The Master of Social Work - Advanced Standing (MSW-ASP) program at Cal State LA Downtown prepares graduate students for entry into advanced and specialized social work practice where they will be able to provide effective service to individuals, families, groups, organizations, and communities. The Advanced Standing Program facilitates completion of the MSW degree requirements for students with a bachelor’s degree in social work from an accredited school of social work and allows them to complete their master's degree in one year. Cal State LA’s program starts with a Summer Term. Following the successful completion of the Summer Term, core content from the first year of the traditional MSW program will be waived and students will be advanced to candidacy to begin upper-division graduate-level coursework aligned with the traditional program curriculum.
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The Master of Social Work - Advanced Standing Program (MSW ASP) is for:
- Students who have earned their undergraduate degree in the field of social work from an accredited school of social work within the past five (5) years.
- Individuals who are interested in advanced and specialized social work practice.
Register for an upcoming MSW-ASP In-Person or Virtual Information Session.
The per unit cost for the Master of Social Work - Advanced Standing Program is $525.
The total program cost* is $17,325.
*Student health insurance, textbooks, parking permits, housing, and other related expenses are not included.
Learn more about financial assistance opportunities.
Review the MSW ASP curriculum.*
*Program curriculum is subject to change and requires university approval.
View information about Graduate Application and Admission.
View information about International Graduate Application and Admission.
A Cal State LA School of Social Work faculty committee will make admission decisions. To be admitted to the Cal State LA MSW ASP program, applicants must meet the admission requirements:
- Bachelor's degree in social work from a CSWE-accredited college or university completed within the last five (5) years.
- Minimum 3.0 cumulative grade point average (GPA) on a 4.0 scale
- Personal statement using School of Social Work writing prompt
- Resume or curriculum vitae
- Three (3) reference forms -- one from each of the following:
- Academic (A)
- Integrative Seminar Instructor (F)
- Field Instructor from your BASW internship (F) - Unofficial transcripts from each college and university attended
Important Note: Students pursuing their degree on Cal State LA’s Main Campus may not take courses at Cal State LA Downtown as part of their degree program. Only students admitted to programs offered at Cal State LA Downtown may attend programs after paying all required fees. Current Cal State LA students are welcome to pursue a program at Cal State LA Downtown in addition to their degree, but additional fees will apply. Programs offered at Cal State LA Downtown are not transferable to Cal State LA's Main Campus. Students admitted to a program at Cal State LA Downtown are welcome to pursue a program at Cal State LA's Main Campus, but an additional application is required.
The application window for Summer 2025 admission has been extended to March 15.
The transcript deadline for Summer 2025 admission is April 1, 2025.
Mail transcripts to:
Office of Admissions and Recruitment
Cal State LA
5151 State University Drive
Los Angeles, CA 90032
*Watch a video about how to use Cal State Apply.
Learn more about the transcript submission process.
Join our interest list to learn more about the Master of Social Work - Advanced Standing Program.
Review Cal State LA's Non-Discrimination Policy.
For more information about the Master of Social Work - Advanced Standing Program, please contact the Cal State LA Downtown Outreach and Recruitment Department: [email protected].