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Elevate Your Impact with an Online Advanced Standing MSW
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Elevate your education and impact with an Online Advanced Standing Master of Social Work (MSW) from one of the leading schools in the nation. In two years, gain the clinical knowledge and practical experience you need to unlock more opportunities to make a difference in your community.
Our clinically-focused BSW to MSW curriculum qualifies you to pursue licensure and become a clinical social worker (LCSW). As an LCSW, you can assess, diagnose, and treat patients independently—ultimately increasing your earning potential, autonomy, and influence.
The Advanced Standing Program is generally a four semester program online that is available to those students who have earned their BSW within the past seven years (graduation date) from a CSWE-accredited undergraduate program.
Advanced Standing Program Waiver
The Advanced Standing Program is an accelerated graduate program designed specifically for students who already hold a BSW degree from a CSWE-accredited undergraduate program.
The waiver request form is designed to help applicants who may have significant work experience but whose BSW falls outside our 7-year limit. You must get prior approval to apply to the Advanced Standing Program if you have graduated in 2019 or earlier. Before you apply for the Advanced Standing Program, please submit a statement (see instructions below). If approved, you can apply to our Advanced Standing Program. If you do not have the appropriate experience to be in the Advanced Standing Program, you can apply to our Traditional Program. Please note that if you apply before you receive an approval, we will route your application to the Traditional Program.
There is no appeal process as once the decision is made, it is final.
Students who graduated from a BSW program in 2019 or earlier, can complete a waiver statement, which will allow the applicant to provide justification to be admitted to the Advanced Standing program after the required time frame. To be considered for the Advanced Standing Program with a waiver statement, a student must have social work employment experience in the last seven years.
Advanced Standing (AS) Waiver Process
Submit a statement (approximately 2-4 paragraphs) along with your resume, making sure to include your BSW graduation date, work experience in the field of social work to date, and then, why the College of Social Work should consider your eligibility for the Advanced Standing Program.
*Please submit your waiver form with uploaded documents here before you begin your application: https://fsu.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_eXOFWhsqZfFsMfk
Please remember that an approved waiver does not guarantee admission to the MSW program. It will just allow you to apply to the Advanced Standing program.
Questions?
Dana DeBoer, MSW Admissions Coordinator: ddeboer2@fsu.edu
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Elevate your education and impact with an Online Advanced Standing Master of Social Work (MSW) from one of the leading schools in the nation. In two years, gain the clinical knowledge and practical experience you need to unlock more opportunities to make a difference in your community.
Our clinically-focused BSW to MSW curriculum qualifies you to pursue licensure and become a clinical social worker (LCSW). As an LCSW, you can assess, diagnose, and treat patients independently—ultimately increasing your earning potential, autonomy, and influence.
The Advanced Standing Program is generally a four semester program online that is available to those students who have earned their BSW within the past seven years (graduation date) from a CSWE-accredited undergraduate program.
Advanced Standing Program Waiver
The Advanced Standing Program is an accelerated graduate program designed specifically for students who already hold a BSW degree from a CSWE-accredited undergraduate program.
The waiver request form is designed to help applicants who may have significant work experience but whose BSW falls outside our 7-year limit. You must get prior approval to apply to the Advanced Standing Program if you have graduated in 2019 or earlier. Before you apply for the Advanced Standing Program, please submit a statement (see instructions below). If approved, you can apply to our Advanced Standing Program. If you do not have the appropriate experience to be in the Advanced Standing Program, you can apply to our Traditional Program. Please note that if you apply before you receive an approval, we will route your application to the Traditional Program.
There is no appeal process as once the decision is made, it is final.
Students who graduated from a BSW program in 2019 or earlier, can complete a waiver statement, which will allow the applicant to provide justification to be admitted to the Advanced Standing program after the required time frame. To be considered for the Advanced Standing Program with a waiver statement, a student must have social work employment experience in the last seven years.
Advanced Standing (AS) Waiver Process
Submit a statement (approximately 2-4 paragraphs) along with your resume, making sure to include your BSW graduation date, work experience in the field of social work to date, and then, why the College of Social Work should consider your eligibility for the Advanced Standing Program.
