Off-Campus MSW Experience

Wondering what it’s like to be a student in our Off-Campus & Hybrid Programs?

Join Destiny for a day in her life as a part-time MSW student and clinical social work intern in our Cape Cod Blended Program – one of four off-campus and hybrid program options that allow you to learn from our top-tier BUSSW faculty in person, outside of Boston.


Get more student perspectives in these blog posts from two of our recent students:

Program Overview

Our Off-Campus & Hybrid MSW Programs give you the opportunity to earn a Master of Social Work (MSW) degree in clinical social work practice with a part-time weekend class schedule, local field internships, and the the support of a tight-knit student cohort and program team.

Four Massachusetts locations

Our Off-Campus Program offers a part-time cohort model of education, designed for working professionals who seek to advance in their careers or change careers entirely. With many of our Off-Campus students already employed in social work-related positions, you will find a rich and diverse classroom experience. Currently, our Off-Campus Program sites are located in:

These programs, with the exception of the Worcester Hybrid Program and the blended Cape Cod program, are completed entirely at your site location. All courses are taught by BU School of Social Work faculty.

Weekend & Evening Courses, Blended Format, Field Placements Within Your Community

Our Off-Campus Program structure provides accessible class time through weekend and evening coursework and a blended format at the Cape Cod campus.  We offer a network of field placement sites, providing you with the opportunity to complete your field placement close to home, right in your local community.

Bedford & Fall River
  • Classes are completed in four weeks and are held on Friday nights (6–9 p.m.) and Saturday mornings (9 a.m.–1 p.m.).
  • Students complete required field internship(s) within their local geographic area.
  • Students take all classes as a cohort throughout their time in the program.
Cape Cod
  • Classes are now offered in a blended format (beginning Fall 2021) featuring in-person and online components.
  • Students enroll in in-person courses for the Fall and Spring semesters for a total of six semesters; the two Summer semesters will be held online in a Live Classroom environment for one hour per week.
  • In-person classes are completed in four weeks and are held on Friday nights (6–9 p.m.) and Saturday mornings (9 a.m.–1 p.m.).
  • Students complete required field internship(s) within the Cape Cod geographic area.
  • Students take all classes as a cohort throughout their time in the program.
Worcester
  • In-person courses are held on Tuesday evenings.
  • Students complete required field internship(s) within the Worcester geographic area.
  • Students take all classes as a cohort throughout their time in the program.

Please Note: Our Off-Campus Programs are designed for clinical social work practice majors. Those interested in macro social work practice may work with their program team to take advanced macro courses either online or at the Boston campus.

      Cohort Learning Model

      Ask any Off-Campus Program student about their experience and you will hear all about our unique and supportive cohort model, which provides a student-centered shared learning experience that greatly benefits busy adult learners.

      All Off-Campus Program sites follow a cohort model in which you progress through the duration of the program with the same small learning community of students, developing close bonds and friendships with your group of peers during your educational experience.  You’ll also build a local network of professional relationships that will benefit you as you seek career development and professional advancement.