Top Online MSW Programs: Massachusetts

Profiling 3 Top Online MSW Programs in Massachusetts

Below, we spotlight three accredited universities in Massachusetts offering online or hybrid MSW programs. Each summary covers the program structure and online learning features, with a link to the MSW program page for more details.

Popular MSW Concentrations and Fields

Massachusetts offers diverse career paths for MSW graduates. Below are five top MSW specializations in the state, chosen for their strong job prospects, return on investment (ROI), and availability in Massachusetts social work programs.

Clinical Mental Health and Addictions

This is a top field due to the high demand for licensed clinicians in Massachusetts. Rising rates of youth depression and substance use disorders are driving the need for mental health social workers. Clinical MSW programs train you to provide therapy and addiction counseling, and Massachusetts licenses (LCSW/LICSW) enable independent practice.

The ROI is strong – clinical social workers often earn higher salaries in private practice or medical settings. Many MSW programs in MA, including Simmons and BU, offer clinical tracks, and the Bureau of Labor Statistics projects 13% national job growth for social workers.

Child, Family, and School

With a large population of youth in the state under the age of 18, there’s a critical need for social workers who support children and families. This specialization leads to careers in child welfare agencies, family service nonprofits, and K-12 schools. Massachusetts faces challenges like thousands of children involved with the Department of Children and Families each year, and urban school districts seeking mental health support for students. 

MSW programs often include child and family practice or school social work concentrations, including tracks tied to licensing. The job outlook is steady, as protecting children’s well-being and strengthening families remain perennial priorities.

Healthcare or Medical

Massachusetts is renowned for its healthcare sector, with world-class hospitals in Boston and a large aging population. Medical and health social workers are in high demand to help patients navigate healthcare systems, cope with illness, and transition after hospitalization. In fact, the cluster of major hospitals in Boston provides a large industry for social workers.

MSW programs in the state often offer specializations in health or integrated behavioral health. Graduates can become licensed clinical social workers in healthcare settings like hospitals, clinics, nursing homes, or hospice, roles that often come with competitive salaries and robust job growth. 

Macro Social Work & Policy Practice

Macro practice is a top field for those interested in systemic change and leadership. Massachusetts has a rich landscape of nonprofits, advocacy organizations, and government agencies that value policy-focused social workers. Inequalities in access to services require professionals who can design programs, influence policy, and lead organizations. 

An MSW with a macro concentration prepares you for roles such as program director, policy analyst, community organizer, or nonprofit executive. While not as large in number as clinical jobs, macro social work positions often come with higher leadership salaries, yielding a strong ROI for those who advance to management.  

Gerontology and Aging Social Work

With the state’s aging population (more than 17% of MA residents are 65+), gerontological social work is emerging as an important specialization. Social workers focused on older adults work in elder services agencies, senior centers, healthcare, and long-term care facilities. They help seniors and their families navigate challenges related to aging, such as dementia care, end-of-life planning, and accessing resources. 

While this field may not have the highest salaries initially, the ROI can be solid given the abundance of jobs in healthcare and social assistance settings serving elders, and the personal fulfillment gained by improving quality of life for seniors.

Online Illinois MSW Program Accreditation

When evaluating MSW programs, accreditation is critical – it ensures that you will be qualified for professional licensure and that the program meets professional standards. Massachusetts is like most states in that you must earn your MSW from a program accredited by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE) to become a licensed social worker.

CSWE accreditation means the curriculum aligns with national quality guidelines and the NASW Code of Ethics, covering essential competencies in social work practice. This accreditation is a mark of academic rigor and professional relevance, ensuring graduates will meet licensure requirements.

Individual Types of MSW Programs

Most schools offer both full-time and part-time enrollment, allowing you to decide how quickly to complete the degree based on your schedule. There are also specialized tracks like advanced standing and hybrid programs that blend online learning with some face-to-face sessions. Below, we break down three common types of online MSW programs in MA.

Part-Time Online MSW Programs

Many Massachusetts schools offer part-time online MSW options designed for people who have already started their careers. Part-time programs typically spread the 60-65 credits over three or four years instead of the usual two. The big advantage is flexibility – you can continue your job and apply what you learn in real time.  

