Minnesota Advanced Standing MSW Programs
Bethel University – St. Paul, MN
Bethel University’s advanced standing program is designed to provide students with a unique and accelerated path toward their academic and professional goals. This innovative program allows individuals with prior college credits or relevant work experience to fast-track their degree completion, saving time and resources.
The program’s flexible structure accommodates the diverse needs of students, enabling them to integrate their previous accomplishments into their current academic journey seamlessly. Bethel University is committed to fostering a supportive learning environment, and the advanced standing program reflects this commitment by recognizing and valuing the diverse pathways individuals take to pursue higher education. With a focus on academic excellence and personalized growth, Bethel University’s advanced standing program empowers students to build on their existing knowledge, positioning them for success in their chosen fields.
Accreditation: CSWE
Online Option: Yes
College of St. Scholastica – Duluth, MN
The College of St. Scholastica in Duluth, MN, offers an exceptional Advanced Standing Master of Social Work (MSW) program, building upon the academic foundation of their esteemed Bachelor of Arts in Social Work program. Geared toward individuals with a bachelor’s degree in social work, this program is designed to equip graduates with advanced clinical practice skills, enabling them to address individual needs and influence social policy effectively.
The curriculum strongly emphasizes critical aspects of clinical practice, including assessment and diagnosis, evidence-based intervention, treatment strategies, and understanding how social policy and justice issues impact social work practice. What sets this program apart is its flexibility— a hybrid approach that seamlessly blends on-campus and online courses. This unique format includes weekly face-to-face classes, incorporating seminars, small group activities, labs, and live lectures while providing the convenience of web-based course delivery.
This hybrid model allows students to pursue their MSW degree without compromising the rigorous standards necessary for Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker (LICSW) licensure. The program’s accreditation by CSWE ensures the highest educational standards, and the Advanced Standing track, with a minimum of 450 hours of supervised field practicum instruction, prepares students for success in this dynamic and rewarding field.
Accreditation: CSWE
Online Option: Yes
St. Cloud University – St. Cloud, MN
St. Cloud University’s advanced standing Master of Social Work (MSW) program is designed for highly qualified individuals who have completed a Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) degree from an accredited institution. This accelerated program recognizes the foundational knowledge and skills acquired during undergraduate studies, allowing students to streamline their path to an MSW. The curriculum combines advanced coursework with field experiences, enabling students to deepen their understanding of social work practice, theory, and research.
The program emphasizes a commitment to social justice, diversity, and ethical practice. With experienced faculty and a strong focus on preparing graduates for leadership roles, St. Cloud University’s advanced standing MSW program equips students with the tools needed to make a meaningful impact in their communities and pursue successful careers in social work.
Accreditation: CSWE
Online Option: No
St. Mary's University of Minnesota – Minneapolis, MN
St. Mary’s University of Minnesota offers an exemplary Advanced Standing Program that stands out for its commitment to providing a streamlined and accelerated path for students seeking advanced degrees. This program is designed for individuals who have completed a bachelor’s degree in social work from a program accredited by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE).
By recognizing the foundational knowledge acquired during their undergraduate studies, St. Mary’s University facilitates a more efficient progression toward a Master of Social Work (MSW) degree. The Advanced Standing Program acknowledges the academic achievements of its participants and values their practical experience gained through field placements. This combination of academic rigor and real-world application ensures that students are well-prepared to tackle the complex challenges of social work practice upon completing the program. St. Mary’s dedication to fostering professional growth and empowering individuals to make meaningful contributions to the field of social work makes its Advanced Standing Program a commendable choice for those looking to advance their careers.
Accreditation: CSWE
Online Option: Yes
University of Minnesota – St. Paul, MN
The University of Minnesota, located in St. Paul, offers a Master of Social Work (MSW) program with a central mission to prepare students for advanced social work practice and leadership. Accredited by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE), the program is committed to equipping graduates with the skills and knowledge needed in various specialized areas, including clinical mental health, community practice, families and children, as well as health, disability, and aging.
The MSW program at the University of Minnesota emphasizes fostering a practical understanding of how power and privilege influence societal roles. This perspective is integral to preparing social work professionals for roles such as case managers, policy analysts, clinicians, and community organizers. The program is designed to create a diverse learning environment that enhances students’ sensitivity and skills, enabling them to engage with and contribute to diverse communities effectively.
Accreditation: CSWE
Specializations:
- Clinical Mental Health
- Community Practice
- Families and Children
- Health, Disability, Aging
Online Option: Yes
University of St. Thomas – Minneapolis, MN
The University of St. Thomas offers an exceptional Master of Social Work program to equip students for advanced clinical social work practice. Renowned for its unwavering commitment to social justice, teaching excellence, and mentorship, the program stands out for its comprehensive clinical social work practice and licensure preparation.
Recognized by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE), the program emphasizes cultivating a robust clinical social work identity deeply rooted in social work values and ethics. Students develop skills in actively engaging diverse client populations, adapting their practice to various groups, and fostering critical thinking and reflective practice. The curriculum ensures a solid foundation in substantive knowledge essential for competent clinical social work practice and emphasizes the capacity for leadership and supervision across diverse settings.
Additionally, the program instills the ability to critically interpret and conduct social work research, contributing to advancing knowledge, assessing clinical interventions, and improving social work practice. With the flexibility of an online option, the University of St. Thomas provides a dynamic and accessible platform for aspiring clinical social work professionals to pursue their goals.
Accreditation: CSWE
Online Option: Yes
Winonna State University – Winona, MN
The Winona State University Master of Social Work Program in Winona, MN, stands out as a beacon of excellence within a regional public university deeply committed to community engagement and service. The program boasts a diverse, distinctive, and caring faculty working collaboratively with esteemed community partners.
The primary objective is to adequately prepare students, particularly those in the advanced standing track with an undergraduate social work degree from a CSWE-accredited program, with the essential knowledge, skills, and practice wisdom required for trauma-informed clinical social work. Rooted in a commitment to client empowerment and social justice, the program takes a strengths-based approach, addressing the needs of diverse and ever-evolving individuals and communities.
The unique synthesis of immersive experiences, innovative practices, and research-informed techniques distinguishes the program, allowing advanced-standing students to complete the 42-credit curriculum and 600 hours of field practicum in as little as one year.
Accreditation: CSWE
Specializations:
- Trauma-Informed Clinical Practice
Online Option: Yes
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