

Our full-time, two-year MSW program offers a rigorous curriculum, valuable field education opportunities, and the ability to customize your degree by selecting a specialization and field of practice and pursuing optional certificates in a range of subjects.
Throughout the program, you'll benefit from BCSSW's culture of support, including guidance and mentoring from professors, advisors, staff, and alumni. Our dedicated Career Services staff help you explore promising opportunities, connect with potential employers, polish résumés, and more. Our annual events include a job fair, alumni networking opportunities, and mock interviewing. Even after you graduate, you can participate in the Alumni Mentoring Program connecting young professionals with more seasoned social workers.
To have the greatest impact, it is crucial that our curriculum, field placements, and research be informed through collaboration with the people they are meant to serve. Our initiatives encourage our students to develop a more nuanced understanding of the challenges faced by specific populations, so they can move us closer to solutions. Learn more about the Black Leadership Initiative, Latinx Leadership Initiative, and Trauma Integration Initiative.
All students are able to choose their course of study (macro or clinical); one of six fields of practice; certificates that will help to build knowledge in subject-specific areas of social work; and two yearlong practicum experiences where coursework and experiential learning combine to support a well-rounded practitioner. With over 50 electives to choose from, students can customize their curriculum plan, deepen their knowledge, or venture into an area of practice that is new and fascinating.
In their first year, all clinical and macro MSW students take eight foundation and specialized practice courses that provide a theoretical, practice, policy, and research foundation for more advanced coursework.
In addition to your time in the classroom, you will also spend two days in the field—usually Monday and Tuesday—for a total of 16 hours per week.
By the end of your first semester, you will select a field of practice to further customize your degree.
Course # | Course Name | Credit Hours |
---|---|---|
SCWK 7721 | Human Behavior & the Social Environment | 3 |
SCWK 7723 | Rethinking Diversity: Systems of Oppression and Privilege | 3 |
SCWK 7762 | Basic Skills in Clinical Social Work | 3 |
SCWK 8800 | Basic Skills in Macro Social Work | 3 |
SCWK 9921 | Field Education I (16 hours per week) | 3 |
Course # | Course Name | Credit Hours |
---|---|---|
SCWK 7701 | Social Welfare System | 3 |
SCWK 7722 | Psychosocial Pathology | 3 |
SCWK 8855 | Clinical Practice with Children & Families: Assessment, Intervention & Evidence-based Practice | 3 |
SCWK 8856 | Clinical Practice with Adults: Assessment, Intervention & Evidence-based Practice | 3 |
SCWK 9932 | Field Education II-CSW (16 hours per week) | 3 |
Course Name | Credit Hours | |
---|---|---|
Elective | 3 | |
Elective | 3 |
Course # | Course Name | Credit Hours |
---|---|---|
SCWK 7721 | Human Behavior & the Social Environment | 3 |
SCWK 7723 | Rethinking Diversity: Systems of Oppression and Privilege | 3 |
SCWK 7762 | Basic Skills in Clinical Social Work | 3 |
SCWK 8800 | Basic Skills in Macro Social Work | 3 |
SCWK 9921 | Field Education I* | 3 |
Course # | Course Name | Credit Hours |
---|---|---|
SCWK 7701 | Social Welfare System | 3 |
SCWK 8833 | Leadership & Social Transformation | 3 |
SCWK 8888 | Community Engagement for Social Change | 3 |
SCWK 8889 | Social Innovation | 3 |
SCWK 9942 | Field Education II-Macro* | 3 |
Course Name | Credit Hours | |
---|---|---|
Elective | 3 | |
Elective | 3 |
*Field 2 days per week in first year.
In your second year, you will complete courses that fulfill your specialized practice (clinical or macro), field of practice, and certificate requirements.
You will also spend three days per week in the field—usually Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday.
Course # | Course Name | Credit Hours |
---|---|---|
SCWK 7747 | Research Methods in SW Practice | 3 |
Advanced Course in Field-of-Practice** | 3 | |
Elective (Clinical)*** | 3 | |
Elective | 3 | |
Elective (if not taken during summer) | 3 | |
SCWK 9933 | Field Education III-CSW**** | 4 |
Course # | Course Name | Credit Hours |
---|---|---|
SCWK 8841 | Program Evaluation | 3 |
Advanced Policy** | 3 | |
Elective (Clinical)*** | 3 | |
Elective (if not taken during summer) | 3 | |
SCWK 9934 | Field Education IV-CSW**** | 4 |
** See Final Year curriculum plans for Field-of-Practice requirements
*** 2 out of 5 electives must be taken in student’s specialized practice (Clinical or Macro), 1 of which must be taken concurrent with Field Education IV-CSW
