Welcome to the Boston University School of Social Work Off-Campus Programs Information Central where you can access a variety of information pertinent to your program. Please contact us at sswocp@bu.edu if there is any additional information that may be of help to you or if you have any questions.
Fall 2021 - Vaccination Requirement
BUSSW will return to in-person teaching for the fall 2021 semester for our Charles River, Off-Campus and Hybrid programs.
All students enrolled in in-person classes are asked to have received one dose of the Pfizer, Moderna or the Johnson & Johnson shot before the start of classes on September 2, 2021.
Although Boston University previously issued a statement that the vaccination requirement was intended for students only in the Boston campus, it will now be mandated for ALL current and incoming students enrolled in in-person classes at Bedford, Cape, Fall River and Worcester campuses.
Please note that students were asked to upload their vaccination status by August 1, 2021 and there will be some leniency through August to allow you the time needed to get into compliance. Students can request an extension via the Boston University HEALTHWAY portal. As we do for other required vaccinations, we will have a process for accommodating medical and religious exemptions.
It is important that all students go to the BU HEALTHWAY portal NOW and do one of the following, as appropriate:
- Provide proof of your first shot, or provide proof of both shots
- Apply for an exemption
- Request an extension
As we continue to finalize other requirements for our Off-Campus and Hybrid Program sites (Bedford, Cape Cod, Fall River and Worcester) we will provide any updates as soon as available. Additional information is available HERE and through the BU HEALTHWAY portal.
We appreciate your cooperation with this process and your patience with continuous changes we have made as we try to keep everyone safe. Our primary consideration is to protect your health and that of our colleagues and families.
Please contact the appropriate campus Director with any questions or concerns:
- FALL RIVER – Diane Crowley
- Director of the Fall River Campus
- CAPE COD – Debra Berglin
- Director of the Cape Cod Campus
- WORCESTER & BEDFORD – Susan Brostrup-Jensen
Academic Policies & Procedures
Calendar & Class Schedule
Off-Campus Program classes at the Bedford & Fall River campuses are held on Fridays from 6 to 9pm and Saturdays from 9am to 1pm as scheduled. Additional seminars and events are held on Saturdays after class.
Cape Cod Blended Program students entering Fall 2021 will attend in-person classes during fall and spring semesters that are held on Fridays from 6 to 9pm and Saturdays from 9am to 1pm, as scheduled. Blended Program summer courses are offered through the Online Program and students have the option of enrolling in weekly Live Classroom Sessions held on Sundays or Monday evenings.
Worcester Hybrid Program in person classes campus are held on Tuesday evenings at 4 to 9pm. Hybrid Program Online courses are offered through the Online Program. Students will enroll in weekly live classroom sessions held Sunday or Monday evenings.
Off-Campus Program Event Schedule:
OCP Field Education:
Campus Locations and Directions
Bedford Campus Location and Directions
The Bedford Campus is conveniently located at Middlesex Community College near Route 3 and Route 128 and offers convenient access to individuals from northern and western Massachusetts, New Hampshire, and Maine.
Middlesex Community College- Henderson Hall
591 Springs Road
Bedford, MA 01730
781-280-3200
Campus Map: MCC Campus Map
Directions to the Boston University School of Social Work – Bedford
Parking: Parking is available on site, Parking Lot B is recommended.
Classes and Open Houses: are held in Henderson Hall. Henderson Hall is directly across from Parking Lot B.
Cape Cod Campus Location and Directions
The Cape Cod Campus is conveniently located at Cape Cod Community College in West Barnstable, Massachusetts.
Cape Cod Community College
2240 Iyannough Road
West Barnstable, MA 02668
Campus Map: Cape Cod Community College Campus Map
Directions to the Boston University School of Social Work – Cape Cod Campus
Parking: Parking is available on site
Fall River Campus Location and Directions
The Fall River Campus is conveniently located at Bristol Community College in southeastern Massachusetts with easy access to Rhode Island.
