Course Curriculum
The advanced standing program provides a rich curriculum taught by an expert and diverse resident faculty who are joined by a national association of adjuncts who come to campus from across the country and around the world. The unique structure of the school's academic calendar makes it possible for these clinicians, many of whom work at other universities or in the field during the traditional academic year, to join the Smith community from June through August. Classes are small, averaging about 20 students, allowing for personalized attention, small group discussion and individual support.
Advanced standing coursework prepares students for applied learning in the field through a wide range of topics during the summer academic session. Additionally, selected coursework offered at night or on the weekend complements the ongoing clinical skill development of students while they are in the field.
Academic Timeline
The program allows students to complete their MSW in 18 months (June through the following December) rather than the full 27-month program for non-advanced standing BSW graduates.
The advanced standing program includes two on-campus academic summer sessions (10 weeks each) and one ongoing 15-month internship. This unique design complements the skills gained in a BSW program, while at the same time providing opportunities for a rich clinical internship experience.
Advanced Standing Calendar Overview (PDF)
Thesis
The timeline for advanced standing thesis project is different than non-advanced standing BSW graduates. BSW advanced standing students follow the same timeline as the 27-month students until the May deadline. At that time, BSW advanced standing students must have completed the data collection phase of the thesis project. Research advising then resumes the following September.
The thesis project and the dissemination requirement must be completed, approved and submitted by the first Friday in December.
Course Work
FOAMS: Students are required to take one elective from each of the following five categories: field of practice policy (F), oppressed populations (O), advanced social theory option (A), multi-person modality (M) and social welfare (S). No course with multiple designations may count for more than one elective option (that is, a course designated O/S may only count for O or S, not both). Each elective is 2 credits.
First Academic Summer (June to Mid-August)
- 101/102 Social Work Practice with Individuals and Families
- 130 Theories of Individual Development
- 131 Problems in Biopsychosocial Functioning
- 190 Group Theory and Practice
- 334 Racism in the United States: Implications for Social Work Practice
- 380/381 Social Work Research Methods
- Required elective: must be related to field work assignment and fulfill one of the five required elective categories or FOAMS
- Required course: must fulfill one of the five required elective categories or FOAMS
Second Academic Summer (June to Mid-August)
- 301/302 Clinical Social Work Practice
- 331 Comparative Psychodynamic Theories for Clinical Social Work Practice
- Three required electives: must fulfill one of the five required elective categories or FOAMS
- One open elective
Coursework During Field Internship
Courses will be held at Smith College at night or on Saturdays
- September to December: 132 Family Theory for Clinical Social Work Practice
- January to May: 332 Child Development
- September to December: 553 Senior Clinical Seminar
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