Designed for students with a bachelor's degree in social work, Campbellsville University's online MSW – Advanced Standing program serves as a fast track to licensure and leadership opportunities in the field.
Program Details
Next Start Date:
1/11/2027
Estimated Length:
2 Semesters
Credit Hours:
30
Cost Per Credit:
$640Program Benefits
- Apply up to 6 transfer credits to reduce time and cost
- Learn from experienced social work practitioners, with one-on-one faculty access
- No GRE/GMAT required
- Choose a generalist path or one of five specialized areas of focus
- 100% online coursework, plus a 450-hour advanced practicum in an approved setting
Master of Social Work (MSW) – Advanced Standing Track Overview
What Is Advanced Standing MSW?
Campbellsville University’s CSWE-accredited advanced standing curriculum recognizes your BSW foundation and prepares you for graduate-level social work licensure, allowing you to provide direct client services under the supervision of an appropriately licensed social worker.
Our accelerated program equips you with advanced social work skills in family and group practice, psychopathology, leadership and ethics, preparing you to lead in a variety of settings. Choose the generalist path or one of five areas of focus: Clinical, Substance Use Disorders, Faith Based, Forensic or School Social Work. Dual-focus combinations are also available.
Generalist
The Generalist program prepares you for the social work licensure necessary to provide direct client services under the supervision of an appropriately licensed social worker. You’ll explore various topics, including psychopathology and ethics, and complete the program fully prepared for diverse opportunities within the field working with individuals, families or groups.
Clinical Area of Focus
Develop advanced skills for providing clinical social work services to individuals and families. Coursework explores evidence-based approaches such as cognitive behavioral and solution-focused therapies, clinical interviewing and assessment, diagnosis, treatment planning, psychopharmacology and the theories that guide direct practice. This option is a strong fit for students interested in working in mental health settings.
Substance Use Disorders Area of Focus
Develop specialized skills for assessing and responding to substance use disorders through evidence-based and culturally responsive practice. Coursework is designed by experts in substance abuse treatment and explores clinical interviewing and diagnosis, psychopharmacology, treatment planning, therapeutic approaches, ethical decision-making and the federal policies that influence treatment resources and access. This option may be a strong fit for students interested in treatment programs, behavioral health agencies or other settings serving people affected by substance use.
Faith Based Area of Focus
Learn to integrate spirituality into professional social work practice in a manner grounded in social work ethics, social justice and respect for people from diverse backgrounds. Coursework addresses faith-informed engagement, assessment and intervention; service in varied cultural contexts; and nonprofit leadership topics such as grant writing, philanthropy, financial stewardship and program management. Selecting this focus area means your placement will be in a nonprofit program, organization or project that identifies as faith-based in the name or mission statement. This option may appeal to students called to serve or lead within faith-based, community or nonprofit organizations.
Forensic Area of Focus
Explore the intersection of social work and the criminal and civil justice systems. You will develop strengths-based assessment and intervention skills grounded in empowerment, human rights and social justice while studying conflict resolution and substance use disorder treatment. This option may benefit students interested in serving clients and families involved with courts, corrections, probation, parole, policing or other justice-related systems.
School Social Work Area of Focus
Prepare to support students and families within educational settings while working toward eligibility for Kentucky school social work certification. Coursework examines school social workers’ roles, educational policies and mandates, legal and ethical considerations, mental health, case management, crisis intervention, attendance, bullying, family-centered practice and behavior management for children with learning and behavioral challenges. Students also complete an advanced practicum in a school under a school social worker’s supervision.
This program is not eligible for the Student Exchange and Visitor Program (SEVP) F-1 visa program.
Who Is The Online Advanced Standing Program For?
Those with a bachelor’s degree in social work can accelerate their studies by completing our advanced standing program. Students with an academic background in fields other than social work can gain the experience they need in the foundation program.
| Online MSW Paths | Best for | Credits | Time to Complete |
| Foundation MSW | Applicants without a CSWE-accredited BSW who are looking to enter the social work field. | 60 credits | 3 years or less |
| Advanced Standing MSW | Eligible graduates of CSWE-accredited BSW programs looking to advance in the social work field. | 30 credits | As few as 9 months |
“The social work program has inspired me to do more good in my community. I am a care coordinator for the county I live in and some of the tools I learn in classes I can take to my current job.”
