What is the Difference Between Advanced Standing and Traditional MSW Degrees?

If you're passionate about making a difference and considering a career in social work, a Master of Social Work (MSW) could be your next big step. But you may be wondering about the different pathways available—specifically, what is an advanced standing MSW compared to a traditional MSW? Both paths lead to the same degree but are available to different students. In this post, we’ll break down the differences to help you decide which program best fits your background, needs and goals.

What is a Traditional MSW Program?

A traditional MSW program is designed for individuals with bachelor’s degrees in any field other than social work. It provides a comprehensive education in social work practices, theory and professional ethics, among other related areas. If you don’t have a Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) but want to know how to get a master’s in social work, this is the track for you.

Duration and Coursework

How long does it take to get a master’s in social work? Typically, a traditional MSW program takes two years to complete if you’re enrolled full-time, though part-time options are also available, which can take between three and four years to complete.

The curriculum generally starts with foundational courses in human behavior, social policy, research methods and ethics. As you progress, you’ll move into more advanced topics and specialized areas like clinical social work or community practice.

Fieldwork is a significant component of the program in addition to classroom learning. Most traditional MSW students are required to complete 900-1,000 hours of supervised fieldwork or practicums, which allows them to gain real-world experience.

Who Should Consider a Traditional MSW Program?

If you’re wondering if you need a BSW to get an MSW, the answer is no for traditional programs. The traditional MSW program is ideal for individuals who already hold a bachelor’s degree in another field. Whether you’ve studied psychology, sociology, education, business or other majors, the traditional track is designed to give you the core knowledge needed to excel in social work.

What is an Advanced Standing MSW Program?

An advanced standing MSW program, on the other hand, is a faster option designed for students who already hold a BSW.

Duration and Coursework

The primary appeal of an advanced-standing MSW program is its shorter duration. Students can complete the program in as few as nine months of full-time and two years of part-time study. This is because the curriculum builds on the foundational social work knowledge you already gained during your BSW.

Curriculum in an advanced standing program includes the more specialized courses offered in the latter half of the traditional program, focusing on advanced practice areas such as clinical social work, policy analysis or social work management. Like the traditional track, fieldwork is a requirement, but advanced-standing students typically have fewer hours of field placement to complete—usually around 450-600 hours.

Who Should Consider an Advanced Standing MSW Program?

This program is tailored for students who hold a BSW and are ready to advance in the field. It’s an excellent option for those who are already working in social services and want to fast-track their education to become a licensed clinical social worker (LCSW) or pursue other advanced roles.

Key Differences Between Traditional and Advanced Standing MSW Programs

Choosing the Right Program for You

Deciding between these two paths depends on your academic background. Here are some factors to consider:

Career Goals and Aspirations

If your goal is to get licensed as a clinical social worker quickly and you already have a BSW, the advanced standing MSW program may be your best bet. This path allows you to specialize more quickly, potentially leading to faster licensure and employment opportunities in roles like clinical social work or social work administration.

On the other hand, if your undergraduate degree is in another field and you’re wondering how to get a master's in social work, the traditional program provides the foundational knowledge needed to transition into the field.

For many, pursuing a master’s in social work can also be an excellent way to embark on social work as a second career. Whether you’ve worked in education, healthcare, business or another industry, the traditional MSW program equips you with the skills to make a meaningful shift into a profession dedicated to helping others. This option is ideal for individuals seeking a rewarding change and looking to leverage their prior experiences in a new, impactful way.

Financial and Time Considerations

While both programs offer part-time options, the advanced standing MSW program is less expensive due to its shorter duration. However, financial aid is available for both tracks, and many schools offer scholarships, grants and work-study opportunities to help offset costs.

If you need to work while pursuing your degree, both programs typically offer flexibility, with online and part-time options available. While the traditional track may take longer than the advanced, it provides a solid foundation for those new to the social work field without having to obtain a BSW degree.

The Online MSW – Traditional Track at Cleveland State University combines foundational social work education with advanced coursework. This structure allows career changers to bypass earning a separate bachelor’s degree in social work, streamlining the path to becoming a social worker and making it a faster and more efficient option for those transitioning into the field.

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Charting Your Path to Social Work Success: Which MSW Program is Right for You?

Both the traditional and advanced standing MSW programs at Cleveland State University offer unique benefits tailored to different educational backgrounds.

The traditional MSW track is ideal for those entering social work from a different academic field. It offers a solid foundation in social work principles and practices. This option provides the time and coursework necessary to fully immerse yourself in the profession, preparing you for various roles in the field. The traditional track at CSU can be completed in as little as one year and nine months full-time and two years and seven months part-time.

On the other hand, Cleveland State University’s advanced standing MSW program is designed for students who already hold a BSW and want to expedite their path to an MSW. This accelerated program is the shortest pathway for BSW degree holders to earn an MSW in Ohio. It can be completed in as few as nine months full-time, and one year and three months part-time, allowing you to dive into advanced social work courses, specialized field placements and leadership opportunities. It’s the perfect option if you’re eager to fast-track your career and work toward licensure as a clinical social worker (LCSW or LISW in Ohio).

Online MSW Program Comparison Chart

Still wondering what is an advanced standing MSW? In short, it’s a streamlined route for those with prior social work education, designed to maximize your existing knowledge while minimizing time to degree completion.

Whether you choose the traditional or advanced standing, both programs prepare you for rewarding roles in social work, with a curriculum tailored to your educational needs and career aspirations.

With Cleveland State University’s online advanced standing MSW program, you can make a meaningful impact in your community while advancing your career.

Start a rewarding new career with any bachelor’s degree as a foundation with CSU’s online traditional track MSW program.