Bristol Community College
777 Elsbree Street
Fall River, MA 02720
Campus Map: BCC Campus Map
Directions to the Boston University School of Social Work – Fall River Campus
Parking: Parking is available on campus in lots 4 & 5.
Commencement
Boston University School of Social Work Commencement
Click here for the latest info about Commencement 2021.
Course Material Information
Each course has a Blackboard Learn site where instructors post syllabi and other pertinent information. Prior to the beginning of each semester, students are sent a course material memo with information on purchasing texts, and accessing the supplemental course readings. Please review this information as soon as it is provided. Textbooks should be ordered and purchased prior to the beginning of the semester. There are also resource libraries for the Bedford, Fall River, and Cape Cod campuses that have at least one copy of each course textbook that students can borrow. Supplemental course readings are available via the Mugar Library, Course Reserves, or the course Blackboard site. Students are expected to complete reading assignments one week ahead of each class.
Barnes & Noble University Bookstore
Please note that the School of Social Work does not endorse any of the following sites:
Curriculum and Program Plans
Off-Campus Program students follow a standard program plan with a number of track options including Traditional Track, Human Service Experience and Advanced Standing. Traditional and HSE students complete 65 credits over 8 consecutive semesters. Advanced Standing students complete 40-43 credits over 6 consecutive semester.
Exploring Social Work Competencies
Educational Program Plans
A program plan is the academic structure and schedule of courses. OCP students are required to follow a standard program plan. Students contemplating a change of program should consult their advisor and make a written request to the director of their program.
Field Education
Field Education is a dynamic and integral part of the curriculum at Boston University School of Social Work. Field Education provides students with opportunities to apply what they learn in the classroom to actual practice in social work and other human service settings.
When students enroll in field education, advisors are the field liaison between School and agency. They consult with the student and field instructor (agency supervisor) about assignments, learning contract, evaluation, etc.; serve as the student’s advocate in ensuring that the School’s expectations of the agency are being met and that the student is meeting the agency’s requirements; visit the field agency at least once each semester to meet with the student and field instructor(s) to assess progress toward goals. During the field placement process students collaborate with their advisor to complete the field placement forms.
First Thursdays
First Thursdays offer students from across the country the opportunity to meet with classmates, BUSSW faculty, administrators, advisors, and alumni to make connections and attend presentations by content experts. These events are held on the first Thursday of each month from 8:30–9:30 PM ET via Zoom Web Conferencing.
Check out recordings of past First Thursdays under “Events” in the Student Resources and Communications Hub on Online Campus!
Professional Development Seminar
The Professional Development Seminar is comprised of three parts, each part focusing on the students’ developmental phase while enrolled in the MSW program. The Seminar covers: professional development; an overview of the social work profession including its values and ethics; an orientation to, and integration of curriculum and field education; career preparation and an overview of social work professional licensing.
Students must register for IS100 Professional Development Seminar every semester in order to access the seminar online content. Although the Seminar is not credit based, it is a required component of the program. Participation, attendance and completion of the Seminar tasks is required in order to receive a passing grade.
The Seminar consists of 12 sessions and includes a self-paced component combined with live classroom meetings held virtually or in-person. Additionally, a number of First Thursday Virtual Events are offered throughout the year. Students access the seminar through the Online Campus portal at online.bu.edu.
Seminar Syllabus for Traditional and Human Service Experience Students:
- Part I – For TT & HSE Students Enrolled in their First Year of the Program
- Part II – For TT & HSE Students Enrolled in their Second Year of the Program
- Part III – For TT & HSE Students Enrolled in their Third Year of the Program
Seminar Syllabus for Advanced Standing Students Seminar Syllabus for Advanced Standing Students:
- Part I – For AS Students Enrolled in their First Year of the Program
- Part II – For AS Students Enrolled in their Second Year of the Program
Library Information
There are 12 libraries at Boston University. Mugar Library is the main library and it contains most of the material related to the humanities and social sciences.
The Boston University Libraries website provides access to the library resources available at Boston University, including print and electronic books, online journals, videos, etc.
