Students with an undergraduate BSW degree in social work from a program that is accredited by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE) may apply for advanced standing. The undergraduate work must have been completed within the last 5 years in order to meet the requirements of the foundation year in this program. The advanced standing applicant must meet all regular requirements for admission.

Advanced Standing status is not automatically granted. The Social Work faculty at VSU will examine the student’s BSW transcript, the accreditation status of the undergraduate institution, and if necessary, BSW course syllabi, in order to determine whether the foundation content is transferable to the VSU MSW Program. Likewise, undergraduate faculty recommendations are necessary. It is the intent to admit for advanced standing only students who excelled academically and professionally during their BSW program. At least two of the applicant’s three reference letters must be completed by undergraduate faculty members from the BSW Program. The VSU Social Work faculty will determine whether the student may be admitted to advanced standing status, the portion of the foundation year that may be waived, and whether additional foundation courses are required.

When admitted to the program, advanced standing students must enroll in the fall session. All advanced standing students will be assigned to the MSW program director for academic advising and for completion of their foundation portfolio. In addition, the students must complete their practicum application and meet with the Field Director. 

PLEASE NOTE: Academic credit will not be given for prior life or work experience. Previous graduate degrees do NOT qualify an applicant for the advanced standing program. A BSW degree from a CSWE accredited program is required.