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MSW Advanced

MSW Advanced

Once you’ve completed the foundation year, or if you start via a CSWE-accredited BSW, you move into the Advanced Level of Southern Adventist University’s MSW program. This phase is designed to deepen your practice skills, refine your professional identity, and prepare you for leadership and complex clinical or administrative roles in social work. At the advanced level, coursework shifts from broad generalist foundations to specialized, practice-focused learning. The classes help you integrate theory with real-world practice and build competencies for advanced social work roles.


Admission Requirements

BSW Degree

Must have a bachelor's degree in social work from a recognized college or university with a BSW degree accredited by CSWE, OR proof of successful completion of the foundation year of education at a CSWE accredited MSW social work program

Transcripts

Provide an official transcript from college or university

GPA

Possess a GPA of at least 3.00. Any GPA lower will result in the applicant being considered for provisional admission.

References

Submit two professional recommendations from a college professor, work supervisor, or field instructor.

Personal Statement

Submit a professional statement describing the applicant's motivation for graduate school in the field of social work. Guidelines are located X.

Resume

Submit a professional resume

International students should refer to the International Graduate Student Admissions page for full admission requirements. 

Flexible Learning

Advanced Part-Time

The Advanced Placement (Part-Time) option is ideal for students ready to deepen their practice while maintaining flexibility. Through specialized coursework and advanced field experience, students strengthen clinical, leadership, and advocacy skills at a manageable pace while balancing professional and personal commitments.

Advanced Full-Time

The Advanced Placement (Full-Time) option allows students to complete specialized coursework and advanced field practicum at an accelerated pace. With immersive learning and focused mentorship, students refine advanced practice skills and prepare for confident, impactful professional social work roles.

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Candy Dolcy, Director of Field Education

Field Education

Learn More About Field Education

Field education is the signature pedagogy for social work. Signature pedagogies are elements of instruction and socialization that teach future practitioners the fundamental dimensions of professional work in their discipline: to think, to perform, and to act intentionally, ethically, and with integrity.

For more information about field education requirements for MSW Foundation students, please visit the Field Education Requirements page.

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