How to Become a Social Worker in Massachusetts
If you want to know how to become a social worker in Massachusetts, you’ve come to the right place. Boston, the “Cradle of Liberty,” is a beautiful, vibrant city with a diverse population, stunning historic sites, excellent sports teams, and exciting year-round events. Pursuing a degree in social work in Massachusetts is an excellent choice. Social work is the country’s #13 most popular degree program. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, in April of 2024, Massachusetts employed 20,450 social workers.
This guide on how to become a social worker in Massachusetts explains the educational requirements and the process for getting licensed in Massachusetts. When you get your license, you can begin a rewarding career to help people in your community. The BLS shows that social workers employed in Massachusetts will increase by as much as seven percent between 2022 and 2032, which is higher than any other occupation.
Typical Steps to Become a Social Worker in Massachusetts
- Earn a Degree
Depending on the degree you wish to pursue, the requirements in Massachusetts include an accredited associate degree in social work or a related field, a Bachelor of Social Work or BSW, or a Master of Social Work or MSW. Your degree must be accredited by the Council on Social Work Education.
- Complete Field Hours
You must complete the required supervised field hours under the supervision of a state-approved supervisor. The number of hours you must complete depends on the degree you choose. With a bachelor’s or associate degree, the LSWA requires 1000 hours of social work methods or theory from a program that’s board approved.
- Get a License
You must pass the Association of Social Work Boards exam. The type of exam you must pass depends on your degree path and the license you need to practice. The LSW is the bachelor’s level exam. The LCSW is the Master Level exam. You must have three professional references that address your conduct and moral character. When you meet all the requirements, you submit your application for licensure.
The Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker is the required designation to work independently or self-employed in Massachusetts. A LICSW must have a Masters or Doctoral degree to practice in Massachusetts. Additional requirements include:
- A Current License to Practice
- After earning an MSW degree, 3,500 hours of clinical social work experience under a supervisor currently licensed as a LICSW, or who has a license in another state. The 3,500 hours of experience must be not less than two years after earning an MSW degree.
- An additional 100 hours of one-on-one supervision from a person who is an LICSW in Massachusetts or has an equivalent degree from another state.
The Board of Registration of Social Work regulates social workers for the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. The board determines who is eligible to sit for the examination to be a social worker, conducts the exams, and determines which of the four levels an individual qualifies for. Professionals in social work help individuals, families, couples, groups, and communities to reach their goals. Depending on the degree you wish to pursue, the requirements in Massachusetts include an accredited associate degree in social work or a related field, a Bachelor of Social Work or BSW, or a Master of Social Work or MSW. Your degree must be accredited by the Council on Social Work Education.
- In Massachusetts, you must earn a Bachelor of Social Work degree or a Master of Social Work degree from an accredited institution.
- Licenses as Social Workers (LSW) and Social Worker Assistants (LSWA) are granted to graduates with bachelor’s and associate degrees.
- Licensed Certified Social Worker (LCSW) and Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker (LICSW) designations require a master’s degree.
A licensed, certified social worker needs a Master of Social Work or Doctor of Social Work degree from a university or college and may only provide services accredited by the Council on Social Work Education. They may also only provide services as employees of an institution, agency, or individual under LICWS supervision.
Social Work Degree Programs in Massachusetts
Depending on the level of social work in which you’d like to practice, you’ll need a different level of education. Here’s a look at the programs that Massachusetts has to offer.
BSW Programs in Massachusetts
Bridgewater State University
Bridgewater State University‘s program is an excellent choice. Bridgewater State offers a social work degree under the school’s Public Administration and Social Service program. Bridgewater State University is ranked #139 in the country and #11 in Massachusetts.
- The average salary of graduates is $36,026 annually, which is 18% higher than the national average.
- Currently, Bridgewater State doesn’t offer an online BSW.
Simmons University
Simmons University offers an accelerated program that allows students to earn a BSW and MSW in four years.
Students in the BSW/MSW program take five courses and electives during the summer session. The program features 500 hours of field experience and 300 hours of internship.
