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Loma Linda University's CSWE-accredited Master of Social Work (MSW) Advanced Standing program is built for BSW graduates who are ready to fast-track their clinical social work career—eligible students can complete the MSW in as little as one year. Available in one- and two-year formats with some courses available online, the program delivers 600 hours of practicum alongside evidence-based, trauma-informed training rooted in a biopsychosocial-spiritual approach to whole person care. You'll graduate prepared for LCSW licensure and ready for advanced practice and leadership in behavioral health settings.
🔔 Admissions & Program Requirements
- Applications are now open for Summer 2026! Apply by May 15, 2026. No application fee required.
- Our Advanced Standing program offers two flexible options: a one- or two-year in-person program that integrates select online courses for a versatile learning experience, and a two-year online program.
📸 Program Snapshot
- 48 quarter units (equivalent to 35 semester units)
- Summer classes begin mid-July, giving students approximately one month between BSW graduation and the start of the MSW program
- 600 hours of practicum beginning Fall quarter
- 1- and 2-year options available
- Course Scheduling:
- On-campus: Core courses on Tuesdays and Thursdays (except summer); practicum typically on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays
- Online: Courses on Tuesday and Wednesday evenings; practicum typically one workday per week
- Specialization in clinical practice
- Embedded curriculum for practice with active-duty military and veterans
- Embedded professional self-care practices
- Accredited by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE)
- Rooted in a Christian commitment to compassionate, whole person care and respect for all persons
- Preferred employment interviewing for qualified candidates at Loma Linda University Health upon graduation
When comparing programs, it is important to consider all costs, as many programs only post tuition costs without the associated fees.
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🔎 More About Our Advanced Standing Social Work Master's Program in California
The Loma Linda University Advanced Standing MSW program emphasizes the biopsychosocial-spiritual approach to advanced clinical social work practice in behavioral health institutions and agencies. Students gain expertise in evidence-based, trauma- and resiliency-informed interventions that support prevention, early intervention, diagnosis, and treatment of children, adolescents, and adults. Experiential learning through Loma Linda University Health's internationally recognized health system and specialized community agencies provides students with advanced learning opportunities in integrated behavioral health, inpatient care, and global practice settings.
The program emphasizes a whole person care approach to promote wellness for individuals and families, shaped by the institutional and professional values of compassion, integrity, excellence, freedom, and justice.
The Loma Linda University Advanced Standing MSW program is specifically designed to provide you with:
- Advanced clinical skills and a credential recognized for LCSW licensure in California.
- Required courses needed for LCSW licensure.
- Preparation for advanced community and global practice within a variety of behavioral health settings.
- Preparation for clinical and administrative leadership in behavioral health.
📋 Advanced Standing Policy
Advanced Standing is an admission option for students who have earned a baccalaureate degree in social work from a CSWE-accredited program within the past five years. This option provides the opportunity to complete the MSW in 12 months.
Students qualifying for Advanced Standing must begin the MSW Program during the Summer Quarter prior to their advanced academic year. All application materials must be submitted by January 15 of the enrollment year (exceptions may be reviewed on a case-by-case basis).
This policy ensures that content and competencies already mastered at the undergraduate level are not duplicated in the MSW curriculum, in alignment with CSWE accreditation standards.
Eligibility Requirements
To qualify for Advanced Standing, students must:
- Successfully complete their generalist field practicum with a minimum grade of B (or equivalent); and
- Complete their generalist-level coursework with a cumulative GPA of 3.0 (on a 4.0 scale) or higher.
After verification of practicum completion, students participate in a Generalist Course Waiver Review. This includes a transcript evaluation and a content review of coursework to determine whether previously completed courses are equivalent in scope and depth to LLU's MSW generalist courses. Differences in semester versus quarter systems and variations across BSW programs are taken into consideration.
Advanced Standing students who completed generalist courses with grades below a B may still demonstrate competency through comprehensive waiver exams. Exams must be taken during the term before the equivalent MSW course is scheduled.
Non-Advanced Standing BSW graduates earned a CSWE-accredited BSW but do not meet all Advanced Standing criteria. This may include:
- Completing the degree more than five years before admission
- Insufficient field hours or a practicum grade below a B
- A cumulative GPA below 3.0 in generalist coursework
These students may still request course waivers for generalist courses with grades of B (3.0) or higher. They also participate in the Generalist Course Waiver Review and may choose to take comprehensive waiver exams for courses that did not meet the minimum grade requirement.
However, Non-Advanced Standing students cannot waive generalist field practicum requirements and must complete the full first-year field education sequence.
The following foundation-level MSW courses may be waived or challenged via a comprehensive waiver exam:
- SOWK 510: Diversity Theory in Practice and Research (3 units)
- SOWK 513: Human Behavior in a Culturally Diverse Environment (4 units)
- SOWK 514: Social Welfare History and Policy (4 units)
- SOWK 517: Practice I – Individuals (4 units)
- SOWK 518: Practice II – Groups (3 units)
- SOWK 519: Practice III – Organizations and Communities (3 units)
- SOWK 548: Research Methods (5 units)
- SOWK 574: Practice V – Administration, Management, and Supervision (3 units)
- SOWK 585: Legal and Ethical Aspects of Health and Behavioral Health Services (3 units)
- Two upper-division electives (4 units total)
Courses Waived for Advanced Standing Students Only
These courses are waived only for Advanced Standing students and cannot be challenged through examinations:
- SOWK 757ABC: Generalist Practice Consultation (40 seminar hours)
- SOWK 700: Generalist Practice Practicum (280 field hours)
Note: Per California Board of Behavioral Sciences regulations (effective 1995), all MSW students must complete coursework in family systems during the MSW program. This requirement cannot be waived based on BSW coursework.
