standing MSW Programs

Choosing the right online MSW program involves many factors, so we’ve ranked some of the best online MSW programs available to help. Our ranking methodology is data-driven, as we analyzed factors including affordability, the number of online program options available, each program’s accreditation status, and the level of student support services provided (such as academic advising and career counseling). The result is a list of online MSW programs that excel in quality, value, and support.