Social Work Degree Programs in Massachusetts

If you are seeking for a way to break into the social work profession, the top-notch social work degrees in Massachusetts can be a great place to start. Despite being situated in the New England region of the northeastern United States as the seventh smallest state, the third most densely populated state is home to a mix of college towns offering unparalleled educational opportunities at some of the best universities in the nation.

The following is the undergraduate and graduate social work degree programs that have been given the stamp of approval by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE) for adhering to the highest standards of excellence in Massachusetts.

Featured Social Work Programs

 

Anna Maria College

Bachelor of Arts in Social Work (BASW)

Dedicated to preparing undergraduate social work students for further education and entry-level employment in generalist practice, the Bachelor of Arts in Social Work (BASW) program follows a multidisciplinary holistic approach to simultaneous focus on strategies for ethical practice with individuals, families, communities, organizations, and broad social systems. As the only accredited bachelor's program in social work for the Central Massachusetts region, the degree places an emphasis on the values of the Catholic tradition. The program is designed to develop critical thinking skills, an appreciation for human diversity, an understanding on research methods, and advocacy skills to effectively assist diverse clients in advancing social justice.

Accreditations

  • Council on Social Work Education (CSWE)
  • New England Association of Schools and Colleges (NEASC)

Contact Information

50 Sunset Lane
Paxton, MA 01612
(508) 849-3335
[email protected]
https://www.annamaria.edu/

Boston College

Master of Social Work (MSW)

As a two-year full-time or three-year part-time program, the Master of Social Work (MSW) degree is designed to prepare graduate students to take innovative and effective action to empower vulnerable populations in need. With a flexible curriculum to offer a balance of structure and individualization to shape career goals, the program enables students to choose Clinical or Macro Social Work practice with a concentration in Children and Families, Global Practice, Health and Mental Health, or Older Adults and Families. For those who want apply social work expertise outside the realm of social work practice or tailor skills to a specific career path, the school also offers dual degree programs to earn a Master of Business Administration (MBA), Juris Doctor (JD), or MA in Pastoral Ministry concurrently.

Accreditations

  • Council on Social Work Education (CSWE)
  • New England Association of Schools and Colleges (NEASC)

Contact Information

McGuinn Hall Room 117
Chestnut Hill, MA 02467
(617) 552-4020
[email protected]
http://www.bc.edu/content/bc/schools/gssw/academics/msw.html

Boston University

Master of Social Work (MSW)

Nestled in the heart of a culturally and educationally rich city, the Master of Social Work (MSW) program utilizes its urban backdrop to educate outstanding advanced social workers who can integrate and apply clinical or macro practice methods in diverse communities. Embodying the school's emphasis on the empowerment of oppressed groups for social and economic justice, the program consists of advanced-level courses and 1,000 clock hours of field education in the specialized area of Clinical or Macro Practice. While the 51-credit program can be completed in two years full-time or three years part-time, those with an accredited undergraduate degree in social work can apply for Advanced Standing to complete just one year of studies.

Accreditations

  • Council on Social Work Education (CSWE)
  • New England Association of Schools and Colleges (NEASC)

Contact Information

264 Bay State Rd.
Boston, MA 02215
(617) 353-3750
[email protected]
http://www.bu.edu/ssw/academics/msw/

Bridgewater State University

Bachelor of Social Work (BSW)

Integrating a theoretical framework of person and environment with supervised field experience, the Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) program is designed to provide undergraduate students with the skills and knowledge needed for developing competency in generalist practice. Throughout the 120-credit hour program, students learn current social work methods, intervention techniques, theories, skills, values, and ethics for practice with the region's diverse vulnerable populations. Since internships are an integral part of the learning process, the program helps students partner with over a hundred local agencies to provide at least 410 clock hours of outstanding field training in social work with youth, families, elders, and communities.