Internship sites include private organizations, schools, government agencies, and hospitals. Among the career pathways are:
- School Social Worker
- Emergency Services Worker
- Mental Health Therapist
- Psychotherapist
- Home-based Child and Family Worker
Springfield College
The Springfield College BSW prepares students to serve individuals in their community. Springfield College educates students in mind, body, and spirit. The holistic approach to social work readies students for service and leadership roles.
Springfield College prepares students for general, entry-level social work in different settings. Students are challenged to engage and intervene in the larger community to relieve suffering in individuals, communities, and globally.
Students graduate with skills to work in direct practice. Graduates of the BSW program qualify for advanced standing to complete their MSW in one year.
Regis College
The BSW at Regis College prepares students for general practice. Regis students who attend graduate school may have advanced status, allowing them to earn their MSW within a year. Students may sit for their license after 2700 hours of fieldwork. Regis offers a three-year minor degree in public health, with an option to earn an MSW within a year.
Master of Social Work (MSW) Programs in Massachusetts
Boston College
Boston College offers a top-ranked Master of Social Work that combines clinical, macro courses and fieldwork at organizations that serve vulnerable communities, individuals, and families. The School of Social Work at Boston College also offers a BSW or a Social Welfare minor with another major. Evidence-based practice and policy prepare students to work in social welfare settings.
Bridgewater State
Bridgewater State offers full-time and part-time MSW options. Bridgewater State University offers an MSW degree and partners with UMass-Dartmouth to earn an MSW and Juris Doctor degree. The Advanced Standing program is a two-year program. You can complete the part-time MSW program in three to four years.
Salem State University
The Online MSW at Salem State University focuses on Behavioral Health Science and integrated health to meet the needs of our diverse workplaces.
Smith College
Smith College School for Social Work teaches clinical theory and practice. Students learn about issues of oppression, gender, race, ethnicity, and class. The Smith College curriculum focuses on diversity in multi-cultural communities. Two five-week intensive semesters are offered on campus.
Online MSW Programs in Massachusetts
The Online MSW at Salem State University focuses on Behavioral Health Science and integrated health to meet the needs of our diverse workplaces. You can complete the part-time online MSW program at Salem State in three years. Weekly virtual courses are at 5 and 7 pm. Students may complete two fieldwork practicums with their employer. Salem State offers graduate research assistant options. The Saturday hybrid program is designed for working professionals that you can complete in three years. Pathway options prepare students to work with individuals, communities, and social welfare organizations.
What Types of Social Workers Are in Massachusetts?
- Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker
- Licensed Certified Social Worker
- Licensed Social Worker
- Licensed Social Work Associate
Social Work Salaries in Massachusetts
Top earners in the field of social work average $157,265. The average salary is $99,241.
- Child, Family, and School Social Workers earn an average of $66,653 annually. This figure averages to:
- $32.04 an hour
- $1,281/Weekly
- $5,554/Monthly
- Healthcare Social Workers earn an average of $63,000 to $91,000 annually, or $1,900 to $2,400 weekly.
- Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workers earn an average of $52,433 or $76 hourly.
- Social Workers, all others, earn an average of $100,000 to $110,000 annually.
- Social Work Teachers earn an average of $116,144.
Social Work Scholarships in Massachusetts
Students enrolled in BSW or MSW programs in Massachusetts may apply for scholarships from:
National Association of Social Workers.
Hubie Jones Urban Social Work Scholarships for Boston University students.
Merit Aid School for Social Work at Smith College.
Students may apply for scholarships at admission or later. Scholarships are awarded based on financial need or a student’s merit.
Social Work Organizations in Massachusetts
The National Association of Social Workers: Massachusetts Chapter is located on Beacon Street in Boston.
FAQs
Massachusetts Social Worker Licensing is the agency that regulates social workers in the state. The site allows you to:
- Apply for or renew your social worker license
- Check a health professional license
- Request certification of your license
Common questions are:
- How many continuing education units are required to renew a license?
- Can an expired license be renewed?
- How do I learn about license requirements?
Massachusetts allows reciprocity if your current license meets the same requirements as the one you apply for.
You can look up your license at the Massachusetts Board of Registration for Social Workers website.