What you’ll learn in this article…
- UNH offers both campus and fully online advanced standing MSW tracks.
- Field placement requirements start at roughly 500 hours for advanced standing students.
- LMSW licensure applications can begin immediately after completing the degree.
BSW graduates can complete their MSW in roughly half the time by choosing an advanced standing track.
In New Hampshire, that decision narrows the field sharply: only two in-state institutions offer an accredited MSW, and only one of those, the University of New Hampshire, has a dedicated advanced standing pathway. Online programs from out-of-state universities, tracked in our Advanced Standing MSW Programs Database, expand the options, but each introduces variables like tuition rates, field placement coordination, and state authorization limits.
Choosing an advanced standing MSW in this state is less a matter of comparing dozens of schools and more about confirming that the program you select aligns with your licensure path and your tolerance for remote supervision.
Ranked: Advanced Standing MSW Programs Available to New Hampshire Students
These are the advanced standing MSW programs most relevant to New Hampshire BSW graduates, based on a mix of federal institutional data and program-level details. Use the cards to compare cost, completion, and career outcomes before you apply.
| Rank | School | Location | Net price | Best for | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 | University of New Hampshire at Manchester | Manchester, NH | ~$10,000/yr (est.) | In-state students needing local fieldwork options | |
The advanced standing MSW at this public research university is a leading in-state pathway for New Hampshire BSW graduates, offered in Durham or fully online for graduates of CSWE-accredited programs. Coursework spans clinical assessment, community and administrative practice, and policy advocacy, with a 10-week summer practicum plus two internships in settings like healthcare, schools, and child welfare. Institution-wide federal data show a typical net price around $10,000 for in-state students, median earnings near $66,500, and median debt at graduation near $26,800.
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| #2 | Colby-Sawyer College | New London, NH | $27,000/yr | Working professionals drawn to small hybrid cohorts | |
This New Hampshire college offers an accelerated 12-month advanced standing MSW in a hybrid format, pairing online coursework with in-person field placements coordinated by a dedicated practicum coordinator. Small cohorts of about 17 students work with doctoral faculty, and the curriculum stresses ethical practice grounded in the NASW Code of Ethics. A $675 per-credit rate makes it one of the more affordable options in the state, with 900 supervised fieldwork hours and institutional data showing a graduation rate around 57%.
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| #3 | University of New Hampshire College of Professional Studies Online | Manchester, NH | ~$11,000/yr (est.) | Remote learners seeking an accelerated online path | |
This online unit of the state's public university routes eligible BSW graduates into the same CSWE-accredited advanced standing MSW as the Durham campus, but with a fully remote format and a 16-month completion timeline. Students complete 35 credits across 11 courses and arrange a local field internship close to home. Federal data show a typical net price around $10,900 and median earnings near $66,500, making it an affordable option for New Hampshire residents who want to stay put while earning an MSW.
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Accelerated MSW, One-Year MSW, Advanced Standing: The Same Program
Schools across the country use different labels for the same graduate pathway: a shortened MSW designed exclusively for applicants who already hold a CSWE-accredited BSW. Whether a program calls itself an "Advanced Standing MSW," an "Accelerated MSW," a "One-Year MSW," or a "12-Month MSW," the eligibility requirement and curricular structure are identical. These naming differences reflect marketing choices, not distinct degree types.
What These Terms Mean in Practice
New Hampshire has limited in-state MSW options, but the terminology principle holds universally. Advanced standing programs waive the foundational generalist year that traditional MSW students complete, allowing BSW graduates to enter directly into advanced clinical or macro coursework. The practical result is roughly 30 to 39 credits completed over approximately 12 months, compared to the 60 credits and two years required for students entering without a BSW.
When exploring CSWE-accredited online programs open to New Hampshire residents, you will encounter all these labels. Focus on admission requirements rather than the name. The pathway is the same if the program requires a CSWE-accredited BSW for entry into a reduced-credit curriculum.
What Does Not Qualify as Advanced Standing
Not every bachelor's degree opens this door. A bachelor's in psychology, sociology, human services, or a related field does not meet advanced standing criteria, even if your coursework overlapped significantly with social work content. Similarly, a BSW from a program that lacked CSWE accreditation at the time you graduated will not qualify. Most schools also impose a recency requirement, typically five to seven years. If your BSW is older than the school's limit, you would need to apply to the traditional two-year track instead.
BSW holders who meet these criteria benefit from a program built on the assumption that generalist competencies are already in place. The curriculum moves directly into specialized practice, research methods at the graduate level, and advanced field placements.
