13+ Massachusetts MSW Schools & Programs (+CSWE & Online)

Social work is a growing field in Massachusetts. The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects employment in social work to grow 7% by 2033, 4% higher than the average growth rate of occupations. SAMHSA’s 2019 Behavioral Health Barometer indicates increased depression in youth and increased suicidal ideation in young adults, a vulnerable population that could benefit from clinical support. The state’s aging population also shapes the need for services geared toward older adults. USA Facts estimates that 18% of the Massachusetts population consists of immigrants, creating a need for social workers to provide services in multilingual, multicultural, and refugee communities. There are several major hospitals in the city of Boston alone, providing a large healthcare industry for social workers to be a part of. Social workers in Massachusetts also play a crucial role in helping the diverse immigrant population of the state access resources such as mental health support, legal aid, housing, and healthcare assistance. Census.gov states that 19.2% of the Massachusetts population consists of children under the age of 18, highlighting the importance of child welfare services such as the Department of Children and Families. In 2019, the Massachusetts Rehabilitation Commission reported that 11.5% of individuals had a disability, adding to the need for social workers to provide services in the state.

Featured Programs:

Arizona State University - Online offers the respected CSWE-accredited Master of Social Work online. ASU Online knows today’s MSW students need remote learning options with no compromises. That’s why you’ll find the same professors, field work requirements, and internship placement assistance that ASU provides on campus. Visit School's Website
Grand Canyon University offers Online Social Work Degrees. Choose between Bachelors of Social Work, Master of Social Work, Master of Social Work (Advanced Standing). Visit School's Website
Syracuse University offers an Online Masters of Social Work Program. The Program has Advance Standing Available, Two Concentrations, and Social Justice Curriculum. Visit School's Website
Walden University offers Master of Social Work (MSW) - Advanced Standing (requires BSW). Visit School's Website
University of Kentucky offers its Online Master of Social Work: Advanced Standing Program available. MSW program includes options for an advanced-standing program (30 credits) and a 60-credit regular standing program. Visit School's Website
George Mason University - Throughout Mason’s online MSW program, you’ll build knowledge for evidence-based practice in classes led by practicing social workers. Visit School's Website

For social workers to best support the Massachusetts population, a master’s in social work could be a valuable asset to further expertise and skill set. There are many employment opportunities for social workers in Massachusetts, especially social workers who hold a license to practice in a clinical setting. Massachusetts is home to a broad range of higher education options, ranging from public and private universities to online modalities. For those in search of a social work graduate program in Massachusetts, the state offers a variety of options to complete an MSW degree.

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Issues Facing Social Workers

While the demand for social workers rises, the issues facing the communities they serve create a bigger need as well. Challenges such as poverty, disability, and systemic oppression of marginalized communities impact the population of Massachusetts. The city of Boston has the 2nd highest homelessness rate among large US cities. 2023 data from Census.gov shows about 10% of the population is below the poverty line, with over a quarter of that statistic accounting for people with disabilities. In 2022, over 40,000 children experienced involvement from the Massachusetts Department of Children and Families.

Meeting the needs of these populations can put a strain on social workers practicing in Massachusetts. With a growing need for mental health and substance use services, high caseloads and burnout can be a challenge for social workers as they strive to create positive change for the communities they serve. Social workers also face challenges such as limited resources, complex policies, and systemic barriers that impede the ability to provide care to clients.

Massachusetts Social Work Schools and MSW Programs

Massachusetts is a state known for diverse and distinguished higher education. The Social Work Masters Programs in Massachusetts are no exception. Four of the US News’s top 50 ranked MSW programs are in Massachusetts. In Massachusetts MSW programs, GRE scores are not required for admission, although some schools may request GRE scores for applicants who have a GPA below 3.0. Massachusetts has 13 MSW programs that offer a variety of structures and options to tailor each aspiring social worker’s education experience.

Boston College

Private university in Boston, Massachusetts
3-4 years
Campus

Modality: on campus

Length:

Full-time: 2 years
Part-time: 3 to 4 years
Advanced standing: three semesters

Cost: $1408 per credit hour

Program Overview:
The Boston College MSW program consists of 65 course credits (44 credits for the advanced standing program) and 1200 hours of field practice that is completed through internship experience. Boston College offers both clinical and macro tracks, as well as 6 fields of practice to specialize in. Boston College offers options to complete an MSW degree with a Juris Doctor, MBA, or Master’s in Theology. Boston College is ranked #8 for US News’s best social work programs. BC also offers extensive continuing education workshops for licensed clinical social workers looking to meet licensure renewal requirements.