Master of Social Work (MSW)

With the mission of preparing advanced practitioners who will enhance the lives of individuals, families, and communities throughout southeastern Massachusetts, the Master of Social Work (MSW) program is focused on developing culturally sensitive professionals who are grounded in the strengths-based biopsychosocial practice model. Designed for graduate students who have demonstrated an outstanding academic potential and the capacity for independent thought, the curriculum places an emphasis on both cognitive and pragmatic ability. While full-time students must complete a minimum of 1,064 clock hours in supervised field placements, those with Advanced Standing must only fulfill 600 clock hours in the professional practice.

Accreditations

  • Council on Social Work Education (CSWE)
  • New England Association of Schools and Colleges (NEASC)

Contact Information

95 Burrill Avenue
Bridgewater, MA 02325
(508) 531-2256
[email protected]
http://microsites.bridgew.edu/socialwork

Eastern Nazarene College

Bachelor of Arts in Social Work (BASW)

With the goal of preparing undergraduate students to begin to integrate the knowledge, skills, and values of the social work profession with a Christian orientation to service, the Bachelor of Arts in Social Work (BASW) program is designed to develop competent entry-level social work practitioners who can effectively engage, evaluate, and intervene with individuals, families, groups, organizations, or communities who are facing social injustice. Through the 123-credit program, students must complete a minimum of 38 credits in major social work courses covering human behavior, social environment, equality economics, generalist practice, social policy analysis, and field practicum. For completion, students are required to pass a comprehensive examination and fulfill the requirement of having a minimum GPA of 2.5.

Accreditations

  • Council on Social Work Education (CSWE)
  • New England Association of Schools and Colleges (NEASC)

Contact Information

23 East Elm Avenue
Quincy, MA 02170
(617) 745-3564
[email protected]
http://www1.enc.edu/academics/social-work/

Elms College

Bachelor of Science in Social Work (BSSW)

As the oldest accredited undergraduate program of its kind in western Massachusetts with a reputation for graduating outstanding social workers, the Bachelor of Science in Social Work (BSSW) program is focused on preparing competent entry-level social workers for generalist practice working with individuals, families, groups, organizations, and communities in need. Along with the traditional on-campus program, the school offers a weekend program and a degree completion program at Springfield Technical Community College or Greenfield Community College to meet the needs of unique situations that do not permit attendance in the traditional day program. With an emphasis on experiential learning, the program offers opportunities for full-time internships, independent research, and community service projects.

Accreditations

  • Council on Social Work Education (CSWE)
  • New England Association of Schools and Colleges (NEASC)

Contact Information

291 Springfield St.
Chicopee, MA 01013
(413) 265-2323
[email protected]
http://www.elms.edu/academics/academic-divisions/social-sciences/social-work/

Gordon College

Bachelor of Social Work (BSW)

With the mission of preparing men and women for entry-level generalist practice in social work within the context of a Christian liberal arts framework, the Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) program maintains a commitment to the value of each person and enhances human well-being to alleviate oppression. At the culmination of the 120-credit program, seniors are given the opportunity to further their understanding with supervised field experience for a minimum of 400 clock hours. Upon completion, graduates are prepared to further their education in a graduate program or enter entry-level positions at community agencies, court systems, drug abuse treatment centers, mental illness facilities, hospitals, juvenile detention centers, labor organizations, nursing homes, schools, or other social services agencies.

Accreditations

  • Council on Social Work Education (CSWE)
  • New England Association of Schools and Colleges (NEASC)

Contact Information

255 Grapevine Rd.
Wenham, MA 01984
(978) 927-2300
[email protected]
https://www.gordon.edu/socialwelfare

Regis College

Bachelor of Social Work (BSW)

Focused on helping individuals, families, groups, organizations, and communities to achieve life-enhancing goals to reach optimal human well-being, the Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) program is grounded in the belief that experience and hands-on learning are essential for developing strong social work knowledge and skills for effective practice. As a result, the program integrates classroom learning with service learning projects, field practicum placements, and internships at many local social service agencies under the guidance of a licensed social worker. Due to a cross-registration agreement with the Boston College Graduate School of Social Work, promising social work students at Regis are also able to take graduate social work courses at Boston College in their junior and senior years for an accelerated path.

