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Improving the
Children, Youth, and Families
The Children, Youth, and Families field of practice—one of six academic pathways that include specialized coursework and field placements—trains future practitioners to address issues such as trauma, material hardship, and behavioral health.
The courses in the program help students understand the proximal and distal supports, challenges, and systemic barriers that either foster or hinder children and families from accessing and using services. Students apply what they learn in class to their field placements, where they gain real-world experience with organizations that complement their goals and passions. Our pedagogy, which melds the person-in-environment and strengths-based approaches, are paramount to student learning and the profession of social work.
- Clinical or Macro: Whether students choose the clinical or macro track, this specialized program prepares them to assess the mental health of individuals and families while implementing evidence-based interventions that improve the well-being of some of the most vulnerable people in Boston and beyond.
- Certificates: BCSSW students in the CYF field of practice often earn certificates in child welfare, school social work, and neuroscience and social work by taking a series of specific courses.
At a Glance
Program format:
In person
Are scholarships available?
When you submit your application for admission, you are automatically considered for BCSSW scholarships, fellowships, graduate assistantships, and research assistantships.
Overview
- All students can choose the following:
- Course of study (macro or clinical)
- One of six fields of practice, which requires both a practice and policy course in advanced practice
- Two yearlong practicum experiences where coursework and experiential learning combine to support a well-rounded practitioner
- Students can take five electives, which are the best way to customize their curriculum plan, to deepen their knowledge, or to venture into an area of practice that is new and fascinating.
Training in the field
Our students engage in direct social work practice in public schools, medical centers, government agencies, nonprofit organizations, and a wide range of settings in the human services sector. The Field Education team works with each student to ensure that they find an agency that aligns with their career goals.
Sample agency sites include:
- Boston Medical Center
- Boston Public Schools
- Boys & Girls Club of Watertown
- Cambridge Health Alliance
- Camp Harbor View
- Carroll Center for the Blind
- Catholic Charities
- Italian Home for Children
- Jesuit Refugee Service
- United Way
- Veterans’ Administration Medical Centers
Practice Specialty
You will choose between clinical and macro. The clinical program teaches students how to integrate evidence-based interventions. Macro social work aims to effect change within large systems at the community, organizational, and policy levels.
Fields of Practice
Within either specialized practice (clinical or macro), you will develop expertise by selecting one of six fields of practice.
Certificates
Build additional knowledge and specialized skills by completing an optional certificate. Certificates give students the opportunity to build knowledge in subject-specific areas of social work. Certificates require the completion of three specified courses within a chosen area.
Electives
Our MSW program consists of 12 required courses and 5 electives.
Each semester there are 50+ electives to choose from. With electives, students can customize their curriculum plan, deepen their knowledge, or venture into an area of practice that is new and fascinating.
5 tips for completing your application:
Personal Statement: Put time into your personal statement and tell us about yourself. What drives you to want to be a social worker? Who do you want to help and why?
References: Be sure to reach out to your contacts early so we can review your complete application. References should know you well enough to evaluate your potential in the field of social work.
Apply Early: The earlier you apply, the better chance you’ll have of getting more scholarships, tuition, and aid. Submit your application as soon as it’s ready.
Transcripts: Transcripts from all undergraduate and (if applicable) graduate schools attended are required for application review. Official transcripts may be sent electronically or in hard copy.
No GRE Required: We value your lived experience and look forward to seeing your potential as a future social worker. Think about ways you can stand out from the crowd in your personal statement.
Career Pathways
Improving the health and resilience of families
The career pathways are widely varied and ever-changing. As the behavioral health and social and emotional needs of children become better understood, social workers can continue to innovate and design care in many settings—including schools, community health care centers, and sports- and adventure-based organizations.
Other social workers are providing home-based family therapy and using technology in the form of games or virtual reality to improve the lives of children and their families.
Some of our recent graduates are now working in settings as diverse as:
- Boston Public Schools
- McLean Hospital
- The Home for Little Wanderers
Why BC School of Social Work?
Support to Help You Succeed
Advising Center
Access academic guidance, including course selection, certificate information, and tips for maintaining work/life balance.
Field Education Team
The BCSSW field education team will help you find your perfect match. The team facilitates connections with agencies so you don’t need to find practicum experiences on your own.
Career Services
Through individual appointments, programming, and events, BCSSW Career Services helps students attain their career goals by maintaining relationships with employers and alumni who share their knowledge, networks, and opportunities.
Social Work Library
Enjoy a dedicated space to study and access hundreds of research databases. The Social Work Library is located right in McGuinn Hall.
Advisors
Advisors support you throughout the program and range from full-time faculty members to active practitioners and leaders in various human services settings.
Start Your Social Work Journey
The BCSSW Admissions team is available to support students throughout the application process. Join us for a virtual information session or connect with a member of the Admissions team for a one-on-one chat.