8 Top MSW Programs in Boston

Want to find MSW programs in Boston that lead to great careers? Social work jobs show remarkable growth. The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects a 6% employment increase from 2024 to 2034. Clinical social workers will benefit from this growth that creates excellent job opportunities.

Massachusetts has become a top choice for social work education. The state has 11 schools with MSW programs. Boston’s MSW programs have earned impressive recognition. Boston College ranks #8 nationally and holds the #1 spot in New England. Boston University and Simmons University also deliver great results. These programs help students succeed. Boston College reports that 97% of graduates find jobs within a year. Their students’ licensure pass rate reaches 96%, well above the national average of 72%.

1. Boston College School of Social Work

Boston College’s School of Social Work leads the way for masters in social work Massachusetts, ranking #8 nationally and #1 in New England. Walter McGuinn, S.J., and Dorothy L. Book founded this exceptional program in 1936. Today, it boasts a thriving network of 9,742 alumni professionals who stay connected well beyond graduation.

Program overview

The program’s Jesuit tradition upholds individual dignity, embraces diversity, and pursues distributive justice. Students learn in small classes with an 11:1 student-faculty ratio. The school’s 30 full-time and 96 part-time faculty members bring both scholarly knowledge and hands-on experience to their teaching. Students gain theoretical foundations and practical skills that prepare them to become caring, skilled social work professionals who make a difference in their chosen fields.

Specializations and certificates

Students shape their education by choosing from six practice fields: Black Leadership in Social Work, Children Youth & Families, Global Practice, Health, Latinx Communities, or Trauma-Informed Mental Health. They also select either clinical or macro social work tracks. Clinical track students learn evidence-based interventions for individuals, families, and groups. Macro track students build skills in community organization, policy, and administration.

Students can earn any of 12+ certificates by completing three specific courses in specialized areas. These include Advanced Research, Aging Populations & Gerontology, Black Leadership, Child Welfare, Design Thinking for Social Change, Global Humanitarian Practice, Latinx Leadership, Neuroscience & Social Work, Refugees & Immigrants, School Social Work, Social Work and Public Health, and Trauma.

Field education and practicum

Field education is central to social work training at Boston College. It connects classroom learning with experience. The school works with more than 1,000 agencies locally and internationally, giving students unique opportunities to apply their knowledge. First-year students spend 16 hours weekly for 30 weeks in field placements (usually Mondays and Tuesdays). Final-year placements require 24 hours weekly for 30 weeks.

Experienced MSW practitioners mentor students throughout their field education. The field education team matches students with agencies based on their career goals, interests, and practical needs. Each academic year, students complete 293,520 field placement hours collectively.

Job placement and career outcomes

The program delivers excellent career results – 97% of graduates find jobs within a year of graduation. The average job search takes just 2.2 months, substantially faster than other programs. Boston College graduates excel in licensing exams with an 88% first-time pass rate—12 points above the national average.

Graduates often work in hospitals, schools, government agencies, and non-profits, with 82% starting at salaries above $60,000. About 25% of alumni get job offers right from their field placement sites, showing the program’s strong industry connections.

Admissions and requirements

The admissions team looks for candidates who understand current social issues and have human services experience. Two-year program students entering in 2025-26 had an average undergraduate GPA of 3.8. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis with three deadlines: Early (November 15), Priority (January 15), and Regular (March 15).

BSW degree holders from the past five years might qualify for advanced standing, earning up to 21 credits toward their MSW. Students with prior MSW credits from accredited programs can transfer up to 32 credits.

Tuition and financial aid

Tuition costs $1,436 per credit hour. Two-year students pay $43,080 for their first year (30 credits) and $50,260 for their second year (35 credits). Boston College awards scholarships to all accepted MSW students without requiring a separate application.

Students receive merit-based scholarships automatically during admission. Select incoming students might earn the Dean’s Fellowship, which rewards academic excellence and leadership potential. Graduate assistantships offer additional support with an annual $3,000 stipend plus $4,000 in tuition remission.

2. Boston University School of Social Work

Boston University’s School of Social Work stands out among MSW programs in Boston MA, ranked in the top 4% of 298 graduate social work schools nationwide. The program’s global alumni network has more than 10,000 professionals and three nationally recognized research centers that provide excellent preparation for future social workers.