When doing a literature review and research for an assignment, check the Boston University Libraries website as well as databases and e-journals. Social work databases and other resources can be found on the Social Work Research Guide. All of our research guides can be found at http://library.bu.edu/guides.
- Library resources for Off-Campus Program students
- Find Course Reserves
- Social Work Research Guide
- Find Articles using Databases
- E-Journal Locator
- RefWorks allows students to import references from library databases and other sources, organize them, and use them to create papers with citations and bibliographies in standard citation styles, including APA.
- Ask a Librarian
- Interlibrary Loan
- Mugar Library Hours of Operation
The University has an extensive collection of books and journals online and in the library. If you require special help doing research, please use the Ask a Librarian tool.
Accessing Other Boston Area Libraries:
- Boston Library Consortium
- Boston University students, faculty, and staff can now borrow books directly from the Libraries at Boston College, Brandeis University and Northeastern University using their Boston University ID (Terrier Card).
Resources Available at the Off-Campus sites:
One copy of each required textbook is available on site and additional course readings are available electronically via the Mugar Library course reserves.
Please be sure to check hours for each library site before you visit.
- Bedford Campus – Middlesex Community College Library, Middlesex Community College
- Cape Cod Campus – Wilkens Cape Cod Community College (CCCC) Library, Cape Cod Community College
- Fall River Campus – Bristol Community College Library, Bristol Community College
- Worcester Campus – Dinand Library, College of the Holy Cross
Registration and Student Accounting
Student Accounting Services
Student Accounting Services
Student Accounting Services is responsible for billing students and processing payments for your academic endeavors and some University-related activities.
Registration
Registration is held in November for the Spring Semester, in March for the Summer Semester, and in April for the Fall Semester. Incoming students’ registration is ongoing from May to August.
Registration information is sent to students electronically. Students register for courses via the Student Link. OCP students must follow their program plan. Students needing modifications to their program plan should contact their program director.
Forms:
Resources
- Student Resource and Communications Hub (Ongoing)
- Off-Campus Faculty
- The Student Link
- Educational Resource Center
- Disability and Access Services
- Health & Counseling Resources
- Graduate Student Resources
- Public Service Loan Forgiveness
Study Skills Supports
Your coursework requires a great deal of time and effort. Look carefully at your schedule and plan designated time to read and study.
- Guide to Critical Reading
- Reading Strategies for Graduate School
- Time Management
- Time Management PPT
Professional Supports
Social Work Career and Licensing Information
Social Work Licensing Information
Social work licensing requirements vary from state to state. Please be sure to check specific regulations for your state of residence at the following resources:
Master of Social Work Licensing Disclosure
Association of Social Work Boards (ASWB)
National Association of Social Workers (NASW)
MA Licensing Information (in PowerPoint format)
Career Resources and Professional Development
The Boston University School of Social Work offers career resources to assist students and alumni in their employment search.
The BU Center for Career Development
The University’s Center for Career Development on the Charles River Campus (Boston) offers digital resource for students and is home to BU Handshake—a digital hub for those exploring employment opportunities.
Connect with BUSSW alumni via our LinkedIn group and make use of BU’s Career Advisory Network (CAN) to connect with alumni across the country. As a student, you are eligible to join your professional organization, National Association of Social Workers (NASW), and take advantage of NASW’s numerous career resources.
Professional Supports
- BU School of Social Work Alumni Association
- BU Alumni Association
- Association of Social Work Boards
- National Association of Social Workers (NASW)
LOAN FORGIVENESS
The Association of American Medical Colleges provides information on loan forgiveness programs in most states. For example, in some places it may be possible for social workers working full time in an underserved area at a community health center to be eligible for a repayment per year of service.
Information about loan forgiveness programs not specific to social workers, but still possibly applicable, are available online. These programs include Americorps, Peace Corps, and National Health Service Corps, as well as other paths to forgiveness.
