Online Advanced Standing Master of Social Work (MSW) Our Master of Social Work degree is accredited by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE).
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Degree Options
100% online,* 8-week courses
Transfer in up to 3 credit hours
Transform Lives in Your Community with an Advanced Standing MSW Degree
If you’ve already earned your Bachelor of Social Work degree, Liberty’s Advanced Standing Master of Social Work (MSW) program offers you the opportunity to continue your education and further your commitment to assisting individuals in need. This program can enable you to support those who are suffering and marginalized while actively combating injustice within your community.
Our online Advanced Standing MSW program is designed to help you further your learning and provide you with advanced social work expertise in an expedited manner. Through this degree, you can be equipped to take social work licensure examinations,** ensuring you obtain the necessary credentials to advance your professional journey.
*Some exclusions apply. Please refer to our exclusions page for more information.
**Liberty maintains strict compliance with all licensure requirements for the Commonwealth of Virginia.
Not a Virginia resident? We want to help find the best program for you! To view educational requirements and whether a specific program aligns with the licensure requirements for your state, please review our licensure/certification requirements webpage.
What is the difference between the Advanced Standing MSW and the MSW?
When it comes to choosing an MSW, it’s important to note that “Advanced Standing” refers to what your undergraduate education background is, while the MSW is the standard degree.
Our Advanced Standing MSW is designed for students who already hold a Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) or a Bachelor of Science in Social Work (BSSW) from a program accredited by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE).** This gives you an opportunity to complete your MSW degree in less time and with fewer requirements. Through Liberty’s Advanced Standing MSW, your specialized training can help accelerate your journey to gaining your social work license and making a difference in others’ lives.
In contrast, the other MSW offered by Liberty gives a very broad, well-rounded background in the topics you need to know about social work. Our traditional MSW program, is the degree you should pursue if you don’t already have a CSWE-accredited BSW or BSSW.***
**View the Admission Requirements at the bottom of this page for more information.
***Each state has unique requirements for becoming a licensed social worker. Be sure to research the requirements in your state.
What Will You Study in Our Advanced Standing MSW Online Degree Program?
Liberty’s Advanced Standing MSW online program is specially designed to build upon your prior education and experience. Whether your aim is to work directly in the field or contribute to policy development, our program can help equip you with the necessary tools for success.
Within our MSW courses, our goal is to cultivate a commitment to social, economic, and environmental justice while providing you with the skills to deliver effective clinical interventions. Upon completion of this MSW, you can be prepared to assist diverse populations facing challenges such as disabilities, substance abuse, unemployment, domestic conflicts, or poverty.
Throughout this online Advanced Standing MSW program, you will experience a degree that integrates various facets of social work. You can learn how to advocate for socially just policies in line with biblical truths, developing a well-rounded approach that considers the social, biological, psychological, and spiritual facets of human life. Additionally, you’ll explore topics related to human rights, engaging in discussions on both national and international issues. You can also learn how to critically examine American social policy from the perspective of a Christian worldview.
As you progress, you’ll explore advanced generalist methods for serving individuals, families, groups, organizations, and communities. The curriculum places a strong emphasis on research skills, guiding you through processes such as writing literature reviews, proposing research studies, conducting program evaluations, and completing your own research projects.
Furthermore, your studies can extend to creating social work programs grounded in cutting-edge research, ethical principles, and detailed needs assessment. Preparation for advanced social work services in various contexts like military, international, mental health, and nonprofit settings is also an integral part of this broad program. Additionally, you can gain insights into the cultural values of diverse groups and assess how these values impact daily life.
The general cognate offers additional flexibility for you to be able to choose the courses that best suit your personal and professional goals. You will have credit hours to use on courses that can help prepare you for the diverse directions your social work career may take. Join us and become equipped to make a meaningful difference in the lives of those in need.
Featured Courses
- SOWK 600 – Advanced Generalist Bridge Course
- SOWK 625 – Social Policy, Justice, and Advocacy
- SOWK 650 – Diversity and Cultural Humility*
- SOWK 655 – Advanced Generalist Social Work Practice*
*Course guide coming soon
Degree Information
- This program falls under the School of Behavioral Sciences.
- View the Graduate Behavioral Sciences Course Guides (login required).
