Online Master of Social Work (MSW)

Learn More from the School of Social Work

Quicklinks: Curriculum • Faculty • Cost

Program at a Glance

  • mortarboard Part-Time Master’s Degree
  • 3 Program Tracks
  • 2 Majors
  • 65 credits TT or HSE tracks
  • 40–43 credits AS track
  • 9 semesters TT or HSE tracks
  • 6 semesters AS track

Boston University’s School of Social Work (BUSSW) is committed to education that furthers social and economic justice, and incorporates these ideals into its programs and activities. Our aim is to educate professional social workers who will become leaders in a complex, diverse, and multicultural society. Graduates will possess the knowledge and the skills to address the needs and potentials of individuals, families, groups, organizations, and communities. BUSSW recognizes the ever-changing demands of the profession, and meets them through the highest-quality teaching, scholarship, research, practice, and political action.

The BUSSW Online MSW Program offers and innovative part-time format with majors in Clinical and Macro Practice and 3 track options, ensuring that each student’s graduate program is tailored to his or her academic and professional experience. For those majoring in Clinical, this program enables you to become license eligible in your state of residence.

Students fulfill the requirements for the MSW degree by:

  • Taking required and elective courses in a convenient online format, delivered asynchronously
  • Attending weekly required Live Classroom sessions
  • Completing 1 or 2 field internships (depending upon track) within or near their geographic area.

Traditional MSW Track (TT): Consists of 65 credits, which can be completed in 3 years over the course of 9 semesters (fall, spring, and summer). Students take foundation and advanced courses online, attend live classroom sessions held Sunday or Monday nights, and complete 2 field internships for a total of 1,200 hours in the field.

Human Service Experience Track (HSE): Open to applicants who have a minimum of 2 years of human services experience supervised by a Master’s level practitioner. Consists of 65 credits, which can be completed in 3 years over the course of 9 semesters (fall, spring, and summer). Students take foundation and advanced courses online, attend weekly required Live Classroom sessions held Sunday or Monday nights, and complete a single 1,000-hour field internship.

Advanced Standing Track (AS): Open to applicants with an undergraduate social work degree from an institution accredited by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE). The undergraduate social work degree must have been earned within 6 years of entry into the program. No additional transfer credits will be accepted toward the MSW degree. Consists of 43 credits (or 40 credits if the student passes the Research 1 Waiver Exam) which can be completed over 6 consecutive semesters. Students enroll in courses online, attend weekly required Live Classroom sessions held Sunday or Monday nights, and complete a single advanced 1,000-hour field internship.

Students fulfill all requirements by taking courses online and completing the field internship(s) within, or near, their geographical location.

Awards & Accreditations

Boston University School of Social Work’s programs are accredited by the Council of Social Work Education.


Newsweek - America's Top Online Colleges 2023Newsweek magazine ranked Boston University’s online programs #4 in the nation in its 2023 survey.

Why Choose BU’s Master of Social Work?

  • Major in Clinical or Macro Social Work Practice
  • A convenient online learning format, enabling individuals to earn a Master of Social Work degree while continuing to live and work in their own communities
  • The flexibility to complete one or two field internships (depending upon relevant work experience) within or near one’s own community
  • A holistic, integrated curriculum that builds skills to assist diverse groups and at-risk populations, with emphasis on ethical practice and social and economic justice
  • Nationally recognized faculty who are committed scholars, researchers, and leaders in strengthening communities
  • Professional opportunities in a variety of sectors and settings
  • Lifelong learning opportunities for social workers and other human service professionals, particularly those in public and private nonprofit agencies
  • Access to faculty research, scholarship, and service that advances theory, policy, and practice in the social work profession

Cost

Boston University offers competitive tuition rates that meet the needs of part-time students seeking an affordable education. These rates are substantially lower than those of the traditional, full-time residential programs yet provide access to the same high-quality BU education. To learn more about current tuition rates, visit the Tuition & Fees page.

Curriculum

Students take the required and elective courses online, attend Live Classroom sessions held Sunday or Monday nights, and complete one or two field internships (depending upon relevant work experience) within or near their geographic area. Courses are taught by Boston University faculty members who remain committed to providing leadership and mentorship, allowing students throughout the United States access to their vast research experience and expertise in current and emerging social work practice.

Faculty

Our faculty are active and renowned experts in their respective fields, from gerontology and substance abuse to HIV/AIDS and mental health.

The 2018 U.S. News & World Report edition of “America’s Best Graduate Schools,” ranked BU’s School of Social Work #10 among 251 social work graduate programs nationally—placing it in the top 5 percent—thanks, in no small part, to our faculty.

This ranking by peer social work educators, indicates the high quality of our faculty and academic programs, our mission, and our dedication to graduating highly-principled, social workers who are committed to driving social change with skill and compassion.

 

Special Program Options

Students may choose to major in Clinical or Macro Social Work Practice.

There are three options to complete the program: Traditional, Human Services Experience and Advanced Standing. Eligibility is dependent on undergraduate education and previous human services experience.

BUSSW provides field placement support to its online students and strives to make the internship process a collaborative effort. Students who are working in the social work field may be able to complete one of their two internships at their place of employment.

Learn more about the program options and field placement support for the online program from BU’s School of Social Work.

Getting Started

Applications for the online MSW Program are accepted for each semester: September, January or May.

For application materials or more information, contact an Admissions Representative at busswad@bu.edu, 1-833-255-8970 or visit BU School of Social Work.