Best Online Master of Social Work Programs in Massachusetts (MA)
A Master of Social Work (MSW) degree program in Massachusetts could be a good fit for students who are naturally empathetic and enjoy working with a variety of people. Residents of Massachusetts and beyond increasingly need access to social services, due to population growth and aging.
Approximately 67,300 job openings for social workers were projected each year between 2023 and 2033, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. In Massachusetts, more than 4,200 children were on waiting lists to receive help for behavioral health issues as of December 2023, as reported by the Boston Globe.
In this STEPS guide, we’ll provide information on the best online MSW degree programs in Massachusetts to help prospective students become social workers who can fill that gap.
Traditional MSW Programs in Massachusetts
While graduates with a bachelor’s degree can become social workers, there are limits on what they can do. Students who want to assess clients’ needs, create plans, and/or offer counseling need to earn an MSW degree. These programs typically take two years to complete. They’re available in a variety of formats, including online, on-campus, hybrid, part-time, full-time, accelerated, and extended.
Westfield State University
Westfield State University offers a Master of Social Work (MSW) degree program. It combines the convenience of online learning with the energy of a live classroom setting. Both online and on-campus classes are held Monday and Thursday nights from 5:15 p.m. to 9 p.m.
Students learn skills needed to be an effective changemaker and help people in need. Supported by experienced professionals, they must complete two practicums as they hone clinical skills.
Duration: 66 credits (for regular full-time and part-time students)/37 credits (for advanced standing students)
Mode: Online or on-campus
Cost: $546 per credit (tuition and fees)
Curriculum:
- Mental Health and Children
- Practice With Families
- Diversity and Social Justice
MSW Programs That Don’t Require GRE Scores
By finding an MSW degree program that does not require GRE scores, students can alleviate the stress and expense of preparing for that exam while they work. Many schools dropped standardized test requirements, and others made them optional. However, a strong GRE score could bolster an application to an MSW degree program for students whose GPA is low (at some schools).
Simmons College
Simmons College offers a Master of Social Work (MSW) degree program that is designed for major flexibility. Students can choose from four online options: standard full-time, which requires 65 credits and can be completed in approximately 23 months; accelerated full-time, which requires 65 credits and can be completed in approximately 16 months; advanced standing, which requires 34 credits and can be completed in approximately 16 months; and extended, which requires 65 credits and can be completed in approximately 32 months.
These programs do not require a GRE score for admission. On-campus programs are available, as well.
Duration: 23 months
Mode: Online
Cost: $1,165 per credit (tuition and fees for standard full-time option)
Curriculum:
- Social Policy and Social Work in Communities and Organizations
- Dynamics of Racism and Oppression
- Human Behavior in the Social Environment
MA’s Advanced-Standing MSW Programs
Students who already earned a bachelor’s degree in social work from an accredited school or program can complete an MSW degree program more quickly with an advanced standing program. The amount of time needed for completion varies by program and full-time or part-time status.
University of Massachusetts Global
University of Massachusetts Global offers a Master of Social Work (MSW) degree program. Students who earned a bachelor’s degree in social work from a program that’s accredited by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE) can complete the 39-credit program in approximately one year.
A GRE score is not required for this program. Applicants must have a minimum 3.0 GPA and submit a personal narrative and official transcripts. The program is not available to residents of all states.
MSW students at University of Massachusetts Global can add a Pupil Personnel Services Credential in School Social Work with Child Welfare and Attendance authorization by taking three additional classes. The school also offers a standard two-year program for students without a qualifying undergraduate degree.
Duration: One year
Mode: Online
Cost: $730 per credit hour (tuition for regular students)
Curriculum:
- Social Work Practice with Individuals and Families
- Diversity and Social Justice
- Human Behavior and the Social Environment
Part-Time MSW Programs in MA
Part-time MSW degree programs offer several advantages. Students don’t need to commute to campus and can balance other responsibilities with their studies. Also, the cost of part-time programs can be spread out, so students might not need to take out loans to pay for the program.
Salem State University
Salem State University offers an online Master of Social Work (MSW) degree program. It prepares students to provide direct services to clients. Weekly classes are held from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m., and some classes are asynchronous. The program requires two field practicums and offers classes during spring, summer, and fall semesters.
Up to two in-person meetings are required each academic year. Applicants must have a minimum 3.0 GPA; if their GPA is lower, they are required to take the GRE or the Miller Analogies Test. Applicants must submit a professional statement and a writing sample and hold a bachelor’s degree with a strong focus on social or behavioral sciences.
Duration: Three years
Mode: Hybrid
Cost: $9,255.60 (tuition and fees for in-state students)/$10,967.40 (tuition and fees for out-of-state students)
Curriculum:
- Human Behavior and the Social Environment
- Evidence-Based Social Work
- Integrated Practice and Theory for Adults and Families
FAQs from Massachusetts MSW Students
What are the requirements for becoming a licensed social worker in Massachusetts?
