Advanced Standing Master of Social Work (MSW) – Individual and Family Clinical Cognate
Help Individuals, Families, and Communities Thrive with Liberty’s Advanced Standing MSW – Individual and Family Clinical
Do you want to become a licensed social worker* who knows how to help people overcome addiction and mental health issues? Are you passionate about promoting the well-being of individuals, families, and entire communities? If so, Liberty University’s Advanced Standing Master of Social Work (MSW) – Individual and Family Clinical may be right for you!
The Advanced Standing MSW is designed for students who hold a Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) or Bachelor of Science in Social Work (BSSW) from a program accredited by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE). If you’ve earned one of those bachelor’s degrees,** you can pursue our Advanced Standing MSW rather than the traditional MSW – so you’ll only have to complete 31 credit hours instead of the 60 required for the traditional program! This can help you finish your degree faster and save money.
By completing the individual and family clinical cognate, you can become equipped to address challenges in mental health, substance abuse, diagnosis, and therapeutic practice using clinical skills and research-informed practice. You could go on to work with children and adults – both individually and in group settings – to help them face challenges and pursue a brighter future.
*Please note: Each state has unique requirements for becoming a licensed social worker. Be sure to research the requirements in your state: https://www.liberty.edu/statelicensure/.
**View the Admission Requirements tab for more information.
Pursue Your Degree with Confidence
- Liberty is regionally accredited by SACSCOC, the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
- You will complete at least 600 hours of field experience before graduation.
- Our Advanced Standing MSW can help equip you to sit for social work licensure exams.
- Liberty’s MSW faculty have years of experience in academia and the social work field.
What Will You Learn?
- Applied research and ethics
- Child and family therapeutic practice
- Clinical skills for working with individuals, families, and groups who struggle with mental health and substance abuse issues
- Diversity and cultural humility
- Mental health diagnoses and addictive behavior
- Social policy and advocacy from a social and environmental justice perspective
Potential Careers for Graduates of Our Advanced Standing MSW – Individual and Family Clinical
- Adoption consultant
- Agency director
- Child and family social worker
- Clinical social worker
- Elementary and secondary school social worker
- Nonprofit organization director
- Social work supervisor
Internships and Resources Available to Advanced Standing MSW Students
- Liberty’s MSW faculty can help provide the guidance and mentorship you need to make a difference in the social work field.
- Our courses are taught from a Christian worldview, so you can learn how to live out ethical principles in your career.
- Prepare to sit for social work licensure exams and get the credentials you need to further your career.
- By completing 600 hours of field experience, you can apply your knowledge to the real world and learn from seasoned professionals.
- We offer opportunities for graduate assistantships to master’s-level students.
- Take advantage of our top-notch resources – including a career center, writing coaching, and professional development events.
- The Advanced Standing MSW only requires 31 credit hours of coursework – allowing you to finish your degree much faster than a traditional MSW.
Admission Requirements for Our Advanced Standing MSW
Every application is reviewed on a case-by-case basis, and all applicants must submit the following documents and meet the minimum requirements for admission:
- Admission application
- Official bachelor’s degree transcripts showing a completed BSW or BSSW from a CSWE-accredited program (conferred within the last 7 years) with a 3.0 GPA or higher
- 3 reference names and contact information (including phone number)
- At least 1 reference must be a field faculty member or program director from the BSW/BSSW program
- Statement of Purpose (400-word minimum):
- In roughly 150 words, complete the following prompt: I desire to earn a Master of Social Work degree and attend Liberty University because…
- In roughly 150 words, complete the following prompt: I show a posture of learning and respect when interacting with diverse individuals, families, and groups by…
- In roughly 100 words, discuss the following prompt: Please share about a personal challenge in your life and discuss how you have worked through this challenge. (Please do not share about a challenge with your job.)
- Writing sample (5-page minimum)
- Final field evaluation from BSW/BSSW program
- Department questionnaire
- Department approval
- Self-certification form for students in the final term of their bachelor’s degree
- Current Liberty undergraduate students seeking preliminary acceptance into a graduate program must complete a degree completion application through their ASIST account
These rates are reflective of academic year 2024-2025. Tuition rates may change annually. For the most current information, please visit our LU Tuition Cost page.
Credit Hours
Available On Campus
Class Type
Residential
Transfer Credits
Transfer in up to 3 credit hours
Next Start Date
Aug 18, 2025
Accreditation
Liberty University is accredited by SACSCOC
