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.
Calendars
Online Program Academic Calendar:
Field Education Calendar:
Other Important Calendars:
Commencement
For information on Commencement 2023, 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.
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 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
Registration information is sent to students electronically. Students register for courses via the Student Link. 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 Student Link. 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.
Registration Video Tutorial
Office of Distance Education Student Resources
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 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 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
- 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
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 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 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.
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 Krug |
Robbie Sanders | 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 | Meredith Block | 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 | Diane Crowley | Kara Macomber | Jen Lemmerman |
| Advanced Standing students – all states | Susan Brostrup-Jensen | All coordinators | All field liaisons |
THE PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT SEMINAR (see tab above)
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.
- SSW Writing Resources
- SMARTHINKING Online Tutoring Services
- Students needing additional Smarthinking hours should contact the Office Of Distance Education
- BUSSW Guide to Critical Reading
- The Educational Resource Center
- Purdue OWL (Online Writing Lab)