Program Overview
Start your direct practice sooner with a Master of Social Work degree from Aurora University through our advanced standing option. If you’ve completed a CSWE-accredited BSW degree within the past five years, you can earn your MSW in less time and at a lower cost. The Advanced Standing program reduces the number of required hours from 60 to 30 credits and reduces total program cost, allowing you to graduate faster and start helping the communities and individuals who need it most.
Fieldwork hours in the advanced standing MSW program can potentially be employment-based, so you may be able to take advantage of your current work experience. You’ll have the choice between completing the generalist track or choosing one of eight unique tracks for a tighter focus on the subject area that interests you, options include:
- Addictions
- Child Welfare
- Forensics
- Gerontology
- Health Care
- Leadership Administration
- Military and Veteran Social Work
- School Social Work
Make a difference in the lives of others with our premier-clinical, CSWE-accredited social work program. This graduate-level program in social work is also offered on the Aurora University campus.
Curriculum
Aurora University’s online MSW – Advanced Standing program provides you with a broad academic background, the opportunity to specialize your study, and field instruction in clinical social work. Classes are taught by faculty members with real-world experience who are dedicated to helping you find your place within the social work profession. Apply the theories you learn in class to professional practice during required field instruction and graduate in as little as 12 months with practical skills for your career.
Aurora University’s online social work courses leverage technology through simulation-based education with Simucase. With an emphasis on developing clinical competency to prepare students for post-graduation success, Simucase helps students apply their classroom knowledge to real-world diverse scenarios in a controlled and accessible virtual environment. Students practice their skills in this convenient and flexible learning format with immediate feedback.
You will find answers to frequently asked questions regarding fieldwork internships here.
Hear our students tell their own stories about their experience in Aurora University’s MSW program. Bree Wysocki Casey, an online MSW graduate, was featured in Spring/Summer 2025 Aurora University Magazine.
Click for Video Transcript >>
I love working with people and being a support system and that’s what social workers do. They help people find their strengths. And I thought it was a good opportunity for me to do what I’m passionate about. I chose that MSW program because I really like the faculty at Aurora University. I bonded a lot with them and they really care about my success and they would help me out a lot. After being in the field for a while, I realized that I needed that additional education. There were some opportunities that I felt I was qualified for, but was told that going back to school might give me the edge that was needed. Less than six months after I graduated, I was qualified a position that I wouldn’t have been had I not had my graduate degree. The professors came from a real-world experience. They were able to actually put what was in the textbooks into practice and give you real world examples. Going into the program, I was a little nervous because I have not had a social work background, but they’ve made me feel very included and have pushed me to my potential. And it boosts my confidence and makes me feel really proud to be at the school. I’ve already learned so much. This internship, I’ve been able to do one-on-one counseling sessions with patients here. I’ve been getting training on the Epic, which is the medical database. I’ve been running psycho ed groups. So overall it’s just a really good learning experience. When I was researching different internships, I found Fox Valley United Way SPARK program. An important milestone of kindergarten was really what I wanted to do. I do developmental screenings for children from 0 to 5, so I get to interact with them and interact with the parents, which is really great practice for me. My goal is to do therapy and be a therapist. And I really want to open my own private practice, but I know that that is a long, hard goal. It’s way down the road, but I really want to get there. The field has changed a lot over the 18 years that I’ve been in it, but it also, to me, better aligns with the goals and the ethics of social work. So I’m excited about being part of the policy changes.
Skills Gained in the Online MSW – Advanced Standing Degree
Complete 30 credit hours to graduate in as few as 12 months with an MSW – Advanced Standing degree online from Aurora University. Tailor your studies by choosing a social work track, and graduate with clinical skills and expertise in:
- Clinical methods
- Communication
- Community practice
- Critical thinking
- Group dynamics
- Problem solving
- Psychopathology
- Research methods
- Social welfare policy
Make a difference in the lives of others with our premier-clinical, CSWE-accredited social work program. This graduate-level program in social work is also offered on the Aurora University campus.
Why Choose Aurora?
At Aurora University, you’ll learn from practitioner-based faculty members who are focused on teaching an industry-aligned curriculum. Our online programs are designed for working professionals and built with maximum flexibility in mind, so you’ll have the support you need to balance your studies with your busy schedule. Imagine what you can accomplish at a university that offers:
- A full suite of Career Services and Resources.
- A student-first educational experience.
- Programs accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC).
- The personal attention and support you expect from a small college.
Looking for more information about careers in social work? Here is an article that might interest you.
