Master of Social Work: Advanced Standing

The Advanced Standing MSW concentration is available to students possessing a Bachelor's degree in Social Work (BSW) from an institution accredited by the Council of Social Work Education (CSWE). This track emphasizes a strong commitment to service, integrity, and scientific inquiry, all within the framework of justice-informed practices. Successful completion of the program prepares individuals for licensure, ensuring they are well-prepared to navigate the complexities of the field with a focus on justice and ethical standards.

Total credits

56

Finish in as few as

12 months

Courses

Professional Licensure

In Bethel's MSW program, you will gain the skills and knowledge to be well-prepared to earn professional licensure through exams by the Association of Social Work Boards (ASWB).

Field Work

Students enrolled in the advanced standing concentration will complete 500 practicum hours and two seminars. The field practicum experience and seminar act as dynamic bridges between theory and practice, offering students a transformative experience beyond the classroom. The 500 fieldwork hours serve as a cornerstone for experiential learning, allowing students to immerse themselves in diverse social work settings. Through these field practicum opportunities, students will have the chance to witness the tangible impact of equitable and inclusive approaches in addressing societal issues.

Program Objectives

Bethel University's Master of Social Work program will equip you to:

• Address social challenges, ranging from poverty, systemic violence, human neglect, trafficking, child welfare, trauma, mental health, and health disparities, to environmental racism and the reformation of social systems.
• Examine and engage with theological, racial, and equity concepts to address issues of social, economic, racial, and environmental injustice.
• Apply critical concepts related to trauma and mental health in social work practice, ensuring a comprehensive understanding and adept response to diverse individual and community needs.
• Apply acquired knowledge across all contexts, from micro to macro levels, demonstrating adaptability and skill in addressing social issues at various scales.
• Champion justice in innovative ways, actively participating in diverse professional field settings to bring about positive societal change.
• Utilize research and evidence-based practices in social work contexts and various community settings.
• Integrate inclusive and bias-free language into scholarly work and professional practice, promoting a culture of respect, diversity, and equity in social work.