Advanced Standing Online MSW Programs

These programs recognize your prior social work education, allowing you to skip the foundational MSW courses and complete the master’s degree in as little as 12–18 months full-time. They usually consist of 30–37 credits (instead of 60+), focusing on advanced coursework and a clinical or macro specialization. This significantly reduces the time and tuition cost to obtain your MSW.  

Hybrid Online MSW Programs

Hybrid MSW programs blend the convenience of online learning with the benefits of occasional in-person instruction. The pros of hybrid programs include building a local professional network and having live discussions or hands-on training during on-campus sessions.  The downside is the need to commute to campus periodically, which might be difficult if you live far away or have a very tight schedule.

Online MSW Programs Cost Breakdown

The tuition costs for online master’s programs can vary by institution, but Massachusetts’ MSW programs generally follow a per-credit pricing model. A full 60-65 credit MSW program might total anywhere from about $30,000 on the low end to $80,000+ on the high end. 

One benefit: many online programs charge the same tuition for in-state and out-of-state students. Online learners can sometimes save on expenses like commuting or campus fees, though you should budget for technology fees or occasional travel if your program has any on-site components.

Below is a snapshot of three online MSW programs in MA and their tuition figures:

Your Questions, Answered: MSW FAQs

What are the typical admissions requirements for an online MSW program in Massachusetts?

Most MSW programs require you to have a bachelor’s degree in any field for standard admission, or a BSW for advanced standing. You’ll need to submit college transcripts, usually with a 3.0 GPA or higher, and some personal writing examples, such as an essay about your interest in social work.

If you’re applying for advanced standing, programs typically expect your BSW to be earned within the last 5–6 years. Be sure to check each school’s specific admission requirements, as some may ask for prerequisite coursework or volunteer/work experience in human services.

How do field placements work for online MSW students?

As an online student in Massachusetts, you’ll work with your school’s field education office to arrange local placements near where you live. You might complete, for example, a foundation-year placement in a community organization (around 16 hours/week) and an advanced clinical placement in a hospital or mental health clinic (~20+ hours/week).

These internships are usually unpaid and occur concurrently with your online coursework. Be prepared to adjust your schedule – field hours are often completed during regular business hours, so if you work full-time, you may need to do a reduced work schedule or use vacation time on internship days.

Can I work full-time while pursuing my MSW online?

Many students do work while in an online MSW, especially in the first part of the program, thanks to the flexibility of online classes. Most Massachusetts online programs offer part-time enrollment and asynchronous coursework, meaning you can study during evenings or weekends.

However, keep in mind the field placement requirements – during those internship periods, juggling full-time work becomes more challenging. You’ll typically need to dedicate 2–3 weekdays for fieldwork in your second year (or spread out part-time if you choose an extended program).

Will an online MSW degree qualify me for social work licensure in Massachusetts?

Absolutely. Massachusetts makes no distinction between online and on-campus MSW degrees when it comes to licensing – what matters is that your program is CSWE-accredited. All the online MSW programs discussed here are accredited and will fully qualify you to pursue licensure.

After completing your MSW, you’ll be eligible to become a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) in MA by passing the ASWB Master’s Exam and applying to the Board of Registration of Social Workers. If you aim to do clinical practice, you’ll work under supervision for about 2 years (post-MSW) and accumulate the required hours to become a Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker (LICSW). You’ll need to pass the ASWB Clinical exam at that stage.

What support services can I expect as an online MSW student in Massachusetts?

Online MSW programs typically offer a range of support services to ensure you succeed. You’ll have an academic advisor or dedicated student success coach who guides you from enrollment to graduation, helping you plan courses and navigate any challenges. Faculty are accessible via email, discussion boards, and virtual office hours to provide mentorship and answer questions.

Some programs facilitate peer connections through cohort meetups on Zoom or LinkedIn/Facebook groups for online students. Massachusetts universities also extend many campus resources to online students, including online library access, writing centers, and tutoring services.

What to Expect: Social Worker Career Outlook