Consider a sponsored online MSW program that is taking applications for 2024.
| School | Program | Admissions |
|---|---|---|
| Simmons University | Online Master of Social Work
Accredited by the CSWE. Online Master of Social Work program can be completed in as few as 9 months and GRE scores are not required. |
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| Simmons University | Doctorate of Social Work (DSW)
No GRE scores required. Complete in less than two years full time or less than three years part time. |
Click to view online MSW programs that are taking applications for 2024.
The largest institution in the state of Massachusetts, Boston University, has an online Master of Social Work. There are three other schools that have at least a hybrid format in the discipline.
Massachusetts CSWE Accredited MSW Programs
There are 10 different institutions in the state of Massachusetts that offer Master's degrees in social work and hold accreditation from the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE). Of these options, there are three institutions that offer programs online, and Westfield State University has a hybrid opportunity.
Many of these colleges have both undergraduate and graduate programs available for students to complete, which can give them a full education in social work in a five-year span.
Are there online MSW programs in Massachusetts?
Yes, there are colleges in Massachusetts with an online Master of Social Work degree program. Consider a featured online MSW program that is taking applicants right now, or move on to the list.
| School | Program | Admissions |
|---|---|---|
| Adelphi University | Online Master of Social Work
CSWE Accredited |
Website |
| Virginia Commonwealth University | Online Master's in Social Work
Accredited |
Website |
| University of Kentucky | Online Master of Social Work
CSWE Accredited |
Website |
| University of West Florida | Online Master of Social Work
CSWE Accredited |
Website |
| Our Lady of the Lake University | Online Master of Social Work
CSWE Accredited |
Website |
Click to see more accredited online MSW programs that are taking applications for 2024.
List of online MSW programs in Massachusetts that are CSWE accredited
| School | Program | CSWE Accredited? |
|---|---|---|
| Boston University | Online MSW: Clinical Social Work Practice | ✓ |
| Simmons College | Online MSW: Clinical Social Work specialized areas in Mental Health and Substance Abuse; Child and Family Welfare; Trauma and Interpersonal Violence; and Health and Aging | ✓ |
Finding a Campus and Online Based Massachusetts MSW Program
Boston has two of the universities with both options available and online opportunities for students that need additional flexibility in their education. Both Boston University and Simmons College is available nationally with no campus visit requirements. While some courses require live attendance for lectures, coursework can be completed in the asynchronous format.
Boston University's Online Master of Social Work
The School of Social Work has an online Master of Social Work program with three different formats available. The traditional program has 65 credit hours that can be completed over nine semesters and includes two field placements with 1,200 clock hours. The advanced standing track is geared toward those that have an undergraduate degree in social work, and this requires 43 credit hours over six semesters.
Program Tracks
One of the unique tracks is pursuing the full program that is centered around human service experience. Students are not able to switch to different tracks once enrolled since they offer unique experiences and different requirements. Both the standard and human service experience take about three years to complete, whereas the advanced standing version can be finished in two years.
Students may be able to further lower their credit requirement in advanced standing by passing a proficiency exam to waive the first-level research course. There are live courses that will need to be attended at a specific time. Students should have a modern Windows or Mac operating system on their computer that is compatible with the Blackboard Learn online management system.
Those that are looking at the traditional format with less than a 3.0 GPA can still apply and be accepted into the program. There are no Graduate Record Examinations (GRE) scores needed to submit either, and prospective students can explain their lower grades in the personal statement. The personal statement for the application should be three to four pages that clearly describes academic background and why Boston University's program was chosen.
Simmons College's Online MSW
Anywhere from 37 to 65 credit hours will be needed for the online Master of Social Work available at Simmons College. This includes two different field practicum experiences, which students will earn at least 1,000 clock hours. There are four different formats that students can consider to graduate with the degree based on their availability.
Program Formats
This program can be completed in just 16 months through the advanced standing or accelerated format. Students are eligible for advanced standing if they have completed a Bachelor of Social Work from an accredited institution with high academic merit. The accelerated format is for students that are able to take on extra work and fully dedicate themselves to the program.
The traditional format takes just under two years to complete and has a reasonable amount of coursework throughout the program. Full-time enrollment is still required for this format, and part-time students can pursue the extended track that is completed in 32 months or longer if necessary. In any format, students can specialize their program in trauma, mental health, and family and group client systems.
Field Requirements and Online Benefits
Field placement is completed in a generalist and specialized experience, the latter giving the student an opportunity for hands-on training before entering the field. The online portion has many interactive features to work with faculty members and students on various projects. Additional features include viewing lectures on demand, live chat sessions, and sharing videos and documents with others.
Regis College's Online MSW
The Regis College School of Health Sciences has an online Master of Social Work program that is completed in either four or eight semesters depending on the traditional or advanced standing route. There are three different start times during the year where students are administered into the program. This program does meet certain state licensure exam requirements, but students should review their specific state for compatibility.
Curriculum Structure
30 or 60 credit hours are needed within the curriculum, with foundational courses potentially being waived for those already completing a Bachelor's degree in social work from an accredited university. Examples of courses in the program include Advanced Clinical Practice with Individuals, Clinical Assessment and Diagnosis, and Social Work Practice with Families and Groups.
Field Requirements
Field education and seminar courses will have requirements for live attendance, but many courses will have optional opportunity to view lectures live. 480 clock hours are needed in the first internship, and 600 clock hours are required for the second internship. The second internship, which focuses on the student's specialization, is only needed within advanced standing.
