Welcome to the Boston University School of Social Work Online Program Campus Information Central where you can access a variety of information pertinent to your program. Please contact us at sswolp@bu.edu if there is any additional information that may be of assistance to you or if you have any questions.
Academic Policies & Procedures
Advanced Standing Students
Advanced Standing students in the Online Program complete the program over six consecutive semesters. Students enroll in courses in the first two semesters of the program and begin their field internship in their second or third semester of the program.
BUSSW Student Groups
Peer Support Spotlight
Looking for additional connection, community, and encouragement? Join one (or more!) of the Peer Support Drop-in Sessions this spring in the Student Lounge and meet your Peer Mentors featured below! Our BUSSW peer mentors are ready to offer guidance, support and connection to fellow OLP students. While peer mentors won’t provide tutoring, counseling, or academic advising, they are here to be a valuable resource for you through sharing their wisdom and experience, directing you to resources, and offering words of encouragement. Some sessions will have a specific topic with facilitated discussion, others are more open-ended “general peer support” sessions. Drop-in sessions for Spring 2025 will be held the First Friday, Second Sunday and Third Monday (except Monday holidays) of every month in the Student Lounge:
Drop-in sessions are the perfect place to connect with peers and mentors and gain support and validation for the challenges of graduate education. The Spring 2025 Peer Support drop-in dates are:
- Friday, February 7th at noon EST
- Sunday, February 9th at 5pm EST
- Friday, March 7th at noon EST
- Sunday, March 9th at 5pm EST (Field ed chat- learn about what your peers are doing in their field placement)
- Monday, March 17th at 8pm EST
- Friday, April 4th at noon EST (Work/ life balance)
- Sunday, April 13th at 5pm EST (Field ed chat- learn about what your peers are doing in their field placement)
Meet your Peer Mentors:
Colleen Wasson (she/her) 
About: Colleen is currently in her 9th semester of the online program and is completing her field placement at Teton Behavior Therapy, a private practice located in rural Idaho. In this role, she conducts intake sessions, develops treatment plans, and provides counseling for individuals and families. Colleen has developed a strong interest in working with OCD and anxiety disorders, as well as advocating for awareness of these issues in her state. She is also co-facilitating an OCD support group through OCD Idaho. Outside of her studies, Colleen enjoys cross-country skiing, hiking, mountain biking, and spending time in nature. Having experienced what it’s like to be new to the program, she is eager to connect with you in the Student Lounge and hopes that peer mentoring will help put your mind at ease. Colleen is originally from Huntington, New York and currently in Teton Valley, Idaho.
Major: Clinical
Track: Traditional Track
Top 5
- Hobby: Cross-country skiing, hiking, mountain biking
- Food: Pizza (you can take the girl out of New York, but you can’t take the New York out of the girl)
- Song: Landslide by Fleetwood Mac
- Book: The Small and The Mighty by Sharon McMahon
- Quote: The journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step.” – Lao Tzu
Dani Simmons (she/her) 
About: Dani is in her 7th semester in the program. She is currently doing her advanced field placement at COMPASS Boston as a Family Clinician, where she conducts individual and family sessions and attends provider collaboration meetings as a short-term in-home clinician contracted through the Department of Children and Families. When Dani is not busy with schoolwork and working, Dani wears the hat of parenting a toddler with her loving husband. Dani remembers how overwhelming starting grad school can feel, especially for students who may be juggling the additional responsibilities of working full-time and raising a family. Dani is originally from Sterling, Massachusetts and is currently in Worcester, MA
Major: Clinical, Trauma and Violence specialization
Track: Traditional Track
Top 5:
- Hobby: Singing
- Food: Ice cream
- Song: Rise up, Andra Day
- Book: Currently the Fourth Wing series
- Quote: “Hardships often prepare ordinary people for an extraordinary destiny” - C.S. Lewis
Eleanor Teague (she/her) 
About: Ellie is in her 2nd year in the online program. She is currently doing her field placement at VinFen in Haverhill, MA in their Adult Community Clinical Services program. Prior to starting the BU MSW program Ellie worked as a teacher in Lawrence where she developed a particular interest working with children with various levels of need. Outside of the program, Ellie loves to hike with her dog and watch reruns of Modern Family whenever possible. She remembers what it is like to be new to the program, and how hard it can be to connect with others while completing courses online! Ellie looks forward to connecting with you in the student lounge. Eleanor is originally from Southeastern MA but is currently in the Merrimack Valley
Major: Clinical
Track: Traditional Track
Top 5
- Hobby: Hiking with my dog
- Food: Tiramisu
- Song: Three Little Birds by Bob Marley
- Book: A Gentle Reminder by Bianca Sparacino
- Quote: “I became confident once I decided that having fun was far more important that the fear of looking silly” – Rupi Kaur
Kelly Williams (she/her) 
About: Kelly comes to social work after a career as an editor at an animal welfare nonprofit, and she is now in her 8th semester in the online program. During her foundation placement at a community mental health agency, she provided individual therapy to adults and seniors and co-facilitated a pet loss grief support group. Now she is in her advanced placement at a cancer center. In this role, she helps clients overcome practical barriers so they can access care, provides psychosocial support, and offers a smidge of case management as needed. She hopes to go into oncology social work after graduation. Outside of school, Kelly is an avid reader, runner, gardener, traveler, and lover of all animals. She lives in Maryland with her partner, three dogs, and one senior cat. Kelly was born in Rhode Island and is currently living in Maryland by way of the Midwest (Minnesota/Wisconsin)
Major: Clinical
Track: Traditional Track
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 –
Join us in piloting Affinity Groups at BUSSW!