**** Field 3 days per week in final year.
Course # | Course Name | Credit Hours |
---|---|---|
SCWK 7747 | Research Methods in SW Practice | 3 |
Advanced Practice in Field-of-Practice** | 3 | |
Elective (Macro)*** | 3 | |
Elective | 3 | |
Elective (if not taken during summer) | 3 | |
SCWK 9943 | Field Education III-Macro**** | 4 |
Course # | Course Name | Credit Hours |
---|---|---|
SCWK 8841 | Program Evaluation | 3 |
Advanced Policy** | 3 | |
Elective (Macro)*** | 3 | |
Elective (if not taken during summer) | 3 | |
SCWK 9944 | Field Education IV-Macro**** | 4 |
** See Final Year curriculum plans for Field-of-Practice requirements
*** 2 out of 5 electives must be taken in student’s specialized practice (Clinical or Macro), 1 of which must be taken concurrent with Field Education IV-Macro
**** Field 3 days per week in final year.
184
Class size
25%
Students who identify as AHANA*
*African-American, Hispanic, Asian, and Native American
3.61
Mean undergraduate GPA
You will choose between clinical or macro. The clinical program teaches students how to integrate evidence-based interventions. Macro social work aims to affect change within large systems at the community, organizational, and policy levels.
Within either specialized practice (clinical or macro), you will develop expertise by selecting a field of practice.
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.
With over 50 electives to choose from, students can customize their curriculum plan, deepen their knowledge, or venture into an area of practice that is new and fascinating.
The Field Education team will consult with you to organize the practicum experience that aligns with the social work perspective and build the skills and competencies needed as a master’s level practitioner.
To have the greatest impact, it is crucial that our curriculum, field placements, and research be informed through collaboration with the people they are meant to serve. Our initiatives encourage our students to develop a more nuanced understanding of the challenges faced by specific populations, so they can move us closer to solutions. Learn more about the Black Leadership Initiative, Latinx Leadership Initiative, and Trauma Integration Initiative.
MSW students can find community in the BCSSW student groups, including the Social Workers for Social Justice Committee, Social Work and Spirituality group, Umoja, Spectrum, and the Macro Social Work Student Group, among others.
Jesuits look inward and turn outward, transforming their reflection into action through ministry and service. St. Ignatius Loyola emphasized improving the world through education, advocacy for the poor, and missionary work—establishing a precedent for the Jesuits to work toward reducing the gap between rich and poor, combatting hatred, and helping those who have suffered or are still suffering to heal. Ministry is a service rooted in faith and marked by a sense of vocation.
They serve communities locally and across the globe, sustaining positive social change through critical work.
MSW
My experience at Boston College has allowed me to explore my wide range of passions such as promoting social justice with Social Workers for Social Justice, working as an RA to improve the BC community for the undergraduate students, working as a student manager for catering, and experiencing all aspects of social work.
Hometown: South Windsor, CT
Program: MSW, Clinical, Children, Youth & Families
Field placement: My first year field placement was with Higher Ground Boston at the David A. Ellis Elementary school in Roxbury, MA. For my second year, I am interning for the Massachusetts Mental Health Center PREP Program in Dorchester, MA.
Favorite BCSSW class or professor: My favorite class was Diversity & Cross Cultural Skills with RociÂo Calvo. This class was the very first class taken that was part of the Latino Leadership Initiative (LLI), therefore the class was taken in Spanish and highlighted specific problems related to Latino populations. Additionally, Rocio provided a perfect environment to create a strong community with other memebers in the LLI program. I believe this community has provided me with an incredible amount of support and perhaps friendships that may last a lifetime.
Dream job: My dream job is to create my own non-profit organization that focuses on promoting, advocating and teaching Social Emotional Learning to districts and schools nationwide.
Why BCSSW: I chose Boston College School of Social Work because of its nationally renowned social work program. Also, the various opportunities such as the LLI program, affinity groups and in residential life certainly contributed to my decision. The campus is not to shabby as well.
MSW
My experience at BCSSW has been marked by community, and I am really grateful to have made many friends and mentors through the dual degree program.
Hometown: Manila, Philippines, and Jakarta, Indonesia
Program: MSW, Clinical, Children, Youth & Families
What is one phrase you would use to describe your experience at BCSSW? Speak now. I am a big Taylor Swift fan and a typical question that I get asked is, "What Taylor Swift era are you in?" I often say that I am in my "Speak Now" era, because grad school, and in particular choosing the MSW and studying to become a social worker, has been such an empowering experience by helping me to find my voice and teaching me how to use it..
