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Advanced Standing Master of Social Work (MSW) – General

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Advanced Standing Master of Social Work (MSW) – General Cognate

Overview

Career Opportunities

Internships and Resources

Admission Requirements

Continue Your Commitment to Serving Your Community with an Advanced Standing Master of Social Work – General Cognate

If you’ve already earned your Bachelor of Social Work or Bachelor of Science in Social Work, Liberty’s Advanced Standing Master of Social Work (MSW) is designed to take your education and passion for helping others to the next level. This program allows you to strengthen your commitment to assisting those who are hurting or oppressed and to combat injustice within your community.

At Liberty, you can fast-track your learning with our Advanced Standing MSW program, which is tailored to develop advanced social work skills at an accelerated pace. Additionally, you can graduate prepared to take social work licensure exams,* putting you in a strong position to obtain the credentials essential for advancing your career.

With options including a general cognate or an individual and family clinical cognate, our program ensures you’ll receive training at an advanced level across social policy, research, and practice, which can help you in any social work career path. What’s more, you’ll have opportunities to apply what you’ve learned in tangible, real-world scenarios.

*Please note: Each state has unique requirements for becoming a licensed social worker. Be sure to research the requirements in your state: https://www.liberty.edu/statelicensure/.

Pursue Your Degree with Confidence

Liberty is regionally accredited by SACSCOC, the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
You’ll complete at least 600 hours of social work practice experience under the supervision of a master’s-level social worker before graduation.
Our Advanced Standing Master of Social Work can equip you to sit for social work licensure exams.
Liberty’s MSW faculty have years of experience in academia and the social work field.
The general cognate develops core skills needed to work in a variety of settings, like schools, hospitals, adoption agencies, nursing homes, group homes, and mental health clinics.
You can hone your research skills by writing a literature review, proposing an original study, and completing a research project.

What Will You Learn?

Best practices for offering social work services in military, international, mental health, and nonprofit settings
Hands-on research skills, including the process of writing literature reviews, proposing research studies, conducting program evaluation research, and completing your own research projects
How to advocate for socially just policies in line with biblical truths, developing a well-rounded approach that considers the social, biological, psychological, and spiritual facets of human life
Insights into the cultural values of diverse groups and how to evaluate the way in which those values affect day-to-day living
Issues pertaining to human rights and social justice as you engage in discussions on national and international events
Research-based techniques for advancing social, economic, and environmental justice
Tools for creating social work programs based on ethical considerations and needs evaluation

Potential Career Opportunities for Advanced Standing Master of Social Work Graduates

Whether you want to stay in the United States or work abroad, our Advanced Standing MSW – General Cognate can help open you up to numerous job opportunities. Some of the roles you may qualify for after completing this program include:

Agency director
Medical social worker
Mental health social worker
Refugee resettlement specialist
School social worker
Supervisor
Trauma recovery social worker

Please note: Some roles may require licensure in social work, and each state has specific requirements for licensure. Be sure to research the licensure requirements in your state.

Internships and Resources Available to Students in Our Advanced Standing Master of Social Work – General Cognate Program

Accelerate your studies in less time and with fewer requirements by taking advantage of the knowledge gained in your BSW or BSSW.
Within the general Advanced Standing Master of Social Work cognate, you can mix and match courses to fit your career goals.
Liberty’s experienced MSW faculty can help provide the guidance and mentorship you need to become an expert in the social work field.
Our courses are taught from a Christian worldview – so you can learn how to live out biblical principles in your career.
Prepare to sit for social work licensure exams and get the credentials you need to further your career.
By completing 600 hours of field experience, you can apply your knowledge to the real world and learn from seasoned professionals.
As a Liberty student, you can access a wealth of resources through our online research portal and on-campus library.
We offer graduate assistantship opportunities to master’s-level students.
Take advantage of our top-notch resources – including a career center, writing coaching, and professional development events.

Admission Requirements for Liberty’s Advanced Standing MSW Program

Every application is reviewed on a case-by-case basis, and all applicants must submit the following documents and meet the minimum requirements for admission:

Admission application
Official bachelor’s degree transcripts showing a completed BSW or BSSW from a CSWE-accredited program (conferred within the last 7 years) with a 3.0 GPA or higher
3 reference names and contact information (including phone number)
- At least 1 reference must be a field faculty member or program director from the BSW/BSSW program
Statement of Purpose (400-word minimum):
- In roughly 150 words, complete the following prompt: I desire to earn a Master of Social Work degree and attend Liberty University because…
- In roughly 150 words, complete the following prompt: I show a posture of learning and respect when interacting with diverse individuals, families, and groups by…
- In roughly 100 words, discuss the following prompt: Please share about a personal challenge in your life and discuss how you have worked through this challenge. (Please do not share about a challenge with your job.)
Writing sample (5-page minimum)
Final field evaluation from BSW/BSSW program
Department questionnaire
Department approval
Self-certification form for students in the final term of their bachelor’s degree
Current Liberty undergraduate students seeking preliminary acceptance into a graduate program must complete a degree completion application through their ASIST account