Do you identify as an LGBTQIA+, First Gen, or BIPOC student? If so, we invite you to join our Affinity Groups pilot program to connect with peers across campuses with similar backgrounds and identities as you!
See below for the Affinity Groups we are currently piloting:
LGBTQIA+ Students Affinity Group 
Robbie Sanders (she/they) was born and raised in Montreal, Quebec, Canada, where she earned her MSW from McGill University School of Social Work in 1997. After years of providing clinical services, Robbie turned their attention to non-profit management, where they served as a Program Director for over 15 years, overseeing residential and workforce readiness programs. Following their passion for supporting the next generation of social workers, Robbie joined BUSSW full-time in 2018 after serving many years as MSW clinical supervisor and Field Liaison.
The LGBTQIA+ affinity group meets on the 1st Wednesday of every month at 7pm beginning February 5th, 2025
Join us here: https://bostonu.zoom.us/j/97852644486?pwd=K2CfDGOXljDQpPR4i0M8obZlwNuLn2.1&from=addon Meeting ID: 978 5264 4486 Passcode: 493826
First Gen Students Affinity Group
Junior Peña is originally from the Dominican Republic and grew up in Massachusetts. As a first-generation graduate, he earned his Bachelor of Arts in Psychology and Communication from the University of Massachusetts-Boston and a Master of Science in Higher Education Student Affairs at Florida State University. Junior is passionate about supporting students from underserved communities, co-creating intentional learning spaces, and re-imagining professionalism through authenticity.
The First Gen affinity group meets on the 2nd Wednesday of every month at 7pm beginning February 12th, 2025.
Join us here: https://bostonu.zoom.us/j/96781166360?pwd=Df1FjjGN7GDiaRua4eEI7V0ctlA3YF.1&from=addon
Meeting ID: 967 8116 6360 Passcode: 269189
BIPOC Students Affinity Group
Dana L Benton, Ed.M, MSW, LICSW is the inaugural Director of Career Services, Alumni and External Relations at Boston University’s School of Social Work. Dana is a Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker (LICSW) with over 15 years of experience as a clinician and administrator in school districts, community-based organizations, and governmental agencies that serve children, adolescents and adults. Dana’s areas of clinical specialty include grief, loss, bereavement, trauma, anxiety, depression, workplace difficulties, social emotional development, career development, race and cultural identity, as well as spirituality and religion. Dana holds two advanced degrees including a Master of Social Work (Clinical) from Smith College and a Master of Education (Risk and Prevention) from Harvard University. Dana is an active member of the Greater Boston Chapter of Black Social Workers (GBABSW), the National Association of Social Workers (NASW), the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP)- Brockton Branch and the Women in the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) Committee- Brockton Branch. Dana also maintains a private practice serving adults across the lifespan. She is the mother of a beautiful 9-year-old daughter, who resides with her in a local suburb outside of the greater Boston area.
The BIPOC Affinity Group meetings have been temporarily postponed. More details to follow.
Calendars
Online Program Academic Calendar:
Field Education Calendar:
Other Important Calendars:
Commencement
For information on Commencement, please visit the BUSSW Commencement page.