Why did you choose to study at BCSSW? I chose to study at BCSSW because of the MSW/MA dual degree program in social work and theology and ministry. I first learned about social work through service-immersion experiences that I had in undergrad that taught me about the connection between faith and social justice. I started to look into the field more seriously because of a call that I felt to serve and care for others and the common good, which was then affirmed by the intersections that I found between Catholic Social Teaching and the NASW Code of Ethics. e.
Describe your experience at BCSSW: Through this program, I have had numerous opportunities. The first being the gift of scholarships that made it possible for me to attend the program. I am also grateful to have been able to participate in a wide variety of field placements (hospital, university, and therapeutic school) as well graduate assistantships (both at the CSTM in the Admissions office and at the SSW in Career Services/Alumni Relations), which have felt like affirmations of my potential as both a future social worker and minister and have helped me to grow both professionally and personally.
MSW
The wealth of knowledge, the depth of relationships, and the richness within my personal groups have collectively manifested in abundant and diverse ways throughout my graduate experience.
Hometown: Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic
Program: Advanced Standing MSW program, Clinical, Children, Youth & Families
Why did you choose to study at BCSSW? My current supervisor is a graduate of BC, and I admire her social work skills, ethics, and commitment to the field, organization, and those working with her. I am also motivated by the diversity within the Latino community at BC.
Do you have a favorite class? One of my favorite classes was CBT with Jennifer Pugh. Professor Pugh was super helpful and willing to explain topics as much as needed, finding ways to ensure I truly comprehended the material. I took two classes with Professor Pugh, and in both, she was very practical and supportive of my learning at BC.
What do you hope to do after you complete the program? To further expand my clinical knowledge and skills, I am eager to continue working with the Latino community, especially those individuals with a history of trauma.
MSW
I have been able to engage on so many levels at BCSSW: with my classmates, professors, complex issues, complicated theories, clients, coworkers, etc. The list goes on and on!
Hometown: Canton, MA
Program: BA/MSW program, Clinical, Mental Health
Do you have a favorite class? Scott Easton is my favorite professor (hard to choose just one). Scott is incredibly smart and he knows how to connect with people; you don't always get this wonderful combination with PhDs! Becoming close with a male social worker was also very impactful for me, as there are not many male social workers that I have met—it was for these reasons that Scott became a mentor for me.
What do you hope to do after you complete the program? My goal is to begin working at a PHP (or similar program) where I can focus on doing individual, family, and group therapy. The human-to-human connection is the most gratifying part of this work for me, which is why I have struggled as a case manager. Eventually, I will join a psychodynamic/analytic institute and move into private practice, where I will primarily use psychodynamic approaches.
What has been the most meaningful relationship you have developed while at BCSSW? It's hard to pick, honestly. Meeting my friend Ellie Mendola (another student here) has certainly been one of the most gratifying things I've experienced here—she has become a friend for life (and we've had half-playful, half-serious discussions about eventually opening a group practice together). Getting to know Scott Easton has been wonderful, and he has become a bit of a mentor to me. I became close with Teresa Schirmer, dean of students, as well, and it was always fun to swing by her office every few months or so to check in and say hello.
MSW
I have learned so much about myself and what invaluable assets I can bring to the field social work. I now feel confident and proud calling myself a social worker.
Hometown: Guangzhou, China
Program: MSW program, Clinical, Mental Health
Describe your experience at BCSSW: I've had the opportunity of provide individual therapy to college students for my field placement. It is a well-resourced and well-supported training program. I am very grateful for the experience.
Do you have a favorite class? Professor Kathleen Flinton's Adult Psychological Trauma class. Professor Flinton is an expert clinician in trauma, and learning about theories, research, and practice in the trauma field are invaluable for my practice, helping me to better understand what trauma-informed care might look like in practice.
What do you hope to do after you complete the program? I plan to continue my work in clinical practice with adolescents. I also aim to get new experience working in a higher acuity setting, such as a partial hospitalization program or an inpatient unit.
MSW
Attending BCSSW has made a profound impact on my life. BCSSW offers a tremendous social work education, and has provided me the opportunity to further my knowledge in a field in which I am truly passionate.
Hometown: Westwood, MA
Program: MSW program, Clinical, Children, Youth & Families
What is one word you would use to describe your experience at BCSSW? Impactful. Through this program I have gained tools, insight, and knowledge that will propel me toward a future of helping others and making the changes I aspire to make.
Describe your experience at BCSSW: I've had the opportunity to take classes in various areas of interest such as trauma and dialectical behavioral therapy. I've had the opportunity to learn from inspiring professors and gained insight into their lived experiences in the field. What I feel most grateful for is the connections and friendships I've made here; through this program, I've had the opportunity to meet some incredible people who have become an important part of my life and, I'd like to think, will remain so for years to come.
