Advanced Standing Online MSW Program Admission
SOCIALWORK@SIMMONS
The advanced standing SocialWork@Simmons program is 34 credits and can be completed in as few as nine months with our two-term track or as few as 12 months with our three-term track. The admission standards for the online advanced standing program are the same as the on-campus program, and we seek candidates who are committed to social work values.
In order to be considered for the SocialWork@Simmons advanced standing program, candidates must:
- Hold a Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) and have graduated from a college or university that is regionally accredited and accredited by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE) recognized through its International Social Work Degree Recognition and Evaluation Services or covered under its memo of understanding with international social work accreditors that was granted within the past seven years.
- Have received a minimum grade of B (3.0) or better in each of their BSW courses.
- Have earned an average GPA of 3.3 or higher in all social work courses.
- Have an overall GPA of 3.0 or higher.
Qualified Advanced Standing candidates will be invited to interview with our Practicum Education faculty as part of the admission process.
The advanced standing program application is the same as the traditional program application, but includes some additional components. See the Application Requirements page for full details.
For the advanced standing program, candidates must also submit:
- Two letters of recommendation. Of the two letters of recommendation, one must be from the supervisor of the applicant’s BSW internship. Applicants employed in a social work position for a minimum of one year post-BSW may submit a letter of recommendation from a supervisor.
- An advanced standing essay. In addition to the statement of professional and educational intent, candidates must submit a two- to three-page, double-spaced summary of what they learned in their BSW internship. This summary should include:
- social work models and approaches that the applicant used
- a case example that exemplifies how the applicant applied theory to guide understanding of the case and intervention or treatment plan
- a self-assessment of what the applicant has learned to-date, that includes goals and challenges anticipated in an advanced clinical placement
- A copy of the applicant’s most recent BSW practicum evaluation.
Upcoming Admission Deadlines
Advanced Standing Program
| Cohort | Priority Application Deadline | Final Application Deadline |
|---|---|---|
September 2025 | June 13, 2025 | July 22, 2025 |
Upcoming Admission Deadlines
2-Term Advanced Standing
| Cohort | Priority Application Deadline | Final Application Deadline |
|---|---|---|
September 2025 | March 21, 2025 | April 22, 2025 |