--- title: Master of Social Work date: 2024-12-05T11:45:00-06:00 author: Jordan Eshelman canonical_url: "https://www.dordt.edu/graduate-degree-master-of-social-work" section: Landing Pages --- ![](https://d3evso2dxyohou.cloudfront.net/generalUploads/2024-04-29_003813.jpg?mode=crop&pos=center-center&w=50&h=20&f=webp&c=5d48a0e7&v=32f6e621f8c929a50ed535c1624897c9577a51d14a8d404c9b72ea6537df5970) # Master of Social Work ![]() ![]()## On This Page - [Program Overview](#toc1298016) - [Program Options](#toc1298019) - [Specializations](#toc1298023) - [Cost](#toc1298024) - [Frequently Asked Questions](#toc1298029) - [Request More Information](#toc1298034) ## Program Introduction Dordt University's Master of Social Work (MSW) program focuses on providing a **Christ-centered** education and is **100% online**. The coursework is collaborative, and Dordt's engaging faculty provide practical applications to the concepts they teach. ## Program Overview Through Dordt’s MSW program, you will learn about diverse communities and broadening perspectives on social justice all while remaining rooted in the belief that all people are image bearers of God. You will also be equipped to serve others professionally in non-profit agencies, counseling clinics, schools, and government agencies. ## Program Options Depending on if you hold a bachelor's degree in Social Work and/or how recently you earned your BSW, Dordt will have you enroll in the correct MSW "standing" to fulfill all the requirements needed for certification. ### Regular Standing Students Students without a BSW will be considered regular standing and will be required to complete 18 credits of foundational courses along with 6 credits (450 hours) of foundational field and seminar. These students will take an additional 15 credits of advanced courses, 6 credits (450 hours) of advanced field and seminar, and 15 credits of practice specializations of their choice for a total of 60 credit hours. Students may have some foundation coursework waived if the requirement was met in their undergraduate coursework. ### Advanced Plus Standing Students Students seeking advanced standing but have a BSW older than seven years old will be required to complete 9 credits of foundations courses. These students will take an additional 15 credits of advanced courses, 6 credits (450 hours) of advanced field and seminar, and 15 credits of practice specializations of their choice for a total of 45 credit hours. ### Advanced Standing Students Advanced standing students who have completed a BSW within the last seven years will be required to complete 15 credits of advanced courses, 6 credits (450 hours) of advanced field and seminar, and 15 credits of practice specializations of their choice for a total of 36 credit hours. For a more detailed idea of what is required for each series of courses, visit the [program page](https://www.dordt.edu/academics/programs/master-of-social-work). ![](https://d3evso2dxyohou.cloudfront.net/generalUploads/MSW-Liz-Moss-THUMBNAIL-copy.jpg?mode=crop&pos=center-center&w=50&h=28&f=webp&c=aeaf1601&v=abe0999e9e4e4f8845ec882521596ae85125c2771ac389914a20cb67a09c879d) ![]() ![](data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==) ![]() ### Become a Defender Today! [Apply Now](https://www.dordt.edu/admissions-and-aid/apply-now) ## Specializations Dordt’s MSW program offers three program tracks to help students focus their learning for their projected career path: [ Master's ![Female speaking](https://d3evso2dxyohou.cloudfront.net/generalUploads/2024-02-15_001650.jpg?mode=crop&pos=center-center&w=59&h=39&c=edb12705&v=b301081daefc822c75c58e2e319bb07328602be7cdf1730181c0fcc4f9ff3e96) ### Master of Social WorkClinical Practice Online, Specialization ](https://www.dordt.edu/academics/programs/master-of-social-work/clinical-practice) [ Master's ![Female student smiling](https://d3evso2dxyohou.cloudfront.net/generalUploads/2024-02-15_001687.jpg?mode=crop&pos=center-center&w=59&h=39&c=256df350&v=0c8af1bc2b8c09bd12df73b8767c43fcc1c760b7c99652468c95dd3a7ef84dc0) ### Master of Social WorkLeadership Online, Specialization ](https://www.dordt.edu/academics/programs/master-of-social-work/leadership) [ Master's ![Male sitting at table](https://d3evso2dxyohou.cloudfront.net/generalUploads/2022-11-07_002856.jpg?mode=crop&pos=center-center&w=59&h=39&c=37c50060&v=f94e37e805640072aaa1150ea80c00e20ae04b8924c1fabf9775a62601cd68d9) ### Master of Social WorkAdvanced Generalist Online, Specialization ](https://www.dordt.edu/academics/programs/master-of-social-work/advanced-generalist) ## Cost ### 2026-2027 Tuition and Fees - Graduate Courses: $710/credit - One-time Technology Fee: $300 Graduate courses taken for graduate credit are worth three credits. ### Financial Aid In an effort to make graduate education at Dordt available to as many people as possible, program costs are kept as reasonable as possible. Financial aid in the form of federal loan programs is available. **Students who wish to apply online should go to www.fafsa.ed.gov.