Course Material Information
Prior to the beginning of each course, students receive information on purchasing texts, and accessing the supplemental course readings. Please review all of the course materials as soon as they are provided and formulate a plan for purchasing texts and accessing supplemental readings. After course enrollment and during the course the syllabus is available through the online campus. Textbooks should be ordered and purchased prior to the beginning of the course. Supplemental course readings are available via the Mugar Library.
Barnes & Noble University Bookstore
Other Links
Please note that the School of Social Work does not endorse any of the following sites:
Curriculum and Program Plans
Exploring Social Work Competencies
A program plan is the academic structure and schedule of courses. OLP students are required to follow a designated program plan depending on their admitted track. Students who have questions or contemplating a change in their program plan should begin the process by submitting a request online using the Online Program Revised Program Plan Request form.
Traditional MSW Track
Students in the traditional track are required to complete 65 credits within 8-9 consecutive semesters and complete 2 field internships for a total of 1200 hours in the field.
Human Service Experience (HSE) Track
Students in the HSE track have been approved of prior human service experience prior to admission to the Online MSW program. Students in this track are required to complete 65 credits within 9 consecutive semesters and complete 1 field internship for a total of 1000 hours in the field.
Advanced Standing Option (AS) Track
Students accepted to the Advanced Standing option complete 40-43 credits in six consecutive semesters. Students enroll in coursework only for the first two semesters and continue with courses while completing an advanced 1000 hour field internship.
Field Education
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
First Thursdays
BUSSW Online and Off-Campus Programs Virtual Community Events
First Thursday Events offer students from across the country the opportunity to meet with student colleagues, 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.
Find a schedule of events here.
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 of our research guides can be found at http://library.bu.edu/guides.
- Online Library Resources
- 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.
Student Library Resources:
The Library at Boston University has content and how-to guides to support you in finding resources and conducting research. Some of these resources include:
- A social work library guide to connect you to tutorials and resources for using the BU Library
- A video for new and returning students which provides an overview of library resources
- A list of tutorials including planning our keywords, searching the library, and filtering results
- There are also specialized subject guides with recommended resources and approaches to research
Meet with the Social Work Librarian:
Lucy Flamm is the BU Social Work Librarian. You can make an appointment to meet one-on-one with Lucy whenever you would like. If you don’t see a day or time that works for you, you can email LFlamm@BU.edu. Lucy is happy to find a time that works best for your schedule outside of these days/times.
Lucy can support with topics including:
- Using BU Library Search and building our search skills
- Finding resources related to your research topic(s)
- Navigating databases to find specialized information and evidence
- Evaluating sources to consider authority, ethics, and bias
- Creating and managing your notes, sources, citations and data
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).
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 IS 600 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
Registration information is sent to students electronically. Students register for courses via the MyBU Student Portal. OLP students must follow their program plan. Students needing modifications to their program plan should begin this process by submitting a request online using the Online Program Revised Program Plan Request form.
Registration is held in October for the Spring Semester, in February for the Summer Semester, and in March for the Fall Semester. Incoming student registration is held prior to the entering semester.
Please be sure to register for the appropriate courses, as outlined in your program plan and campus via the MyBU Student Portal. Students with revised program plans should review their plans with the Online Program Administrator prior to registering to ensure they are registering correctly for each semester.
2025 Spring – Continuing Student Registration Guide
Forms
- Campus Transfer Request
- Course Retake Petition Form
- Transfer Credit Document
- Request for Pre-Approval of Transfer Credits
- Change In Status
- Incomplete Grade Request Form
- Directed Study
- Add/Drop/Audit Form
- Registration Form
- Change of Address/Personal Info on the Student Link
- Withdrawal/Leave of Absence Form*
- Non-Matric Application
- Overload Approval Form
- Audiotape Permission Form
* Please note: students need to meet with the appropriate program administrator before a leave of absence or withdrawal can be processed.
Online Program: Sonia Mee, Assistant Dean for Student Experience
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 the Student Link. 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 Issues Resolution Page for guidance.
Resources
- BUSSW Student Support & Resources
- Faculty and Facilitators
- Resources for Online Students
- Advisors
- Online Program Team
- Office of Distance Education
- Graduate Student Resources
- Educational Resource Center
- Disability and Access Services
- Health & Counseling 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.
Professional Supports
Social Work Career and Licensing Information
Licensing Preparation:
We offer a wide variety of licensure prep resources for students approaching graduation. Additional resources are available to those students who historically experienced barriers in testing and/or who may have encountered difficulties in test-taking.