– Curtis Newcome, MSW
Additional Program Information
Ranked in the top 50 Most Affordable Christian Colleges in the U.S.
Course Map
Students in the 30-39 credit hour advanced standing track can earn their degree in just nine months.
The Council on Social Work Education requires MSW students to have 900 hours of field practice at degree completion. Master’s students who hold a BSW and are accepted at the graduate level will count the practicum hours from their BSW program requirements towards the 900 hours.
This program includes 450 hours at the advanced standing level. Students are responsible for finding and securing their field placements.
The advanced curriculum of the MSW program is for students who have either completed the foundation year of the curriculum or completed a BSW from a CSWE-accredited undergraduate social work program.
- SWK 610 Advanced Practicum I (225 clock hours)
- SWK 611 Advanced Practicum II (225 clock hours)
- SWK 615 World Problems & Advocacy
- SWK 626 Advanced Practice with Children & Families
- SWK 655 Program Evaluation
- SWK 660 Psychopathology
- SWK 665 Leadership and Supervision in Social Work
Electives (Choose three or an area of focus)
- SWK 630 Experiential Learning
- SWK 680 Special Topics
- SWK 682 Human Trafficking Interventions
- SWK 685 Non-Profit Management
- SWK 686 School Social Work
- SWK 687 Medical Social Work
The Clinical curriculum of the online MSW program is for students who earned a BSW from a CSWE-accredited institution or those who have completed their foundation year. Fieldwork at the clinical level must be supervised by a licensed clinical social worker in a clinical setting of your choice.
- SWK 650 Change Theory
- SWK 661 Clinical Diagnosis and Psychopharmacology
- SWK 692 Theories for Social Work Practice
The Substance Use Disorder curriculum of the online MSW program is for students who earned a BSW from a CSWE-accredited institution or those who have completed their foundation year. Fieldwork at the clinical level must be supervised by a licensed clinical social worker in an agency setting that provides substance abuse services.
- SWK 650 Change Theory
- SWK 661 Clinical Diagnosis and Psychopharmacology
- SWK 681 Addictions
The Faith Based area of focus will equip students to ethically integrate their spirituality in professional social work practice. The area of focus will be taught from a justice perspective that honors the dignity and worth of all persons and teaches students advanced aspects of integrating faith in all components of social work practice. Students seeking faith-based leadership skills and those who are called to serve will learn advanced skills to address societal problems found within any social work program.
- SWK 601 Integrating Spirituality and Practice
- SWK 685 Non-Profit Management
- SWK 630 Experiential Learning
In today’s complex justice system, the areas of corrections such as probation, parole, community corrections, prisons and policing often intersect with social work practice. The Forensic area of focus was developed to address the specific skills required for social workers in these contexts and draws from social work, criminal justice and social justice principles to deliver specialized expertise.
- SWK 640 Forensic Social Work
- SWK 641 Conflict Resolution
- SWK 681 Substance Use Disorder Treatment
The School Social Work area of focus prepares students to qualify for school social work certification through the Kentucky Department of Education. Students complete their advanced practicum in a school setting under the supervision of a school social worker.
- SWK 650 Evidence Based Clinical Practice
- SWK 686 School Social Work
- SED 506 Behavior Management of Children with Learning Behavior Problems
This area of focus combines Clinical and Substance Use Disorder courses. This program is for students who earned a BSW from a CSWE-accredited institution or those who have completed their foundation year. A licensed clinical social worker must supervise fieldwork at the clinical level in a clinical and substance abuse practice of your choice.
- SWK 650 Change Theory
- SWK 661 Clinical Diagnosis and Psychopharmacology
- SWK 692 Theories for Social Work Practice
- SWK 681 Addiction
This area of focus combines Clinical and Faith Based courses. This program is for students who earned a BSW from a CSWE-accredited institution or those who have completed their foundation year. A licensed clinical social worker must supervise fieldwork at the clinical level in a clinical practice of your choice.