Campus, Online, or Hybrid: Comparing Advanced Standing MSW Formats in New Hampshire
Choosing how you complete your advanced standing MSW shapes everything from your weekly calendar to your field placement logistics. The University of New Hampshire gives you two distinct paths, a traditional campus track in Durham and a fully online track with no required campus visits, while Colby-Sawyer College offers a hybrid model that pairs online coursework with in-person field placements. Below is a side-by-side look at the practical details that matter most when you are weighing your options.
| UNH Durham (Campus) | UNH Online | Colby-Sawyer (Hybrid) | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Delivery Mode | Face-to-face classes in Durham, NH | Fully online, no campus visits required | Online coursework with in-person field placements |
| Cohort Start | Summer | Fall (bridge course begins in January) | Two start dates per year |
| Course Calendar | Traditional semester schedule with weekday and evening classes | Eight-week terms (Eterms), five terms per year | Eight-week online sessions |
| Full-Time Course Load | Five courses per semester | Two courses at a time | Cohort-based, structured sequence |
| Part-Time Option | Yes, extended-time students take at least two courses per semester | Yes, extended-time students take one course at a time | Not confirmed in available program materials |
| Synchronous Requirements | All sessions are in person during scheduled class times | Some courses include weekly synchronous sessions, typically Monday and Wednesday evenings | Online coursework is the primary instructional method; synchronous details not specified |
| Estimated Completion Time | As few as 12 months | Approximately 16 months | 12 months |
| Field Placement Logistics | Arranged in the greater New Hampshire and New England region near campus | Completed locally in your own community, coordinated with the program | In-person placements coordinated through an in-house practicum coordinator |
| CSWE Accreditation | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Best Fit | Students who prefer structured, in-person learning and can relocate to or commute to Durham | Working professionals who need maximum schedule flexibility and evening commitments | Students who want the convenience of online classes but value a guided, local clinical placement experience |
Questions to Ask Yourself
Will you need evening or weekend classes to keep your paycheck coming in?
Many New Hampshire employers value continuity, so a program with evening cohorts or asynchronous online coursework lets you finish the MSW without pausing your income or your career momentum.
Does your field placement need to stay close to home in New Hampshire?
Staying local keeps your work schedule, housing, and support system intact, but relocating for a semester could open placements with specialized agencies you can't access in-state.
Would a concentration like trauma-informed practice sharpen your career path more than the advanced generalist track?
A focused concentration builds credibility for a specific role, such as clinical or school social work, while the generalist track keeps your options broader if you're still deciding.
How firm is your timeline for reaching LMSW or LICSW licensure?
If you're racing toward a promotion or salary bump tied to licensure, prioritize programs with faster completion tracks and field placements that align with New Hampshire's licensing requirements.
How Long Does an Advanced Standing MSW Take in New Hampshire?
Can you earn an MSW in New Hampshire in just one year if you already hold a BSW? The short answer is yes , for full-time advanced standing students who start in summer and follow a tightly structured sequence. But exact timelines vary by school and by whether you study part-time or online.
Full-Time Timeline in New Hampshire
University of New Hampshire's (UNH) advanced standing MSW can be completed in as few as 12 to 16 months of full-time study, depending on the pace of your field placement and course load. Colby-Sawyer College markets its advanced standing track as a 12-month program, making it the shortest on-campus option in the state. Both pathways trim roughly half the credits of a traditional MSW, which typically takes two years.
Part-Time and Online Alternatives
UNH offers its advanced standing MSW online with a part-time option, extending completion to approximately 24 months. Colby-Sawyer's part-time advanced standing status is not confirmed in available materials; the college's public information emphasizes a full-time cohort. If you need a part-time schedule, several CSWE-accredited online programs that accept New Hampshire residents explicitly provide part-time advanced standing tracks, including Adelphi University's online advanced standing MSW, Boston University, Simmons University, Syracuse University, and others. These programs often let you spread 30-39 credits over two years or more without relocating.
BSW Recency and Summer Starts
Most advanced standing programs require that your BSW be earned within the last five to seven years. UNH enforces a five-year recency rule for the BSW degree. Colby-Sawyer's website does not specify a hard recency cap, but you should confirm directly. Summer-start cohorts are standard: UNH launches its advanced standing group in late spring or summer, and Colby-Sawyer follows a similar calendar. Beginning in summer means you finish by late spring of the following year, a fast, focused year that gets you into practice quickly.
What an Advanced Standing MSW Costs in New Hampshire
Tuition is one of the most important variables in choosing an advanced standing MSW program, and the gap between options can be significant. The table below compares estimated costs across the programs available to New Hampshire students. Note that net price figures reflect institution-wide averages reported to the U.S. Department of Education and are not specific to the MSW program. Also keep in mind that per-credit rates and total credit requirements may shift from year to year, so confirm current figures directly with each school before making a decision. For context, Colby-Sawyer currently appears to be the most affordable option regardless of residency, while UNH's online pathway through its College of Professional Studies offers a competitive rate for students who prefer a research university. On the financial aid front, graduate assistantships at UNH can offset costs substantially, and BSW holders should explore HRSA Behavioral Health Workforce Education and Training grants, employer tuition reimbursement programs, and school-specific scholarships.
| Program | Delivery Format | Per-Credit Rate | Total Credits (Advanced Standing) | Estimated Total Tuition | Average Net Price (Institution-Wide) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| UNH Advanced Standing MSW (In-State, On-Campus) | On-Campus | $820 | 35 | Approximately $28,700 | $9,992 |
| UNH Advanced Standing MSW (Out-of-State, On-Campus) | On-Campus | $1,430 | 35 | Approximately $50,050 | $9,992 |
| UNH College of Professional Studies Online MSW (Advanced Standing) | Online | $640 (2026-2027 CPS rate, subject to confirmation) | 35 | Approximately $22,400 if CPS rate applies | $10,864 |
| Colby-Sawyer College MSW (Advanced Standing) | Hybrid (online coursework, in-person field placement) | $675 | Varies by program plan | Annual tuition listed at $15,001 for all students | $27,431 |
Related Articles
Advanced Standing MSW Field Placement Hours: What Each Program Requires
Field placement (also called practicum or internship) is the supervised, in-the-field training where MSW students apply classroom learning at an approved agency under a credentialed social worker. Every CSWE-accredited MSW program builds its curriculum around it, and advanced standing students are no exception, even though their coursework is shorter.