View upcoming license prep workshops, study groups and more on our License Prep Resources webpage.
Social work licensing requirements vary from state to state. Please be sure to check specific regulations for your state of residence available through the following resources:
Master of Social Work Licensing Disclosure
Association of Social Work Boards (ASWB)
National Association of Social Workers (NASW)
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.
Career Resources for Online Students
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)
- Terrier Perks for Alumni
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 under served 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.
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 Union
Students interested in joining the BUSSW Student Union should contact sswsu@bu.edu.
Student Services and Advising
The BUSSW Online program offers student services and advisement which includes the following:
- Group and Individual Advising
- Academic Support and Program Planning
- The Professional Development Seminar
The Online Program (OLP) Team provides academic support 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. The OLP Team can also help identify resources for assistance with academic, personal, financial aid, and career planning needs. Students who have questions or are contemplating a change in their program plan should begin the process by submitting a request online using the Online Program Revised Program Plan Request form.
THE ONLINE PROGRAM TEAM
The Student Services Administrator
Students are assigned a Student Services Administrator when they enter the program. Student Services Administrators are members of the BUSSW Online Program Team, they meet with students through monthly, small group seminars and individually, as needed. This group advising process offers students the opportunity for socialization with student colleagues while managing the transition to graduate social work education and learning about the social work profession. Student Services Administrators will be the contact for all academic questions (i.e. revised program plans, program resources, leave of absence etc.).
The Field Coordinator
The Field Coordinator is a member of the field education team. Students begin working with a Field Coordinator as they near the start of their field placement (often during the second or early in the third semester. The Field Coordinator will be the point person for the placement search. They will assist students in defining areas of interest, locate a field placement that meets learning goals and confirm that the setting meets BUSSW agency expectations.
The Field Liaison
A student begins working with a Field Liaison when they begin their placement. The Field Liaison will serve as the point person for a student’s internship experience. The Field Liaison will assess how students are doing in their field placement. They will review and provide feedback on learning contracts, process recordings, and reflection and policy assignments, as well as conduct a site visit at least once each semester with the student and their field instructor. The Field Liaison will be the contact person for any field related matters. They will recommend the field grade at the end of each semester.
The Student Services Administrator, Field Coordinator and Field Liaison collaborate as a team to monitor student success in the program.
| Pod by Region | Student Services Administrators | Field Coordinators | Field Liaisons |
| 1 – Students living in the following states:
MA, RI, NH |
MA – Cynthia Bramble Daley
RI, NH – Yunieska Trujillo-Ramirez |
Dorothy Bergold | |
| 2 – Students living in the following states:
ME, VT, CT, NY |
Heidi O’Neil | Susan Lundon | Leah Sivick |
| 3 – Students living in the following states:
AL, DC, DE, FL, GA, IL, IN, KY, MI, MD, MS, NC, NJ, OH, PA, SC, TN, WI, VA |
Diane Zipoli | Vicky Mateu | Crystal Griffin |
| 4 – Students living in the following states:
AK, AR, AZ, CA, CO, HI, IA, ID, KS, LA, MN, MO, MT, ND, NE, NM, NV, OK, OR, TX, UT, WA, WY |
Meg Matthews | Meredith Block | Nancy Kaye |
| Macro students – all states | Elise Eckelkamp | Jen Lemmerman | |
| Advanced Standing students – all states | Susan Brostrup-Jensen | All coordinators | All field liaisons |
THE 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:
- 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
The Seminar consists of a self-paced component combined with group advising session held virtually. Students access the seminar through the Online Campus portal at onlinecampus.bu.edu.
Students must register for IS 600 Professional Development Seminar every semester to access the seminar online content. While not credit based, the Seminar is a required component of the program. Participation, attendance, and completion of the Seminar tasks are required in order to receive a passing grade.
Additionally, a number of First Thursday Virtual Events are offered throughout the year.
Technology Support Resources
Computing Resources
BU offers a variety of services and technological supports for 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 - Student Link
Access your records at Boston University
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 are available HERE.
- SPSS does NOT run on tablets, phones, Chromebooks, or devices that do not have a Macintosh or Windows 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 or incompatible operating systems can reach out to IT Help for additional information
Tutoring and Writing Resources
BUSSW offers a variety of resources for students including a free Online Tutoring service and tutors.