- SWK 650 Change Theory
- SWK 661 Clinical Diagnosis and Psychopharmacology
- SWK 692 Theories for Social Work Practice
- SWK 601 Integrating Spirituality and Practice
- SWK 685 Non-Profit Management
- SWK 630 Experiential Learning
This area of focus combines Substance Use Disorder and Faith-Based courses. This program is for students who earned a BSW from a CSWE-accredited institution or those who have completed their foundation year. Fieldwork at the clinical level must be supervised by a licensed clinical social worker in an agency setting that provides substance abuse services.
- SWK 650 Change Theory
- SWK 661 Clinical Diagnosis and Psychopharmacology
- SWK 681 Addictions
- SWK 601 Integrating Spirituality and Practice
- SWK 630 Experiential Learning
- SWK 685 Non-Profit Management
Admissions Requirements
Applicants pursuing the advanced standing track must have the following:
- Completed application.
- Completed Carver School MSW graduate program application form (sent via Adobe Sign).
- Baccalaureate social work degree from a CSWE-accredited program with an overall GPA of 3.0.*
- Conferred degree transcripts from an accredited institution.
- No Ds, Fs or Us (students must retake these prior to transitioning to the advanced year).
- Three recommendations using the standardized social work program recommendation form (sent via Adobe Sign).
Application Deadline Dates:
- Fall Term: Complete your application by June 15
- Spring Term: Complete your application by November 15
- Summer Term: Complete your application by March 15
Field Deadline Dates**:
- Fall Term: July 1
- Spring Term: December 1
- Summer Term: April 1
*Applicants who do not meet the GPA requirement may still apply and be considered for Advanced Standing but must include a personal statement along with the application.
**Full-time advanced standing applicants who want to complete the MSW degree, including field education, in two semesters MUST apply early and work with the MSW Director of Field Education to secure placement arrangements by the field deadline.
Costs & Financial Aid
The online MSW costs $640 per credit hour. Campbellsville University’s staff is available to work with students to discover available financial aid options to make their education even more affordable.
Students can fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) to find out what scholarships, grants, loans and payment plans are available. There are numerous options available and not all financial aid is based on need.
A maximum of 6 credits may be transferred into the program.
Campbellsville University is a military-friendly school and a proud member of the Yellow Ribbon program. Students who are currently serving at home or abroad or are veterans can further their education in a conducive online environment.
Careers in Social Work
In Campbellsville University’s online master’s degree in social work program, you’ll build advanced practice and leadership skills for careers across mental health, healthcare, child and family services, substance use treatment, advocacy, criminal justice and nonprofit organizations. Potential career outcomes include:
- Clinical social worker
- Healthcare social worker
- Substance abuse counselor
- Mental health social worker
- Child and family social worker
- Geriatric social worker
- Faith-based social worker
- Forensic social worker
- Case manager
Why Choose CU?
Campbellsville University Online seeks to provide an affordable faith-based education that fosters personal and professional growth for its students. Learning in small, 100% online classes, you'll have opportunities to connect one-on-one with expert professors who prioritize your success and value the experience you bring to the table. From day one, you'll also benefit from Campbellsville's student services, including a personal online academic advisor who will provide tailored assistance on your journey toward graduation. Access further support in the areas of mental health, career and finance, life management, technical resources and more. Finish strong with CU.
Learn MoreBenefits of Learning Online
Choosing to finish your degree 100% online means having the flexibility to study at the times and places that are most convenient for you. You'll learn from supportive, expert faculty members who are experienced in their fields and deliver the well-rounded education you need to take the next step in your career. Campbellsville is committed to the quality of its online courses and offers a dynamic selection of degree programs that are accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
Frequently Asked Questions
Still have questions? We’re here to help. Visit our Frequently Asked Questions page for more information.
- The online MSW Advanced Standing program prepares students for graduate-level social work licensure, allowing them to provide direct client services under the supervision of an appropriately licensed social worker. The online MSW Foundation program is designed for individuals who do not have an undergraduate degree in social work and delivers foundational skills to prepare students to enter the field.
- To qualify for the MSW advanced standing program, you must have a bachelor's degree in social work from an accredited institution. Learn more about our requirements on the MSW program page.
- Students can complete the online MSW Advanced Standing program in nine months. Learn more on the MSW program page.