Program overview

BU School of Social Work gives you remarkable flexibility with three program options. You can choose between on-campus (full-time or part-time), fully online, and Worcester hybrid formats. The program’s impressive 11:1 student-faculty ratio ensures you get individual attention throughout your studies. The curriculum focuses on ethics, populations-at-risk, and social and economic justice, which are woven into foundation courses and advanced electives. Note that BU’s program structure lets you complete your degree at your own pace, from full-time completion in two years to part-time options that take 3-4 years.

Majors and specializations

BU students can tailor their education by choosing between two major tracks: Clinical Practice or Macro Practice. The Clinical Practice major teaches you to assess, diagnose, treat, and prevent mental and behavioral illnesses while working with individuals, families, and groups. The Macro Practice major, on the other hand, focuses on community organizing, human services management, and program development if you’re passionate about addressing why social problems happen. The program has four specializations to further shape your education:

• Behavioral Health
• Aging
• Trauma, Violence and Justice
• Children, Youth and Families

Clinical Practice majors can also minor in Macro Practice, which helps them learn about systems-level perspectives while keeping their clinical focus.

Field education structure

Field education is the substance of BU’s social work program, with connections to over 1,000 social work organizations. This helps students get hands-on experience through structured internships that line up with their career goals. Traditional track students complete two field placements for 1,200 hours—480 hours in foundation placement and 720 hours in advanced placement. Human Service Experience track students complete a single 1,000-hour field internship. The field education team works one-on-one with each student to find the right placement options, which often lead to jobs. Most internships happen during regular business hours, giving you real professional experience.

Job placement success

BU’s MSW program graduates achieve excellent career outcomes. Their 91% pass rate on the social work licensure exam right after graduation speaks volumes. More than half of graduates find jobs through their field placements. The program helps you prepare thoroughly with licensure workshops, resume writing help, and interview practice. BU Connects, an exclusive networking platform, lets you interact with alumni and access career resources throughout your studies and beyond.

Admissions process

You’ll need a baccalaureate degree from a regionally accredited college or university to apply. Traditional or Human Service Experience track applicants don’t have a minimum GPA requirement, but Advanced Standing applicants need at least a 3.0 GPA. The application package includes a USD 95.00 fee, personal statement (3-4 pages), current resume, three references, and transcripts. You can start in fall, spring, or summer, depending on your chosen program format.

Tuition and scholarships

BU offers several financial aid options for MSW students. Full-time Charles River Campus students can receive merit-based scholarships up to full tuition, while part-time students can get scholarships up to $5,000. The school also has named scholarship funds for accepted students. BU shows its dedication to public service through its City Year partnership, offering one 100% tuition scholarship and two 50% scholarships each year to City Year corps members, alumni, or staff. You can also access Federal Direct Unsubsidized Loans and credit-based loans.

3. Simmons University School of Social Work

Simmons University School of Social Work, the nation’s first school of clinical social work, has trained skilled practitioners since 1904. The program stands out through individual-specific experiences and unwavering dedication to social justice values.

Program overview

The Council on Social Work Education (CSWE) accredits Simmons MSW program, which gives students remarkable flexibility with multiple program options. Students can select from full-time, part-time extended, 16-month accelerated, and online formats. The curriculum merges education and practice with social justice values and multicultural points of view, with a focus on practicum education. Faculty and advisors guide each student’s course load and help choose practicum placements that line up with their career goals. Graduates become clinician activists who create solutions to social and racial injustice through clinical practice, research, and community work.

Certificates and concentrations

Students have excellent opportunities to specialize through several certificate programs. The options include Trauma Practice, Healthcare & Social Work, School Social Worker Licensure, Public Policy, Mental Health Practice, or Clinical Practice with Active Service Members, Veterans, and Families. Each certificate program follows a well-laid-out sequence of courses that build upon each other to develop specialized skills. To name just one example, the Trauma Practice certificate prepares graduates to work with people of all backgrounds in various settings, including schools, mental health centers, refugee centers, and legal systems. The Mental Health Practice certificate gives you the tools to help individuals with serious mental health conditions achieve wellness and recovery.

Simulation-based training

Simmons leads as the only Social Work School in Massachusetts using Social Work Simulation Education, a recognized best practice in the field. Students work with standardized patients (trained actors) in simulated clinical situations. This hands-on experience helps students merge social work theory, knowledge, skills, and values before entering real-life settings. The simulation training readies students for situations they’ll face in practicum placements and future clinical roles. Traditional MSW students spend up to 10 hours weekly in the Simulated Practicum Experience during their first term.