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Bridgewater State University

Public university in Bridgewater, Massachusetts
3-4 years
Campus

Modality: on campus

Length:

Full-time: 2 years
Part-time: 3 to 4 years
Advanced Standing program: 2 years (part-time)
MSW Saturday program: hybrid model meets one day a week part-time for 3 years

Cost: 516.50 per credit hour

Program Overview:
The Bridgewater State University MSW program’s primary emphasis is clinical practice that integrates aspects of macro practice. The MSW program consists of 62 (35 credits for the advanced standing program) credit courses and 1000 hours of practice in the field. Bridgewater State University offers a partnership with UMASS Dartmouth Law School to offer a dual MSW/Juris Doctor program.

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Smith College

Private university in Northampton, Massachusetts
2 years
Campus

Modality: campus

Length:

Full-time: 27 months
Advanced standing: 2 years

Cost: cost per credit information not available; the website states $35,360 full-time tuition

Program Overview:
Smith College’s MSW Program offers a clinical social work concentration that focuses on social justice. It integrates the history of the practice of social work into its curriculum to inform the field’s impact in the present day. The program’s structure alternates between three 10-week summer session classes and two 8-month field internships. US News has ranked Smith College as the #20 best social work program in the country.

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Springfield College

Private university in Springfield, Massachusetts
2-3 years
Online + Campus

Modality: on-campus and online

Length:

Full-time: 2 years
Part-time weekend program: 3 years
Part-time online program: 3 years
Advanced Standing: 1 year full-time

Cost: $1212 per course credit

Program Overview:
Saint Mary’s online MSW program is specifically designed to prepare students for a career in clinical social work. It is possible to enroll full- or part-time, and students can pair an Addiction Studies Certificate with the MSW degree. Throughout the program, digital badges are awarded to provide verification of your completion of various online courses or programs.

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CSWE Accredited Massachusetts Masters in Social Work Programs

Many social work schools are accredited by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE). Nearly all states require accreditation to gain licensure, an important step for social workers seeking a clinical role. Some employers may require an MSW degree from a CSWE-accredited school to meet professional roles and responsibilities. Accreditation ensures an education aligned with the National Association of Social Workers’ Code of Ethics, establishes professional standards, and upholds the integrity of the profession.

In the state of Massachusetts, all 13 schools that offer an MSW degree are CSWE accredited.

Advanced Standing MSW Programs in Massachusetts

For social workers who have earned their BSW and are interested in faster career advancement, some social work schools may offer an advanced standing program to complete their MSW at an accelerated pace. Advanced standing programs can be cost-effective as they can decrease the amount of time taken to complete an MSW degree by 1-2 years. All of the social work graduate programs in Massachusetts offer an advanced standing option for their MSW programs. Below are some options that offer advanced standing programs that can be completed these programs in less than two years.

Anna Maria College

Private university in Paxton, Massachusetts
2-4 years
Online + In-person + Hybrid

Modality: offers in-person and hybrid program, established part-time online MSW program, and has a full-time online program pending CSWE approval

Length:

Full-time: 2 years (including summers)
Part-time: 4 years (including summers)
Advanced Standing: 3 semesters full-time, 2 years part-time

Cost: $945 per credit

Program Overview:
Anna Maria College offers an MSW program that implements an advanced generalist model. The program is completed over 62 course credits (30+ credits for the advanced standing program) and 1070 fieldwork hours. Anna Maria College is affiliated with agencies such as UMASS Memorial Clinton Hospital to provide fieldwork placements. The program offers several specializations to further expertise in the field, and opportunities for fellowships through the Massachusetts Department of Children and Families.

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Merrimack College

Private university in North Andover, Massachusetts
2 years
Campus

Modality: on campus

Length:

Full-time: 2 years
Advanced Standing: 3 to 4 semesters

Cost: $1100 per credit hour

Program Overview:
Merrimack College’s MSW program is completed over 56 course credits (36 credits for the advanced standing program) and a minimum of 900 field practice hours. The program provides an advanced generalist focus, offering certificates in areas such as school social work, criminology, substance use disorders, community engagement, and spirituality. Merrimack College also offers MSW graduate fellowships to those interested in reducing tuition while engaging in real work experience in social work.

