MSW Advanced Standing
Students who have earned a bachelor's degree in social work from a program accredited by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE) within the last six years are eligible to enter the Brown School with Advanced Standing status. These students may waive up to 19 credit units for BSW coursework.
Eligibility
For a required course to be waived, the following conditions must be met:
- The student earned a BSW from a CSWE-accredited institution or program.
- The content of each course is consistent with the Brown School's MSW coursework.
- The student received a grade of B or higher in the course.
Courses That May Be Waived
The following courses are eligible to be waived for Advanced Standing Students (up to 19 credits):
| Code | Title | Units |
|---|---|---|
| SWFN 5001 | Research Methods with Statistical Applications | 3 |
| SWFN 5002 | Human Behavior | 3 |
| SWFN 5005 | Social Work Practice with Individuals, Families and Groups | 3 |
| SWFN 5006 | Social Work Practice with Organizations and Communities | 3 |
| SWFN 5007 | Social Welfare Policies and Services | 3 |
| SWFN 5051 | MSW Foundation Practicum I | 1-3 |
| SWFN 5052 | MSW Integrative Foundation Field Seminar | 1 |
| Total Units | 17-19 | |
Advanced Standing MSW Curriculum
MSW students who are awarded Advanced Standing complete at least 39 credits of coursework at the Brown School, depending on the number of Advanced Standing credits waived. The curriculum includes a required 4-credit Bridge Course that occurs in the month of August prior to the fall semester.
The curriculum listed below is based on a student having 19 Advanced Standing credits waived from the list of courses above. If a student does not qualify for an Advanced Standing credit waiver for a course, it will be added to their required coursework and may extend the timeline to program completion.
| Requirements | Units |
|---|---|
| BSW Intensive: Bridge to Brown - In August prior to fall start | 4 credits |
| Concentration Courses:* | 15 credits |
| Theory, Problems, and Issues | 3 |
| Social Policy | 3 |
| Practice Methods | 9 |
| Concentration Practicum: | 5 credits |
| SWCP 6000 MSW Concentration Practicum I | |
| SWCP 6001 MSW Concentration Practicum II | |
| Other Requirements: | |
| Evaluation | 3 credits |
| SWEV 6000 Social Policy Analysis & Evaluation or SWEV 6001 Evaluation of Programs and Services | |
| SWEV 6002 (Required if in Social Impact Leadership concentration) | |
| Leadership and Management | 3 credits |
| SWLM 6000 Management & Leadership of Organizations (Required for most) | |
| SWTH 6012 (Required if in Management or Social Entrepreneurship specialization) | |
| SWPM 6050 (Required if in Social Impact Leadership concentration) | |
| Electives** | 9 credits |
- *
Specific course options vary according to the concentration a student pursues.
- **
Electives may be used to earn an optional specialization or to take other graduate coursework. Dual degree students fulfill their MSW elective course requirements with non-MSW program coursework.
Note: The MSW Advanced Standing curriculum and required credits are subject to change.