MSW - Advanced-Standing DL Program

Students with BSW degrees from CSWE-accredited programs may be admitted to advanced standing in the MSW program if they meet special admission criteria. In addition to meeting the general admission requirements, students may have no more than one 'C' in professional-level social work courses; must have at least a 'B' average in professional foundation courses; and must have a 'B' or better in field education. Advanced-standing students fulfill professional foundation requirements by successfully completing 'bridge' courses typically offered in the spring or summer before beginning the concentration year.

Spring or Summer Semester Bridge Classes

SW 570  -Research - Informed Practice (3 hours)
SW 577 - Components of Human Development and Social Systems (3 hours)
SW 578 - Social Welfare Policies and Delivery Systems, Social Problems, and the History of Social Welfare (3 hours)
SW 579 - Components of Social Work Practice (3 hours)
Total Semester Hours = 12

Concentration Year
Concentrations
Social Work with Children, Adolescents and their Families (Concentration courses are offered primarily online with face-to-face skills labs)

Social Work with Adults and their Families (Currently concentration courses are offered only in the Tuscaloosa on-campus program)

Concentration Year Classes
Advanced standing students who complete their bridge classes may take electives in the summer; they may also take SW 501 and/or SW 525 when those courses are offered in the summer.  Enrollment may be limited because of class size limitations.

Fall Semester
SW 564 - Models and Methods of Social Work Practice with Children and Adolescents in Mental Health (3 hours)
SW 565 - Models and Methods of Social Work Practice in Child Welfare and Family Services (3 hours)
SW 525 - Evaluation Research or Elective (3 hours)
Elective (3 hours)
Elective (3 hours)
Total Semester Hours = 15

Spring Semester
Elective (3 hours)
SW 501 Advanced Social Welfare Policy Analysis or Elective (3 hours)
SW 595 Field Education - 500 clock hours (9 semester hours)
TOTAL HOURS = 15

*SW 525 is required; it may be taken any term after successful completion of SW 570; regardless of when SW 525 is taken, a total of three elective courses must be completed before graduation
**SW 501 is required; it may be taken any term after successful completion of SW 578; regardless of when SW 501 is taken, a total of three elective courses must be completed before graduation