MSW Advanced Standing Applicants

Students who have earned a bachelor’s degree in social work from a program accredited by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE) within the last six years are eligible to enter the Brown School with Advanced Standing Status.

Applicants with advanced standing may receive up to 19 credit hours, and can complete the MSW program on an accelerated timeline. Students receiving all 19 credit hours enroll in 39 credit hours at the Brown School.

Click here for detailed information on the Advanced Standing MSW program, including eligibility requirements, curriculum and program timelines.

Be sure to indicate that you are applying for Advanced Standing status in your application for admission. You will be asked to report your BSW course equivalents in the Academic History section of the application.

International BSW Applicants

To be eligible for Advanced Standing status at the Brown School, applicants with a bachelor’s degree in social work from an international institution must complete the CSWE International Social Work Degree Recognition and Evaluation Service (ISWDRES).

The ISWDRES recognizes academic credentials in social work that are comparable to accredited baccalaureate and master’s degrees in social work in the United States. Visit the CSWE website to learn more about ISWDRES and begin the application process.

You are encouraged to start this process as soon as possible. Applicants can generally expect to receive a formal determination of degree recognition letter from ISWDRES within 45 days of all application documentation being received. It is highly recommended that you list the Brown School mailing address in the ‘Determination Letter’ section of your ISWDRES application so an official copy of a recognized determination letter will be mailed to the School directly; otherwise you are required to provide us with the official determination letter once received.

Questions related to the ISWDRES application process and fees should be directed to CSWE via email: iswdres@cswe.org.