Accreditations

  • Council on Social Work Education (CSWE)
  • New England Association of Schools and Colleges (NEASC)

Contact Information

235 Wellesley St.
Weston, MA 02493
(781) 768-7090
[email protected]

As a rapidly growing and challenging profession, social work offers individuals the opportunity to make a difference in people's lives, from inmates to ambassadors. If you possess strong interpersonal skills and a drive to help vulnerable populations overcome the challenges of poverty, oppression, discrimination, and other forms of social injustice, social work may be the perfect option.

Whether you were born and raised or are considering moving to the "Bay State" to take advantage of top-notch educational opportunities, be sure to check out these accredited social work degrees in Massachusetts to get on the right track to a rewarding career.

See also: Social Work Degree Programs in Massachusetts (S-Z)

Salem State University

Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) Program

Following in the Massachusetts tradition of social service, Salem University offers an exceptional Bachelor of Social Work program through their School of Social Work. The program provides students with a learning environment specifically designed for the development of knowledge, skills and values. Students learn the skills necessary to help individuals, families and communities in setting beyond the classroom, including hospitals, clinics, treatment programs and group homes. In addition, students must perform 425 hours of field work in order to obtain their degree. During field experience, students are supervised by experienced professionals and are mentored by a School of Social Work faculty member. In order to apply, applicants must submit all official transcripts, SAT/ACT scores and an application accompanied by the appropriate application fee.

Master of Social Work (MSW) Program

Salem University was the first public institution in Massachusetts to offer a Master of Social Work program. Since it's inception in 1987, the program has distinguished itself in quality and reputation. The program is offered as a two-year general study plan, three or four-year advanced study plan, as well as advanced standing study plans. The advanced standing study plans include summer and academic year attendance. This variety in study plans allows students the flexibility necessary to obtain the MSW while working full-time and managing family responsibilities.

Contact Information

Salem State University
352 Lafayette Street
Salem, MA 01970
Email: [email protected]
Telephone: 978-542-6650
Program Website

Simmons College

Bachelor of Social Work

Simmons College was the first institute of higher learning to offer clinical social work training in 1904, and since that time they have pioneered social work education. With an acclaimed faculty and alumni who are recognized in the field of social work, Simmons has developed a reputation as a nationally regarded school of social work. The program combines over 500 hours of learning in the field at more than 300 internships that include governmental agencies, private organizations, hospitals, schools and private companies. Students may choose the traditional four-year program or the Accelerated 3+1 Program. The four-year program is completed in a typical fashion, completing all coursework and field work in four years. The Accelerated 3+1 Program complete undergraduate courses in three years by taking five courses rather than four during some semesters, and completing their field placement along with four courses in the summer between their second and third years.

Master of Social Work

Students enrolled in the Simmons College Master of Social Work program typically complete their degree in two years. Students are assigned field placement for three days per week for both years of the program and take classes the other two days of the week. The college also offers extended-study programs that allow students to attend school part-time, taking some of the available Saturday or evening classes. However, not all program requirements can be met with flexible classes, so students should plan for field placements and classes at least four or five days per week towards the end of the program.

Contact Information

Simmons School of Social Work
Office of Admission
300 The Fenway
Boston, MA 02115
Phone: 617-521-3939
Email: [email protected]
Program Website

Smith College

The MSW Program

The Smith College Master of Social Work Program is built on a foundation of knowledge that are central to the industry. Students not only learn the skills necessary to advance in their social work career, but also about the history of social work and how current processes relate to that history. The curriculum emphasizes service to society and social justice, as well as discussions regarding gender, race and ethnicity. Electives offer the ability to delve further into specialty areas of social work, such as substance abuse treatment, traumatic events, veteran's needs and the treatment of children or adolescents.

Contact Information

Smith College School of Social Work
Northampton, MA 01063
Telephone: 413-585-4140
Email: [email protected]
Program Website

Springfield College

Masters of Social Work Programs

Students who participate in the Masters of Social Work full-time program can obtain their degree in two years, with classes that meet on Tuesdays and Wednesdays. Students are not only required to attend traditional classroom instruction, but also complete two field practicums. They must also participate in field seminars. Students are given hands-on experience and faculty members who are well-known for their social service provide real-life information to students, creating a well-rounded environment for those seeking to further their social work career. For those who are unable to attend the college full-time, there is a part-time option with classes that meet two weekends per month for three years. Students must complete a field practicum in the second and third year, as well as the field seminars. Many students who choose the part-time option are currently employed in social work positions.

Contact Information

Springfield College
School of Social Work
Brennan Center
45 Island Pond Road
Springfield, MA 01109-3797
Telephone: 413-748-3000
Email: [email protected]
Program Website

Western New England University

Social Work Major

The Social Work Major at Western New England offers a broad liberal arts education combined with the fundamentals of social work. During their freshman year, students complete a field service work experience during their first semester and shadow a social worker for the entire year. The curriculum includes courses in human behavior, oppression and empowerment, social policy and more specialties related to the field of social work. The program is accredited by the Council on Social Work Education.

Contact Information

Western New England University
1215 Wilbraham Road
Springfield, MA 01119
Phone: 413-782-1321
Program Website

Westfield State University

Bachelor's Degree in Social Work

The Bachelor's Degree in Social Work at Westfield has a generalist focus and prepares students to work in the field of social work in a variety of settings. Students who attend full-time will complete their degree in four years, but students can take classes part-time and earn their degree over a longer period. The program consists of 16 credits in general requirements and 42 credits in social work courses. Successful graduates are eligible to sit for the state social work licensure examination and may be eligible for advanced standing for graduate schools throughout the United States.

Graduate Degree Social Work

Westfield began offering a Master's Degree in Social Work in 2010 and has a single concentration in Clinical Practice with a primary focus, preparing graduates to work as clinical case managers, advanced positions in child protective services or other child and family related positions. Classes are available in an online format or in a hybrid version with some online and some in-class lectures. Applicants must have an undergraduate degree in any major, but must have some social science and biology credits included. The program is fully accredited by the Council on Social Work Education.

Contact Information

Ron Cummings
Administrative Assistant I
Social Work
Mod Building
577 Western Avenue
Westfield, MA 01086
Phone: 413-572-8331
Email: [email protected]
Program Website

Wheelock College

Undergraduate Social Work Program

At Wheelock, students in the undergraduate Social Work program study theories and methods used in the profession with a focus on how to apply those practices. Students learn to work collaboratively with clients, while identifying and securing necessary resources and communication in order to provide assistance to those in need. Students undergo an intensive, year-long supervised practicum with an emphasis on strengths, resiliency and empowerment for clients.

Master of Social Work

Wheelock's approach is family-centered and community based, preparing students to practice with individuals, families, groups or anyone who is in need. The Master of Social Work is 60-credits with study in five core areas that include:

• Human behavior and the social environment
• Social work practice
• Social policy
• Social research
• Field practicum experience

Programs are offered on a full- and part-time basis to provide flexibility for students who may be working full-time or have family obligations. The program moves to justice-based social work that focuses on children and families later in the curriculum. Students must also participate in field placement, which can be arranged through the Social Work Field Education Office that has partnerships with over 200 field placement agencies throughout New England.

Contact Information

Wheelock College
Undergraduate Admissions
200 Riverway
Boston, MA 02215
Phone: 617-879-2000
Program Website

Social work degree programs in Massachusetts represent the strong social service thread that runs through citizens in the state. These programs offer exceptional, thorough degrees in the area of social work at colleges that offer benefits for all students.