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Lesley University

Private university in Cambridge, Massachusetts
2-4 years
Campus + Hybrid

Modality: hybrid model and on-campus

Length:

Full-time: 2 years
Part-time: 4 years
Advanced Standing: 1 year full-time

Cost: $1200 per course credit

Program Overview:
Lesley University’s MSW program offers an advanced generalist perspective that highlights the importance of social justice and prioritizing the well-being of clients. Courses are offered to enhance skills needed to work with diverse populations, including trauma survivors, incarcerated youth, neurodivergent clients, and clients with developmental disorders. The program is completed over 60 course credits (36 credits for the advanced standing program) and a minimum of 900 field practice hours. Classes are offered in the evenings for added flexibility.

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Salem State University

Public university in Salem, Massachusetts
3-4 years
Online + Campus

Modality: on-campus and online

Length:

Full-time: 2 years
Extended Program: 3 to 4 years
Advanced Standing: 1 year full-time, 2 years part-time

Cost: 514.20 per course credit for Massachusetts residents, 609.30 per course credit for non-Massachusetts residents

Program Overview:
Salem State University’s MSW program is the first public social work program in the state. Their curriculum focuses on integrated health and behavioral health. The program is made up of 62 course credits (38 credits for the advanced standing program) and includes summer semesters. MSW students will complete 1080 field practice hours before graduation.

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Elms College

Private college in Chicopee, Massachusetts
2-4 years
Campus

Modality: on campus

Length:

Full-time: 2 years
Part-time: 3 to 4 years
Accelerated Program: 1 year

Cost: $1105 per course credit

Program Overview:
Elms College is the only program in the region that offers a specialization in primary care clinical social work. With 60 credits and 900 field hours completed through internships, classes take place on weekends and evenings for schedule flexibility. The program offers both a clinical social work track and a macro practice track.

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Online MSW Programs in Massachusetts

Several MSW programs in Massachusetts offer an online option to allow further flexibility for social workers working towards their master’s degree. Below are some social work schools offering MSW programs with an emphasis on flexibility. Please note that while classes may be offered online, field practice hours must be completed at an in-person placement.

Simmons University

Private university in Boston, Massachusetts
2-4 years
Online + Campus

Modality: on-campus and online

Length:

Full-time: 2 years (3 days spent in practicum and classes 2 days a week)
Part-time: 2.5 to 4 years
Advanced Standing: 9 months
Online: 16 to 32 months

Cost: $1165 per credit hour

Program Overview:
Simmons University’s MSW program offers a focus on clinical practice, highlighting the importance of social justice and cultural competence in the field. The program consists of 65 course credits (34 credits for the advanced standing program) and 1000 field practice hours. Simmons offers graduate certificates in military social work, trauma practice, healthcare and social work, public policy, and school social work licensure. Simmons University’s MSW program is US News’s #43 ranked social work program in the country.

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Boston University

Private university in Boston, Massachusetts
3-4 years
Online + Campus

Modality: on-campus, online, and off-campus across various other campus locations

Length:

Full-time: 2 years
Part-time: 3 to 4 years
Advanced Standing: 16 to 21 months

Cost: $1230 per course credit on campus, $782 per course credit hybrid/off campus, $974 per course credit online

Program Overview:
Boston University’s MSW program consists of 65 credit hours (40 to 43 credits for the advanced standing program) and 1200 field practice hours. Boston University offers several options to tailor each educational experience. The MSW program offers a clinical social work and macro track, as well as specializations in aging, behavioral health, trauma, and children and families. Boston University offers dual degree programs to simultaneously complete an MSW degree in conjunction with a Master’s in Public Health, Education, or Theology. Boston University is US News’s # 12 ranked social work program.

