Advanced Standing Online MSW Program Details
Career Outcomes
In healthcare, education, the private sector, and more—social workers are in demand. It is estimated that 74,700 new social workers are needed each year until 2031.
According to the Council on Social Work Education, an MSW prepares social workers to:
- Advance to management-level positions
- Participate in policy development
- Implement new approaches and systems
Our curriculum program qualifies you to pursue licensure so that you can provide clinical services to clients independent of supervision. Some job titles may include case management supervisor, clinical social worker, crisis manager, licensed mental health therapist, private practitioner… and more.
- Fully online and part-time
- Graduate in 2 years
- 39 total credit hours, 1 field placement required
- Available to residents in all 50 states*
*Some exceptions in Florida
- Bachelor of Social Work from a CSWE-accredited institution
- Minimum of 400 hours of field education
- Transcripts with a minimum GPA of 3.0
- Statement of purpose and resume
- No GRE required
- $30 application fee
Don’t have a bachelor’s degree in social work? Learn more about our Traditional Online MSW program.
Curriculum Snapshot
Our clinically-focused curriculum builds on your bachelor’s degree to give you even more knowledge in and out of the classroom. For a complete list of courses and descriptions, please download your guide.
SOW 5125: Psychopathology in Clinical Practice
This course provides an overview of mental health assessment and diagnostic tools, including the Diagnostic Statistical Manual diagnostic categories, and touches on treatment strategies and techniques. Building on the knowledge base acquired in the foundation course SOW 5105, students will learn about the relationship between the biological, psychological, social, environmental, and cultural influences and emotional and mental health from an ecological context. Particular attention is given to variations in the assessment process and access to treatment for populations at social and economic risk. In addition, students examine the political and social implications of mental health and their relationship to social work values and ethics.
SOW 5435: Social Program and Policy Evaluation
This course presents the historical and contemporary importance of social program evaluation and research methods. The course focuses on applied qualitative and quantitative evaluation methods that are useful to managers, public administrators, and policy analysts. Particular emphasis is placed on evidence-based procedures/methods that will be useful for social work administrators when designing and carrying out evaluations of social programs and policies. Students will also explore how programs and policies can further the cause of social and economic justice for oppressed and disadvantaged groups.
SOW 5785: International Social Work
This course prepares students for international social work practice abroad and/or for transnational work with immigrants, refugees, international migrants, etc. It presents an introduction to international perspectives in the field of social work and to varied examples of social work practice in the United States, Western and Central Europe, and the Caribbean nations — three very diverse regions of the world in which social issues present contrasting challenges to the profession. In providing an overview of the social work profession internationally, it examines the impact of global interdependence on social work practice and policy as current challenges are faced in the developed and developing world. Within the framework of the social work international code of ethics, students will learn to critically analyze varied practice approaches utilized in dealing with international social welfare issues.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Why study social work at Florida State?
For more than 100 years, FSU has offered classes on social welfare—establishing us as a center of social work practice and policy.
We are renowned for our research contributions and quality of education. U.S. News & World Report ranks us in the top 15% of social work graduate schools.
Is this Advanced Standing MSW 100% online?
Yes, all coursework is completed online except for one field placement that develops practical competence and confidence through hands-on experience.
What’s the difference between the Advanced Standing and Traditional MSW?
The difference between our programs is dependent on your undergraduate experience.
The Advanced Standing MSW is available to students who have completed a bachelor’s degree in social work from a Council on Social Work Education (CSWE) accredited institution.
The Traditional MSW is for students who hold a bachelor’s degree in any concentration other than social work.
How much does the online Advanced Standing MSW cost?
The Advanced Standing MSW is 39 credit hours. Tuition varies based on your location:
- In-state (Florida): $444 per credit hour
- Out-of-state: $625 per credit hour
Costs are subject to change. Additional course fees may apply.
When do field placements occur?
All field placements are completed in person, generally during regular business hours. Advanced Standing MSW students must complete one field placement.
Can I take more than two courses at a time?
For this online program, there is currently only a part-time option. You can take a maximum of two courses at a time.
No, our College of Social Work does not require a GRE at this time.
Are there any state authorization exceptions for this program?
This program is available to residents in all 50 states, with exceptions for counties that border FSU’s Tallahassee and Panama City campuses:
- If you live in Walton, Holmes, Washington, Bay, Jackson, Calhoun and Gulf counties, you must apply to our Panama City location. More information is available here.
- If you live in Leon, Gadsden, Wakulla and Jefferson counties, you must apply to the Tallahassee location. More information is available here.
