Summer preparation program (6 credits) is required before entry to second year fall quarter classes.

The one-year Advanced Standing Program is only for persons with a BASW/BSW. In addition to the requirements for admission to the two-year program, the following requirements must be met:

1. a bachelor of social work degree must have been awarded no longer than seven years before the application date and the degree must be from a CSWE accredited undergraduate social work program,

2. an overall undergraduate GPA ≥3.0 (on a 4.0 scale) and a GPA ≥3.5 in BSW course work.

This program requires a total of 51 credits. Foundation or first-year, course requirements are waived because students have received equivalent content in their BSW programs. A SOWK 561 is required to prepare students for their advanced portion of the curriculum.

Students who successfully earn an MSW Advanced Standing from EWU should be able to do the following:​

• advanced knowledge and skills in assessment and intervention methods of research informed practices within a generalist framework;
• elective content, advanced knowledge and skills in specific areas of practice, such as aging, palliative care, disabilities, public health, mental health, addiction, school social work, and child welfare;
• integrated research knowledge and skills that prepare students to evaluate their own practice, programs, and the evidence supporting specific interventions;
• readiness for leadership in a variety of arenas and practice settings, including program development, coordination, administration and supervision;
• social action knowledge and skills in policy analysis, development, legislation action, and community development.