Job placement and alumni success

The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects social worker employment to grow 13 percent from 2019 to 2029, with strong prospects for clinical social workers. Simmons graduates have proven themselves as effective change agents, rooted in direct clinical practice and dedicated to working with underserved populations. The School of Social Work hosts career development events throughout the year, including Career Connections workshops, a recruitment fair with over 40 local employers, and licensing preparation workshops. Alumni work in settings of all types, including child welfare, community mental health, corrections, domestic violence services, healthcare, and private practice.

Admissions criteria

A bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university with at least a 3.0 GPA is required. The admission process needs a completed online application, USD 45 non-refundable application fee, résumé showing relevant work or volunteer experience, personal statement, official college transcripts, and three professional or academic recommendation letters. Students who earned a BSW from a CSWE-accredited program within the last seven years might qualify for the Advanced Standing program.

Tuition and financial aid

Tuition costs $1,185 per credit hour. Program costs vary by track—Traditional MSW students complete 65 credits ($77,025 total), while Advanced Standing students need 34 credits ($40,290 total). Students also pay a $75 practicum education fee per placement and a $75 student fee per term. Financial support includes Simmons Future Leader Scholarships and Dean’s Scholarships, considered automatically during admission. Military education benefits and loan forgiveness programs offer additional help to eligible students.

4. Bridgewater State University MSW Program

Community leaders, not faculty, asked Bridgewater State University to start its MSW program in 2003. This unique beginning makes BSU stand out from other msw programs in boston ma. The program fills a crucial need for affordable public social work education in Southeastern Massachusetts.

Program overview

The Council on Social Work Education has fully accredited BSU’s MSW program. Students learn to become culturally responsive advanced practitioners through a unique integrated practice framework. The program aims to help diverse client groups and promote social justice through anti-racist, anti-oppressive, and trauma-informed practices. BSU creates well-rounded social workers by balancing micro-informed macro practice with macro-informed micro-practice. Traditional students need 62 credits while advanced standing students complete 35 credits.

Clinical focus and flexibility

Students can choose a path that fits their life. The program offers several options:

• A two-year full-time track
• Three or four-year part-time tracks
• A hybrid Saturday program that meets once a week

Working professionals often pick the Saturday hybrid option. This format combines limited campus visits with online learning. Students can also earn two degrees at once through the MSW/Juris Doctor program with UMASS Dartmouth Law School. This smart combination saves time compared to pursuing degrees separately.

Field education

Field work plays a vital role in BSU’s BSW and MSW programs. First-year students complete 464 placement hours at 16 hours weekly. Advanced students do 600 hours at 20 hours weekly. Students gain more than 1,000 hours of hands-on experience throughout their studies.

Job placement outcomes

BSU graduates become “respected practitioners and leaders in agencies, state and region wide”. The program’s clinical focus readies students for work in public and private settings. Graduates work in child welfare, youth services, mental health agencies, schools, criminal justice organizations, elder services, and medical facilities.

Admissions process

The traditional MSW program needs a bachelor’s degree from an accredited college. Social, behavioral, and biological sciences coursework helps. BSU prefers a 3.0 GPA in the last 60 credits but might consider exceptions.

Advanced standing needs a BSW or BA/BS in social work from a CSWE-accredited program within six years. Students must have a 3.0 GPA in social work courses. Current BSU BSW students can get quick admission by keeping a 3.0 GPA and earning B’s or better in all social work courses.

Tuition and affordability

BSU offers one of the most affordable MSW programs in Boston at $516.50 per credit. Graduate students taking three courses (9 credits) per semester in 2025-2026 will pay $630 for tuition and $4,189.50 in fees. Books, housing, and other costs bring the semester total to about $15,920.

Students can get help through graduate assistantships, fellowships, and conference funding awards. They can also apply for unsubsidized federal loans using the Free Application for Federal Student Aid.

5. Salem State University MSW Program

Salem State University runs Massachusetts’ oldest public MSW program, making it stand out among MSW programs in Boston, MA. The program shapes clinical practitioners and change agents who champion social justice.

Program overview

The program’s unique focus on integrated health and behavioral health practice helps graduates make their mark in healthcare systems that tackle both physical and behavioral health needs. Salem State’s curriculum merges human behavior knowledge, practice, policy, research, and field education in micro, mezzo, and macro systems. Students thrive in a community built on equity and social justice values where faculty participate in creating an inclusive environment. Students can choose electives like Trauma Informed Practice, Substance Abuse, and Social Work Practice with Immigrant and Refugee Families.

