Master of Social Work (Advanced Standing)

Program Description/Overview

This program is designed for students who have earned a Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) degree from a CSWE-accredited program within the past seven years. The program allows qualified students to complete their MSW in an accelerated three-trimester format. This 30-unit advanced curriculum builds upon foundational social work competencies, emphasizing clinical practice, policy analysis, crisis intervention, and applied research. Students engage in field practicum experiences that integrate classroom learning with professional application, preparing them for advanced-level practice in clinical and community-based settings. 

Master of Social Work (Advanced Standing), while approved by our accreditor the WASC Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC) and our state authorizing agency the Bureau for Private Post-Secondary Education (BPPE) (if applicable), is NOT currently approved as an eligible program for federal financial aid under Title IV of the Higher Education Act. Students are urged to contact a financial aid advisor regarding options that may be available pending approval of the program for federal financial aid. The information may be used to make informed decisions about enrollment into the program. While not guaranteed, funding source options for the Master of Social Work (Advanced Standing) program may change upon the program’s successful certification of by the US Department of Education. 

Program Learning Outcomes/Goals

Graduates of the program will demonstrate mastery of the nine CSWE competencies as outlined by the Council on Social Work Education (EPAS, 2015): 

1. Demonstrate Ethical and Professional Behavior 
2. Engage Diversity and Difference in Practice 
3. Advance Human Rights and Social, Economic, and Environmental Justice 
4. Engage in Practice-Informed Research and Research-Informed Practice 
5. Engage in Policy Practice 
6. Engage with Individuals, Families, Groups, Organizations, and Communities 
7. Assess Individuals, Families, Groups, Organizations, and Communities 
8. Intervene with Individuals, Families, Groups, Organizations, and Communities 
9. Evaluate Practice with Individuals, Families, Groups, Organizations, and Communities

Training Model

The program follows a competency-based, practitioner-scholar training model integrating coursework with applied field education. The curriculum emphasizes evidence-based interventions, critical thinking, and cultural humility.

Professional Behavior Expectations/Ethical Guidelines

Students are expected to uphold the NASW Code of Ethics and Alliant’s professional conduct standards. The program fosters accountability, self-reflection, and ethical decision-making throughout the curriculum.

Licensure

Graduates are eligible to pursue licensure as Licensed Clinical Social Workers (LCSWs) in California and other jurisdictions, upon completion of post-degree supervised experience and state-specific licensing requirements.

Internship, Practicum, and/or Dissertation Information

Students complete two advanced field practicum courses (SWK70070  and SWK70075 ), totaling 600 supervised hours across clinical and community settings. Field education is integrated with concurrent seminars emphasizing reflection, supervision, and professional skill development.

Credit Units

Total Credit Units: 30

Total Core Credit Units: 27

Total Elective Credit Units: 3

Elective Requirements

Select one of the following:

• SWK60300 - Forensic Social Work (3 units)
• SWK60400 - Management and Organizational Development for Social Workers (3 units)
• SWK60500 - Social Work in Health Care (3 units)
• SWK60600 - Social Work and Aging (3 units)

Curriculum Plan