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Social Worker

Social work school programs

You support individuals and families with mental health, healthcare, housing, and other social service needs. In some roles, you may also provide therapy.

Training: Bachelor’s degree for some roles; clinical positions require a master’s degree in social work and licensure.
Time to start: About 4–7 years depending on role.
Next steps: Learn about social work career paths and identify accredited social work programs.

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School programs

Anna Maria College – Social Work

Provides undergraduate and graduate social work education focused on advocacy, clinical support, and community services.

  • Pre-requisite education: High school diploma for bachelor’s programs; bachelor’s degree for MSW programs.

  • Estimated time to finish: 4 years for bachelor’s programs; 2 years for MSW programs.

  • Typical application months November–March

Learn More about Anna Maria College – Social Work

Boston College – School of Social Work

Offers nationally recognized social work education emphasizing clinical practice, policy, and social justice

  • Pre-requisite education: Bachelor’s degree required for graduate social work programs.

  • Estimated time to finish: Approximately 2 years for MSW programs.

  • Typical application months November–January

Learn More about Boston College – School of Social Work

Boston University – School of Social Work

Provides social work education with concentrations in clinical practice, macro practice, and integrated behavioral health.

  • Pre-requisite education: Bachelor’s degree required for MSW programs.

  • Estimated time to finish: Approximately 2 years for MSW programs.

  • Typical application months November–January

Learn More about Boston University – School of Social Work

Bridgewater State University – School of Social Work

Offers bachelor’s and master’s social work programs preparing students for community and clinical practice.

  • Pre-requisite education: High school diploma for undergraduate programs; bachelor’s degree for graduate admission.

  • Estimated time to finish: 4 years for bachelor’s programs; 2 years for graduate programs.

  • Typical application months November–January

Learn More about Bridgewater State University – School of Social Work

Boston University-Wheelock College – Social Work and Youth Services

Provides social work and youth services education centered on child, family, and community wellbeing.

  • Pre-requisite education: High school diploma or equivalent required.

  • Estimated time to finish: Approximately 4 years for bachelor’s programs.

  • Typical application months November–January

Learn More about Boston University-Wheelock College – Social Work and Youth Services

Clark University – Social Services

Provides social work-related education focused on human services, advocacy, and community engagement.

  • Pre-requisite education: High school diploma or equivalent required.

  • Estimated time to finish: Approximately 4 years.

  • Typical application months November–January

Learn More about Clark University – Social Services

Elms College – Social Work

Offers social work education grounded in ethics, service, and community-based practice.

  • Pre-requisite education: High school diploma required for bachelor’s programs.

  • Estimated time to finish: Approximately 4 years.

  • Typical application months November–January

Learn More about Elms College – Social Work

Gordon College – Psychology + Human Services

Offers social work programs integrating clinical skills, ethics, and community service learning.

  • Pre-requisite education: High school diploma or equivalent required.

  • Estimated time to finish: Approximately 4 years.

  • Typical application months November–January

Learn More about Gordon College – Psychology + Human Services

Lesley University – Social Work

Provides social work education emphasizing trauma-informed care, inclusion, and community mental health.

  • Pre-requisite education: Bachelor’s degree required for graduate programs.

  • Estimated time to finish: Approximately 2 years for graduate programs.

  • Typical application months November–March

Learn More about Lesley University – Social Work

Regis College – Social Work

Offers social work education preparing students for clinical and community-based human services careers.

  • Pre-requisite education: High school diploma for undergraduate programs; bachelor’s degree for MSW programs.

  • Estimated time to finish: 4 years for bachelor’s programs; 2 years for graduate programs.

  • Typical application months November–March

Learn More about Regis College – Social Work

Salem State University – Social Work

Provides undergraduate and graduate social work education with pathways into clinical and community practice.

  • Pre-requisite education: High school diploma for undergraduate programs; bachelor’s degree for graduate admission.

  • Estimated time to finish: 4 years for bachelor’s programs; 2 years for graduate programs.

  • Typical application months November–March

Learn More about Salem State University – Social Work

Simmons University – School of Social Work

Offers social work education with strong clinical preparation and field placement opportunities.

  • Pre-requisite education: High school diploma for undergraduate programs; bachelor’s degree for graduate programs.

  • Estimated time to finish: 4 years for bachelor’s programs; approximately 2 years for MSW programs.

  • Typical application months November–March

Learn More about Simmons University – School of Social Work

Smith College – School for Social Work

Provides advanced clinical social work education with a focus on social justice and direct practice.

  • Pre-requisite education: Bachelor’s degree required for graduate admission.

  • Estimated time to finish: Approximately 2 years.

  • Typical application months November–March

Learn More about Smith College – School for Social Work

Springfield College – Social Work

Offers undergraduate and graduate social work education emphasizing leadership, ethics, and community engagement.

  • Pre-requisite education: High school diploma for undergraduate admission; bachelor’s degree for graduate admission.

  • Estimated time to finish: 4 years for bachelor’s programs; approximately 2 years for graduate programs.

  • Typical application months November–March

Learn More about Springfield College – Social Work

University of Massachusetts Boston – Human Services 

Provides social work education focused on urban communities, behavioral health, and public service.

  • Pre-requisite education: High school diploma for undergraduate programs; bachelor’s degree for graduate programs.

  • Estimated time to finish: 4 years for undergraduate programs; approximately 2 years for MSW programs.

  • Typical application months November-June

Learn More about University of Massachusetts Boston – Human Services 

Westfield State University – Social Work

Offers social work education focused on advocacy, community practice, and clinical preparation.

  • Pre-requisite education: High school diploma for undergraduate programs; bachelor’s degree for graduate programs.

  • Estimated time to finish: 4 years for bachelor’s programs; approximately 2 years for graduate programs.

  • Typical application months November-January

Learn More about Westfield State University – Social Work

Western New England University & Springfield College – JD/MSW Dual Degree Program

Offers an integrated law and social work education that prepares students for careers at the intersection of behavioral health, advocacy, public policy, and community services.

  • Pre-requisite education: Bachelor’s degree required for graduate admission.

  • Estimated time to finish: Approximately 4 years full-time.

  • Typical application months November–March (July for Online)

Learn More about Western New England University & Springfield College – JD/MSW Dual Degree Program

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