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Social Work - Advanced Standing - (Policy, Administration and Community Practice), MSW

Social Work - Advanced Standing - (Policy, Administration and Community Practice), MSW

Academic programs / Graduate degrees / Social Work - Advanced Standing - (Policy, Administration and Community Practice), MSW

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Advocacy, Community, Management, Planning, Policy, Population, Public, Rehabilitation, evaluation

Are you a recent Bachelor of Social Work graduate passionate about pursuing social and economic justice? Prepare yourself for professional leadership in macro social work through this fast-paced, prestigious program.

Program description
Degree awarded: MSW  Social Work (Policy, Administration and Community Practice)

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 inperson, in an accelerated and intensive one-year format.

The MSW degree is accredited by the Council on Social Work Education and certified by the Network for Social Work Management.

At a glance
  • STEM-OPT extension eligible: No

Degree requirements

39 credit hours and a portfolio, or
39 credit hours and a thesis

Required Core (3 credit hours)
SWG 514 Bridge Seminar I (3)

Other Requirements (6 credit hours)
SWG 515 Bridge Seminar II (3)
SWG 516 Social Work Skills Seminar (3)

Concentration (21 credit hours)
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)

Electives (3 or 9 credit hours)

Culminating Experience (0 or 6 credit hours)
SWG 599 Thesis (6) or
portfolio (0)

Additional Curriculum Information
Students must start the program in summer for a total of nine credit hours. The nine credit hours of summer courses are offered in the Downtown Phoenix and Tucson campuses only. The remainder of the program is completed within two semesters (one academic year).

Students complete their practicum during the fall and spring semesters.

Students on the 39 credit hour path have an undergraduate Council on Social Work Education-accredited BSW in social work or equivalent degree with a GPA of 3.20 in their junior and senior year, within the last six years.

All credit hour path criteria must be approved by the academic unit prior to 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.

The amount of elective coursework allowed depends on the credit hour path chosen and the culminating experience selected; students who choose the portfolio option have nine credit hours of electives, and students who choose the thesis option have three credit hours of electives.

Admission requirements

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 degree no more than six years prior to the date of admission to the MSW program.

All applicants must submit:

  1. graduate admission application and application fee
  2. official transcripts of all undergraduate and graduate work
  3. three letters of reference
  4. professional resume that includes volunteer and paid work experience
  5. statement of educational and career goals
  6. 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 employed in a social work-related job for two or more years, from the applicant's 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.

Tuition information
When it comes to paying for higher education, everyone’s situation is different. Students can learn about ASU tuition and financial aid options to find out which will work best for them.
Application deadlines
Session Modality Deadline Type
Session A/C In Person 02/01 Final
Program learning outcomes

Program learning outcomes identify what a student will learn or be able to do upon completion of their program. This program has the following program outcomes:

  • Advance human rights, and social, racial and economic justice.
  • Assess individuals, families, groups and communities.
  • Demonstrate ethical and professional behavior.
Career opportunities

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 peoples' social well-being, often by addressing the root causes of social problems and by 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; building and organizing social movements.

Career examples include:

  • community advocate
  • community organizer
  • grant and fund developers
  • nonprofit leadership and management
  • policy analyst
  • social services administration
Professional licensure

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.

Contact information

School of Social Work | UCENT 800
mswadvising@asu.edu
602-496-0800

What are accelerated programs?
Accelerated programs allow students the opportunity to expedite the completion of their degree.

3 year programs

These programs allow students to fast-track their studies after admission and earn a bachelor's degree in three years or fewer while participating in the same high-quality educational experience of a 4-year option. Students should talk to their academic advisor to get started.

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. Acceptance to the graduate program requires a separate application. 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.
What are concurrent programs?
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.
What are joint programs?
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.

What constitutes a new program?
ASU adds new programs to Degree Search frequently. Come back often and look for the “New Programs” option.
What are online programs?
ASU Online offers programs in an entirely online format with multiple enrollment sessions throughout the year. See https://asuonline.asu.edu/ for more information.
What is WRGP (Western Regional Graduate Program)?
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.

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