- A background check is required prior to practicum courses.
- Students will complete at least 600 hours of social work practice experience.
Why Choose Liberty’s Online Advanced Standing MSW Program?
Our online MSW advanced standing program has been carefully designed to promote your academic achievement and foster your professional development. Within this program, you can acquire the necessary skills to serve diverse communities, engage in research-informed practice, and formulate social policies rooted in biblical principles.
Consider these benefits of choosing Liberty for your online Master of Social Work degree:
- Hands-On Experience | You will fulfill a minimum of 600 hours of practical field experience, enabling you to acquire valuable skills and receive accelerated on-the-job training compared to the traditional MSW degree program.
- Expert Guidance | Receive instruction from esteemed educators at Liberty, where many members of our MSW faculty possess a doctorate and have academic authority in the field of social work. Additionally, you will have the advantage of completing your hands-on social work experience under the guidance of a master’s-level social worker.
- Faith-Based Perspective | We are steadfast in our conviction that the Scriptures provide the most solid foundation for driving social justice efforts. In our Advanced Standing MSW program, you can learn to fuse biblical values with in-depth research and practical techniques, with a special emphasis on recognizing the inherent value of every person.
- Tailored Degree Paths | At Liberty, you have the flexibility to partially tailor your MSW degree to align with your individual interests and passions. Opt for the general cognate to delve into a diverse range of courses and develop a well-rounded skill set. If you are particularly drawn to specializing in family and children’s services, our individual and family clinical cognate may be the ideal choice for you.
Potential Career Opportunities for Online Advanced Standing Master of Social Work Graduates
- Agency director
- Medical social worker
- Program director
- School social worker
- Social work supervisor
Some roles may require licensure in social work, and each state has specific requirements for licensure. Be sure to research the licensure requirements in your state.
Degree Options for Our Online Advanced Standing MSW
This program provides 2 options: a general cognate and an individual and family clinical cognate. No matter which option you choose, you can receive advanced training in social policy, research, and practice. Furthermore, you will have the opportunity to apply your knowledge in real-world scenarios.
Generalized Track (No Specialization)
Are you interested in selecting online Advanced Standing MSW courses that align with your career aspirations and areas of interest? If that’s the case, our Advanced Standing Master of Social Work (MSW) – General cognate is an excellent choice. It allows you to delve into a range of subjects and cultivate a versatile skill set that can be useful in various career avenues.
View the Degree Completion Plan.
Individual and Family Clinical
Are you passionate about enhancing the welfare of children and families within your community? Are you curious about the impact of social factors on both individuals and families? If this resonates with you, check out our Advanced Standing Master of Social Work (MSW) – Individual and Family Clinical cognate!
View the Degree Completion Plan.
Not sure what to choose?
Speak to one of our admissions specialists to help you choose the program that best fits your needs.
State Licensure Requirements
Individual state licensure requirements may vary and are subject to change without notice. View your state’s requirements here: licensure/certification requirements.
Tuition & Aid
Your success is our success, which is why we are committed to providing quality academics at an affordable tuition rate. While other colleges are increasing their tuition, we have frozen tuition rates for the majority of our undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral programs for the past 9 years – and counting.
Graduate Full Time | $565/Credit |
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Graduate Part Time | $615/Credit |
Military Graduate | $275/Credit |
Tuition rates may change annually. For the most current information, please visit our LU Tuition Cost page.
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Financial Aid & Scholarships
Admission Information for Liberty’s Online Advanced Standing MSW Program
Admission Requirements
- Apply online or over the phone with an admissions counselor by calling (800) 424-9596.
- A non-refundable, non-transferable $50 application fee will be posted on the current application upon enrollment (waived for qualifying service members, veterans, and military spouses – documentation verifying military status is required).
- Send official college transcripts (mailed as sealed, unopened copies or sent via a direct electronic transcript system). A BSW or BSSW from a CSWE-accredited program (conferred within the last 7 years) with at least a 3.0 GPA is required for admission in good standing. Applicants who have earned a master’s degree or at least 12 graduate credits from an accredited institution will be assessed on the basis of the master’s-level degree work.
- Unofficial transcripts can be used for acceptance purposes with the submission of a Transcript Request Form.
