Social Work - Advanced Standing - (Policy, Administration and Community Practice), MSW
Advocacy, Community, Management, Planning, Policy, Population, Public, Rehabilitation, evaluation
Are you a recent Bachelor of Social Work graduate who is passionate about pursuing social and economic justice? Prepare yourself for professional leadership in macro social work through this fast-paced, prestigious program.
ASU ranks No. 20 for best graduate social work program by U.S. News & World Report (2024).
Students in the policy, administration and community practice specialization of the Master of Social Work program learn skills to intervene across the macro level of society: in systems, institutions, agencies, organizations, laws, policies, programs and communities. Students complete a practicum in a government, nonprofit, social service, advocacy and policy, or research agency.
The advanced standing MSW is designed to be completed in an accelerated and intensive one-year format.
The MSW program is accredited by the Council on Social Work Education and certified by the Network for Social Work Management.
ASU Sync
Students on F-1 or J-1 immigration status are not permitted to complete courses via ASU Sync.
Students seeking to use GI Bill® benefits for ASU Sync programs should contact the Pat Tillman Veterans Center regarding certain limitations.
GI Bill® is a registered trademark of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. More information about education benefits offered by VA is available at the official U.S. government website at www.benefits.va.gov/gibill.
- College/school:
Watts College of Public Service & Community Solutions
- Location: ASU Sync
- STEM-OPT extension eligible: No
39 credit hours and a portfolio, or
39 credit hours and a thesis
Required Core (3 credit hours) Other Requirements (6 credit hours) Concentration (21 credit hours) Electives (3 or 9 credit hours) Culminating Experience (0 or 6 credit hours) Additional Curriculum Information Students complete their practicum during the fall and spring semesters. All credit hour path criteria must be approved by the academic unit before selection in the iPOS. The academic unit advises and monitors students to ensure they choose the appropriate coursework. Core course selection depends on the student's background.
SWG 514 Bridge Seminar I (3)
SWG 515 Bridge Seminar II (3)
SWG 516 Social Work Skills Seminar (3)
SWG 623 Program Evaluation (3)
SWG 632 Policy Practice (3)
SWG 643 Advanced Practicum: Planning, Social Work Administration and Community Practice I (3)
SWG 644 Advanced Practicum: Planning, Social Work Administration and Community Practice II (3)
SWG 681 Leadership and Administration (3)
SWG 682 Community Participation Strategies (3)
SWG 685 Program Planning in Social Services (3)
SWG 599 Thesis (6) or
portfolio (0)
Students must start the program in summer for a total of nine credit hours. The remainder of the program is completed within two semesters (one academic year).
General university admission requirements:
All students are required to meet general
university admission requirements.
U.S.
applicants | International
applicants | English
proficiency
Applicants must fulfill the requirements of both the Graduate College and the Watts College of Public Service and Community Solutions.
Applicants must have a BSW from a Council on Social Work Education-accredited program with a minimum GPA of 3.20 (scale is 4.00 = "A") in the last two years of work leading to the BSW (junior and senior GPA). Applicants must have received their BSW no more than six years before the date of admission to the MSW program.
All applicants must submit:
- graduate admission application and application fee
- official transcripts of all undergraduate and graduate work
- three letters of reference
- professional resume that includes volunteer and paid work experience
- statement of educational and career goals
- proof of English proficiency
Additional Application Information
An applicant whose native language is not English must provide proof of English proficiency regardless of their current residency.
A combination of academic and professional references is desirable. References from friends, family members or personal therapists are not accepted. At least one of the three required references must be from the applicant's BSW practicum instructor or, if the applicant has been employed in a social work-related job for two or more years, from their supervisor.
Guidelines for writing the statement can be found on the program website. Applicants should also see the program website for application deadlines.
Students should contact the School of Social Work with any questions about the application process.
| Session | Modality | Deadline | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| Session A/C | In Person | 02/01 | Final |
Program learning outcomes identify what a student will learn or be able to do upon completion of their program. This program’s learning outcomes include the following:
- Advance human rights, and social, racial and economic justice.
- Assess individuals, families, groups and communities.
- Demonstrate ethical and professional behavior.
The program prepares professional social workers for leadership in social change.
Graduates work for social justice and human rights through building sustainable systems that support people's social well-being, often by addressing the root causes of social problems and reforming unjust policies. Policy, administration and community practice roles include program planning and evaluation; policy development and analysis; political advocacy and lobbying; organizational leadership, management and supervision; grant writing; community development; and building and organizing social movements. Graduates are prepared to bring these skills to whatever environment they work in.
Career examples include:
- community advocate
- community organizer
- grant and fund developers
- nonprofit leadership and management
- policy analyst
- social services administration
ASU programs that may lead to professional licensure or certification are intended to prepare students for potential licensure or certification in Arizona. Completion of an ASU program may not meet educational requirements for licensure or certification in another state. For more information, students should visit the ASU professional licensure webpage.
School of Social Work
|
UCENT 800
mswadvising@asu.edu
602-496-0800
Program term definitions
Accelerated programs allow students the opportunity to expedite the completion of their degree.
Accelerated master's
These programs allow students to accelerate their studies to earn a bachelor's plus a master's degree in as few as five years (for some programs).
Each program has requirements students must meet to be eligible for consideration. Students typically receive approval to pursue the accelerated master's during the junior year of their bachelor's degree program. Interested students can learn about eligibility requirements and how to apply.
Concurrent degrees allow students to pursue their own personal or professional interests, earn two distinct degrees and receive two diplomas. To add a concurrent degree to your existing degree, work with your academic advisor.
Joint programs, or jointly conferred degrees, are offered by more than one college and provide opportunities for students to take advantage of the academic strengths of two academic units. Upon graduation, students are awarded one degree and one diploma conferred by two colleges.
ASU adds new programs to Degree Search frequently. Come back often and look for the "New Programs" option.
ASU Online offers programs in an entirely online format with multiple enrollment sessions throughout the year. See https://asuonline.asu.edu/ for more information.
The Western Regional Graduate Program (WRGP) provides a reduced tuition rate to non-resident graduate students who qualify. Visit the WRGP/WICHE webpage for more information: https://graduate.asu.edu/wiche.