Do you have a favorite class? I absolutely loved the diversity course I took with Melissa Bartholomew. This was my favorite class in the program due to the space she created; it was safe, open, and sacred, which created a space of deep learning. I also highly recommend Kathleen Flinton. She is phenomenal and has so much profound insight and wisdom to share about trauma from her own expertise and work in the field.
MSW
I was a first generation college student and the first in my family and extended to receive a masters degree. I completed two travel courses while at BC—Services to Migrants: A Border Perspective and Immigrant Integration: A Comparative Study of US and Italian Policies and Services.
Hometown: Providence, RI
Program: MSW, Clinical, Children, Youth & Families
Field placement: Academy of the Pacific Rim Charter School in Hyde Park, MA; Ascentria Care Alliance in Waltham, MA
Dream job: Having my own practice serving underserved populations especially Spanish-speaking folks.
Favorite BCSSW class or professor: Professor Rocio Calvo because of her enthusiasm, her ability to be direct and take you out of your comfort zone, and her abundant experience.
Why BCSSW: I decided on BCSSW because of their Latino Leadership Initiative (LLI) program and the tools it offered to students in order to work with Latinxs.
MSW
My macro studies inform my work as Director of Strategic Initiatives at the Ivy Street School, allowing me to integrate my social work practice in meaningful ways.
Hometown: Dedham MA
Program: Macro/CYF/Part Time
Which professor most impacted your experience? My favorite class (so far!) has been Creating the Inclusive Workplace: Concepts in Organizational Justice with Sam Bradley. In the course, we covered a wide range of topics related to equity and justice within organizations - concepts I had encountered in my own work, but didn't realize I could study. I took the course in the Summer 2020 semester, when the Black Lives Matter movement was at its height. Professor Bradley never failed to bring current events into class, allowing us space to process and connecting our course content to the very real issues being protested all around us. I looked forward to the course each week—unexpected for a summertime Zoom class—and felt that I left with a much deeper understanding of the challenges and opportunities faced by organizations.
Why does BCSSW work for you? As a part-time student, I can fully immerse in my SSW studies while also maintaining my full-time job. In addition to convenience, this model presents me the opportunity to connect my studies to my work experience, making me a better professional before I even graduate. My macro studies inform my work as Director of Strategic Initiatives at the Ivy Street School, allowing me to integrate my social work practice in meaningful ways. By synthesizing coursework, field, and my own work, I have been able to practice macro social work across several applied, real-world environments. Describe the community at BCSSW
What was the most meaningful relationship you developed while at SSW? I have been fortunate to connect with many of my classmates at the SSW. These relationships have given me worlds of insight into the various fields and specialties within social work. While my own view and experience is focused on my Children, Youth, and Families studies, my peers have expanded my knowledge by sharing their own work. In class, we are often jumping to apply concepts to our respective fields. This diversity is exciting for each of us and promotes a true understanding of the many applications of social work.
MSW
I knew I wanted to work in an international context, but with a social work framework. Global practice allowed me to explore that possibility and offered me a stepping-stone into work I'm really passionate about with a social justice mindset.
Hometown: Kinsale, Co. Cork, Ireland
Program: Macro & Global Practice
Which professor most impacted your experience? I have three that come to mind:
Why did BCSSW work for you? I knew I wanted to work in an international context, but with a social work framework. Global practice allowed me to explore that possibility and offered me a stepping-stone into work I'm really passionate about with a social justice mindset.
Describe the community at BCSSW: Probably the most meaningful relationships were those I developed with my peers across the program, I'm lucky enough to still have a close-knit group of friends I made during my two years at the SSW. Of course, I grew close to my global practice cohort, but I also formed close bonds with people in different fields of study, as well as within the clinical side of social work.
MSW
I have a lot of dream jobs and careers that branch out in many different directions. As of right now, my dream job is to run a family/school integration program in a K-5 or middle school.
Hometown: Philadelphia, PA
Program: MSW, Clinical, Mental Health
Field placements: Boston Trauma Response Team, Jamaica Plain, and Fenway Health Center, Fenway
Favorite BCSSW class or professor: Adult Trauma with LeAnn Egeto
Why BCSSW: BC was one of my top choices and I was thrilled to be accepted and to receive a generous financial aid package. I also believe that our current trend in the social work profession is developing respect for treatment modalities that differ or have developed significantly from psychotherapy. I think while BC has a lot of growing to do in many areas, the respect and research for different therapeutic modalities is excellent and was a great selling point for me.
100%
Of students receive a scholarship
48%
Faculty diversity
100%
Employment rate within 1 year of graduation
6
Weeks of average length of job search
Develop your skillset with an MSW degree.