MSW Program Pathways & Curriculum

Your MSW. Your Path. Your Impact.

MSW Program Pathways & Curriculum

Choose a flexible MSW pathway—full-time, part-time, advanced standing, or dual degree—and tailor your curriculum through Clinical or Macro practice, electives, research, and field education.

Application Deadlines: November 15 • January 15 • March 15 • Rolling
No GRE required. We value your lived experience.
Contact us: swadmit@bc.edu
Assistant Professor of Practice Carolyn Romano instructing students in class

Assistant Professor of Practice Carolyn Romano instructing students in class

Where Classroom Learning Meets Real-World Impact

Curriculum Plans

Full-time

Our full-time, two-year Master of Social Work (MSW) program offers a rigorous curriculum, valuable field education opportunities, and the ability to tailor your degree by selecting a specialization and field of practice and pursuing optional certificates in a range of subjects.

Class Profile

Average Age: 24

Average GPA: 3.7

Class of 2026-27

Foundation Year

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.Ìý

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 practiceÌýto further customize your degree.Ìý

Advanced Year

In your second year, you will complete courses that fulfill your specialized practice (clinical or macro), field of practice, and certificate requirements.ÌýÌý

You will also spend three days per week in the field—usually Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday.

Part-time

Our part-time MSW program offers the rigorous curriculum and valuable field experience of our full-time program in a flexible format that accommodates your busy schedule.Ìý

For the working professional: The program is designed with the working professional in mind, allowing students to earn their MSW in three or four years.

Human Services Setting: For those working in human services settings, the part-time program provides classroom learning that supports your work experience. Classes meet once per week and run between 8 a.m. and 9 p.m. to accommodate your schedule. The opportunity to use your current job as a practicum opens the door for working people to continue to earn a living while pursuing an MSW.

Class Profile

Average Age: 30

Average GPA: 3.5

Class of 2026-27

Three-year Program

The three-year program divides the equivalent of the full-time foundation year into two years. You will take two courses each semester for the first year. In your second year, you will be considered a full time student. You will take three courses per semester, which includes the field education courses, for a total of 9 credits. During your final year, you will have a full-time course load, which includes the field education courses.Ìý

If you are interested in more flexibility, you may extend the program to a fourth year by dividing your final year of coursework into two years.

Clinical Program

Macro Program

Four-year Program

In the four-year program, you will take two courses each semester for the duration of the program.

Field Education is taken during the second and fourth years of the four-year program. During the second year, you will spend two days per week in the field and increase to three days per week during the fourth year.

Clinical Program

Macro Program

Advanced Standing

The Advanced Standing MSW is an accelerated program that allows you to complete your master's degree in only three semesters, so you can start making a positive change in your community sooner.

For Students with a BSW: Our Advanced Standing program was developed for students who have already proven their commitment to improving vulnerable lives by earning a bachelor’s degree in social work (BSW) from a program accredited by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE).Ìý

Start Dates: Advanced Standing MSW students can choose from two accelerated tracks — one that begins in January and one that begins in May.

Coursework: All students are able to choose their course of study (macro or clinical); one of six fields of practice, and over 50 electives. Advanced Standing students can complete up to two certificates. Advanced Standing students take courses and have field placements over three semesters.

Class Profile

Average Age: 22

Average GPA: 3.7

Class of 2026-27

January Start Advanced Standing Curriculum Plan

Apply for the January start if:

  • You want to complete the program in 16 months.
  • You are interested in Clinical or Macro Specialized Practice.
  • You will choose one of the following fields of practice:Ìý
    • Black Leadership
    • Children, Youth, and Families
    • Global Practice
    • Health
    • Mental Health

May Start Advanced Standing Curriculum Plan

Apply for the May start if:

  • You want to complete the program in 12 months.
  • You are interested in the Clinical Specialized Practice only.
  • You will choose one of the following fields of practice:Ìý
    • Black Leadership
    • Children, Youth, and Families
    • Health
    • Mental Health

Stuart Hall

MSW/JD Dual Degree

The MSW/JD Dual degree Program is designed for students who are interested in serving the combined legal and social needs of individuals, families, groups, and communities. The program reflects the University’s mission to educate individuals who are committed to working with the poor, the powerless, and the disadvantaged. It is intended for persons who wish to combine social work knowledge and intervention skills with legal knowledge and practice skills to better serve their clients or constituencies. Students admitted to the program may expect to receive both the Master of Social Work (MSW) and the Juris Doctor (JD) degrees in four years rather than the normal five years. Graduating students will be eligible to take the bar and social work licensing exams.