Hybrid and evening options

Salem State offers exceptional flexibility through multiple program formats. Students pick between full-time (two years) or extended-time plans (up to four years) based on their schedule. The Online MSW Program features a three-year part-time option with virtual classes on Wednesdays at 5 and 7 PM, plus some asynchronous courses. This cohort model builds a community that grows professional networks while offering personalized academic and career guidance.

Field practicum structure

Field education at Salem State lets students customize their experience through two distinct models. They can choose academic year internships (16-20 hours weekly from September through May) or summer block internships (32-40 hours weekly from mid-May through August). Students can complete their practicum at their current workplace, provided MSW supervision comes from someone other than their work supervisor. The Office of Practicum Education helps each student find suitable placements throughout Massachusetts.

Job placement and licensure

The program’s graduates excel in licensure examinations. The Association of Social Work Boards data shows Master’s level licensure pass rates of 98%, 92%, 94%, and 91% across four reporting periods. These numbers are a big deal as it means that they surpass national averages. Alumni work in a variety of settings including health facilities, behavioral health clinics, hospitals, schools, and community organizations.

Admissions and eligibility

Students need a baccalaureate degree with a preferred undergraduate GPA of 3.0. Advanced Standing needs a BSW from a CSWE-accredited program completed within five years of application. The program reviews applications for spring, summer and fall enrollment, with decisions typically coming within 3-4 weeks.

Tuition and aid

Students must submit the FAFSA (Salem State code: 002188) to qualify for federal, state, and institutional aid. Students need at least six credits per semester in degree-required courses to receive financial assistance. Book advances up to $600 help students who expect excess financial aid after covering tuition.

6. Westfield State University MSW Program

Westfield State University builds on Horace Mann’s 184-year vision of inclusive education with its CSWE-accredited MSW program. The program equips students with advanced professional skills through clinical practice.

Program overview

Accomplished faculty members bring their extensive teaching and practice expertise to provide hands-on learning in child welfare, mental health, substance use, and immigration. Students can pick between two formats: an on-campus hybrid with Monday and Thursday evening classes or a fully online program that combines synchronous Zoom sessions with asynchronous coursework. The curriculum includes 20% asynchronous online content across both formats.

Specializations and tracks

Students can focus their clinical studies in Children, Youth, and Families; Substance Use/Addictions; Health Social Work; or Latinx Community Health. These specializations remain optional for students. The Traditional Full-Time program requires 66 credits over two years. Students complete foundation coursework in year one and advance to clinical training in year two.

Field education

Field education is essential to the program. Traditional students must complete 900 total practicum hours. This breaks down into 400 hours (16 weekly) for Foundation Practicum and 500 hours (20 weekly) for Advanced Practicum. Westfield State works with more than 150 agencies across Massachusetts and neighboring states. Students taking classes on grounds complete their placements within a 60-mile campus radius during weekday business hours.

Job placement and outcomes

The program’s reliable career resources include 63,000+ job postings, seven annual career fairs, and 500+ on-campus recruiters. Westfield’s social work master’s graduates earn a median salary of $56,882, higher than the national median of $51,347. The program holds the #84 spot among Best Social Work Master’s Degree Schools nationwide.

Admissions process

Candidates need a bachelor’s degree with a minimum 2.8 GPA. The application package must include a professional statement, current resume, and three reference letters. Advanced Standing applicants should have a BSW from a CSWE-accredited program with a 3.0 social work GPA. Applications for fall enrollment close on February 1.

Tuition and cost

The program keeps tuition affordable and offers financial support through graduate assistantships. Students must submit their FAFSA by March 1 to be considered for aid.

7. Springfield College MSW Program

Springfield College’s distinctive MSW program traces its roots back to 1885. The program features a single concentration in advanced generalist practice. Graduates learn to work in a variety of settings – from individual counseling to community-level interventions.

Program overview

The program stands on principles of economic and social justice, dignity, and human rights to address universal human needs. Students have flexibility in their learning journey with multiple format options. They can choose weekday classes (Tuesdays/Thursdays), weekday evening hybrid, fully online, or weekend options. Each path delivers quality education that fits different schedules.

Advanced generalist focus

Springfield’s curriculum takes a unique approach with a single concentration. Students become skilled at evidence-based, knowledge-guided practice at all system levels. The results speak for themselves – students reach key standards with 99.7% showing ethical behavior and 100% demonstrating diversity participation.

