The Advanced Standing Online Bilingual Master of Social Work (MSW) is an innovative offering by the School of Social Work to ensure that communities have professional social workers who are linguistically competent and culturally aware of the nuances faced by individuals, families, groups, and communities when faced with receiving services. This unique program seeks to enhance the knowledge, values, and skills in order to work with vulnerable, disenfranchised individuals in society. The program is part of the Micro Specialization with a Migration Studies track and focuses on Latinx/e communities. Advanced Standing Students will complete a total of 23 credit hours to earn their MSW degree.
The courses are taught in both English and Spanish by faculty who are language proficient in Spanish. It is important that students are proficient in both languages for the coursework as well as the internship settings. Meaningful, application-oriented coursework and assignments will ensure that you are prepared to join the workforce with confidence and serve the people that need your support towards leading a sustained, fruitful, healthy life.
Related Programs
Curriculum
If you have earned a Bachelor of Social Work (BSW), you can apply for the Advanced Standing program. Visit the MSW Advanced Standing Option page to see if you qualify. Our curriculum is a well-thought-out sequence of courses that prepares you to practice as a professional social worker in your community. The course content and training will also enable you to sit for the licensure exams in your respective states.
The academic curriculum of the Advanced Standing Bilingual MSW program is only 23 credit hours. This option allows BSW graduates to complete an MSW in just 4 consecutive semesters, including a Summer semester.
Course List | Code | Title | Hours |
| SOWK 632 / SOWK 616 | Clinical Social Work with Older Adults 1 | 3 |
| SOWK 680 | Advanced Micro-Level Practice | 3 |
| SOWK 682 | Advanced Mezzo and Macro Practice 2 | 3 |
| or SOWK 681 | Advanced Mezzo & Macro Practice |
| SWII 632 | Internship Instruction III & Simulated Experiences | 1 |
| SWII 633 | Internship Instruction IV & Simulated Experiences | 1 |
| 3 |
| SOWK 730 | Immigration Dynamics and U.S. Social Policy | 3 |
| SOWK 731 | Social Work Practice with Refugees and Immigrants | 3 |
| SOWK 732 | Migration, Social Justice, and Human Rights | 3 |
| Total Hours | 23 |
Internship
Basic Information about Internships
Completion of the internship requirements in the indicated time is required for graduation.
Advanced Standing Program - One Internship Required
- Specialized internship – 600 hours to be completed in 2 semesters
SPECIALIZED INTERNSHIP: DESCRIPTION
- The specialized internship offers students the opportunity to practice advanced clinical skills, including providing individual and group therapy services. Students are required to complete a total of 600 hours over the course of two consecutive semesters, requiring approximately 20-24 hours per week. Of the 600 hours, 50-70% of the hours should be focused on clinical work and in direct service to clients.
- Internship begins in the seventh semester of the program.
- The student receives weekly clinical supervision at their internship site.
- Students work with Latinx/ Migrant populations during internships.
- Students are required to be supervised during internships by a professional that has an MSW with two years post masters experience or Licensed Clinical Social Worker. Students should receive weekly supervision from the site supervisor.
- Internship schedules are determined together by the student and site and should be discussed during the interview process. Start dates, end dates, and number of hours worked per week should be discussed. Students should determine with the site a consistent schedule for the internship.
For additional information related to internship policies and requirements, please review the School of Social Work's Internship Manual available to view here: https://www.luc.edu/socialwork/student-support/internship/
Specialization & Track Option
This degree program is only compatible with the Micro Practice Specialization with Migration Studies Track.
Suggested Sequence of Courses
The below sequence of courses is meant to be used as a suggested path for completing coursework. An individual student’s completion of requirements depends on course offerings in a given term as well as the start term for a major or graduate study. Students should consult their advisor for assistance with course selection.
Plan of Study Grid
| Year One |
|---|
| Spring |
|---|
| SOWK 680 |
Advanced Micro-Level Practice |
3 |
| SOWK 681 / SOWK 682 |
Advanced Mezzo & Macro Practice |
3 |
| | Hours | 6 |
| Summer |
|---|
| SOWK 731 |
Social Work Practice with Refugees and Immigrants |
3 |
| | Hours | 3 |
| Year Two |
|---|
| Fall |
|---|
| SOWK 730 |
Immigration Dynamics and U.S. Social Policy |
3 |
| SOWK 732 |
Migration, Social Justice, and Human Rights |
3 |
| SWII 632 |
Internship Instruction III & Simulated Experiences |
1 |
| | Hours | 7 |
| Spring |
|---|
| SOWK 621 |
Clinical Practice in Addiction |
3 |
| SOWK 632 / SOWK 616 |
Clinical Social Work with Older Adults |
3 |
| SWII 633 |
Internship Instruction IV & Simulated Experiences |
1 |
| | Hours | 7 |
| | Total Hours | 23 |
Students must adhere to the course sequence. Students must maintain a 3.0 cumulative GPA to remain in good academic standing. A grade of "C" or higher is required to pass a course. A "F" grade in any course will result in dismissal from the program.
Graduate & Professional Standards and Regulations
Students in graduate and professional programs can find their Academic Policies in Graduate and Professional Academic Standards and Regulations under their school. Any additional University Policies supersede school policies.
Learning Outcomes
Through the application of the 9 competencies required by the Council of Social Work Education, upon completion of the program students will be able to:
- Demonstrate ethical and professional behavior.
- Engage diversity and difference in practice, including promoting social and economic justice.
- Engage, assess, and intervene with individuals, families, groups, organizations, and communities.