Students must be accepted independently by both schools and registered as a full-time students throughout the program. For more information, contact:

Boston College School of Social Work
swadmit@bc.edu
617–552–4024

Boston College Law School
bclawadm@bc.edu
617–552–4351

A student's agreement to join the MSW/JD dual degree program is accompanied by agreement to follow the published curriculum plan below.

View the MSW/JD Curriculum Plan

Main campus in spring, photographed for general stock use and for possible Viewbook options. Fulton Hall.

MSW/MBA Dual Degree

The MSW/MBA Dual Degree Program was developed by both the School of Social Work (×ÔοÊÓƵSSW) and the Carroll Graduate School of Management (CGSOM). The purpose is to provide professionals with a unique knowledge base combining the skills and credentials of management and social work. Students interested in the dual degree program must be admitted independently to the respective schools.

For more information, contact:

Boston College School of Social Work
swadmit@bc.edu
617–552–4024

Carroll School of Management
bcmba@bc.edu
617–552–3920

A student's agreement to join the MSW/MBA dual degree program is accompanied by agreement to follow the published curriculum plan below.

View the MSW/MBA Curriculum Plan

Brighton Campus, Boston College, School of Theology and Ministry, STM, 9 Lake Street, Brighton, MA.

MSW/MA Dual Degree

The dual degree—Master of Social Work and Master in Theology and Ministry—is designed for students who are interested in serving both the pastoral and social needs of individuals, families, groups and communities. The program reflects the University’s mission to educate individuals who are committed to the pursuit of social justice. A specific goal is to develop the skills and credentials necessary to plan, administer, and/or provide social services within a local church or church-related agency. Students admitted to the program may expect to receive both the Master of Arts in Theology and Ministry (MA) and the Master of Social Work (MSW) degrees in approximately three years of full-time study (more if approved for part-time study by the SSW).Ìý

To enroll, you must be accepted independently by both schools.ÌýFor more information, contact:

Boston College School of Social Work
swadmit@bc.edu
617–552–4024

School of Theology and Ministry
stmadm@bc.edu
617–552–6506

A student's agreement to join the MSW/MA dual degree program is accompanied by agreement to follow the published curriculum plan below.

View the MSW/MA Curriculum Plan

BA/MSW Dual Degree

Boston College undergraduates have the opportunity to apply for a combined BA/MSW program, which enables them to earn both degrees in a streamlined timeframe. This option allows students to begin graduate-level coursework during their undergraduate studies, saving time and tuition costs while advancing more quickly toward professional practice.

McGuinn Hall, Graduate School of Social Work.

BA/MSW Dual Degree

Through Boston College’s Bachelor of Arts and Master of Social Work Dual Degree Program, qualified Boston College undergraduates can complete both a BA—in Sociology, Psychology, Neuroscience, Applied Psychology and Human Development, or Transformative and Educational Studies—and an MSW in only five years. Students begin direct service work and social work foundation courses during their junior and senior years, earning a BA at the end of four years.Ìý Once students have graduated with a BA, they are re-evaluated for full acceptance into the MSW Program.Ìý After completing one more full-time year, students will graduate with an MSW.

To apply, you must submit a fee-free electronic application in your sophomore year along with your Boston College transcript, two recommendations, and a two-to-three-page personal statement. For more information, contact the program liaison for your department.

View the Morrissey College of Arts & Sciences Curriculum Plan

View the Lynch School of Education and Human Development Curriculum Plan

Design an MSW Experience Built Around You

Tailor your Degree

Clinical or Macro

Clinical teaches evidence-based interventions with individuals, families, and groups. Macro effects change with large systems—community, organizational, and policy levels.Ìý

Practice Specialty

Training in the field

Direct practice and mentorship at one of our 1,000+ agency partners—matched to your career goals and passions.Ìý

Field Education

Field of Practice ConcentrationsÌý

Customize your MSW through specialized fields of practice, including Black Leadership, Children, Youth, and Families, Global Practice, Health, Latinx Communities, and Mental Health.

Concentrations

InitiaitvesÌý

Our initiatives encourage you to develop a more nuanced understanding of the challenges faced by specific populations, helping us move closer to solutions.

Initiatives

Optional Certificates

Enhance your MSW with specialized certificates that build advanced skills, expand career opportunities, and prepare you for high-impact practice.

Certificates

Electives

Each semester, there are 50+ electives to choose from. With electives, you can customize your curriculum plan, deepen your knowledge, or venture into an area of practice that is new and fascinating.

Electives

One Degree. Countless Possibilities.

Start your social work journey

Shape your MSW experience with the academic pathways, practical experiences, and specialized training that prepare you to lead in the areas that matter most to you.

Questions? Contact us: swadmit@bc.edu
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