Online MSW Programs in Massachusetts (MA)

There are two universities with campuses in Massachusetts that offer online Master of Social Work (MSW) programs. These programs, which includes Boston University, offer online MSW programs with Clinical Social Work Practice concentrations and are 100% online in that they do not require students to visit the campus during the program.

Please note: All online MSW programs require students to complete field education at a local health services agency.

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The Boston University School of Social Work (BUSSW) offers an online MSW program with three tracks, two designed for traditional standing students (those who have not earned a Bachelor of Social Work) and one for advanced standing students (students who have earned a BSW from a CSWE accredited institution). BUSSW’s traditional standing program is unique in that it offers a Human Experience Track designed for students who have at least two years of experience in the social services. Students in this track are required to complete fewer field education hours compared to the traditional program at BUSSW (1,000 versus 1,200 hours). All three tracks are offered in a part-time format.

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In addition to schools with a physical campus in Massachusetts, there are dozens of graduate schools that offer online MSW programs that accept students from Massachusetts. The majority of the programs are offered fully online and do not require students to visit the campus during the program, but some schools do require a limited number of campus visits per year.

For students who are interested in out-of-state programs, some schools offer the same tuition for in-state and out-of-state students, while others do not. Check with the school for more information on tuition costs.

In the tables below, click on the school name to learn more about the programs offered by that school.

Online MSW Programs that Accept Students from Massachusetts

All online MSW programs require field education at a local health services agency. Programs that are 100% online do not require students to visit the campus during the program.

How to Become a Social Worker in Massachusetts

The Massachusetts Board of Registration of Social Workers issues four types of social work license: Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker (LICSW), Licensed Certified Social Worker (LCSW), Licensed Social Worker (LSW) and Licensed Social Work Associate (LSWA). Below are some common steps to become a social worker in Massachusetts, which you should confirm with Massachusetts’ board of social workers. Information regarding licensure in Massachusetts was last retrieved in August 2020.

Pathway to Become an LICSW in Massachusetts

• Complete a bachelor’s degree.
• Complete a Master of Social Work degree program accredited by the Council on Social Work Education.
• Following graduation, complete two years or 3,500 hours of clinical experience with 100 hours of face-to-face supervision.
• Pass the Clinical Social Work Licensing Examination from the Association of Social Work Boards.
• Apply to the Massachusetts Board of Registration of Social Workers.

Pathway to Become an LCSW in Massachusetts

• Complete a bachelor’s degree.
• Complete a Doctorate or Master of Social Work degree program accredited by the Council on Social Work Education.
• Pass the Masters Social Work Licensing Examination from the Association of Social Work Boards.
• Apply to the Massachusetts Board of Registration of Social Workers.

Pathway to Become an LSW in Massachusetts

• Complete a Bachelor of Social Work degree program accredited by the Council on Social Work Education.
• Pass the Bachelors Social Work Licensing Examination from the Association of Social Work Boards.
• Apply to the Massachusetts Board of Registration of Social Workers.

Pathway to Become an LSWA in Massachusetts

• Complete an Associate of Social Work degree program.
• Pass the Associate Social Work Licensing Examination from the Association of Social Work Boards.
• Apply to the Massachusetts Board of Registration of Social Workers.

For more detailed information on becoming a social worker in Massachusetts, visit the Massachusetts Board of Registration of Social Workers. You can also refer to our guides on general requirements for becoming a social worker and becoming an LCSW.

Last updated: September 2020