Social Work: Advanced Standing Program | Springfield College

Social Work: Advanced Standing Program

Master of Social Work
About This Program
Admissions Contact
Curriculum and Delivery
Start Dates and Duration
  • Start in May (summer semester)
  • Attend full or part time
    • Full time: Weekdays for 3 semesters
    • Part time: Weekends for 4 semesters 
Fieldwork Requirements

One internship, either Weekday or Weekend Program – 600 hours, 20 hours per week for 15 weeks for two semesters.

Paying for Your Education
Career Opportunities
Upcoming Events

Tips and Pointers for Applying to Graduate School
Monday, April 29 at 6 p.m.
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Social Work Virtual Information Session
Tuesday, May 7 at 6 p.m.
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Social Work In Person Information Session
Thursday, June 13 at 5 p.m.
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Social Work Virtual Information Session
Monday, July 8 at 7 p.m.
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Springfield College School of Social Work graduate studies at the Brennan Center

The Master of Social Work: Advanced Standing Program at Springfield College prepares social workers for professional practice. Students graduate well-equipped to work at the individual, family, group, organization, and community levels with evidence-based and knowledge-guided practice.

The advanced standing program is for highly qualified graduates of Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) programs. The BSW program must be accredited by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE) and the BSW must have been successfully completed within five years of enrollment in the Springfield College Master of Social Work program. The content and quality of the weekday and weekend programs are the same. This program also requires one field practicum and two field seminars.  The field practicum takes place during weekday business hours.

Candidates who are accepted to this program have courses from the foundational phase of the standard MSW program waived because of evidence of mastery of their first-year competencies in their CSWE-accredited BSW programs. While 60 credits are required for the standard program, 32 credits are required for completion of the advanced standing sequence. Per CSWE standards and policies, the MSW degree earned in the advanced standing program is equivalent to the MSW degree earned in the standard program.


Mission:  
Through the teaching of social work knowledge and practice, the Masters in Social Work program at Springfield College prepares individuals to meet universal human needs in order to engender mutually beneficial interaction between individuals and societal systems at all levels, based on principles of economic and social justice, dignity, and human rights.

Accreditation

The Springfield College Master of Social Work program is accredited by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE), the official accrediting body for social work programs in the U.S. This enables graduates to take professional social work licensure examinations in all 50 states.

How to Apply:

Supplemental Application

In addition to educational credentials, candidates for this program generally have acquired first-hand skill and knowledge related to the social work field through paid experiences. Applicants to this program must complete a supplemental application, including additional documentation.

Admission Requirements

  1. Complete the FREE online application: Once your application form is processed you will receive an email with your application portal login credentials and instructions for submitting supplemental materials as listed below.
  2. Essay: Once your application form is processed you will receive an email with your application portal login credentials. Once you login to your application portal you'll be able to upload your essay.

    Your professional statement should describe (1) professional goals and reasons for pursuing an MSW degree in this program; and (2) the education, professional/work experience, and personal characteristics that make the applicant a good candidate for an advanced generalist MSW program. 

  3. Resume: Please include any college activities, out-of-school leadership experiences, work history, and community involvement to support your interest in or qualifications for graduate study. 
  4. Two letters of recommendation: Two letters of recommendation from a faculty member or direct supervisor: Recommenders will receive an email when you submit your application and will be able to upload your letter to your application.
  5. Transcripts: An official transcript from each college/university you have attended is required. In order to be considered official, transcripts must be received directly from the original source, by email to graduate@springfield.edu or mailed to the college address: 

Springfield College
Office of Graduate Admissions
263 Alden Street
Springfield, MA 01109

Application Deadlines

Domestic Students:

  • Application Materials Deadline: April 1
  • Supporting Materials Deadline: April 15
Kellynette Gomez standing outside
ALUMNI SPOTLIGHT

Kellynette Gomez, G'18

"Attending the Social Work: Advanced Standing weekend cohort has meant so much to me. As a deaf Latina woman, I have found people who align with similar values to mine and believe fiercely in necessary change for underserved communities. Apart from how much this has aided in my learning, the opportunity to meet diverse students and professors with similar interests has helped me find a sense of initiative. I now can move confidently into the workforce knowing that more opportunities lie ahead with chances to meet more folks with similar passions to mine. Graduating with my MSW will now be an important milestone in my life and I have Springfield College to thank for helping me get there."

Fellowships & Scholarships

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Student Employment

Work on our campus to earn money while pursuing your graduate degree.

Employee Partnerships

Employees of our partnerships are eligible to receive a $5,000 or $10,000 partner grant.