UTEP's MSW program prepares students for advanced social work practice and leadership. The program offers a concentration in Social Work in the Border Region, and students are trained to address the many social and health needs of families and communities in the Paso del Norte region and beyond. Upon completion of the curriculum, students are eligible to sit for the national licensed master social worker (LMSW) exam. The Advanced Standing degree plan is only available to students who hold a Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) degree. The two years of the BSW Program are considered by the Council on Social Work Education to be equivalent to the first year (Foundation coursework) of the MSW Program. Therefore, students admitted to Advanced Standing enter in the second year (Concentration coursework) of the MSW Program and are only required to take the 30 credits associated with the Concentration coursework rather than the 60 credits required for the Full-time and Part-time degree plans.