What’s it like to be a student in our Worcester Hybrid Program?
Our Worcester Hybrid MSW Program is designed for working professionals living in the Central Mass. area who are looking to advance their careers or change careers entirely with a top-ranked MSW program from Boston University. We combine the best of classroom-based and online learning, offering the same top-ranked curriculum as the Boston program with all courses taught by BU School of Social Work faculty.
You’ll progress through the program with the same small community of students, developing close bonds with a group of peers as you share your graduate journey. You’ll also build a local network of professional relationships that will benefit you as you seek career development and professional advancement.
Hear from one of our recent students about their experience in the Worcester Hybrid Program:
Cohort Learning Model
- In-person classes are held once a week on Tuesday night during your first four semesters.
- Ask any hybrid program student about their experience and you will hear all about our unique and supportive cohort model, which provides a student-centered, shared learning experience that greatly benefits busy adult learners.
- You’ll develop close bonds and friendships with a group of your peers as you share your graduate educational experience.
Online Learning Community
- In your fifth semester, you’ll shift to online courses that blend a highly interactive Live Classroom session, meeting on Sunday or Monday evening, with independent work and self-paced learning taking place throughout the week. This added flexibility in your schedule makes it easier to balance your practicum experience, an essential component of your learning.
- In addition to course content that includes online lectures, videos, interactive animations, discussion boards, electronic portfolios, and more, the Live Classroom experience allows instructors and students to engage in weekly virtual classes that feature dynamic discussions and the opportunity to engage with classmates via peer groups, dyads, and group projects. The small virtual class space has students from across the nation, so you will also learn about social work practice in diverse regions and settings as you continue to build your professional network.
Practicum Education
- Starting in the fourth semester of the program, you’ll complete a practicum placement close to where you live and/or work, with the added benefit of building local networks within your local community.
- We use a personalized and collaborative approach to field education with our experienced staff helping to identify a placement that is a good fit for you from our wide network of local partner sites.
- This important applied learning experience allows for deep integration of theory and practice. This is where social work competencies will come alive as you grow your skills and knowledge in a supportive hands-on environment.