- MA Loan Repayment Program for Health Professionals
- Federally Designated Underserved Areas
- Public Service Loan Forgiveness
- MA Loan Repayment Program for Health Professionals
- Federally Designated Underserved Areas
- Public Service Loan Forgiveness
- NHSC Loan Repayment program (https://www.benefits.gov/benefit/447)
- The federal government income-based repayment plans (https://studentaid.gov/manage-loans/repayment/plans/income-driven)
- NHSC State Loan Repayment Program (https://nhsc.hrsa.gov/loan-repayment/state-loan-repayment-program/application-requirements.html
State Authorization and Distance Education
State Authorization and Distance Education
Boston University State Authorization and Distance Education Disclosures site provides a variety of information regarding distance education programs, including:
- SARA and Boston University Approval;
- Complaint Resolution process;
- The University’s Refund Policy;
- Information about distance education programs that lead to professional licensure and certification; and
- Information about International Distance Education
Student Services and Advising
The BUSSW Off-Campus & Hybrid programs offer student services and advisement which includes the following:
- Group and Individual Advising
- Academic Support and Program Planning
- The Professional Development Seminar
GROUP AND INDIVIDUAL ADVISING
Students are assigned to an advisor when they enter the program and they keep the same advisor throughout their enrollment in the program. Advisors meet with students individual and as a group, as appropriate. Often, advisors offer group advising meetings to provide students with the opportunity for peer supports and to build relationships with student colleagues, while managing the transition to graduate social work education and learning about the social work profession.
Off-Campus and Hybrid Program Advisors serve as the primary BUSSW representatives to students and field placement agencies and provide oversight and consultation to the students and field instructors. Advisors mentor students, monitor student performance, and consult to agencies. Students are assigned to an advisor when they enter the program, and students keep the same advisor throughout their enrollment in the program.
- Off-Campus & Hybrid Program Advisors
- Advising Role
ACADEMIC ADVISING AND PROGRAM PLANNING
The Off-Campus and Hybrid Program Directors provide academic advising and program planning to students beginning at Orientation and continuing throughout the student’s enrollment in the program. Students can explore their academic interests and personalize their educational program plan to meet their goals. Our Team can also help identify resources for assistance with academic, personal, financial aid, and career planning needs.
Contact: Off-Campus & Hybrid Program Team
THE PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT SEMINAR (see above)
Student Union
Students interested in joining the BUSSW Student Union should contact sswsu@bu.edu.
Technology & Computing Resources
Technology & Computing Resources
BU offers a variety of technology and information services to support students.
- TechWeb
A resource for all computing resources at the University - IT Help Center
A free resource dedicated to helping Boston University’s students, faculty, and academic staff use their computers effectively with consulting services and tutorials - IT Help Center—Purchasing
An online store for computers, software, peripherals, and accessories
Information Services
- Student Link
Access your records at Boston University - Blackboard Learn
Faculty build, conduct, and manage courses on the web for students.
Students access Blackboard to get course syllabi (with the lists of required books to purchase). Teachers post links to web-based content here and leave messages about assignments for students to read.
Requirements for SR744 Course
IMPORTANT RESOURCE FOR YOUR RESEARCH II (SR744) COURSE
To ensure that you are prepared for the SR744 course please follow the steps listed below:
- Students learn the basics of data analysis using a statistical software package called SPSS in the SR744 course.
- SPSS can be downloaded for free from the BU IT website. Information on the minimum computer requirements and the download instructions HERE (hyperlink to http://www.bu.edu/tech/services/cccs/desktop/distribution/statistics/spss/).
- The operating system requirements to run SPSS v. 27 can be found HERE (hyperlink to: https://www.ibm.com/software/reports/compatibility/clarity-reports/report/html/softwareReqsForProduct)
- Hardware requirements can be found HERE (hyperlink to: https://www.ibm.com/software/reports/compatibility/clarity-reports/report/html/softwareReqsForProduct)
- SPSS does NOT run on a tablet, phone, Chromebook, or device that does not have a Mac or OS operating system.
- Students must make arrangements to have access to a computer that can run SPSS prior to starting the SR 744 course.
- Students with old operating system can reach out to ITHELP for additional information
Tutoring and Writing Resources
BUSSW offers a variety of resources for students including a free Online Tutoring service and tutors.