Social Work: Advanced Standing (MSW)
Prepares you for advanced generalist practice with individuals, families and groups who have experienced a wide array of traumatic experiences.
This track is designed for students with a social work undergraduate degree from a Council on Social Work Education (CSWE) accredited program.
- Next cohort scheduled to begin Summer 2026
- Full Consideration Deadline: December 1
- Secondary Consideration: March 1
- Assistantship opportunities are available only to applicants who meet the full consideration deadline.
Features
Online & On-campus | Full-time & Part-time | 37 Credits
- The Trauma Informed Care specialization is cutting-edge and this program is the only program in Iowa that offers this specialty.
- Dedicated faculty who have strong experience and continued relations across the field of social work.
- Ranked #11 of affordable online Master of Social Work degrees in the U.S. by AffordableColleges.com.
- Programs satisfy the licensure requirements in Iowa; requirements may vary for other states.
- Department collaboration with professional partners across Iowa and various other states to offer high-quality internship opportunities.
As an Online & Distance Education student, you’ll have a dedicated Enrollment Contact and Program Coordinator to assist you with registering for classes, navigating the course sequence and billing process, preparing for graduation and much more.
Rebecca Dickinson
Program Coordinator
Assistant Professor,
Social Work
rebecca.dickinson@uni.edu
319-273-7859
Lisa Jaeger
Enrollment Contact
Online & Distance Education
lisa.jaeger@uni.edu
319-273-2504
Request Information
Courses are offered fully online through Blackboard, creating a connected learning experience. Full-time students meet online one day each week (TBD), while part-time students meet one evening a week (TBD). Some courses are delivered asynchronously.
Additionally, students will complete a practicum/internship: Our agency partners request that you are available on weekdays between the hours of 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. You will need to complete approximately 15-16 hours per week over two semesters. If you are already employed in the human service field, it may be possible to complete your internship at your current place of employment if your internship duties and supervisor are different than your employment duties and supervisor.
Our graduates are prepared to:
- Excel in positions in substance abuse agencies, mental health facilities, domestic violence shelters, schools, hospitals and prisons
- Provide cutting-edge trauma-specific therapy to a wide range of client systems.
- Take on leadership positions in the field
- Pass the Licensed Master of Social Work (LMSW) exam at a rate higher than the national average
Individualized Support Services
Throughout every step of your program, you'll have a dedicated team of support staff ready to assist you. You'll also have access to UNI services such as:
- Personalized academic advising
- Support from Financial Aid, Career Services and Rod Library staff
- Academic support and tutoring opportunities from the Learning Center
- Access to student accessibility services and staff
- Technical support assistance
Courses are offered fully online through Blackboard, creating a connected learning experience. Full-time students meet online one day each week (TBD), while part-time students meet one evening a week (TBD). Some courses are delivered asynchronously.
Additionally, students will complete a practicum/internship: Our agency partners request that you are available on weekdays between the hours of 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. You will need to complete approximately 15-16 hours per week over two semesters. If you are already employed in the human service field, it may be possible to complete your internship at your current place of employment if your internship duties and supervisor are different than your employment duties and supervisor.
Our graduates are prepared to:
- Excel in positions in substance abuse agencies, mental health facilities, domestic violence shelters, schools, hospitals and prisons
- Provide cutting-edge trauma-specific therapy to a wide range of client systems.
- Take on leadership positions in the field
- Pass the Licensed Master of Social Work (LMSW) exam at a rate higher than the national average
Individualized Support Services
Throughout every step of your program, you'll have a dedicated team of support staff ready to assist you. You'll also have access to UNI services such as:
- Personalized academic advising
- Support from Financial Aid, Career Services and Rod Library staff
- Academic support and tutoring opportunities from the Learning Center
- Access to student accessibility services and staff
- Technical support assistance
All students pay the same competitive tuition rate, regardless of location. Based on the 2025-2026 tuition rates and Summer 2025 program sequence, the full cost of the Social Work: Advanced Standing MSW program is estimated as follows:
**2025-2026 Tuition and Fees per Board of Regents, State of Iowa Approval ***
| Term | Credits | Tuition* | Technology Fee* | Total* | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer 2026 | 6 | $3,516 | $92 | $3,608 | |
| Fall 2026 | 6 | $3,516 | $92 | $3,608 | |
| Spring 2027 | 6 | $3,516 | $92 | $3,608 | |
| Summer 2027 | 6 | $3,516 | $92 | $3,608 | |
| Fall 2027 | 8 | $4,688 | $138 | $4,826 | |
| Spring 2028 | 5 | $2,930 | $92 | $3,022 | |
| Graduate Publication Fee charged once during first term | $50 | ||||
| Records & Documents Fee charged at graduation | $115 | ||||
| Total estimated program cost | $22,445 | ||||
In addition to tuition and fees, students should also budget for indirect costs such as books, supplies, and personal expenses. View more information about the direct and indirect costs here.
Admission Requirements:
To be admitted, students must have:
- Resume
- An applicant statement
- Two professional references — one from a college-level instructor addressing their ability to succeed in graduate-level academic work, and one professional reference
- 3.0 minimum GPA. Applicants with an undergraduate GPA of lower than 3.0 may still apply and will be required to submit a GPA Appeal Statement as part of their application.
Along with the application, students should have their official transcripts sent directly to the Office of Admissions.
Next Steps
Express Interest
Complete our online information request form. We'll send program updates, important information and application deadlines directly to your inbox!
Contact Us
Our team of support staff is available to help you throughout your UNI journey.
Contact us at 319-273-7206 or online@uni.edu for assistance!
Submit Your Application
Along with the application, students must submit the required additional application materials listed above.
Delivery of this program is contingent on a sufficient number of students being accepted into the program.
Licensing and Accreditation
The Master of Social Work programs are accredited by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE). Accreditation verifies that the MSW degree meets the high standards considered essential to providing a high quality social work education, and ensures that every student graduating from a social work program in the U.S. possesses the same requisite skills and knowledge.
The MSW programs satisfy the licensure requirements in Iowa. Requirements may vary by state. For licensing requirements specific to your state, visit ASWB.
Licensing exam information can be found at www.aswb.org
Denise Thelander
"I'm in my second to last semester of internships and I have never felt more confident in my life. I cannot express to prospective students enough that the professors are there to help you... UNI, Dr. Vasquez, and his team will make you believe in healing in ways you could have never imagined. I am changed; this program changed me and I am so grateful to be the person I am today."
Class of 2021, Master of Social Work: Advanced Standing track