Admission Requirements
Benefits to pursuing the degree at Regis College includes working with faculty members that have clinical practice experience and are licensed. Smaller class sizes offer a more intimate learning experience when working with other faculty members and peers. Students with lower than a 3.0 GPA can still gain entry into the program, but must further explain how they will succeed in the program on the personal statement.
Review of campus-based Massachusetts MSW programs
Boston College - Master of Social Work (MSW) - Chestnut Hill
Concentrations offered in clinical or macro experiences with advanced standing opportunity. Up to two certifications possible to further specialize education. Options include youth and family, mental health, gerontology, and general health. Winter and summer start, with summer mandatory for one-year time frame. Offers dual-degree options with the Juris Doctor, business administration, and theology. 3.3 GPA required with accredited BSW for advanced standing opportunity.
Boston University - Master of Social Work (MSW) - Boston
Specializations in clinical and macro practice available. Available at Charles River campus and various locations throughout Massachusetts. Worcester provides a hybrid format for online and on-campus options with part-time enrollment. Classes delivered on Tuesday nights over the first four semesters, then online. Each online course taken in seven-week modules. Unique track in human services available with one 1,000-hour field experience completed.
Bridgewater State University - Master of Social Work (MSW) - Bridgewater
Hybrid format available with regular on-campus meetings on Saturdays. Half of the course is available for online study in this pathway. Field internships are generally only available during weekday business hours. Admission requires 3.0 GPA or higher in the last 60 credit hours of the Bachelor's degree. Advanced standing needs a summary of first field experience. Offers dual-degree option with Juris Doctor and mandatory completion time within seven years.
Salem State University - Master of Social Work (MSW) - Salem
Traditional program focuses on integrated and behavioral health in research and practice. Features weekend and advanced standing options for alternative study. Saturday format requires two courses each term and allows study for busy schedules. This format emphasizes studies and practice within trauma and the recovery process. Field experience is 16 to 20 hours during fall and spring semester. This expands to 32 to 40 hours in the summer term.
Simmons College - Master of Social Work (MSW) - Boston
Requires 16 to 32 months to complete either traditional program or advanced standing. 16 months is possible with full curriculum with accelerated coursework and practice. 1,000 clock hours for field experience in two different internships. Certificates for specialization practice available in group meetings, mental health, and trauma. Online program offers live course sessions with faculty and other students. Potential to graduate with student cohort on the Boston campus.
Smith College - Master of Social Work (MSW) - Northampton
Foundational content explores theory in group, family, and clinical practice. Also provides an introduction into research methods and social welfare policy. Requires field seminars to go along with internship experiences. Orientation requirements include safety training, telehealth, and preparation for the specialization. Connections with over 150 agencies in 20 different states through the institution.
Springfield College - Master of Social Work (MSW) - Springfield
Students can pursue program with full or part-time enrollment during the week. Classes taken on Tuesday and Wednesdays with field practicum during other business hours. Also available for weekend education at the Springfield and Worcester campus location. Advanced standing requires 32 credit hours of the 60 total needed in the full program. May consider two full semesters or four part-time semesters to complete advanced standing. Dual-degree opportunity available with the Juris Doctor and combining Bachelor's and Master's degrees.
Westfield State University - MSW - Westfield
Requires 37 or 66 credits depending on academic standing. Offered in hybrid format with 20 percent of studies geared toward online convenience. Potential to split studies across two to four years with part-time enrollment. Concentrations offered in health care, gerontology, substance abuse, and youth. Admission requires a 2.8 GPA or higher, with more needed for advanced standing. GRE or GMAT scores are not required for this program.
Wheelock College - Master of Social Work (MSW) - Boston
Provides dual degree with Boston University featuring social work and education topics. 83 total credit hours needed in the program. 24 of the credit hours required when pursuing courses at Wheelock College. Program takes over two years to complete and provides full or part-time enrollment. End of the program requires dissertation research and a comprehensive exam.
Social Work Careers, Licensures, and Salaries in Massachusetts
The state of Massachusetts has relatively strong employment in the youth, school, and health care sectors of social work. Over 21,000 are employed combined according to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics. Specifically in health care, the state sees the fourth-highest employment level, and annual salaries are estimated at $61,650.
Average Salary of a Massachusuetts Social Worker
In terms of concentration, there is no higher state than Massachusetts, and four different metropolitan areas are recognized for heavy employment in this profession (New Bedford, Springfield, Pittsfield, and Leominster-Gardner). Health care professionals see a higher average salary than those working with youth or school services, as the average salary in Massachusetts is around $50,770. That is lower than many nearby states such as Connecticut, New York, and New Hampshire.
Massachusetts Social Work Licensure Requirements
Professionals that have obtained a Master’s degree in social work can pursue licensure as a certified social worker or independent clinical social worker. Gaining the Licensed Certified Social Worker (LCSW) designation allows for clinical work to be completed under a supervisor that holds the Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker (LICSW) designation.
Hours of Experience Requirements
In order to gain the needed experience for the LICSW, professionals must complete 3,500 hours in at least two years. Respective exams from the Association of Social Work Boards (Master or Clinical) must be completed and passed prior to receiving the specific licensure. 20 hours of continuing education is needed to renew the LCSW, and 30 hours for the LICSW, every two years.