We have many great articles and guides on our resource pages.
Get StartedAvailable Specialization
Addictions
Offer elevated care and improve lives with the online Master of Social Work track in addictions. This track equips students with the knowledge and skills necessary for a fulfilling and successful career supporting individuals and families experiencing substance abuse disorders. You'll receive guidance from expert faculty with experience in the social work field, and upon graduation, you'll be qualified to apply for the Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor (CADC) certification. You may also complete additional credits to prepare for the Co-Occurring Substance Use and Mental Health Disorders certificate.
Child Welfare
Improve the lives of children and their families with the online Master of Social Work track in child welfare. Supported by expert educators with real-world social work experience, you'll be prepared for careers that protect children from abuse and neglect, reunite families, and find permanent placements for those who cannot safely return to their homes. When you complete your degree, you'll be eligible to take the Illinois Child Welfare Licensing Exam and work in the child welfare field in Illinois.
Forensic Social Work
When you earn your Master of Social Work online and choose to specialize in forensic social work, you will learn to apply principles of social work in legal settings. This track focuses on providing students with an understanding of forensic social work practice and theory, challenging existing biases, and learning specific clinical skills to help a broad range of individuals and families affected by the legal system. Coursework includes relevant topics in mediation and working with vulnerable populations.
Gerontology
Prepare for careers working with and advocating for aging adults with the online Master of Social Work track in gerontology. With personalized attention from educators with diverse social work experience, you'll explore the ever-changing field of gerontology and discover what it takes to make a difference in assisted-living facilities, nursing homes, hospice care settings, and more.
Health Care
Impact the rapidly growing and ever-changing medical field with the online Master of Social Work track in health care. Graduates are prepared to assist and advocate for clients in a number of medical social work settings, including hospitals and nursing homes. Learn to collaborate with medical professionals, including doctors, nurses, and administrative staff to ensure your clients receive the care and services they need.
Leadership Administration
Thrive in business management and administration in the fields of social work and human services with the online MSW in leadership administration. This track is offered in partnership with the Aurora University Dunham School of Business and is designed to prepare graduates to lead teams and manage social work processes in nonprofit settings, public health, and more. Coursework allows students to choose from MBA-level electives in management and leadership to align their studies with their specific career goals.
Military and Veteran Social Work
Serve active duty and veteran military members and make a positive impact in their lives with the Military and Veteran Social Work track. This track includes nine credits of specialized coursework that explores topics such as military culture, customs, traditions, and clinical social work practice with military and veteran populations. As a military and veteran social worker, you can pursue careers in contexts like the Department of Veterans Affairs, personnel or case management, and counseling.
Professional Educator License in School Social Work (PEL)
Make a difference in students’ lives as you enhance your skills with this track, which is designed to prepare you for social work roles in public and private school settings. Coursework explores topics in social work policy, exceptional children, and reading content, and includes field instruction. This track prepares Master of Social Work graduates to provide social services and assistance that improves the social and psychological functioning of students and maximizes well-being and academic success.
Aurora University School of Education programs are approved by the Illinois State Board of Education (ISBE).
Program Details
- Next Start Date:August 25, 2025
- Est. Program Length:1-2 Years
- Credit Hours:30
- Course Length:8 Weeks
- Cost Per Credit:$635
Specialist Curriculum: 30 hours
- SWK6500 Social Work Perspectives on Psychopathology – 3 hours
- SWK6511 Clinical Social Work Practice – 3 hours
- SWK6521 Advanced Clinical Social Work – 3 hours
- SWK6533 Advanced Social Policy – 3 hours
- SWK6575 Diversity, Equity, Inclusivity in Social Work Practice – 3 hours
- SWK6750 Field Instruction III – 3 hours
- SWK6760 Field Instruction IV– 3 hours
- Social Work Elective – 9 hours
Tracks
Addictions
- SWK5420 Addictions Counseling I – 3 hours
- SWK6340 Psychopharmacology of Substance Abuse Disorders – 3 hours
- SWK6400 Addictions Counseling II – 3 hours
Child Welfare
- SWK 6700 Effects of Trauma on Children – 3 hours
- SWK 6720 Social Work with Vulnerable Children and Families – 3 hours
- SWK 6725 Child Welfare Services – 3 hours
Forensics
- SWK5300 Forensic Social Work – 3 hours
- SWK6720 Social Work with Vulnerable Children and Families – 3 hours
- SWK6721 Mediation – 3 hours
Gerontology
- SWK6010 Medical Social Work – 3 hours
- SWK5100 Social Work Gerontology: Assessment and Intervention – 3 hours
- SWK5110 Social Work Gerontology: Biology and Health of Aging – 3 hours
Health Care
- SWK6010 Medical Social Work – 3 hours
- Two elective courses from health care-related social work electives – 6 hours
Leadership Administration
This track is offered in partnership with the Aurora University Dunham School of Business. By taking all three elective courses listed below, you will earn a track in leadership administration.