** For more information, contact Harlan Harmelink in the Financial Aid Office at (712) 722-6082. **The Dordt University Federal ID is #001859.** ##### Dordt University Donor-Funded Annual Scholarships Donor-funded scholarships vary in dollar amounts and in recipient selection criteria. Typically, the application process includes an application form and recommendation and a scholarship committee that selects the recipients. Students may contact the Office of Graduate Studies (grad@dordt.edu) with inquiries. ![](https://d3evso2dxyohou.cloudfront.net/generalUploads/2023-24/MSW-video.png?mode=crop&pos=center-center&w=50&h=28&f=webp&c=a956fa22&v=9f616f6a740bd59ccbbc046dcbb2551c5a01e11100ceca9c0e49de8c5d35a862) ![]() ![](data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==) ## Frequently Asked Questions ##### How many credits are required for the MSW program? The MSW program requires 36 credits for students qualifying for advanced standing. Those with a BSW degree older than seven years must complete the [Application for Advanced Standing](https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSc14ag6a3yG22s_8AO3zcz7SyLNm4fPIVJVzWYoCw0qqpcgaQ/viewform?usp=sf_link). If approved, these students will be required to take 45 credits. Regular standing requires 60 credits. ##### What is the difference between regular standing and advanced standing? Advanced or Advanced Plus Standing is for students who have completed a Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) degree, and allows them to have foundational courses waived due to having completed those in their undergraduate BSW program. Regular standing is for students who do not hold a Bachelor of Social Work degree. Depending on the undergraduate courses taken (such as social work, psychology, or human services courses), it may be possible that certain foundational courses are waived. Preference for admittance to Advanced Standing will be given to those students who completed their BSW degree no more than seven years prior to application. If students completed their BSW more than seven years before applying to the MSW program, they must demonstrate that they have engaged in continuing education and professional social work practice during a majority of the years since their baccalaureate education. Students can contact with any questions. A copy of the Field Evaluation from BSW field experience(s) documenting satisfactory generalist practice experience and skills in the internship is required. While prospective students may be admitted conditionally based on their performance in the field, full admission is contingent upon receipt of final field evaluation. When the final field evaluation is not available, the applicant must submit the Field Verification Form. ##### Are all MSW courses 100% online? Yes, all courses are 100% online, with both synchronous and asynchronous learning activities. [ ![](https://d3evso2dxyohou.cloudfront.net/generalUploads/people/6971d9fadf271395ea2.jpg?mode=crop&pos=top-center&w=30&h=30&f=webp&c=7763f7b9&v=b8cfd43ec3fe27dcc9fba9301b04634ee1e3a4248db1339fe8f849ee0e722030) ### Erin Olson Professor of Social Work & Master of Social Work Program DirectorMore ](https://www.dordt.edu/people/erin-olson) [ ![](https://d3evso2dxyohou.cloudfront.net/generalUploads/people/68a8158a4e6f3512c96.jpg?mode=crop&pos=top-center&w=30&h=30&f=webp&c=61646a0f&v=95bb652930eade2fa35be5ada337dbcd426b7f537494d27e8fcfb903f646cd05) ### Tara Boer Professor of Social WorkMore ](https://www.dordt.edu/people/tara-boer) [ ![](https://d3evso2dxyohou.cloudfront.net/generalUploads/people/68a815b5b8c34130a5c.jpg?mode=crop&pos=top-center&w=30&h=30&f=webp&c=8f6a2ac6&v=1b78b499c224c32270ee62e78a26c92e4d9a120fd27230aa3c6987bc6f482dde) ### Kara Nutt Instructor of Social Work & Master of