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Westfield State University

Public university in Westfield, Massachusetts
3-4 years
Online + Campus + Hybrid

Modality: on-campus hybrid model and online

Length:

Full-time: 2 years
Part-time: 3 to 4 years
Advanced Standing: 1 year full-time, 2 years part-time

Cost: $546 per course credit

Program Overview:
Westfield State University’s MSW program emphasizes a strong generalist foundation. The program consists of 66 credits (37 for the advanced standing program) and 900 field practice hours. Classes are held in the evenings to ensure a flexible schedule for students. WSU offers specializations in areas such as children and families, health social work, Latinx community health, and substance use.

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Regis College

Private university in Weston, Massachusetts
2-4 years
Online

Modality: online

Length:

Traditional Track: 32 months
Advanced Standing Track: 16 months

Cost: $875 per credit hour

Program Overview:
The Regis College online MSW program requires the completion of 60 course credits (30 credits for the advanced standing program) and 1080 field practice hours. Regis College strives for a student-centered curriculum, emphasizing the importance of feedback to optimize learning. The program works to foster a strong connection between students and professors, regardless of the online format.

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FAQs for Aspiring Massachusetts Social Workers

What can I do with an MSW degree in Massachusetts?

Social workers have diverse opportunities across various settings and with various populations. Examples of settings social workers can work in include outpatient and community mental health settings, healthcare and substance use settings, legal settings, schools, and child welfare. Social workers may specialize in clinical practice, as well as macro settings, to focus on policy and social work on the organizational level. The population of Massachusetts requires services to support them in areas such as mental health, addiction, poverty, immigration services, elderly care, and child welfare. Social workers with an MSW degree in Massachusetts can not only work to improve the lives of those in need on a direct care level but on a systemic level as well.

Which Massachusetts School of Social Work has the best MSW program?

Massachusetts has 4 of the 50 top-rated MSW programs in the country. The highest-ranking Master of Social Work program in Massachusetts is at Boston College, ranked #8 by US News. Boston University is ranked #12, Smith College is ranked #20, and Simmons University is ranked #43.

How much does an MSW in Massachusetts cost?

The length of time spent completing an MSW program, as well as the modality of completion (online or on-campus), can also impact the cost of completing a Master’s in Social Work. The cost per credit hour at MSW programs in Massachusetts ranges from $514.20 to $1408. Schools also offer a range of financial support options, such as financial aid and grants.

How much does a social worker in Massachusetts make?

The average salary for social workers in Massachusetts is $71,488 annually. The range for social workers’ salaries is from $50,000 to $101,000. According to these statistics cited from indeed.com, this is similar to the national average. Licensed clinical social workers make a median salary of $102,832 in Massachusetts, which is slightly higher than the national average. Salaries for social workers with an MSW degree in Massachusetts will vary based on licensure, levels of experience, setting, and whether social workers are practicing in an urban or more rural area. $61,970. The median salary for child welfare and school social workers in Massachusetts is $61,970. Median salaries for mental health and substance use settings are similar. Healthcare social workers make a median salary of $64,860 in Massachusetts. According to Career One Stop, Massachusetts social workers in these three settings make slightly above the national average salary for these positions.

What is the ROI of getting an MSW in Massachusetts?

The return on investment for getting an MSW in Massachusetts is contingent on several factors. A Master’s in Social Work offers career flexibility to work across various settings with diverse populations. Advancement opportunities in a social work career include obtaining a clinical license, positions in leadership or supervision, private practice, or teaching as a professor. They also offer fulfillment for those who want to work in direct care with oppressed and marginalized communities, have a passion for social justice, and make a difference in the community.

A full-time MSW degree in Massachusetts can range from approximately $30,852 to $91,520, with factors like online and advanced standing programs impacting price. The average social worker’s salary in Massachusetts averaged about $71,488. Flexibility. Using Investopedia’s return on investment formula, a lower-cost MSW program provides an excellent return on investment. A more expensive program can still be a good return on investment based on the growing job market and career flexibility. Some jobs may offer student loan forgiveness as well.

How long does it take to become a social worker in Massachusetts?

Social work master’s programs in Massachusetts offer options to complete an MSW degree in several different timeframes. Most social work graduate programs in Massachusetts allow students to complete a traditional full-time track in two years. Graduate programs also offer part-time programs that have timeframes aged between 3 and 4 years on average. All MSW programs in Massachusetts also offer advanced standing programs, where social workers with a BSW degree can accelerate their graduate studies and complete their degree faster, typically between 1 and 2 years.