6 Affordable Online Social Work Degrees in Massachusetts

Affordable online social work degree programs are designed to prepare students for various careers in social services. These programs emphasize comprehensive coursework, strong ethical foundations, and essential fieldwork practicums.

Pursuing a social work degree can open doors to a fulfilling career dedicated to helping others, and many affordable online colleges in Massachusetts offer a range of options to support this career path.

Each of these top affordable programs meets the accreditation standards of the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE), ensuring students receive a rigorous and relevant education.

Affordable Online Social Work Degree Programs in Massachusetts

An online bachelor's degree in social work is generally flexible but also more cost effective than traditional programs. These accredited low-cost online degrees below provide an accessible and convenient way for students in Massachusetts to pursue higher education more affordably.

1. University of Massachusetts

UMass Global offers a fully online Bachelor of Arts in Social Work (BASW) program that equips students with practical skills for entry-level roles in social services. The curriculum emphasizes advocacy, cultural awareness, and ethical standards.

Students can expect courses to cover key areas like social welfare policy, human behavior, and research methods. They will also gain hands-on experience through internships in various social service settings, allowing them to apply their knowledge and practical skills to real-world scenarios preparing them for their social work professions.

2. Merrimack College

Merrimack College provides a flexible, online Master of Social Work (MSW) program with options for part-time or full-time enrollment. This program focuses on trauma-informed and culturally responsive social work. Students can choose from specializations in school social work, community engagement, and mental health.

An advanced standing program is available for bachelor's degree graduates, accelerating their path to an MSW. The curriculum includes clinical assessment, intervention planning, and ethics, with 900 hours of fieldwork to ensure comprehensive training and a well-rounded education.

3. Bridgewater State University

Bridgewater State University offers an online Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) program focusing on generalist social work practice. The curriculum focuses on critical thinking, policy analysis, and hands-on fieldwork in collaboration with local agencies, providing a well-rounded educational experience.

The program, which emphasizes serving diverse populations with a commitment to ethical service delivery, prepares graduates for direct practice and generalist practice roles or graduate studies, such as a master's degree in social work.

4. Salem State University

Online students at Salem State University can enroll in a part-time, fully online Master of Social Work program. The curriculum focuses on core competencies by integrating health and behavioral health into the program. Students can choose from synchronous or asynchronous coursework options, as well as various electives such as substance abuse, gerontology, addictions, and social justice, to better customize the program to their schedules.

Core courses cover practice methods, ethics, research, and leadership development. Students complete a fieldwork requirement during the program, which they can align with their career goals and receive guidance from experienced social workers.

5. Westfield State University

Westfield State University offers an MSW program that prepares students for clinical social work licensure. The program combines theoretical social work concepts with practical training by covering advanced clinical practices, child and family services, and health social work.

During their program, students can expect to complete approximately 900 hours of field education, allowing them to develop real-world skills essential for clinical settings.

6. Boston University

Boston University's School of Social Work has an online MSW degree, with specializations in clinical practice and macro practice. The program, which emphasizes social and economic justice, has core courses that explore research, human behavior, and diversity.

Social work students complete two field placements or one for those on the advanced standing track. This allows them to gain practical experience through field practicums and local internships through the university's network of organizations.

Students attend weekly live classes online in combination with asynchronous learning activities. This offers the flexibility of online learning while still maintaining the engagement of in-person, on-campus programs.

Other Affordable Online Social Work Programs in the U.S.

Undergraduate and graduate students in Massachusetts can find other low-cost online social work programs across the U.S. that utilize online learning to make education accessible to students regardless of their location. Let's look at one example below.

Capella University

Capella University offers two CSWE-accredited programs: a BSW degree and an MSW degree. Each emphasizes flexibility through GuidedPath self-paced learning.

The curriculum covers social work fundamentals, clinical practice, policy analysis, community work, and social environment � this prepares graduates for licensure exams. Graduates can take on numerous roles, such as those in diverse communities, healthcare, child welfare, gerontology, and human services.

FAQs About Online Social Work Degrees

The answers to these common questions about social work degrees can help prospective students make more informed choices about their online degree.

What Can I Expect from an Affordable Online MSW Degree?

An affordable online MSW degree typically includes a combination of independent coursework and supervised practical fieldwork. MSW students learn advanced concepts in social work, such as intervention strategies, research methods, and ethics, while gaining real-world experience through internships. Learners can also expect to be prepared for the licensed clinical social worker (LCSW) exam.

What Is the ROI of an Online MSW Program?

The return on investment (ROI) of an online MSW program can be significant and leads to many career advantages. Graduates often see an increase in earning potential and access to higher-level roles in social work, making the investment worthwhile.

However, the ROI can differ depending on factors, such as program cost, amount of financial aid, salary, and location. If you pay instate tuition for an undergraduate or graduate program, then you can expect a higher ROI due to the lower tuition rates compared to those out-of-state.

What Can I Do With a Master's in Social Work?

A master's in social work opens the door to a wide range of careers, including roles as clinical social workers, mental health counselors, school social workers, and policy advocates. MSW graduates can work in settings like hospitals, schools, government agencies, and nonprofit organizations.

Explore Online Social Work Programs Today

With various options available, you can find a program that meets your needs and helps you succeed in your social work career. Look into Learn.org's election of affordable online BSW and MSW programs and reach out to the schools that interest you for more information.