*Please submit your waiver form with uploaded documents here before you begin your application: https://fsu.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_eXOFWhsqZfFsMfk
Please remember that an approved waiver does not guarantee admission to the MSW program. It will just allow you to apply to the Advanced Standing program.
Questions?
Dana DeBoer, MSW Admissions Coordinator: ddeboer2@fsu.edu
A Leader in Social Work
As one of the first universities to offer an online Master's in Social Work accredited by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE), Florida State has led the way in making high-quality social work degree accessible to all. As an online student, you join our legacy each time you engage with our distinguished curriculum or esteemed educators and practitioners.
Our commitment to innovation and excellence is reflected in our top 15% national ranking among social work graduate schools. At FSU, you will receive the clinically-focused education that empowers you to make a meaningful difference in your community and beyond.
Watch the video to discover why students choose FSU.
Curriculum Snapshot
Our clinically-focused curriculum qualifies you to pursue a license in clinical social work. This is a sample list of courses you will take while enrolled in the online Traditional MSW program. For a complete course list, please download your guide.
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.
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.
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.
This advanced practice course emphasizes development of clinical skills. Students will refine their clinical skills, building on the research-based, nonspecific (common factors) components of therapeutic work (i.e., therapeutic alliance, empathy, goal consensus/collaboration, positive regard/affirmation, and genuineness) and specific factors (validated treatments). The course provides in-depth coverage of three empirically based models; Solution Focused, Motivational Interviewing, and Interpersonal Therapy. Learning applications of techniques informed by these models provides opportunities to enhance professional use of self. The course examines similarities and differences among models and allows students to discern appropriate use of techniques, client populations, settings, and problem interactions. Students will develop competency in the ethical and strength-based use of these models.
As part of this course, all students will be required to participate in a mandatory Zoom session.
Next Application Deadline
October 1, 2025
Next Start Date
January 5, 2026
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A Trusted & Essential Profession
Social workers play a pivotal role in our communities, addressing important issues and supporting vulnerable populations.
The demand for skilled social workers continues to grow, reflecting the critical role they play in society. Their roles are multifaceted and impactful, addressing a wide range of social issues like mental health, policy development, child welfare, crisis intervention, educational support, and more. Earning an MSW builds clinical competence and confidence to support communities in new ways.
Master's in Social Work Career Outcomes
It is estimated that 67,300 new social workers are needed each year until 2032. Earning a Master's Degree in Social Work could elevate your impact, employability, and annual earning potential by over $13,000 more than those with a BSW alone based on factors such as industry, title, and location.
According to the Council on Social Work Education, an MSW prepares social workers to:
Advance to management roles
Participate in policy development
Implement new approaches and systems
Pursue licensure as a clinical social worker
Our online social work degree program provides in-depth training in areas like clinical practice, policy analysis, and community organization, enabling social workers to address a wide range of challenges. This program is also the first step to becoming a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW), which allows you to practice and provide clinical services without supervision.
Sample job titles for graduates may include:
- Case management supervisor
- Clinical social worker
- Crisis manager
- Licensed mental health therapist
- Private practitioner
Meet Our Dedicated Faculty
Carol Campbell Edwards
BSW Program Director, Professional Development Director, Associate Teaching Professor
Earvin Casciano, MSW Student
Kathleen McIntyre, MSW Student
Jennifer Bell, MSW Graduate
Federico Bravo, MSW Graduate
Frequently Asked Questions
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 12% of social work graduate schools.
Yes, all coursework is completed online except for one field placement that develops practical competence and confidence through hands-on experience.
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.
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.
An online Master of Social Work equips you to achieve and lead greater outcomes in schools, communities, government, healthcare, and public and private organizations. Possible roles could include:
- Case management supervisor
- Clinical social worker
- Crisis manager
- Licensed mental health therapist
- Private practitioner
We’ve created an interactive tool to help you determine if our program meets licensing requirements.
Follow these steps:
- Click here to get started
- Program: Clinical/Medical Social Work
- Major: Social Work – MSW (Clin/Adv) or (Clin Trd) based on your bachelor’s degree
- Then, choose your state from the available options
Remember that licensure requirements can change, so it’s essential to check your state’s licensing agency periodically.
No, the College of Social Work does not require a GRE at this time.
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