Students with grades below a B (3.0) in BSW coursework may opt to take a comprehensive waiver exam, offered in essay or objective format. Preparation materials and the corresponding MSW course syllabus are provided.
A minimum score of 83% is required to receive a course waiver. Exams must be completed before the start of the term in which the course is offered.
Students admitted under Advanced Standing who do not pass—or choose not to take—waiver exams may not be able to complete the MSW within the 12-month Advanced Standing track. These students may be advised to follow a part-time schedule extending over two academic years (typically seven quarters). Advising will reflect the final number of approved waivers.
💬 Student Story
The Loma Linda University advanced standing MSW program has provided a rich, God-centered academic experience for many students, including myself. I have grown to appreciate the small class sizes and emphasis on student participation, as these factors contribute to a positive learning environment where students can grow in both the knowledge and understanding of behavioral health. Though the curriculum is quite challenging and there are many "sleepless nights," I have seen the love of Christ expressed through the professors' compassion, empathy, and grace.
🗓️ Program Timeline
Most candidates enter the Advanced Standing MSW program in Summer Quarter and complete at the end of Spring Quarter in the same academic year. This requires four consecutive quarters of full-time coursework and commitment to the practicum experience.
Please Note: The curriculum of this program includes attendance during the summer term. A Qualifying Review must be taken before the end of Summer Quarter.
Sample Plan of Study
This sample plan of study is provided as a general guide to illustrate the typical sequence of courses for this program. Course offerings, sequencing, and scheduling are subject to change based on curricular revisions, faculty availability, and student progression. Students who take a Leave of Absence (LOA) or enroll on a part-time basis should expect their program completion term to be extended. Students are encouraged to consult with their academic advisor for individualized academic planning.
| Summer | Units | Fall | Units | Winter | Units | Spring | Units |
| RELE 540 | 3 | SOWK 695A | 2 | SOWK 695B | 2 | SOWK 695C | 2 |
| SOWK 505 | 2 | SOWK 613 | 4 | SOWK 620 | 2 | SOWK 647 | 3 |
| SOWK 574 | 3 | SOWK 663 | 3 | SOWK 661 | 4 | SOWK 617 | 3 |
| SOWK 662 | 4 | SOWK 648 | 3 | SOWK 520 | 3 | ||
| SOWK 578 | 0 | SOWK 585 | 3 | SOWK 681 | 2 | ||
| SOWK 787A | 20* | SOWK 787B | 20* | SOWK 787C | 20* | ||
| SOWK 705 | 200* | SOWK 705 | 200* | SOWK 705 | 200* | ||
| Total Quarter Units | 8 | 13 | 14 | 13 |
Total Year 1 Units: 48 units
*These courses reflect practicum hours, which are charged at a lower rate than academic units.
➕ Add a Certificate to Your MSW Program
Students entering an MSW degree program within the Department of Social Work and Social Ecology who are interested in obtaining certification in Play Therapy or Drug and Alcohol Counseling will receive a tuition waiver for the certificate program of their choice. Courses taken as part of the Play Therapy certificate do not count toward the MSW degree (core requirements and electives). Students taking the Drug and Alcohol Counseling certificate can apply 6 units to their MSW program (these units do not qualify for a tuition waiver). These 6 units must be specified by their academic advisor.
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💡 Frequently Asked Questions
Students must have:
- A BSW from a CSWE-accredited program within the last 5 years
- A minimum B in generalist field practicum
- A 3.0 GPA in generalist coursework
The following options are available:
- On-Campus: 12 months full-time with a two-year part-time option also available.
- Online: 2 years (the online program does not offer the 12‑month accelerated path).
Advanced Standing students complete 600 hours of field practicum: Advanced Clinical Practicum (SOWK 705/787ABC).
Yes. SOWK 578 Field Orientation is mandatory for all Advanced Standing students. Non-attendance may result in deferral or part-time status.
Yes, Advanced Standing students may variance:
- Foundation generalist courses (e.g., SOWK 510, 513, 514, 517, etc.)
- With transcript review or by passing a comprehensive waiver exam (≥83%)
- Generalist BSW Field practicum hours and seminar can be given variance for the 480 generalist practicum hours required for the MSW degree (SOWK 700, 757ABC)
Yes. Advanced standing students will take the qualifying review following their summer quarter or upon completion of SOWK 505, 520, and 574. All students must pass the Qualifying Review (36/48). Students who score <36:
- Must take SOWK 595 (1 unit)
- Then retake the exam
- A second failure triggers a required individualized learning plan
Placement is arranged by the Director of Field Education; students cannot initiate agency contact on their own. A matching appointment and interview process are required.
Students must complete:
- 50% direct practice hours
- Caseload including:
- 10–12 ongoing cases
- 2–3 family cases
- One 10–12‑week group
- One long‑term case
- Weekly/bi-weekly supervision
- All field practicum documentation on time
No, not unless they are in the online MSW program. Practicum requirements for the in-person MSW program involves 20–24 hours/week, making full‑time work incompatible.
Yes. Both University and agency checks, with Live Scan, are required by most agencies. Prior convictions must be disclosed. Background check fees may have to be directly paid for by student.