Master of Social Work - Advanced Standing in Downtown LA

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, and 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 with one three-unit course. 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.
MORE INFORMATION
Who Should Apply?
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.
Information Sessions
Register to view/listen to a live OR prerecorded Master of Social Work (ASP) program webinar.
Tuition/Fees/Financial Assistance
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.
Program Curriculum
Review the MSW ASP curriculum.*
*Program curriculum is subject to change and requires university approval.
Admissions
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
F-1 student visas are not available to study in this program.
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.
To Apply/Application Deadline
Application deadlines for the Master of Social Work - Advanced Standing Program
Summer 2023 Start
Mail transcripts to:
Learn more about the transcript submission process.
Join our Interest List
Join our interest list to learn more about the Master of Social Work - Advanced Standing Program.
Non-Discrimination Policy
Review Cal State LA's Non-Discrimination Policy.