All social workers must be licensed in Massachusetts. The application fee for a first license is $173 for students who hold an MSW degree or a doctoral degree. They must take the Association of Social Work Boards (ASWB) licensing exam, which costs $230.
The license that students pursue determines which test they must take. They’ll take the clinical exam to become a Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker (LICSW), and they’ll take the master’s exam to become a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW).
How often do I have to renew my social worker license?
Licenses must be renewed every two years, on your birthday. LICSWs need 30 hours of continuing education, and LCSWs need 20 hours. Renewal fees are $82 for LICSWs and $68 for LCSWs.
How important is accreditation of an MSW degree program?
Choosing an MSN degree program that’s accredited by the CSWE is crucial. Otherwise, you might not meet licensure requirements, and you’re unable to practice as a social worker.
The CSWE search tool shows 12 accredited programs in Massachusetts, including those listed above plus others at Springfield College, Merrimack College, and Lesley University, which was granted initial accreditation recently. Accredited programs offer a mix of on-campus, online, part-time, full-time, and advanced standing options.
Is financial aid available for MSW degree programs?
Yes; financial aid is available for MSW degree programs. To keep costs in line, start by investigating the most affordable online MSW degree programs. Students should submit a completed FAFSA form and meet with their school’s financial aid office to learn about payment options.
Scholarships can be helpful, so students should start their search early and apply for any scholarship that is a good fit for their experience and career goals. They should consider whether a program is structured so they can keep working while they study and look for graduate assistantships or similar options.
What career choices will I have with an MSW degree?
Social work covers a wide variety of fields, so many options for jobs are available. As you consider what to do with an MSW degree, think about the fields that you’re passionate about. Child welfare, mental health, criminal justice and corrections, policy and planning, research, substance abuse, and many other topics are part of social work.
Graduates can work in a school, for the health department or other governmental agencies, for a non-profit organization, in a health system, or in private practice.
Massachusetts Social Work Salaries for MSW Grads
| Area | Occupation | 10th Percentile | 90th Percentile | Median |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| U.S. | Social Workers | $39,580 | $104,580 | $63,770 |
| Massachusetts | Social Workers | $49,000 | $108,700 | $82,910 |
| Boston-Cambridge-Nashua, MA-NH | Social Workers | $49,000 | $108,700 | $82,910 |
| Springfield, MA-CT | Social Workers | $57,100 | $111,680 | $93,060 |
| Worcester, MA-CT | Social Workers | $45,860 | $111,800 | $93,160 |
Source: Social Workers, Occupational Employment and Wages, May 2023, U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Data based on national numbers, not school-specific information.
| Area | Occupation | Curr. Jobs | Proj. Jobs | New Jobs | Growth % |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| United States | Social Workers | 68,400 | 72,900 | 4,500 | 6.60% |
| Massachusetts | Social Workers | 270 | 290 | 20 | 7.40% |
Source: Projections Central
Data based on national numbers, not school-specific information.
Resources for MSW Students in Massachusetts
As you decide on an MSW degree program in Massachusetts, you should also seek additional resources to make the most of your education. The resources listed below offer additional support and guidance for students and graduates of MSW degree programs.
- Clinical Social Work Association (CSWA): The Massachusetts chapter of this organization provides news, advocacy, continuing education, networking, job boards, mentor and supervisor matching, and more. Graduates can sign up for issue alerts and find clinical practice resources and educational events.
- Massachusetts Board of Registration of Social Workers: Through this site, graduates can apply for or renew a social worker license, get updates related to licensing, and review board policies and guidelines.
- MetroWest Health Foundation Scholarship: This scholarship is designed for students who live in one of 25 towns in the MetroWest area and are accepted into a nursing, medical, or clinical program, including MSW programs. Awards are based on financial need, GPA, an essay, and a letter of recommendation.
- National Association of Black Social Workers (NABSW): The NABSW has chapters in Greater Boston and MetroWest Massachusetts and at Simmons University. The organization focuses on advocacy, human services delivery, and research to enhance quality of life and empower people of African ancestry.
- National Association of Social Workers (NASW) – Massachusetts Chapter: The NASW is the largest membership organization of professional social workers in the world. It advocates for legislation, offers career services and a mentor program, and publishes an e-newsletter and magazine.
Best Online MSW Programs in Massachusetts
Flexible study, asynchronous coursework, and affordable tuition make online programs ideal alternatives to traditional on-campus programs, especially for working students. We ranked only schools that are accredited by the U.S. Department of Education and offer career and academic support services.
The rankings below are based on the number of online programs that a school offers, the percentage of students in online programs, tuition, and available financial aid. We also considered student retention rates, student-to-faculty ratios, and graduation rates. Read on to see which schools were ranked highest.
Simmons University
Boston, Massachusetts
Private
Regis College
Weston, Massachusetts
Private
Westfield State University
Westfield, Massachusetts
Public
Boston University
Boston, Massachusetts
Private
