Overview
Boston University's School of Social Work (SSW) is committed to education that furthers social and economic justice, and incorporates these ideals into its programs and activities. The School is especially concerned with empowerment of all oppressed groups. Our aim is to educate professional social workers who will become leaders in a complex, diverse, and multicultural society. They will possess the knowledge and the skills to address the needs and potentials of individuals, families, groups, organizations, and communities. SSW recognizes the ever-changing demands of the profession, and meets them through the highest-quality teaching, scholarship, research, practice, and political action.
The School of Social Work's online Master of Social Work (MSW) program is designed for individuals with at least two years of supervised human service experience. The program offers a concentration in Clinical Social Work Practice and a comprehensive, multidisciplinary curriculum for experienced social workers. Additional benefits of the online MSW degree include:
- The flexibility to complete all the MSW program courses online, and engage in a single 1,000-hour field internship within or near one’s own community
- A holistic, integrated curriculum that builds skills to assist diverse groups and at-risk populations, with emphasis on ethical practice and social and economic justice
- Nationally recognized faculty who are committed scholars, researchers, and leaders in strengthening communities
- Professional opportunities in a variety of sectors and settings
- Lifelong learning opportunities for social workers and other human service professionals, particularly those in public and private nonprofit agencies
- Access to faculty research, scholarship, and service that advances theory, policy, and practice in the social work profession and in the general social welfare field
The School of Social Work's programs are accredited by the Council on Social Work Education.
Requirements
Applicants for the online Master of Social Work program must have two years of experience in a human service agency where they provided direct human or social services to agency clients. Students fulfill all requirements by taking courses online, enrolling in a local field internship, and completing a one-time, four-day residency component at Boston University's Charles River Campus. This online, part-time program can be completed in eight consecutive semesters. The program also offers a concentration in Clinical Social Work Practice, which is a prerequisite for advanced professional licensure and professional advancement in most states.
Getting Started
Applications for online programs are accepted each semester, and applicants can apply to enter the online program in September, January, or May. For application materials or more information, contact an Admissions Representative at 1-877-308-9945 or visit onlinemsw.bu.edu.
