What does Advanced Standing mean?
Students who have a Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) from a Council on Social Work Education (CSWE) accredited institution may apply to our MSW programs with Advanced Standing. Advanced Standing is recognition that BSW students have completed generalist social work coursework and demonstrated competency in all nine CSWE generalist competencies. BSW degrees must have been earned within five years from the academic year of graduation to the academic year of the start of the MSW program. For example, a May 2020 BSW graduate (2019-2020 academic year) is not eligible for Advanced Standing starting fall 2025 (2025-2026 academic year).
What are the benefits of Advanced Standing?
- Advanced Standing (AS) applicants are considered separately at admissions from generalist students.
- AS students do not need to take UW-Madison’s core generalist MSW coursework, completing only 30 credits rather than 49 credits. Refer to the Advanced Standing MSW Program Guides found on the Student Resources page for more information on plans of study, and to the UW Guide (page coming soon!) for more information on program requirements.
- This results in a shorter time-to-degree, as Full-Time students typically complete the degree in one year, and Part-Time students typically complete it in two years.
How do I apply for Advanced Standing?
Visit Master of Social Work Application for more information on applying to our MSW programs. Advanced Standing application instructions are integrated with the instructions for each program.
Do I need to apply for exemptions from courses?
Advanced Standing students automatically receive exemption from all foundation year courses except for psychopathology, which is a requirement for UW-Madison generalist MSW and BSW students. The Exemption Process page for Advanced Standing students provides more details about course exemptions for Advanced Standing students.