Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota - Online Master of Social Work (MSW) with Advanced Standing Option

The Graduate School of Health and Human Services at Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota offers an online Master of Social Work (MSW) program with an Advanced Standing option. The MSW program prepares students to address social justice issues by working directly with individuals, families, and communities.

Topics covered during the Master of Social Work program include ethics and professional behavior, diversity of practice, social policy and change, human rights, social and economic justice, and assessment of individuals, families, and groups. The curriculum aligns with the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE) standards, and the program is in the pre-candidacy stage of accreditation with the council. In addition, graduates can sit for the Licensed Master Social Worker (LMSW) exam.

The Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota Master of Social Work is a 60-credit program that begins in the fall, spring, or summer. Full-time students can complete the program in two years, while part-time students complete the degree in four years. The coursework is 100% online with no campus visits required. Students must also complete field practicums to meet the degree requirements and hours for licensure.

Advanced Standing students can complete the MSW degree in half the time, with half the field practicum hours. Such students can complete the degree in one year on a full-time basis, or two years part-time. Advanced Standing applicants must hold a CSWE-accredited Bachelor of Social Work degree from a regionally accredited institution. The Advanced Standing MSW degree consists of 30 credits over 10 courses.

Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota’s online courses are delivered through the Engage Learning Management System (LMS). Courses are asynchronous with set deadlines for assignments and assessments. Engage offers a variety of online tools including podcasts, discussion boards, video conferencing, shared notes and screens, and videos.
MSW students receive an iPad through the university for use throughout the program. The iPad is preloaded with productivity applications and programs to help students with their online learning experience. Student services include access to faculty and staff through phone or email, 24/7 technical support, and academic and career support.

Courses for the online MSW may include History and Philosophy of Social Work and Social Welfare; Individuals & Families; Groups & Large Systems; Human Behavior in the Social Environment I – Families, Groups, Organizations, & Society; Psychopathology; Social Work Research; Clinical Methods I With Individuals; Clinical Methods II With Families, Groups, & Large Systems; Ethical Social Work Practice; and Clinical Field Experience I-II With Seminar.

The program also includes three electives chosen from the following: Clinical Practice With Children and Adolescents; Clinical Practice With Addictions; Clinical Practice With Trauma; and U.S. Poverty: Perspectives and Interventions.

The Advanced Standing MSW includes Psychopathology; Clinical Methods I With Individuals; Clinical Methods II With Families, Groups, & Large Systems; Ethical Social Work Practice; Supervision & Management; and Social Work Capstone. These students also complete two clinical field experience courses with seminars. In addition, Advanced Standing students choose two electives from the list above.

Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC). The MSW program currently has pre-candidacy status with the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE).