6 Best BSW Programs in Massachusetts
BSW programs in Massachusetts pave the way to a rewarding career with great financial stability. Social workers across the state can earn $55,510 to $78,980 per year based on their specialization. This career path proves both personally rewarding and financially sound.
Massachusetts offers nine fully accredited BSW programs, each with its own strengths that align with different career paths. Simmons University stands out with its graduates’ success rate – 89% pass the Association of Social Work Boards exam on their first try. These results are substantially better than the national average of 76%.
The job market looks bright for social work graduates in Massachusetts. We expect an 11% growth through 2032, which beats the average job growth rate. This surge comes from a rising need for mental health and substance abuse services. The state’s social workers also earn more than their counterparts nationwide, which makes your education investment even more valuable here.
This guide breaks down the six best CSWE-accredited BSW programs to help you choose the right path for your social work education in Massachusetts.
1. Simmons University
Simmons University started training clinical social workers in 1904, making it the first institution in the nation to do so. The university’s BSW program carries forward this 119-year-old tradition of excellence by preparing students for today’s social work challenges.
Program Overview
The Bachelor of Social Work program at Simmons creates a unique learning experience with small, interactive classes and dedicated faculty mentors. Students learn both theory and practice, which helps them work with individuals, families, groups, organizations, and communities. The program gives students a complete understanding of human development, society’s functions, and how policies shape communities and individual lives.
BSW graduates can take the Licensed Social Worker (LSW) exam right after graduation. They also qualify for Advanced Standing in Master’s of Social Work programs, which can cut down the typical two-year MSW to just one year.
Specializations Offered
The BSW program has a solid generalist foundation with courses covering:
- Social justice and economic equity
- Human behavior in the social environment
- Social research methodologies
- Generalist social work practice
- Social welfare policy analysis
The curriculum lines up with the Council on Social Work Education’s Educational Policy and Accreditation Standards. This approach prepares graduates for roles in community agencies, residential programs, child protective services, schools, and geriatric services.
Tuition and Financial Aid
Full-time students taking 12-18 credits will pay $46,900 in undergraduate tuition for 2025-2026. The total cost reaches $71,337 for non-nursing majors after adding housing, meals, fees, and health insurance. Every first-year student receives some form of financial help.
Financial aid packages typically mix:
- Merit scholarships for academic achievements
- Need-based grants based on financial status
- Federal student loans
- Student employment opportunities
Student Financial Service Counselors help students create personal financial plans from admission through graduation.
Field Placement Opportunities
Students gain extensive hands-on experience with over 400 hours of practical training in community settings.
Students complete their training in two phases:
- Junior-year practicum (100 hours) introduces basic concepts
- Senior-year placement (425 hours) builds advanced skills
Professional social workers supervise students as they apply classroom theories in real-life settings. Students develop vital skills in direct clinical practice, case management, advocacy, assessment, and work with community providers.
Simmons’ location in Boston’s Fenway and Longwood Medical Area gives students access to placements in healthcare facilities, community organizations, schools, and social service agencies. This blend of academic excellence and hands-on experience makes Simmons a leader in social work education, known for graduates who excel in their field.
2. Salem State University
Salem State University stands as Massachusetts’ first public social work program. The university maintains its dedication to social justice and ethical practice. Students at the School of Social Work receive a detailed educational experience that prepares them to become skilled generalist practitioners.
Program Overview
Salem State’s Bachelor of Social Work program is fully accredited by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE). This accreditation gives graduates nationally recognized credentials. The curriculum blends liberal arts courses with strong emphasis on behavioral and social sciences. Students learn entry-level social work skills they can use in a variety of settings.
The program’s mission focuses on “teaching for transformation.” It shapes generalist social workers who understand professional values and ethics to drive social change. Faculty members take this equity-focused approach seriously. They participate in equity-focused training sessions to improve policies and practices that might limit equal opportunities.
Students need 54 credit hours of social work courses, 35 credit hours of distribution courses in humanities and sciences, and 22 credit hours of support courses. They also must complete at least 9 credit hours of electives. Graduates can take the Licensed Social Worker (LSW) exam in Massachusetts.
Specializations Offered
The BSW program builds on a generalist foundation. Students learn to understand systems of oppression and discrimination and how these affect individuals. The curriculum moves through clear stages. Students enter the program first and then apply for Professional Readiness.
Students who receive Professional Readiness approval move on to essential 300-level courses including:
- Human behavior in the social environment
- Research methods
- Social welfare policy
- Social work practice methods
Students must pass an interview to show they’re ready for field placement after finishing these core courses. This careful process ensures they develop professional skills before working in clinical settings.
Tuition and Financial Aid
The 2025-2026 academic year costs $12,708 for in-state students and $20,116.80 for out-of-state students. Students from other New England states pay $14,431.80 through the NEBHE Tuition Break program.
Salem State provides several financial support options:
- The Remarkable Salem State Difference initiative offers free tuition and mandatory fees to Massachusetts residents. Their household income must be $75,000 or less with proven financial need
- Out-of-state students from outside New England receive $6,000 off their tuition automatically
- Students without documentation who attended Massachusetts high schools for three years or more might qualify for in-state rates
Family income determines the average net price. It ranges from $12,977 for families earning $0-$30,000 to $24,357 for those earning over $110,000 yearly.
Field Placement Opportunities
Field education forms the core of Salem State’s BSW program. Students must complete minimum of 425 hours in a supervised professional setting. This means 16 hours weekly for two semesters. Students apply their classroom knowledge through hands-on experience.
The university partners with various agencies for meaningful field placements such as:
- Schools and early intervention programs
- Senior centers and nursing homes
- Child welfare agencies
- Hospitals and courts
- Police departments and afterschool programs
Salem State received a $930,000 grant from the state Department of Higher Education recently. This grant provides behavioral health internship stipends to help students manage their degree requirements and ground obligations.
Students work under qualified social work practitioners during their field education. This prepares them for professional practice challenges. The program follows strict CSWE accreditation rules and doesn’t give credit for previous life experience or professional work.
3. Westfield State University
Westfield State University stands out with remarkable success in social work education. Over 95% of BSW graduates land jobs or enter graduate school within a year after graduation. These numbers showcase the university’s steadfast dedication to professional preparation through its CSWE-accredited Bachelor of Social Work program.
Westfield State University Program Overview
The BSW program blends challenging academic coursework with hands-on experience to prepare students who serve in a variety of communities. Students learn evidence-based practices and build critical thinking skills while mastering social work fundamentals. The program develops expertise in five key areas: generalist practice, social welfare policy and planning, human behavior and the social environment, research, and practicum.
Students can apply to the program when they finish their second year after completing 60 hours of human service activity. The program requires students to maintain a minimum “C” grade in major and foundation courses plus a 2.5 GPA in both major courses and overall standing.
Specializations Offered
The curriculum centers on generalist practice but lets students head over to specific areas through faculty mentorship:
- Child welfare
- Mental health
- Substance use
- Integrative behavioral health
- Immigration
- Aging
Junior and senior years follow a clear progression. Junior year covers foundation courses like Human Behavior and the Social Environment, Research Methods, and Introduction to Generalist Practice. Senior year moves into advanced topics with Generalist Practice with Families and Groups, Social Welfare Policy Analysis, and a two-part practicum experience.
Tuition and Financial Aid
Westfield State University ranks among Massachusetts’ most affordable options. In-state residents pay $12,616 for tuition and fees (2025-2026), while out-of-state students pay $18,696 and New England Regional students pay $13,101. Resident students need $9,030 more for housing and must have a meal plan.
The university makes education accessible – 87% of full-time undergraduate students receive financial aid. Students can tap into several scholarship opportunities, including merit-based awards and foundation scholarships that recognize diverse experiences and interests.
Field Placement Opportunities
Field education is the backbone of Westfield’s BSW program. Students complete their practicum during senior year. The experience runs through two semesters – Social Work Practicum I in fall and Social Work Practicum II in spring, with 7 credits each semester. Weekly capstone courses help students connect classroom knowledge with field experience.
The university cooperates with more than 150 agencies across Massachusetts and nearby states. Students can work in various settings:
- Child welfare agencies
- Medical facilities
- Educational institutions
- Criminal justice settings
- Mental health organizations
- Addiction treatment centers
These placements give students significant experience with different populations and help them develop vital skills in direct practice and community organization. This detailed field experience has built Westfield’s reputation for graduates who are ready to succeed in their careers right away.
4. Anna Maria College
The Bachelor of Social Work program at Anna Maria College stands out as the only campus-based CSWE-accredited BSW program in Central Massachusetts. Students seeking quality social work education can benefit from this program’s regional convenience.
Program Overview
Anna Maria’s BSW program prepares students through an all-encompassing approach based on the person-in-environment framework. Students learn ethical practice guidelines, advocacy skills, and respect for human dignity. Graduates can take the Licensed Social Work (LSW) examination in Massachusetts right after graduation. They can start their professional careers or pursue advanced education options.
Working professionals and community college graduates can take advantage of Anna Maria’s innovative hybrid BSW program option. Students can complete their degree in supportive cohorts through Saturday morning in-person classes combined with online coursework. This setup lets them maintain their current commitments.
Specializations Offered
Anna Maria’s curriculum develops well-rounded social work professionals through multidisciplinary training instead of narrow specializations. Students prepare for careers in social work agencies of all sizes. The core coursework has:
- Human Behavior and the Social Environment
- Social Welfare Policy
- Research Methods
- Progressive Social Work Practice
This curriculum lines up with CSWE’s Educational Policy and Accreditation Standards (EPAS 2015). Students become skilled at core competencies needed for evidence-based, ethical social work practice.
Tuition and Financial Aid
Undergraduate tuition at Anna Maria College is $43,064 for the 2025-2026 academic year. The college makes education available through detailed financial aid packages. Every full-time undergraduate student receives some form of financial aid.
Students received $21,837,527 in institutional aid in 2023, plus $187,950 in endowed scholarships. Family income determines the net price, which ranges from $20,635 for families earning $0-$30,000 to $28,080 for families earning over $110,000.
Field Placement Opportunities
Field education is a vital component of Anna Maria’s BSW program. Students complete their practical experience in two phases: a 100-hour internship during junior year and a 425-hour field placement in senior year. This adds up to 525 hours of supervised practical experience.
These placements are a great way to get ground experience through structured opportunities in local agencies. Qualified practitioners supervise students and help them apply classroom theories in practical settings.
5. Bridgewater State University
Bridgewater State University has the largest bachelor’s in social work program in Massachusetts. Students receive complete training with full Council on Social Work Education (CSWE) accreditation.
Program Overview
Social justice serves as the life-blood of Bridgewater’s BSW program. Students become champions for positive change. The curriculum grounds itself in service learning, and students work closely with accomplished faculty while gaining intensive field experience. Students build their knowledge of evidence-based policy and practice throughout their academic trip. Note that graduates can enter professional practice or gain advanced standing in MSW programs based on their career goals.
The program follows CSWE standards and doesn’t give social work course credit for life or previous work experience. Students participate in structured coursework and supervised field experiences that progressively build their professional skills.
Specializations Offered
The curriculum has essential courses like Dynamics of Diversity and Oppression, Human Behavior in the Social Environment, and Social Work Practice. These courses give students the knowledge and skills they need to work with diverse populations while deepening their commitment to the communities they serve.
Students must complete 36 hours of Core Curriculum Requirements to join the program. They also need 60 hours of coursework with a minimum overall GPA of 2.5 and a social work GPA of 2.8. This selective process will give students proper academic preparation for the field.
Tuition and Financial Aid
Massachusetts residents pay $12,194 annually for tuition and fees, while non-residents pay $18,334. First-year students spend about $15,805 yearly on room and meal plans, plus roughly $1,200 for books.
Like other schools, Bridgewater provides substantial financial support. About 85% of undergraduates get scholarships or financial aid. Starting fall 2025, the Bridgewater Commitment will cover full tuition and mandatory fees for in-state students whose families earn $125,000 or less.
Field Placement Opportunities
Field education is crucial to the BSW program. Partner agencies match with students based on individual learning goals. Students can work in settings of all types:
- Mental health and behavioral health
- Child welfare and family services
- Education and aging services
- Medical social work and forensics
- Substance use and dependency services
Students attend weekly seminars with practicum instructors who act as liaisons. These sessions help students combine their academic learning with hands-on experience smoothly.
6. Elms College
The oldest accredited undergraduate social work program in Western Massachusetts calls Elms College home. This 70-year old program has made Elms a regional powerhouse that prepares students to become change-makers in their communities.
Program Overview
Elms College’s BSW program gives you the versatile skills through a curriculum that blends behavioral science, psychology, mental health, and public policy. Students examine human behavior from multiple viewpoints to gain a detailed understanding of what shapes modern society. The program leads to eligibility for the Massachusetts licensing exam to become Licensed Social Workers (LSW). Most students land jobs before they even graduate or right after.
Specializations Offered
Students can choose between two practice levels:
- Micro-level work helps individuals and families achieve goals and overcome challenges
- Macro-level work creates community-focused programs at local, state, or national levels
Career opportunities span medicine, public health, substance abuse prevention, legislative advocacy, mental health, child welfare, and education.
Tuition and Financial Aid
Undergraduate tuition at Elms College runs $44,625 for the 2025-2026 academic year. All the same, students received $14.60 million in grants and scholarships during 2023-2024. Students should also plan for housing ($15,917), books and supplies ($1,500), and personal expenses ($2,298). Family income affects the average net price, which ranges from $18,824 for households earning under $30,000 to $27,882 for those making over $110,000.
Field Placement Opportunities
Field experience is a vital part of the program. Students complete 400 hours of supervised work at one of over 60 partner sites. This hands-on experience lets students apply classroom theories in real-life settings while building professional skills. Students work with different populations and build meaningful community connections through field placements. The experience concludes with a research project that benefits the practicum setting and enhances professional growth.
Online BSW options
Massachusetts residents looking for flexible education options can choose from several online BSW programs that maintain CSWE accreditation standards.
Simmons University’s complete online BSW degree completion program features live, face-to-face virtual classes with expert faculty. Students learn foundational social work skills through courses that cover social justice, human behavior, social research, and practice methods. The program needs 72 credit hours and has over 400 hours of practical experience in community settings.
Salem State University runs a 100% online BSW program that combines synchronous Zoom-based classes with asynchronous learning. Students with enough transfer credits can complete the program in as few as two years. The online format still requires students to complete a substantial 425-hour in-person practicum during their senior year at sites near their homes or workplaces.
Students can also access nationally recognized online BSW programs outside Massachusetts. Arizona State University, Florida State University, and the University of New Hampshire accept Massachusetts residents. These programs typically offer:
- Asynchronous coursework accommodating working professionals
- Arrangements for local field placements
- Competitive tuition rates
- Strong student support services
Career Outlook for BSW Social Workers in Massachusetts
Massachusetts stands out as one of the best-paying states for social workers in the country. Social workers here earn $88,770 on average each year, which is 12% more than the national average. New social workers start at $61,650, while experienced professionals can make up to $103,520.
Your earning potential changes substantially based on where you work in Massachusetts. The cities with highest pay include:
- Lynn ($131,738 annually)
- Pittsfield ($128,325 annually)
- Beverly ($128,249 annually)
- Hyannis ($126,822 annually)
The job market for social workers continues to grow at an unmatched rate. Experts predict a 13% increase through 2029, which outpaces most other occupations. This expansion comes from the aging baby boom generation and a rising need for specialists in children and families, schools, substance abuse, mental health, and healthcare settings.
BSW graduates can boost their earnings by moving into senior social worker roles, which pay $99,227 on average per year. Massachusetts’s salaries go further too, with better purchasing power compared to other high-paying states when adjusted for living costs.
The state’s LSWA (Licensed Social Work Associate) credential is a great way to get started. This entry-level license helps associate degree holders begin their careers while they continue their education.
Social Work Licensure Pathway
Massachusetts provides a well-laid-out path to social work licensure with four progressive levels. The Board of Registration of Social Workers oversees these levels. Your BSW completion qualifies you to pursue the Licensed Social Worker (LSW) credential after passing the ASWB Bachelors exam.
Massachusetts offers these four license levels:
- Licensed Social Work Associate (LSWA): Entry-level credential requiring an associate degree in human services or bachelor’s in any field
- Licensed Social Worker (LSW): Requires BSW from a CSWE-accredited program
- Licensed Certified Social Worker (LCSW): Requires MSW from a CSWE-accredited program
- Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker (LICSW): Highest level requiring current LCSW plus 3,500 clinical experience hours
You need to complete these steps to get licensed:
- Submit application to ASWB ($173 fee)
- Provide three professional references
- Register for appropriate ASWB exam ($230 for Bachelors exam)
- Pass the exam (scaled score of 75 required)
- Pay initial licensure fee ($54 for LSW)
LSW holders must complete 15 hours of continuing education before renewal every two years. Your license renewal date aligns with your birthday. Remember to submit on time to avoid the $57 late fee.
Earn Your MA BSW Today
A BSW degree is a vital first step toward a rewarding career in social work. Massachusetts is an ideal state to get your social work education. The state offers seven CSWE-accredited programs, each with its own strengths. Simmons University brings its historic legacy, Salem State offers affordability, and Westfield shows impressive job placement rates. Anna Maria provides flexible study options, Bridgewater delivers extensive field work, Wheelock features dual degrees, and Elms College presents a detailed curriculum.
Students can choose online BSW options to balance their education with other commitments. These programs maintain CSWE accreditation standards. Many schools help arrange local field placements wherever you live, so you can gain hands-on experience while learning the theory.
Massachusetts social workers’ salaries are nowhere near the national average – they’re much higher. New graduates typically start at $61,650, and experienced professionals can earn up to $103,520. The job market looks promising too. A projected 13% growth through 2029 beats average growth rates, creating opportunities in social work of all types.
The state’s licensure path offers clear career progression. You can get your LSW certification right after your BSW and advance to higher credentials as you gain experience. This structured advancement, combined with strong earning potential and meaningful work, makes social work in Massachusetts both personally and financially rewarding.
These exceptional BSW programs can meet different needs – whether you’re looking at cost, specialized training, location, or online study options. Investing in a Massachusetts BSW education pays off through job satisfaction and financial stability as you begin your journey to become a positive change maker.