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.
Academic Policies and Procedures
BUSSW Student-Led Groups
BUSSW E&I Student Group – Connect with other students who are passionate about creating a more equitable and inclusive BUSSW. Contact Julia DeAngelo (juliade@bu.edu) and Megan Nizza (mnizza@bu.edu) for more information
Affinity Groups – Connect with other students with similar backgrounds as you! Here are the various affinity groups and their contact information:
- Asian/Asian American (asianbussw@gmail.com)
- Non-Binary/Gender Neutral/Gender Fluid (liamfarr@bu.edu)
- Mental Health Challenges (liamfarr@bu.edu)
- Latinx/Chicanx/Hispanic (liamfarr@bu.edu)
- Single Parents/Caretakers (singlecargiversssw@gmail.com)
- Community Organization/Engagement (liamfarr@bu.edu)
- Lower Income (lowerincomeaffinity.bussw@gmail.com)
- Parents/Caregivers (liamfarr@bu.edu)
- First Generation Student (firstgenaffinityssw@gmail.com)
- Differently Abled (liamfarr@bu.edu)
- Northeast Students (liamfarr@bu.edu)
- Southwest Students (liamfarr@bu.edu)
- Central Mountain Region Students (liamfarr@bu.edu)
- Students in Recovery (busswrecovery@gmail.com)
- International Students (liamfarr@bu.edu)
- Veterans (busswveterans@gmail.com)
- Spiritual Students (busswspirituality@gmail.com)
- Jewish Students (liamfarr@bu.edu)
- Midwest Students (liamfarr@bu.edu)
- Returning to School (liamfarr@bu.edu)
- Chronic Health Concerns (liamfarr@bu.edu)
- Outdoor Enthusiasts (liamfarr@bu.edu)
- Neurodiverse Students (liamfarr@bu.edu)
- LGBTQA+ (busswlgbtq@gmail.com)
Calendar and 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 in the Fall 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 enroll in required weekly Live Classroom Sessions held on Sundays or Monday evenings.
Off-Campus Program Event Schedule:
- Bedford Campus 2023-2024 Calendar
- Cape Cod Campus 2023-2024 Calendar
- Fall River Campus 2023-2024 Calendar | Fall River Spring 2024 Events Calendar
OCP Field Education:
Campus Locations & Directions
Bedford Campus Location and Directions
The Bedford Campus is located at Middlesex Community College in Bedford, Massachusetts.
Middlesex Community College – Henderson Hall
591 Springs Road
Bedford, MA 01730
Campus Map: Middlesex Community College Campus Map
Directions to the Bedford campus
Parking: Parking is available on site. Parking Lot B is recommended.
Classes and Open Houses: are held in Henderson Hall directly across from Parking Lot B.
Cape Cod Campus Location and Directions
The Cape Cod Campus is 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 Cape Cod Campus
Parking: Parking is available on site. Parking lots 4 and 5 are recommended.
Classes: are held in Maureen Wilkens Hall directly across from Parking Lots 4 and 5.
Fall River Campus Location and Directions
The Fall River Campus is located at Bristol Community College in Fall River, Massachusetts.
Bristol Community College
777 Elsbree Street
Fall River, MA 02720
Campus Map: Bristol Community College Campus Map
Directions to the Fall River Campus
Classes: are held in Robert F. Stoico / FIRSTFED Business Technologies Building directly across from Parking Lot 4.
Parking: Parking is available on site. Parking lot 4 is recommended.
Commencement
Boston University School of Social Work Commencement
For information on Commencement please visit the BUSSW Commencement page.
You can find the diploma mailing and pick-up schedule here.
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 at 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, and sometimes the course Blackboard site. Students are expected to complete reading assignments one week ahead of each class.
Barnes & Noble University Bookstore
Rent Texts at Barnes & Noble Boston University
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.
Explore Social Work Competencies
Educational Program Plans
A program plan is the academic structure and schedule of courses. Off-Campus Program 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.
Traditional Program Plan – Bedford and Fall River
Traditional Program Plan – Cape Cod Blended
Human Service Experience Plan – Bedford and Fall River
Human Service Experience Plan – Cape Cod Blended
Advanced Standing Program Plan – Bedford, Fall River, and Cape Cod Blended
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 Thursday Events offer students across all programs 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 in the evening via Zoom Web Conferencing.
Check out recordings of past First Thursdays under “Events” in the Student Resources and Communications Hub.
Library Information
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 research guides can be found at BU Libraries Research 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 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:
We try to keep one copy of each required textbook available on site, and additional course readings are available electronically via the Mugar Library course reserves.
Please be sure to check the 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
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
Registration and Student Accounting
Student Accounting Services
Student Accounting Services is responsible for billing students and processing payments for your academic endeavors and some University-related activities.
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 MyBU. OCP students must follow their program plan. Students needing modifications to their program plan should contact their program director.
Ordering Transcripts
The Office of the University Registrar (881 Commonwealth Avenue, Boston, MA 02215) is the ONLY location where official transcripts may be obtained in person, or call 617-353-3612 for mailed transcripts.
Students are also able to order official transcripts using MyBU. Once logged in, under the “Academics” tab, students can select the option “Transcript Preview and Ordering.” The student should fill out all required information and provide payment using a credit card.
Resolving Issues
Visit our Resolving Issues for guidance.
Resources
BU Resources for BUSSW Students
School of Social Work
- BUSSW Student Support & Resources
- COVID-19 Resources & Information for Students
- COVID-19 Resources & Information for Faculty & Staff
- Faculty Directory
- Student Resource and Communications Hub (Ongoing)
- Disability and Access Services
- Educational Resource Center
- Graduate Student Resources
- MyBU
- Public Service Loan Forgiveness
- Student Health Services
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)
We offer a wide variety of licensure prep resources for students approaching graduation. Additional resources are available to BIPOC, Latinx, and non-native English-speaking students.
View upcoming license prep workshops, study groups and more on our License Prep Opportunities webpage!
Career Resources and Professional Development
The Boston University School of Social Work offers career resources to assist students and alumni in their employment search.
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
Loan Forgiveness
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.
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
- MyBU
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.
Contact Us
Contact Us:
- Off-Campus Program Team (sswocp@bu.edu)
- Yunieska Krug, Director of the Bedford Campus (contact smee@bu.edu)
- Debra Berglin (dberglin@bu.edu) Director of the Cape Cod Campus
- Diane Crowley (crowleyd@bu.edu) Director of the Fall River Campus
- Sonia Mee (smee@bu.edu) Sr. Assistant Dean of Programs & Digital Education
- Carmen DeCristofaro (sswocp@bu.edu) Senior Program Coordinator