7 Best Online Social Work Degrees in Massachusetts 2025

If you live in Massachusetts and are planning to enter a social work profession, getting a degree is an essential first step. Perhaps you would like to know more about the programs available in your state. What are the best online bachelor's in social work? The most affordable online social work degrees at any program level? The best overall degree programs?

Keep reading as we look at some of the top accredited social work degrees online. We'll also explore some basic information about becoming an online social work student in Massachusetts and answer a few questions you may have.

Best Online Social Work Degree Programs in Massachusetts

Several Massachusetts schools offer social work program options for online learners. Read on for more information about these undergraduate and graduate programs.

1. University of Massachusetts Global

The University of Massachusetts Global, also known as UMass Global, is an online school headquartered in California but affiliated with the University of Massachusetts. It provides online bachelor's and master's degrees in social work.

Students in these flexible programs can study full-time or part-time. The Bachelor of Social Work program provides training in generalist practice and enables students to tailor their degree through various electives. The online Master of Social Work program provides advanced education in clinical social work, behavioral health, and advocacy. Both programs feature flexible field placements to help students gain real-world experience.

2. Westfield State University

Westfield State University is a public school located in Westfield. Students attending this school can earn bachelor's and master's degrees in social work online.

These programs are accredited by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE) and provide various practicum and internship opportunities to help students complete their fieldwork requirements conveniently. The master's in social work is a customizable degree, offering both traditional and advanced standing programs along with various program concentrations.

3. Salem State University

Salem State University is a public school in Salem that provides various online programs. One of these is a Master of Social Work.

This CSWE-accredited program helps MSW students develop advanced competencies in working with diverse communities. It is a flexible, part-time program that students typically complete in three years. Field education experiences begin during the third semester.

4. Regis College

Regis College is a private school located in Weston. Students at this school can earn an online Master of Social Work degree.

Students with BSWs looking for accelerated online social work degrees may qualify for the advanced standing option; a traditional track is also available. Regardless of the track, this program provides flexible coursework designed to prepare students for licensure and work in various social services fields.

5. Boston University

Boston University is a private school offering many top online degree programs. Graduate students can enroll in an online MSW program.

This is one of the best online master's in social work programs. It offers traditional, advanced standing, and human services experience tracks with specializations in macro practice and clinical practice, enabling students to enroll in the best program for them. Fieldwork components help students meet licensing requirements and gain hands-on experience.

6. Simmons University

Simmons University is a private women's school in Boston that offers bachelor's and master's degrees in social work.

These programs help students learn to provide care and advocacy in various social environments, promoting social justice for all people. The master's program can be finished in an accelerated timeframe and enables students to earn certificates in specialized areas while completing their degree.

7. Springfield College

Springfield is a private school located in Springfield. Students attending this university can earn an online Master of Social Work degree.

This traditional MSW program can be completed in two to three years and features both asynchronous and synchronous online coursework. Students earn a concentration in advanced clinical practice and gain hands-on experience through fieldwork opportunities.

Our Selection Criteria

We strive to choose only top schools when creating our school list articles. The following criteria were used to select the programs above:

• Accreditation: All schools are institutionally accredited, and each of the social work programs maintains institutional accreditation from the CSWE.
• Reputation: Each school has a reputation for being a respectable, high-quality institution for both online and in-person academics.
• Accessibility: The bachelor's and master's degrees in this article offer flexible coursework, affordable tuition, financial aid opportunities, generous transfer policies, and other features to make the educational experience more accessible to students.

How To Choose an Online Social Work Program

When choosing your online Bachelor or Master of Social Work, there are many factors to consider. To help make the choice easier, it's important to determine your priorities. Ask yourself questions like:

• Do I want to attend a particular school?
• How important is a school's reputation to me?
• Would I rather attend a public or private school?
• What is my budget?
• Am I interested in student clubs, support services, and other opportunities?

Make a list of what's most important to you in a school, then use this list when researching colleges to find out which ones most align with your interests. This will help you narrow down the options and choose the program that's best for you.

Admission Requirements for Online Social Work Degree Programs

Admission requirements for social work bachelor's degrees are usually different from master's degrees. Common admission requirements for undergraduate students include:

• high school diploma or equivalent
• high school transcripts demonstrating a minimum GPA of 2.0
• ACT or SAT test scores

Master's degree applicants typically need to meet the following additional requirements:

• bachelor's degree from an accredited school
• letters of recommendation
• personal essay
• documented work experience
• college transcripts demonstrating a minimum GPA of 3.0

FAQs About Online Social Work Degrees in Massachusetts

If you still have questions about attending an online school of social work, you're not alone. Read on for answers to common questions about enrollment in this type of program.

How Long Does It Take To Become a Social Worker in Massachusetts?

Massachusetts provides social work licensure at four different levels. Licensed social work associates (LSWAs) can get started in the field in as little as two years with a relevant associate degree. Licensed social workers (LSWs) must have a bachelor's degree, so it typically takes about four to five years to earn this credential.

Licensed certified social workers (LCSWs) and licensed independent clinical social workers (LICSWs) must hold master's degrees, so it can take six years of education or more to begin practicing at these levels.

Why Choose an Online Social Work Program in Massachusetts?

Online social work degree programs have many benefits. They are often more affordable than on-campus programs, and they typically provide more flexible coursework. Students have the option to study on their own schedule, meeting deadlines from the comfort of their own home or wherever they have an internet connection. Some online programs provide live remote class sessions as well, providing a helpful blend of flexibility and structure ideal for a wide variety of students.

How Much Does an Online Social Work Degree Cost?

Degree costs vary depending on the school and the program level. Generally speaking, most social work degrees have total tuition costs of $30,000 to $45,000. Online colleges that accept the FAFSA and other types of financial aid can help students save on their out-of-pocket expenses.

Pursue an Online BSW or MSW Degree Today

If you're ready to pursue your career path in healthcare, mental health counseling, school social work, or a related field, explore the schools featured on Learn.org. Reach out to any of the schools to learn more about their programs and to find the right one for you.