Master of Social Work (MSW) Advanced Standing Status

Accelerated. Clinical. Licensure-ready.

Florida International University proudly offers an accelerated curriculum in clinical social work designed for qualified students with a Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) from an accredited program. The Advanced Standing track leads to a Master of Social Work (MSW) in just 33 credit hours and is tailored to meet Florida's educational requirements for clinical licensure.

This program is ideal for passionate individuals ready to advance their careers in clinical social work practice faster and with focused training.

Why Choose FIU's Advanced Standing MSW?

• Meet licensure requirements for clinical social work in Florida
• Learn from experienced faculty in a supportive, collaborative, and close-knit academic environment
• Gain public health foundational knowledge that enhances your marketability across healthcare, nonprofit, and government sectors
• Take advantage of FIU's dynamic South Florida location and strong professional connections

Admission Overview

FIU accepts applications to the MSW program on a rolling basis. Decisions are made as soon as all required materials are received. To ensure admission for a desired semester, materials must be submitted by the following deadlines:

Admission Requirements

Applicants for Advanced Standing must:

• Hold a BSW from a CSWE-accredited institution
• Have a minimum GPA of 3.25 in undergraduate coursework
• Earn a grade of “C” or higher in the following undergraduate courses:
  • Biology (3 credits, human content)
  • Statistics (3 credits)
  • Social Sciences (12 credits total, including psychology, sociology, economics, or government)
• Submit a Final Field Placement Evaluation (required for non-FIU applicants)
• International applicants whose native language is not English must submit:
  • TOEFL iBT/PBT: 80/550
  • IELTS: 6.5
  • Duolingo English Test: 110

MSW Advanced Standing admitted students must have a “B” or better from their BSW coursework. Admitted advanced standing students with BSW grades lower than a “B” will be required to complete the equivalent graduate courses in the first term of the MSW program.

Required Application Materials

Interested applicants must provide the following:

• Complete and submit the FIU Graduate Admissions application
• Official transcripts from all accredited institutions attended—see submission instructions
• Upload the MSW Program Application and Personal Narrative Statement to the Supporting Documents section of your Graduate Admissions application
• Three letters of recommendation from academic or professional references, such as faculty members, current or former employers, or supervisors from paid or unpaid internships or volunteer experiences
  • Letters should speak to your analytical skills, motivation and academic or professional performance
  • The University Graduate School provides an optional recommendation form; its use is not required
  • Enter your recommenders' contact information through the FIU Graduate Admissions portal. They will receive a secure link to submit their letter directly
• Upload your most recent/final Field Evaluation from your BSW program to the Supporting Documents section of your Graduate Admissions application

About the MSW Program

Mission Statement

As an integral partner in the urban community of South Florida, the MSW program prepares students for advanced clinical social work with an emphasis on individuals, families, and groups. The program is rooted in the values and ethics central to the social work profession and educates students to contribute to refining and advancing social work practice through research-based and collaborative engagement. Using the person-in-environment framework, the program trains students to advance human rights for local and global communities, promoting human and community well-being.