Online MSW Programs in Massachusetts

Are there online MSW programs based in Massachusetts?

Yes. As of May 2026, a working list of Massachusetts-based CSWE-accredited MSW programs with online, hybrid, or distance-accessible formats includes seven schools: Anna Maria College, Boston University, Regis College, Salem State University, Simmons University, Springfield College, and Westfield State University. Students should confirm the current format, CSWE status, field placement support, and licensure alignment directly with each school before applying.

Can Massachusetts residents enroll in out-of-state online MSW programs?

Often, yes. Students should confirm state authorization, admissions eligibility, and the availability of local field placement. Students can use NC-SARA as a starting point for distance-education authorization, but SARA participation does not confirm that a program meets Massachusetts social work licensure requirements.

Is CSWE accreditation important?

Yes. CSWE accreditation is commonly required for social work licensure pathways. Verify program status in the CSWE Directory.

Does an online MSW automatically qualify you for LCSW licensure in Massachusetts?

No. An online MSW may help meet Massachusetts’ education requirement, but students must also meet state licensing requirements, including LCSW licensure, supervised post-LCSW clinical experience, application, and ASWB exam requirements. Students should confirm current requirements with the Massachusetts Board of Registration of Social Workers.

State licensing board

Professional licensure for social workers in Massachusetts is administered by the Massachusetts Board of Registration of Social Workers within the Bureau of Health Professions Licensure.

Relevant state law and rules

Massachusetts social work licensure is governed by Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 112, Sections 130–137, and 258 CMR, including 258 CMR 9.00, for licensure requirements and procedures. The regulations cover license levels, applications, examinations, reciprocity, renewal/reinstatement, and related procedures.

Common MSW-level license path

LCSW to LICSW. Massachusetts uses the Licensed Certified Social Worker (LCSW) credential for master’s-level social work practice and the Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker (LICSW) credential for independent clinical social work practice. Other Massachusetts credentials include LSWA and LSW.

Graduate education

For the LCSW/LICSW pathway, applicants generally need a qualifying graduate social work degree and must submit official transcripts as part of the application process. Students should verify that an online MSW is CSWE-accredited and acceptable for their intended Massachusetts license before enrolling. ASWB Massachusetts application instructions

Exam

Massachusetts uses ASWB examinations. LCSW applicants must pass the ASWB Masters exam, and LICSW applicants must pass the ASWB Clinical exam after their applications are approved. Applicants may not register for the exam until the application is approved.

Supervised experience

For LICSW eligibility, Massachusetts requires post-LCSW clinical social work experience, including at least 3,500 hours over not less than two years and at least 100 hours of individual face-to-face clinical supervision. ASWB’s Massachusetts instructions note that supervision is documented at one hour per 35 hours worked, with a maximum of one hour per week, and that supervisors must be licensed in the jurisdiction where supervision occurs. Students and supervisees should verify current requirements directly with the board and application instructions.

State-specific requirements

Applicants should review current Massachusetts and ASWB instructions for official transcripts, professional references, notarized criminal history acknowledgment/CORI materials, passport-style photo, fees, MassHealth enrollment review for LICSW applicants, renewal requirements, and continuing education. The board currently publishes CE requirements by license level: LICSW: 30 hours; LCSW: 20 hours; LSW: 15 hours; and LSWA: 10 hours per renewal cycle.

Contact Information

Massachusetts Board of Registration of Social Workers

Website: mass.gov/orgs/board-of-registration-of-social-workers

Phone: 617-624-6161

Email: swboard@mass.gov

Address: 250 Washington Street, Boston, MA 02108

Child, Family, and School Social Workers

Schools, child welfare agencies, family service organizations, and community programs

$67,880

Healthcare Social Workers

Hospitals, clinics, hospice, care coordination, and public health organizations

$72,280

Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workers

Behavioral health agencies, mental health clinics, substance use treatment centers

$64,960

Social Workers, All Other

Policy, administration, research, community development, and specialized social service roles

$94,000

All Occupations

Summary of all reported wages within the state across all job types

$62,270

Massachusetts Board of Registration of Social Workers

Official requirements for LCSW to LICSW or other state social work licenses, applications, supervised experience, exams, fees, and renewal rules. This should be the final source of truth for licensing questions.

CSWE Directory of Accredited Programs

Whether an MSW program is currently CSWE-accredited or in candidacy status. Students can search by school, state, degree level, and accreditation status.

ASWB Exam Information

Which social work licensing exams are available, how exam registration works, and what to expect from the exam process. Students should still confirm which exam their state requires.

National Council for State Authorization Reciprocity Agreements (NC-SARA)

Whether an institution participates in the State Authorization Reciprocity Agreements (SARA), which helps confirm whether it may offer distance education to students in other SARA states. Students can use this as a starting point for checking online enrollment authorization, but SARA participation does not confirm that an MSW program meets state social work licensure requirements. Students should also confirm state authorization directly with the school before applying.

School Professional Licensure Disclosures

Whether the school has determined that its MSW program meets, does not meet, or has not yet been determined to meet educational requirements for social work licensure in a student’s state. Students should review these disclosures before applying and follow up with the program or state licensing board if the information is unclear.

School Program Pages

Current admissions requirements, tuition, start dates, online format, advanced-standing options, field-placement policies, and whether the program currently accepts students from your state.