Field education

Field education serves as the foundation of the curriculum. Students dedicate 600 hours during their advanced year, which breaks down to 20 hours weekly for 15 weeks each semester. The department collaborates with over 300 agencies. Students split their time between direct service with individuals/families (35%), group work (35%), and administration (20%).

Job placement and alumni careers

The program boasts strong outcomes – 95% of recent graduates move into jobs or further education. Alumni thrive in hospitals, schools, government agencies, and mental health centers. Their roles range from clinical social workers to behavior analysts.

Admissions and requirements

The program looks for candidates with a bachelor’s degree and at least 20 semester hours in social, behavioral, and biological sciences. Successful applicants typically have a 2.5 undergraduate GPA (3.0 in the last two years), relevant experience, and three professional references.

Tuition and scholarships

Each credit costs $850. Students can access various financial aid options, including Excellence, Community Leadership, and Promise scholarships. Partner organization employees receive a 15% tuition reduction.

8. Lesley University MSW Program

Lesley University’s standout Master of Social Work program, accredited by the Council on Social Work Education through 2030, creates graduates who tackle complex social challenges with empathy and purpose.

Program overview

The program champions social justice and helps vulnerable populations from diverse backgrounds. Students learn cutting-edge generalist social work practice from faculty who actively research and work in the field. The 60-credit program fits busy schedules with full-time, part-time, and evening options, making it available to students juggling work and family responsibilities. Students build lasting relationships in close-knit cohorts throughout their academic trip.

Advanced generalist curriculum

The curriculum stands out with specialized training for working with diverse groups, including trauma survivors and incarcerated youth. What makes it truly unique is the chance to work with neurodiverse populations – people with autism, ADHD, dyslexia, and Tourette’s syndrome. Students become skilled at ethical, human rights-driven social work practice through a person-in-environment framework.

Field education

Field education is vital to Lesley’s program. Students complete two immersive internships with 1,000 hours of hands-on training. The Scholar Partner Program gives students guaranteed internships right after acceptance. The MSW Field Director connects students with approved sites and supervisors while offering support throughout their internship experience.

Job placement and outcomes

Graduates build careers in clinical social work, community organizing, and policy advocacy. They find roles in healthcare, schools, government organizations, and community agencies. The program equips students to excel in clinical practice, advocacy positions, and community organizations.

Admissions process

The application needs an official undergraduate transcript, current resumé, essay, and three recommendation letters from work/internship experiences or academic references. A minimum 3.0 GPA is preferred, but lower GPAs might be considered. BSW degree holders can transfer up to 27 credits through advanced standing.

Tuition and affordability

Students can access various financial aid options to manage tuition costs. The program offers “supercharged scholarships” to help make education costs more manageable. A recent $5 million grant supports future mental health professionals – ask about eligibility details.

Find Your Boston MSW Today

Your social work career success starts with picking the right MSW program. This guide highlights eight exceptional Boston-area programs with impressive job placement rates and career outcomes. Boston College is notable with 97% of graduates landing jobs within a year. Simmons University takes an innovative approach by training clinician activists through simulation-based methods.

These programs have their own strengths to think over as you decide. You’ll want to pick one that lines up with your career goals. Boston University lets you choose between clinical or macro practice tracks. Salem State focuses on integrated health, while Springfield College takes an advanced generalist approach. Each path leads to specialized expertise.

Life can be complicated, but these programs are flexible enough to work around it. You can study full-time, part-time, evenings, weekends, hybrid, or fully online – whatever fits your schedule best. This flexibility means qualified candidates can pursue their MSW degree no matter what other commitments they have.

Field education is important to all these programs. Students put in 900-1,200 hours of supervised practical experience that often leads straight to job offers. More than half of Boston University’s graduates get jobs through their field placement connections. Boston College’s alumni have a 25% job offer rate from their placement sites.

Money matters when choosing your program. Public schools like Bridgewater State and Salem State cost less. Private universities such as Boston College help out too – they give financial aid to every accepted MSW student. Springfield College and Lesley University offer scholarships to help with costs.

Social work jobs are booming, with 13% more positions expected by 2029. An MSW from any of these top Boston programs will set you up to meet this growing need. You’ll be ready to make a difference in healthcare, schools, mental health settings, community organizations, or government agencies. Your choice among these outstanding programs will help you build a rewarding career that improves lives and advances social justice.