MSW Social Work - Advanced Standing - (Policy, Administration and Community Practice) at Arizona State University

Programme overview

ASU ranks No. 20 for best graduate social work program by U.S. News & World Report (2024).

What you will study

39 credit hours and a portfolio, or 39 credit hours and a thesis Required Core (3 credit hours) SWG 514 Bridge Seminar I (3) Other Requirements (6 credit hours) SWG 515 Bridge Seminar II (3) SWG 516 Social Work Skills Seminar (3) Concentration (21 credit hours) SWG 623 Program Evaluation (3) SWG 632 Policy Practice (3) SWG 643 Advanced Practicum: Planning, Social Work Administration and Community Practice I (3) SWG 644 Advanced Practicum: Planning, Social Work Administration and Community Practice II (3) SWG 681 Leadership and Administration (3) SWG 682 Community Participation Strategies (3) SWG 685 Program Planning in Social Services (3) Electives (3 or 9 credit hours) Culminating Experience (0 or 6 credit hours) SWG 599 Thesis (6) or portfolio (0) Additional Curriculum Information Students must start the program in summer for a total of nine credit hours.

Career pathways

The program prepares professional social workers for leadership in social change. Graduates work for social justice and human rights through building sustainable systems that support people's social well-being, often by addressing the root causes of social problems and reforming unjust policies. Career examples: community advocate, community organizer, grant and fund developers, nonprofit leadership and management, policy analyst, social services administration.

Official programme page

Application information

Entry requirements

Applicants must fulfill the requirements of both the Graduate College and the Watts College of Public Service and Community Solutions. Applicants must have a BSW from a Council on Social Work Education-accredited program with a minimum GPA of 3.20 (scale is 4.00 = "A") in the last two years of work leading to the BSW (junior and senior GPA). Applicants must have received their BSW no more than six years before the date of admission to the MSW program. All applicants must submit: graduate admission application and application fee official transcripts of all undergraduate and graduate work three letters of reference professional resume that includes volunteer and paid work experience statement of educational and career goals proof of English proficiency Additional Application Information An applicant whose native language is not English must provide proof of English proficiency regardless of their current residency. A combination of academic and professional references is desirable. References from friends, family members or personal therapists are not accepted.

Domestic applicants: USD 13,327 a year (2026-27). Arizona resident tuition. Tuition only for the graduate on-campus (Tempe/Downtown Phoenix/Polytechnic/West Valley) rate band in the ASU tuition estimator, 2026-27: Fall 2026 plus Spring 2027 term tuition summed (full-time flat rate; part-time credit loads Source

International applicants: USD 24,780 a year (2026-27). International tuition. Tuition only for the graduate on-campus (Tempe/Downtown Phoenix/Polytechnic/West Valley) rate band in the ASU tuition estimator, 2026-27: Fall 2026 plus Spring 2027 term tuition summed (full-time flat rate; part-time credit loads ar Source

Entry terms: Fall, Spring and Summer; the terms available for each programme are listed in Degree Search.

Graduate application deadlines are set by each programme office and listed in Degree Search; the application opens almost a year before the start term. The nonrefundable application fee is $75 for U.S. citizens, permanent residents, DACA and international online students outside the U.S., and $120 for international students on a nonimmigrant visa studying in the U.S. Apply with ASU's graduate application (Law applicants use the law college's site); GRE/GMAT requirements vary by programme.

Apply through the official page: https://admission.asu.edu/apply/graduate/admission

Explore more study programmes

Business