Our 36-credit Advanced Standing Program builds on the foundation of BSW coursework and prepares students for social work practice. It is expected that Advanced Standing students have demonstrated a high level of competence in foundational social work principles and practices. Advanced Standing students select the Leadership, Policy and Social Change (macro), Clinical, or combined concentrations at Baltimore, while they pursue the Clinical concentration at The Universities at Shady Grove location. Students who are accepted into our full-time Advanced Standing Program will begin their advanced field placement in the fall semester.
Applications for the Spring 2025 semester open on September 1. Request more information or download our Admissions Information Guide for a comprehensive review of our programs and admissions process.
Eligibility Requirements
- Completed an undergraduate program in social work accredited by the Council on Social Work Education within the five years preceding their enrollment at our School.
- Earned a minimum cumulative 3.0 grade point average on a 4.0 scale. Additionally, a 3.0 grade point average is required for the last 60 credits. Grades for field practicum, if assigned on a pass/fail basis by the applicant’s undergraduate program, are not included in the grade point average calculation.
- Course Grades: Applicants with a grade lower than a “B” in a Practice and Field Practicum class are not eligible for Advanced Standing. Advanced Standing credit is granted only for courses in which applicants earned a “B” or higher grade. Those who meet the requirements receive up to 24 semester hours of credit toward the MSW degree (this is referred to as our foundation curriculum).
Additional Program Requirements
- BSW students beginning a block field placement in the Spring are NOT eligible for Fall.
- Applicants with a "C" in any practice coursework (also called methods or interventions) are NOT eligible for Advanced Standing
- Students accepted in the Advanced Standing Program must complete the program requirements within 2 years of initial acceptance.
Application Requirements
- Applicants must complete their undergraduate degree before applying for admission to the MSW program. December graduates are only eligible for admission the following Fall semester.
- Applicants are strongly encouraged to submit their completed application in advance of the deadline for best consideration.
- Applicants may only submit one application for each admission cycle (spring/fall or upcoming year)
- Case plan
- Recommendation form from Field Placement Supervisor
- 3 Personal statement questions
- 1 Professional reference
- Current, updated chronological resume
- Official transcripts and application fee
General application requirements and tips For more information about applying to the Advanced Standing MSW program, email admissions@ssw.umaryland.edu or call 410-706-6102.