- MBA6030 Leadership and Organizational Behavior – 3 hours
- MBA6200 Human Resource Management – 3 hours
- MPA6350 Nonprofit Management and Leadership – 3 hours
Military and Veteran Social Work
- SWK5350: Military Social Work Culture, Customs, and Traditions – 3 hours
- SWK6170: Clinical Social Work Practice with Military and Veteran Populations – 3 hours
- Students must also complete 450 hours of the 600-hour field placement requirement working with military and veteran populations in a social service or medical setting.
School Social Work
- SWK5620 Social Work Practice with the Exceptional Child – 3 hours
- SWK6410 School Social Work Policy and Practice I – 3 hours
- SWK6420 School Social Work Policy and Practice II – 3 hours
- SWK6755 Field Instruction for School Social Work Track I – 3 hours
- SWK6756 Field Instruction for School Social Work Track II – 3 hours
Students must obtain a B or higher in all courses to fulfill track requirements. Course details are based on information available at the time of publication. Specific program requirements are subject to change. Students who have earned a BSW from a CSWE-accredited program within the past five years can participate in the advanced standing option. This reduces the number of required hours from 60 to 30 credits.
Note: Tuition and fees are subject to change without prior notice. Please contact the Office of Student Accounts for questions or information on current tuition, fees, room, board, and other rates.
- A completed Graduate Application for Admission.
- Bachelor of Social Work from a CSWE-accredited program with a minimum 3.0 GPA on a 4.0 scale. Students with a GPA of less than 3.0 will be considered on a case-by-case basis.
- Professional Resume.
- Submit a personal statement. This document should be typed, double-spaced, and no more than 1500 words that reflect standards of graduate level writing and demonstrating evidence of critical thinking.
- The George Williams School of Social Work at Aurora University empowers students through a holistic and transformative education. Why have you chosen to study social work at AU?
- Our inclusive learning community works to prepare social workers to competently build justice and systematic change for individuals, families, groups, organizations, and communities while guiding students toward professional engagement. How will the mission of the program apply to your educational and professional aspirations?
- Upon completion of the program, how will you utilize your newly attained master’s in social work degree? In other words, what area of social work are you interested in practicing?
- If your undergraduate grade point average was below a 3.0, please explain the following:
- Why was your GPA below 3.0?
- Why do you think you can be successful as a graduate student at Aurora University?
- What strategies will you implement to ensure academic success?
- Two (2) professional letters of recommendation.
- Official transcripts showing successful completion of a bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited institution and official transcripts showing completion of any graduate level coursework or degrees.
Information About State Licensure
All students will be charged an $80 Technology Fee per semester, regardless of the number of credits taken. A $50 Field Fee is applied per credit hour for field courses.
Graduate-level course credit is transferable, allowing students to earn their degree faster than ever. Graduate-level credit earned at regionally accredited institutions of higher education graded “B” or better may be transferred to Aurora University and applied toward a master’s or other post-baccalaureate programs prior to enrollment at Aurora University.
Online Master of Social Work Career Outcomes
Due to the broader diversities of agencies needing social work clinicians, counselors, and therapists, Aurora University's Master of Social Work – Advanced Standing program will prepare you for more job opportunities than a standard counseling degree. You’ll strengthen your foundational knowledge and study the topics that are most relevant to your individual goals as a social worker.
Overall employment in the social work field is projected to increase by 8% in Illinois through 2032, which is faster than the average for all occupations. Upon completion of your online MSW – Advanced Standing degree, you can pursue a range of careers in social work, depending on your chosen track and license. Potential career paths include:
- School social worker ($69,430/year in Illinois2)
- Healthcare social worker ($67,130/year in Illinois2)
- Marriage and family therapist ($66,640/year in Illinois2)
- Substance abuse social worker ($61,600/year in Illinois2)
Sources
- Projections Central. “Long-Term Occupational Projections (2022-2032).” Retrieved June 27, 2025, from https://projectionscentral.org/longterm. .
Next Steps
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