Social Work Field DirectorMore ](https://www.dordt.edu/people/kara-nutt) [ ![](https://d3evso2dxyohou.cloudfront.net/generalUploads/people/68a81598584fbc5b4ea.jpg?mode=crop&pos=top-center&w=30&h=30&f=webp&c=9cd7b46b&v=76040ebc5758796d9318332c1b933e7ff5199ff56b6999c09e830d0f798a8c8e) ### Abby Foreman Professor of Social Work and Dean for Social SciencesMore ](https://www.dordt.edu/people/abby-foreman) [ ![](https://d3evso2dxyohou.cloudfront.net/generalUploads/DJI_0618-5.jpg?mode=crop&pos=top-center&w=30&h=30&f=webp&c=e81ed593&v=7412807ea643f5ec3881fc8f5ed64990e500f496177ba19977348bb37021c206) ### John Thompson Professor of Social WorkMore ](https://www.dordt.edu/people/john-thompson) [ ![](https://d3evso2dxyohou.cloudfront.net/generalUploads/people/68a815b329842a05c69.jpg?mode=crop&pos=top-center&w=30&h=30&f=webp&c=5482944e&v=e0475984b91bd5eb026bf82f5de7f1c27e0dff482b0eaf803b1e4a6cef577bad) ### Ashley Mingo Graduate Studies Academic AdvisorMore ](https://www.dordt.edu/people/ashley-mingo) [ ![Photo of young man smiling outside](https://d3evso2dxyohou.cloudfront.net/generalUploads/20250822-_DSC6189.jpg?mode=crop&pos=top-center&w=30&h=30&f=webp&c=9c578929&v=9e8c753dea1b8398a3b5b5dcb60ec89a0a979d4b266ef6f360d79964662efc10) ### Evin Dickerson Director of Graduate AdmissionsMore ](https://www.dordt.edu/people/evin-dickerson) [ ![](https://d3evso2dxyohou.cloudfront.net/generalUploads/people/6a72df80a228239e732.jpg?mode=crop&pos=top-center&w=30&h=30&f=webp&c=52ccc577&v=f89788e47b09c00851c44ffcb247de649d3b0e0107797a290e277d2d7859e2f5) ### Taylor Droog Grants Management SpecialistMore ](https://www.dordt.edu/people/taylor-anema) ![](https://d3evso2dxyohou.cloudfront.net/generalUploads/graduate-studies.jpg?mode=crop&pos=center-center&w=40&h=25&c=226fecfb&v=735a81bf0751a030951731709c8ebed4147baf4305052d2f67047280996d7d64) ## More About Graduate Programs at Dordt [### Graduate Programs at Dordt University Meet the increasing needs of your community and advance your career with a graduate degree from Dordt University, the Christian university known for student engagement. Learn More ](https://www.dordt.edu/graduate-programs-at-dordt-university) [### Graduate Admissions Requirements & Application Tips Explore tips and admissions requirements so you can confidently take the next step in your educational journey. Learn More ](https://www.dordt.edu/graduate-admissions-requirements-application-tips) [### Supportive Learning Environment & Faculty Mentorship Your education is about more than gaining knowledge—it's about being part of a Christ-centered community where you are supported every step of the way. Learn More ](https://www.dordt.edu/supportive-learning-environment-faculty-mentorship) [### Program Flexibility & Delivery Options You're balancing work, family, and personal commitments with the pursuit of graduate education. That’s why our graduate programs are flexible, accessible, and tailored to fit your lifestyle. Learn More ](https://www.dordt.edu/program-flexibility-delivery-options) [### Graduate School Experience & Student Life Graduate student life at Dordt is built on strong relationships, with classmates and faculty providing support through collaboration, mentorship, and shared faith. Even in an online setting, students form meaningful connections. Learn More ](https://www.dordt.edu/graduate-school-experience-student-life) [### Career Advancement & Return on Investment Dordt’s high-quality education and affordable tuition ensure that students see real value in their degrees, with increased job prospects and earning potential. Learn More ](https://www.dordt.edu/career-advancement-return-on-investment) [### Graduate Career Support & Alumni Network Dordt University offers comprehensive career support for graduate students, including personalized advising, job search resources, and networking opportunities. Learn More ](https://www.dordt.edu/graduate-career-support-alumni-network) [### Graduate Program Specializations Dordt graduate programs offer flexible tracks that allow you to focus on the areas that matter most to your future. Learn More ](https://www.dordt.edu/graduate-programs-specializations) [### Graduate Tuition & Financial Aid Pursuing a graduate degree is a valuable investment in your future, and at Dordt University, we’re committed to making that investment as accessible as possible. 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