Virginia Advanced Standing MSW Programs
List of Virginia Colleges That Offer CSWE Accredited Advanced Standing MSW Programs in 2024
George Mason University – Fairfax, VA
George Mason University’s Master of Social Work (MSW) program stands out as an accredited and comprehensive platform for individuals aspiring to advance their expertise in social work. The program is designed with a distinctive structure, commencing with a "Generalist" year followed by a yearlong "Specialized" study. Offering flexibility to students, the on-campus program allows enrollment under two-year, three-year, or four-year plans. Notably, the Advanced Standing program is available for those with a BSW degree from a CSWE-accredited program, providing a streamlined path for qualifying candidates. The robust curriculum encompasses foundational elements such as social work principles, human behavior, and societal systems. Additionally, it delves into critical areas like poverty, oppression, and inequity, emphasizing direct practice across various contexts, community engagement, research skills, and advocating for systemic change.
Accreditation: CSWE
Specializations:
- Children, Youth, and Families
- Adults and Healthy Aging
Online Option: Yes
Liberty University – Lynchburg, VA
Liberty University in Lynchburg, VA, offers an Advanced Standing Master of Social Work (MSW) program to equip individuals with the skills and knowledge needed to serve others in challenging situations. Through advanced training in social policy, research, and practice, students gain practical experience in real-world scenarios, enhancing their ability to engage with individuals, families, and groups facing complex challenges. The program not only focuses on preparing students for supervisory and managerial roles but also emphasizes development in clinical mental health and program development. Students benefit from the guidance of highly qualified faculty members who integrate their Christian faith into their teachings, creating a supportive academic and personal growth environment. Additionally, the program is accredited by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE) and offers the flexibility of an online option, providing students with a convenient and accessible learning experience.
Accreditation: CSWE
Online Option: Yes
Norfolk State University – Norfolk, VA
Norfolk State University’s Master of Social Work (MSW) program in Norfolk, Virginia, offers an advanced standing curriculum that empowers students with a comprehensive understanding of the profession’s values, ethical standards, and pertinent laws and regulations affecting practice at the individual, family, and community levels. The program is meticulously crafted to cultivate essential skills and knowledge through a well-rounded curriculum comprising core and concentration courses. With accreditation from the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE), the program ensures that students receive a quality education that aligns with industry standards.
This advanced standing MSW program at Norfolk State University allows students to specialize in key areas such as Child Welfare, Mental Health, and Healthcare, allowing them to tailor their education to align with their career aspirations. Although the program does not offer an online option, its commitment to hands-on learning and in-person experiences underscores the university’s dedication to fostering a rich and interactive educational environment. Graduates emerge well-prepared for professional practice, equipped with the skills and knowledge needed to make a meaningful impact in various social work settings.
Accreditation: CSWE
Specializations:
- Child Welfare
- Mental Health
- Healthcare
Online Option: No
Radford University – Radford, VA
Radford University, situated in Radford, VA, offers an exemplary Master of Social Work (MSW) program with the flexibility of two distinct curriculum tracks: the “Standard” and the “Advanced Standing” options. The Advanced Standing program, tailored for individuals with a baccalaureate degree from an accredited social work program earned within the past seven years, stands out as an accelerated pathway for those who have already gained a solid foundation in social work during their undergraduate studies. With a curriculum spanning 40 credits, this program is designed to provide a comprehensive and efficient route to an MSW degree. Eligible applicants must maintain a minimum GPA of 2.75 for all undergraduate coursework and a commendable 3.0 GPA specifically for their social work courses. Notably, the program holds accreditation from the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE), ensuring a high standard of education, and offers the convenience of an online option, providing students with the flexibility to balance academic pursuits with other commitments.
Accreditation: CSWE
Online Option: Yes
Virginia Commonwealth University – Richmond, VA
Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU) in Richmond, VA, offers an advanced standing Master of Social Work (MSW) program that holds accreditation from the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE), ensuring a high standard of education. This program is designed for individuals who have already obtained a Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) degree from a CSWE-accredited program, allowing them to complete their MSW in a shorter time frame.
Students in the advanced standing MSW program at VCU can choose the specialization of Clinical Social Work. The Social Work Administration, Planning, and Policy Practice concentration is unavailable for advanced standing admission at this time. The Clinical Social Work track provides students with the knowledge and skills needed for direct client interventions and therapeutic practice.
Accreditation: CSWE
Specializations:
- Clinical Social Work
Online Option: Yes
Virginia State University – St, Petersburg, VA
The Virginia State University MSW program stands out for its unwavering commitment to cultivating culturally competent, ethical, and empathetic professionals primed for advanced social work practice and leadership roles. With a strong emphasis on recognizing and bolstering the strengths and resiliency of individuals, the program is dedicated to preparing graduates for impactful roles in social service agencies, educational institutions, health and behavioral health agencies, and other organizations on a local, national, and global scale. The program’s unique focus on addressing the well-being of traumatized individuals and promoting human rights, and social and economic justice is evident in its comprehensive curriculum, which integrates community engagement, advocacy, and collaborative scientific inquiry. Aligned with a liberal arts perspective, the MSW program at Virginia State University acknowledges the intricate nature of societal challenges.
Accreditation: CSWE
Online Option: No
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