Part-time MSW Program

Our three- or four-year 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 Settings

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.

Coursework

All students are able to choose their course of study (macro or clinical); one of six fields of practice, which requires both a practice and policy course in advanced practice; and 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.

Three-year and Four-year Options

Year 1 in the three-year option is arranged as two classes for two semesters; year 2 has two classes each semester, with two semesters of Field running with those practice classes. Year 3 is in essence a full-time schedule.ÌýThe four-year plan divides Year 3 into two, with classes and Field done concurrently one year and only classes in the final year. The Field practica are typically scheduled in years 2 and 3, with the practice courses organized around the internship to provide an integrated learning experience.

Part-Time Student Profile

29

Average age

3.5

Average undergrad GPA

100%

Master's students who receive scholarships

25%

Students identify as AHANA

*African-American, Hispanic, Asian, and Native American

Customize Your Degree

Practice Specialty

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.

Specialized Practice Details

Fields of Practice

Within either specialized practice (clinical or macro), you will develop expertise by selecting a field of practice. The six fields of practice offered at SSW are Afrocentric Social Work; Children, Youth, & Families; Global Practice; Health; Latinx Communities; and Mental Health.Ìý

Explore 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.Ìý

Certificate Details

Curriculum

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.

Social Work class outside

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.

Social Work class outside

Clinical Program Curriculum Plan

Macro ProgramÌýCurriculum Plan

Why Boston College School of Social Work?

50+

Electives

47%

Faculty diversity

99%

Employment rate within 1 year of graduation

6

Weeks of average length of job search

Marina Rakhlin

Part-Time Student Feature

Marina Rakhilin, a student in the part-time program, has helped develop an online training program to improve the mental health of transgender youth. Rakhilin has redesigned the website for the Boston College Office of Graduate Student Life with a particular focus on inclusivity. And Rakhilin has served as co-president of Spectrum, òòò½Ö±²¥SSW’s LGBTQ+ student group.

Now Rakhilin has been honored with an Ever to Excel Award from the Division of Student Affairs, which recognizes 17 members of the òòò½Ö±²¥ community every year for excellence in leadership and service at the University.Ìý

Read the feature

Support to Help You Succeed

Field Education

Students who are employed in a human services setting are able to design a learning experience that meets the school’s requirements while they continue to work. The Field Ed team will consult with you and your administration to organize the practicum experience that aligns with the social work perspective and build skills and competencies needed as a master’s level practitioner.

Learn More

Part-Time Student Group

Students in both the three-and four-year programs find support to succeed from their colleagues through the Three-Year Program Student Group. Part-time students can also find community in the other 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.Ìý

Community Info

Career Services

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.Ìý Even after you graduate, you can participate in the Alumni Mentoring Program connecting young professionals with more seasoned social workers.Ìý

More about Career Services

Connect with Us

Campus Tours & Virtual Visits

Get to know us on your schedule: Visit our beautiful campus in person, take a virtual tour, or sign up for an admissions webinar.ÌýBoston College offers a wealth of resources—from libraries and dining halls to an art museum and 244,000-square-foot fitness center—just six miles from downtown Boston.Ìý

Visit Us

Admissions Guidance

The òòò½Ö±²¥SSW Admissions team is available to support students throughout the application process. We are proud to offer scholarships to 100% of our students. Join us for a virtual information session to learn more or connect with a member of the Admissions team for a one-on-one chat.Ìý

Tuition & Aid

Gautam N. Yadama
“Through coursework and field practica, you will draw on the foundations of the social work profession in new and innovative directions to advance the common good. Our faculty and field supervisors are intentional in training MSW students to practice with communities facing compound needs through a trauma-informed lens. Here, you’ll find the support and leadership to develop your social work practice with individuals, families, and communities that are aspirational and face a multiplicity of challenges.”
Gautam N. Yadama, Dean

Ready to make an impact on your community?Ìý

Develop your skillset and further your career with a part-time MSW.Ìý Applications are now open.Ìý

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