- Admission to this program also requires:
- Contact information (including phone number) for 3 recommenders from professional sources (i.e., not family/friends). One must be a field faculty member or program director from the BSW/BSSW program. This form can be submitted online (login required) or by email to luoverify@liberty.edu.
- Statement of Purpose (1,200-word minimum):
- Introduce yourself and explain what has inspired you to earn a Master of Social Work degree. Discuss related life events, experiences, and relationships – educational, professional, and/or personal. If you are making a career change, discuss what prompted the change. Discuss what you hope to do with an MSW. (400 words)
- What qualities and abilities do you possess that you believe are a good fit for the social work profession? (150 words)
- What qualities and abilities do you want to develop or further develop that you believe will be helpful in the profession? (150 words)
- How do you show a posture of learning and respect when interacting with diverse individuals, families, and groups? (150 words)
- Share a personal challenge (please do not share a challenge related to your job) in your life and discuss how you worked through or are working through this challenge. (200 words)
- Explain the reason you believe Liberty University is the best fit to help you meet your goal of obtaining an MSW. (150 words)
- If you have social work-related experience, discuss those experiences (for instance, working or volunteering in social services). (optional)
- Department questionnaire (online form or PDF)
- Copy of final field evaluation from the BSW/BSSW program
- Department approval
- Applicants whose native language is other than English must submit official scores for the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) or an approved alternative assessment. For information on alternative assessments or TOEFL waivers, please call Admissions or view the official International Admissions policy.
Preliminary Acceptance
If you are sending in a preliminary transcript for acceptance, you must:
- Be in your final term and planning to start your master’s degree after the last day of class for your bachelor’s degree.
- Complete a Bachelor’s Self-Certification Form confirming your completion date. You may download the form from the Forms and Downloads page or contact an admissions counselor to submit the form on your behalf.
- Submit an official/unofficial transcript to confirm that you are in your final term. The preliminary transcript must show a minimum of 105 completed credit hours.
- If you are a current Liberty University student completing your undergraduate degree, you will need to submit a Degree/Certificate Completion Application.
- Send in an additional, final official transcript with a conferral date on it by the end of your first semester of enrollment in the new master’s degree.
Dual Enrollment
Please see the Online Dual Enrollment page for information about starting graduate courses while finishing your bachelor’s degree.
Transcript Policies
Unofficial College Transcript Policy
Unofficial transcripts combined with a Transcript Request Form can be used for admission. Official transcripts are required within 60 days of the admissions decision or before non-attendance drops for the first set of matriculated classes, whichever comes first, and will prevent enrollment into future terms until all official transcripts have been received.
Before sending unofficial college transcripts, please make sure they include the following:
- Your previous school’s name or logo printed on the document
- Cumulative GPA
- A list of completed courses and earned credit broken down by semester
- Degree and date conferred (if applicable)
Official College Transcript Policy
An acceptable official college transcript is one that has been issued directly from the institution and is in a sealed envelope. If you have one in your possession, it must meet the same requirements. If your previous institution offers electronic official transcript processing, they can send the document directly to luoverify@liberty.edu.
If the student uses unofficial transcripts with a Transcript Request Form to gain acceptance, all official transcripts must be received within 60 days of the admissions decision or before non-attendance drops for the first set of matriculated classes, whichever comes first. Failure to send all official transcripts within the 60-day period will prevent enrollment into future terms until all official transcripts have been received.
Admissions Office Contact Information
Liberty University Online Admissions Verification
1971 University Blvd.
Lynchburg, VA 24515
Military
Liberty University is dedicated to providing world-class educational experiences to military students across the globe.
Who May Qualify?
- Active Duty
- Reserve/National Guard
- Veterans/Retirees
- Spouses of Service Members and Veterans/Retirees
- Current Department of Defense Employees
Available Benefits:
- Tuition discounts – $275 per credit hour for graduate courses
- Additional discount for veterans who serve in a civilian capacity as a First Responder (less than $625 per course)*
- 8-week courses, 8 different start dates each year, and no set login times (may exclude certain courses such as practicums, internships, or field experiences)
*Not applicable to certificates.
Tuition rates may change annually. For the most current information, please visit our LU Tuition Cost page.
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