The CSWE Baseline, and Why Numbers Vary
The Council on Social Work Education requires a minimum of 900 clock hours of field education across an accredited MSW. That floor does not drop for advanced standing students. What changes is the structure: because your BSW field hours already satisfied the generalist (foundation) year, advanced standing programs typically waive that first internship and place you directly into the specialized (concentration) practicum. In practice, some programs credit prior BSW hours and require roughly 500 additional hours in the advanced standing year, while others keep students in a fuller two-internship sequence.
What UNH Actually Requires
You will see competing figures cited online, 450, 500, or 600 hours, for the University of New Hampshire. UNH's own published materials do not isolate a separate reduced total specifically for the advanced standing track. The MSW handbook describes two semester-long internships totaling 1,240 hours for the traditional program, and materials for the online MSW reference 1,160 hours2. The advanced standing curriculum itself is 35 credits1. The most defensible reading: advanced standing students at UNH complete the specialized-year internship portion of that structure, not the full foundation-plus-specialized sequence. For the exact hour count that will apply to your cohort, confirm directly with the UNH field office before enrolling. Do not rely on third-party summaries.
Campus vs. Online Placement Logistics
Campus students in Durham are generally matched to agencies within commuting distance of the university, often on set weekday schedules (for example, Thursdays and Fridays during the first placement year, expanding to three days weekly in the specialized year). Online and Manchester-based students work with a field coordinator to identify approved sites near their home ZIP code, which is the practical reason many working BSW graduates choose the online format.
Using Your Current Employer as a Field Site
Many advanced standing students already work in human services and want to know if their job can double as their placement. UNH and most CSWE-accredited programs allow this under specific conditions: the role must offer new learning experiences (not just your existing job duties), a qualified MSW supervisor must be available on site or arranged externally, and the agency must be approved by the field office. Get this conversation started early. Employment-based placements take longer to approve than a standard match.
Advanced standing MSW programs typically compress the traditional two year degree into just 12 months of full time study. This accelerated timeline is possible because BSW graduates have already completed foundational coursework, allowing them to skip the first year and move directly into specialized clinical or macro practice training.
Admissions Requirements and Deadlines for NH Advanced Standing MSW Programs
What does it take to get into an advanced standing MSW program in New Hampshire? For BSW graduates, the process centers on one program: the University of New Hampshire's Master of Social Work. Below, find specifics on prerequisites, deadlines, and the status of the state's other primary social work school.
UNH's Admission Prerequisites
UNH's advanced standing track is designed for high-performing BSW graduates. You must hold a BSW from a CSWE-accredited program earned within five years of your planned matriculation date. The program requires a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.2 overall or a 3.3 in your social work major courses. No additional prerequisite courses are mandated beyond the BSW coursework. The admissions committee also reviews practice readiness: you'll need to submit a reference from your undergraduate field placement coordinator or supervisor that speaks to your practicum performance, along with letters of recommendation and a personal statement outlining your fit for accelerated study. Transcripts and a resume are part of the standard graduate application.1
Application Deadlines and Cohort Start Dates
The advanced standing pathway admits students for a summer start, with a deadline of December 15.1 The online advanced standing option follows a separate timeline, with an application deadline of March 1 for a summer or fall entry (dates are drawn from the most recent handbook, so verify for your intended cohort). UNH also offers an Accelerated/Early Entry route for current UNH undergraduates only, with an April 15 fall deadline.1 These are priority deadlines; applications received after the cutoff may be reviewed if seats remain, but the program fills quickly. There is no spring admission for advanced standing.1
What to Know About Colby-Sawyer
Colby-Sawyer College currently holds CSWE accreditation for its BSW program. However, as of 2026, the college does not have a CSWE-accredited MSW program and therefore does not offer a distinct advanced standing admissions track for BSW graduates. Until its graduate program achieves initial accreditation, UNH remains the sole accredited advanced standing option for New Hampshire students seeking to enter the state's licensure pipeline directly through a local program.
Concentrations and Certificates Open to Advanced Standing Students
From MSW to Licensed: New Hampshire's LMSW and LICSW Pathway
Advanced standing MSW graduates follow the same licensure sequence as traditional MSW completers, with no additional coursework gap or extra requirements. Your CSWE-accredited degree qualifies you for every step below, and the accelerated timeline means you can begin accumulating supervised hours sooner. The licensing authority is the New Hampshire Board of Mental Health Practice, housed within the Office of Professional Licensure and Certification.
