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Master’s in Social Work (MSW) programs in Massachusetts (MA) – online & on-campus
Are you interested in earning your Master of Social Work (MSW) in Massachusetts? Understanding the variety of programs and their delivery formats, curricula, cost, and requirements can help you narrow down your educational options.
This guide can help you navigate through MSW programs in Massachusetts and explore different career paths you can pursue as an MSW graduate.
The program cards/tables featured on this page were last updated in November 2022. For the most current program information, please refer to the official website of the respective school.
Master of Social Work (MSW)
Aspiring clinical social workers can earn their CSWE-accredited online Master of Social Work from Simmons University in as few as 9 months, no GRE scores required. The program offers full-time, part-time, and accelerated tracks, as well as an advanced standing track for BSW graduates. Optional certificates available in Mental Health Practice, Trauma Practice, and Clinical Practice with Active Service Members, Veterans, and Families.
- Prepares students to pursue licensure, including LCSW
- Accredited by the CSWE
- No GRE scores required for admission
- Minimum completion time: 9 months
Master of Social Work (MSW) programs
Programs accredited by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE) meet the rigorous educational standards set forth by the association. CSWE-accredited programs in Massachusetts may provide opportunities to study full-time or part-time. Advanced standing programs may also be available for students who currently hold their Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) degree.
| Institution & Program | Location | Concentrations | Enrollment |
|---|---|---|---|
Anna Maria CollegeMaster of Social Work | Paxton, MA | Advanced Generalist Practice | Full-Time, Part-Time |
Boston CollegeMaster of Social Work | Chestnut Hill, MA | Children, Youth, & Families, Global Practice, Health, Mental Health, Older Adults and Families | Full-Time, Part-Time |
Boston UniversityMaster of Public Health/Master of Social Work | Boston, MA | — | Full-Time, Part-Time |
Bridgewater State UniversityMaster of Social Work | Bridgewater, MA | — | Full-Time, Part-Time |
Salem State UniversityMaster of Social Work | Salem, MA | Mental and Behavioral Health | Full-Time, Part-Time |
Smith CollegeMaster of Social Work | Northampton, MA | Human Behavior and the Social Environment | Full-Time |
Springfield CollegeMaster of Social Work | Springfield, MA | Advanced Generalist Practice | Full-Time, Part-Time |
Westfield State UniversityMaster of Social Work | Westfield, MA | Clinical Practice Gerontology | Full-Time, Part-Time |
Online MSW programs in Massachusetts
Learning online provides students with the flexibility to maintain jobs or other responsibilities while studying from a convenient location. Some virtual MSW programs may require students to visit campus, however, it is possible to earn a clinical MSW online without meeting in person. All programs listed below are accredited by the CSWE.
| Institution & Program | Location | Concentrations | Enrollment |
|---|---|---|---|
Boston UniversityMaster of Social Work (MSW) | Boston, MA | Macro Practice, Clinical Practice | Part-Time |
Regis CollegeMaster of Social Work | Weston, MA | — | Full-Time |
| Boston, MA | Mental Health Practice Optional Certificate Trauma Practice Optional Certificate Clinical Practice with Active Service Members, Veterans, and Families | Accelerated, Full-Time, Part-Time |
Below are online MSW programs in Massachusetts that are not included in the CSWE listings.
