Phone: 616-331-6550
Fax: 616-331-6570
ssw@gvsu.edu

401 West Fulton Street
DeVos Center, 391C
Grand Rapids, MI 49504
Advanced Standing
Full time or Part time

The School of Social Work recognizes superior academic performance by students who have graduated from a Council on Social Work Education accredited undergraduate social work or social welfare department or program. A minimum grade point average of 3.5 in social work courses from a CSWE accredited baccalaureate program may qualify prospective students for Advanced Standing.  Advanced standing students are exempted from 15 hours of first-year core or foundation courses and may therefore accelerate their graduate study by completing only the remaining 45 hours of degree requirements in one calendar year.  The courses exempted are SW 600, SW 601, SW 603, SW 610, and SW 620.  All Advanced Standing students may take a 100-item diagnostic proficiency examination in research methods.  A score of 75% or higher on the test will qualify the student for exemption from SW 690 Research Methods I.  This reduces to 42 hours the degree requirements remaining for completion. Students admitted to the full time Advanced Standing program must begin their studies during the summer session and continue full time during the subsequent fall and winter semesters.  Students admitted as part time Advanced Standing students may begin any semester and continue part time during the subsequent two years.  The school may, in certain instances, prescribe additional coursework in areas of particular weakness or need.  All Advanced Standing applicants are interviewed prior to admission.

Non-Degree Seeking Students

Students who are not seeking a graduate degree or who have not completed all of the admissions requirements of their chosen program may be granted non-degree seeking status.  A maximum of six semester credits earned at Grand Valley State University as a non-degree seeking student may be considered for transfer to degree seeking status.  Enrollment as a non-degree seeking student does not guarantee formal admission to the M.S.W. program.  Non-degree seeking students are limited to SW 600, SW 601, SW 610 and SW 620.

Changing Status form Non-degree to Degree Seeking

Student's who seek a change in status must:

  1. Submit all required admission materials.
  2. Submit a degree seeking application form to the Admissions Office.
  3. The School of Social Work reserves the right to request an in person interview of any applicant prior to making a final decision on that applicants admission to the program.

Program of Study

The School of Social Work offers a 60 credit hour Master of Social Work (M.S.W.) degree program on both a full time and part time basis.  Students pursuing part-time study may choose either a three or four academic year model.  All requirements for graduation must be completed within four years after coursework has started. 

  Last Modified Date: August 10, 2009
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