Florida State University

Advanced Standing
Online MSW Program

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  • Tuition & Financial Aid
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  • Build on your bachelorBuild on your
    Bachelor of
    Social Work
  • HealthClinically-focused
    to broaden
    your opportunities
  • BalanceStudy part-time
    and balance
    your busy life

Elevate Your Education & Impact

Advance your education and opportunities with an Online Master of Social Work (MSW) from a leading institution. Florida State University gives you convenient access to quality online education and some of the brightest social work practitioners, educators, and researchers who are committed to improving lives and communities.

In just two years, build on your bachelor’s in social work to graduate and make an even greater impact. Our clinically-focused BSW to MSW curriculum qualifies you to pursue licensure and become a clinical social worker (LCSW)—increasing your earning potential, influence, and opportunities.

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 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.

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, download your guide

Overview
  • 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

Admission Requirements
  • 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.

Next Application Deadline:

  • May 1, 2024

Next Start Date:

  • August 26, 2024

Access Your Guide

Program Tuition
  • In-state tuition 
    • $444 per credit hour 
    • $17,316 total tuition
  • Out-of-state tuition
    • $625 per credit hour  
    • $24,375 total tuition
Accreditation
  • Florida State University is one of the first universities in the U.S. to offer a Master of Social Work online that is accredited by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE)
  • FSU has offered courses on social welfare for more than 100 years
  • Accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools as one of the top social work programs
A Preeminent University

Our devoted faculty and commitment to research help put us in the top 15% of social work graduate schools ranked by U.S. News & World Report.

Top Institution for Diversity

Join the vibrant FSU community consistently recognized by INSIGHT Into Diversity for its commitment to diversity and inclusion.

 

Hear From Our Students

CSWE Accredited

As one of the first online MSW accredited by the Council on Social Work Education, we rigorously adhere to CSWE accreditation standards.

Frederico Bravo
The weekend intensive was great.  It's been awesome to meet some of the students that I've doing the course with, and I've learned a tremendous amount just in the two days I've been here.

Frederico Bravo

MSW Graduate
Dana Pina
We have all the support that you'd need in this program. I really don't think I can encounter any situation where I wouldn't have the support of my faculty and fellow classmates.

Dana Pina

MSW Graduate
Michelle O'Neill
I chose FSU because I did a lot of research online, and I really felt like this was the best program.  You do have to come a couple of times to the campus, but I really think that enhances the experience.  The quality of the education so far has been top notch.

Michelle O'Neill

MSW Graduate
Jennifer Bell
Anyone who's considering it should do it.  Every month the goes by could be a semester.  Make your life bigger, better, and more exciting.

Jennifer Bell

MSW Graduate
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.

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.

Does FSU require a GRE?

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.

Work in a Wide Array of Social Work Fields & Specializations

  • Substance abuse counseling
  • Child welfare/family services
  • Veterans affairs/services to military personnel
  • Private practice
  • Government agencies or NGOs
  • Corporations or high-profile businesses
  • Hospitals, clinics, and outpatient care settings
  • Internationally focused organizations/practices