Advanced Standing MSW Curriculum
Students who have earned a bachelor’s degree in social work from a program accredited by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE) within the last six years are eligible to enter the Brown School with Advanced Standing status. These students may be awarded between 3 and 19 credit hours of advanced standing for BSW coursework. MSW students complete at least 39 credit hours of coursework at the Brown School, comprised of:
- 4 credits: BSW Intensive: Bridge to Brown course (taught in the summer)
- 21 credits: Concentration-level coursework
- 9 credits: Electives or Specialization coursework
- 5 credits: Concentration Practicum
Advanced Standing students may complete the program on a 12-month or 16-month timeline.
Advanced Standing Program Eligibility
To earn Advanced Standing credit, the following requirements must be met:
- You earned your BSW from a CSWE-accredited institution or program within the past six years.
- The content of each course is consistent with the Brown School’s MSW course work.
- You received a grade of “B” or higher in the course.
| Courses Eligible for Advanced Standing Credit | Up to 19 credit hours |
|---|---|
| Research Methods | 3 |
| Human Behavior | 3 |
| Social Welfare Policies and Services | 3 |
| Social Work Practice with Individuals, Families, and Groups | 3 |
| Social Work Practice with Organizations and Communities | 3 |
| Foundation Practicum | 3 |
| Foundation Practicum Integrative Seminar | 1 |
Advanced Standing MSW Curriculum
Advanced Standing students are required to enroll in at least 39 credit hours at the Brown School, including the 4-credit Bridge to Brown course. The curriculum outlined below is based on receiving all 19 hours of advanced standing credit; any course for which you do not receive advanced standing credit must be added to your required coursework and may extend the timeline of your program completion.
Any course in italics represents an opportunity to choose from a variety of classes offered within that category.
| BSW Intensive: Bridge to Brown | 4 credit hours |
|---|---|
| BSW Intensive: Bridge to Brown Advanced standing students are required to take this two-week bridge course just prior to the start of the first fall semester. The bridge course covers select, foundational skills for MSW students at the Brown School, including evidence-based practice, social justice, human diversity, and social and political environment. Attendance at the BSW Intensive: Bridge to Brown is required. This course is assessed at the annual per-credit hour tuition rate and the additional course fee will be included in a student’s fall semester tuition bill. | 4 |
| Concentration* | 21 credit hours |
|---|---|
| Theory, Problems, and Issues | 3 |
| Social Policy | 3 |
| Practice Methods | 9 |
| Evaluation | 3 |
| Leadership and Management | 3 |
| Concentration Practicum | 5 credit hours |
|---|
| Electives** | 9 credit hours |
|---|---|
| Elective I | 3 |
| Elective II | 3 |
| Elective III | 3 |
Curriculum and required credit hours are subject to change.
Advanced Standing Program Timeline
Advanced Standing student can choose to complete the program in 12 months or in 16 months, selecting from two different program timelines. Advanced Standing student can choose to complete the program in 12 months or in 16 months, selecting from two different program timelines. Please note that any course for which you do not receive advanced standing credit must be added to your required coursework and may extend the timeline of your program completion.
Option 1: 12 Months Total
(2 full academic semesters and practicum/coursework in the summer)
Program Timeline & Sequencing:
August, year 1: 4-credit hour BSW Intensive: Bridge to Brown course
Fall Semester: 15 credit hours of coursework
Spring Semester: 15 credit hours coursework and practicum begins
Summer: 5-6 credit hours practicum completed and additional coursework
August, year 2: Graduate
Considerations:
- Lower overall tuition charges.
- Early graduation (August).
- Students must declare their concentration and optional specialization prior to matriculating and cannot switch after declaring.
- Students are unable to pursue the Individualized concentration.
- Students must secure a practicum site very early in the academic year. Students will work with an advisor throughout the summer to secure this spot.
- Students must enter the program with a dual degree already declared.
Option 2: 16 Months Total
(3 full academic semesters and practicum/coursework in the summer)
Program Timeline & Sequencing:
August: 4-credit hour BSW Intensive: Bridge to Brown course
First Fall Semester: 9-15 credit hours of coursework
Spring Semester: 9-15 credit hours of coursework; option to begin practicum
Summer: up to 6 credit hours of coursework and practicum
Second Fall Semester: 9-15 credit hours; practicum completed
December: Graduate
Considerations:
- Most course flexibility; option to choose from classes offered across all three semesters.
- Can take classes at the Brown School before officially declaring a concentration and specialization. Have the opportunity to enter the program as one concentration and switch into another in the first fall semester.
- Can distribute practicum hours across multiple semesters and throughout the summer.
- More time to interface with Brown School supports and resources, including career engagement, student affairs and other groups.
- Highest overall program costs (three academic semesters plus bridge course).
- Latest graduation date (December).
- Students can add a dual degree no later than the spring semester of their first year.