University of Denver • Denver, CO
Master of Social Work (MSW)
Enrollment Type
Full-Time and Part-Time
Length of Program
As few as 12 months
Credits
54-81 graduate-level credits
Concentrations
Mental Health and Trauma, Health, Equity and Wellness
Admission Requirements
- Bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited institution to be considered for admission
- Minimum undergraduate GPA is a cumulative 2.5 on a 4.0 scale or a 2.5 on a 4.0 scale for the last 60 semester credits or 90 quarter credits (approximately two years of work) for the baccalaureate degree
- Official transcripts
- Letters of recommendation
- Resume
- Career goals statement
Syracuse University • Syracuse, NY
Master of Social Work (MSW)
Enrollment Type
Full-Time and Part-Time
Length of Program
As few as 24 months
Credits
36-60
Concentrations
Advanced Integrated Practice, Advanced Clinical Practice
Admission Requirements
- Minimum 3.0 GPA is preferred
- Transcripts
- Resume
- Essays
- Prerequisite coursework
- Letters of recommendation
Simmons University • Boston, MA
Master of Social Work (MSW)
Enrollment Type
Accelerated and Full-Time and Part-Time
Length of Program
As few as 9 months
Credits
37-65
Concentrations
Mental Health Practice Optional Certificate, Trauma Practice Optional Certificate, Clinical Practice with Active Service Members, Veterans, and Families
Admission Requirements
- Resume
- Transcripts
- Recommendation forms
- Statement of professional and educational intent
Howard University • Washington, DC
Master of Social Work (MSW)
Enrollment Type
Full-Time and Part-Time
Length of Program
As few as 12 months
Credits
45+
Concentrations
Direct Practice, Community, Administration and Policy (CAP) Practice
Admission Requirements
- Three (3) letters of recommendation
- College transcripts
- A personal statement
- An application essay
- A resume
- Bachelor of Social Work from a CSWE-accredited institution, award within four years of first term start date
- Minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 in all social work foundation and undergraduate coursework
Hawaii Pacific University • Honolulu, HI
Master of Social Work
Enrollment Type
Full-Time and Part-Time
Length of Program
12-36 months
Credits
30-57
Concentrations
Military and Veterans Affairs, Child or Adult Protective Services, Health Care, Mental Health, Individual and Families, Social Agency Administration
Admission Requirements
- Bachelor’s degree with at least 30 credits in Liberal Arts from an accredited four-year institution
- Minimum 3.0 GPA, but applicants below that will be considered for provisional admission
- Completed courses in Statistics and Research Methods
- Applicants must have completed each course with a grade of a "C" or higher
- Bachelor’s degree in social work from an accredited program within the past five years
- Minimum 3.25 GPA on a 4.0 scale in social work courses
- Online application
Social work degree programs in Massachusetts
Choosing a social work program starts with determining the type of degree you want to pursue. There are three main degrees in social work: a Bachelor of Social Work (BSW), Master of Social Work (MSW) and doctoral degree in social work, which can be earned through a DSW Program. Advanced standing MSW programs provide an accelerated educational experience for students with their BSW degree.
Curriculum
In an undergraduate social work program, students might study research methods, social welfare policy, and social work practices. Graduate students can expand their knowledge through courses that cover specialized topics such as leadership, child welfare, organizational theory, and social influences.
Master’s programs may also require students to participate in supervised clinical work to fulfill state social work licensure requirements. This is an important component of the steps you’ll take to become a social worker in Massachusetts.
Education requirements
Each MSW program will have its own admission requirements. Applicants may need to hold a BSW prior to the program, however, a bachelor’s degree in an unrelated field may be accepted for certain programs. The best place to find a full list of program requirements is the specific program website.
What can I do with an MSW degree in MA?
When you decide to earn your MSW and become a social worker, you open up a wide range of rewarding career opportunities. For instance, you may aspire to become a licensed clinical social worker (LCSW) and provide resources to clients with mental health or emotional conditions.
Other social work career paths for MSW holders include:
- Military social workers: Provide support to members of the armed forces and their families.
- Medical social workers: Provide support to clients as part of a larger healthcare team.
- School social workers: Provide support to students.
- Psychiatric social workers: Provide support to clients with mental health or substance use disorder in tandem with a psychiatric team.
Social work salaries vary by employer, location, and several other factors. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual wage for social workers was $61,330 in May 2024.
As you kick off or progress in your search for MSW programs in Massachusetts, you may have some questions. Below, we answer some common questions about MSW degree programs and careers.
FAQs
The best MSW program in Massachusetts is the one that meets your needs and helps you achieve your goals. Once you decide on the area of social work you’d like to study and whether you prefer learning in-person or online, you can seek out programs that match your criteria.
Information last updated: January 2026