Advanced Social Work Practice
For BSW degree holders
Applications open Jan. 15, 2026.
Take your practice to the next level
This certificate builds on your real world experience and previous education by providing you with social work models and change strategies to help you advance just social work practice from micro to macro levels.
You'll learn powerful research strategies to examine structural issues of marginalization and injustice in local, national and global contexts. You'll also explore the political, public policy context where social work and social welfare programs are delivered.
Certificates provide graduate education and formal credentials. If you plan on laddering to our MSW, you'll need this certificate and another certificate in Clinical Social Work Practice, International and Community Development, or Leadership in the Human Services.
[Compared to the BSW] there was a greater focus on theory and then theory to practice, which was helpful...I’m more prepared now with the understanding of why I do the things that I do.
Alumna (Advanced Social Work Practice and Practical and Transformational Leader)
Social Justice and Theory in Advanced Social Work Practice
Examines concepts of culture, identity, oppression and differentness in relationship to theories of social justice, at all levels of professional practice.
Research and Philosophy in Advanced Social Work Practice
Explores social work research through examination of various approaches (qualitative and quantitative), paradigms, and methods and applies social work research to theories as you develop your professional practice model.
Advanced Practice Theories in Context
Examines theoretical models, philosophical frameworks and ethical foundations of social work practice as a means to facilitate change while locating social work’s development and current practice in historical, economic, political, social and cultural contexts.
Advanced Policy Practice in Context
Explores the influences of public policy on the lives, relationships, and well-being of individuals, families, groups and communities, while examining the relationship between social justice in the policy-making process and the role of social workers in shaping policy.