Most Popular Online MSW Programs in Massachusetts
Online MSW programs in Massachusetts are designed to prepare professionals for advanced roles in social work. These CSWE-accredited programs typically offer both full- and part-time options, covering topics like clinical practice, policy analysis, and community organization, with many including field placements.
Key Takeaways:
- At Simmons University, our #1 most popular option, you can earn an MSW program online that has an A- Salary Score, which means a higher-than-average median annual salary of $61,489.
- Even the last online school on our list is a popular choice with hundreds of graduate students enrolled remotely.
We use data from IPEDS, focusing on online enrollment to showcase the most popular online school available that are each hosting an online MSW in Massachusetts. Additional metrics, such as median starting salary, are included when available. For a detailed explanation, please take a look at our methodology page.
List Of Accredited Online MSW Schools
| School | Online Enrollment | Annual Tuition | Median Earnings | CSWE Accredited | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Simmons University | $56,793 | N/A | Yes | ||
| Simmons University School of Social Work | 2,716 | $28,662 | N/A | Yes | |
| Regis College | 1,817 | $23,688 | N/A | Yes | |
| Westfield State University | 251 | $18,018 | N/A | Yes | |
| Anna Maria College | 222 | $29,295 | N/A | Yes |
Most Popular Online MSW Programs in Massachusetts
Simmons University Simmons University Simmons University
- Online Enrollment: 2,716
- Salary Score: N/A
- Annual Tuition: $56,793
- Median Earnings: N/A
- Accreditation: CSWE
Online degree:
Why we like them: SU ranks among the top 10% of colleges nationwide for total online graduate enrollment, reflecting its commitment to accessible education. This online MSW in Massachusetts offers flexible study tracks and can be completed in as little as nine months. The program is designed to prepare students for clinical social work licensure, with specialized concentrations in Mental Health Practice and Trauma Practice. Students complete 34-65 credits and more than 1,000 practicum hours, including a unique Simulated Practicum Experience, providing hands-on learning to support professional development.
Simmons University School of Social Work Simmons University School of Social Work Simmons University School of Social Work
- Online Enrollment: 2,716
- Salary Score: N/A
- Annual Tuition: $28,662
- Median Earnings: N/A
- Accreditation: CSWE
Online degree:
Why we like them: SU ranks in the top 10% nationwide for online graduate enrollment, demonstrating its commitment to accessible, flexible education for distance learners. With a solid student-to-faculty ratio, SU ensures personalized attention and an engaging learning experience. The MSW program requires 65 credit hours, comprising 48 hours of coursework and 17 hours of practicum experience, and prepares students for LCSW and LICSW licensure in Massachusetts. Unique features, such as Social Work Simulation Education and Trauma Practice and Public Health concentrations, develop essential clinical and macro social work practice skills.
Regis College Regis College Regis College
- Online Enrollment: 1,817
- Salary Score: N/A
- Annual Tuition: $23,688
- Median Earnings: N/A
- Accreditation: CSWE
Online degree:
Why we like them: RC ranks in the top 16% for online graduate enrollment nationally with almost 2,000 enrolled, reflecting engaging digital learning experiences. The online MSW program has two tracks: the 60-credit Traditional Track for those without a BSW and the 30-credit Advanced Standing Track for recent BSW graduates. Completion timelines vary from 32 months for the Traditional Track to as few as 16 months for the Advanced Standing Track. The program includes up to 1,080 hours of fieldwork focused on clinical social work practice, which is necessary to meet licensure requirements.
Westfield State University Westfield State University Westfield State University
- Online Enrollment: 251
- Salary Score: N/A
- Annual Tuition: $18,018
- Median Earnings: N/A
- Accreditation: CSWE
Online degree:
Why we like them: WSU ranks prominent in graduate-level online enrollment, with hundred of graduate students enrolled in its online school. The CSWE-accredited MSW program prepares students for LCSW licensure through flexible pathways, including a 37-66 credit curriculum with traditional and advanced standing tracks. Students can specialize in areas such as Child, Youth, and Family or Substance Use and Addictions, strongly emphasizing clinical practice. Comprehensive practicums complement the coursework, and evening classes, available online or on campus, cater to working professionals. Equal tuition rates for in- and out-of-state students further support accessibility.
Anna Maria College Anna Maria College Anna Maria College
- Online Enrollment: 222
- Salary Score: N/A
- Annual Tuition: $29,295
- Median Earnings: N/A
- Accreditation: CSWE
Online degree:
Why we like them: AMC ranks in the top 18% nationally for online graduate enrollment. Its online MSW degree is CSWE-accredited and features an advanced generalist practice model. Students can choose a 62-credit pathway available full-time over two years or part-time over four years, with an Advanced Standing option for BSW graduates. The curriculum includes 1,070 hours of fieldwork, providing essential practical experience in conjunction with academic coursework. This program effectively prepares graduates for licensure as an LCSW in Massachusetts.
Overview of Online MSW Programs in Massachusetts
With a social work license in Massachusetts, professionals can assist communities, groups, families, couples, and individuals by providing them the resources they need to improve their well-being and quality of life. Aspiring social workers can pursue four levels of Massachusetts social work licensure: a Licensed Social Work Associate (LSWA), a Licensed Social Worker (LSW), a Licensed Certified Social Worker (LCSW), and a Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker (LICSW). The LSW certification is equivalent to an LBSW, while the LCSW is equivalent to an LMSW.
Becoming a Social Worker in Massachusetts
Anyone interested in a career in the field of social work in Massachusetts, must first obtain the education level (or meet alternative qualifications) required for the license they are pursuing. For the LSWA or the LSW, the degree can be in any field. However, the student will need at least 60 college credits in the human services field for the LSWA, and a mix of school and work experience in the social work field for the LSW. To obtain the LCSW (the equivalent of an LMSW), students must have an MSW or doctoral degree in social work. Finally, the LICSW certification requires a master鈥檚 or doctoral degree in social work, as well as current LCSW certification. Students in social work degree programs will take classes in a wide range of human services topics, such as substance abuse, community outreach, and more.
To obtain the LCSW, students must have a master鈥檚 or doctoral degree in social work.
When deciding which Massachusetts social work certification to pursue, professionals should consider what they鈥檇 like to achieve with their career. For example, only LICSWs can work independently in a clinical setting. LCSWs can work clinically under an LICSW supervisor, but they need to be employed by another organization. LSWs and LSWAs are limited to more administrative roles, such as data collection and directing clients to available resources.
Licensed Social Worker Associate
To become a Licensed Social Worker Associate (LSWA) in Massachusetts, applicants will need to have a bachelor鈥檚 degree (in any field), an associate degree, at least 60 college credits in a human services field, or 1,000 hours of Board-approved programs or courses in social work theory or methods. Applicants will need to provide a certified transcript from their highest level of education, three professional references, a photograph, a signed and notarized criminal history acknowledgment form, and an application fee of $173.
Licensed Social Worker
If the Licensed Social Worker (LSW) applicant does not have a bachelor鈥檚 degree in social work, there are a few paths they can take to receive licensure. If they have a bachelor鈥檚 degree in another field, they can obtain two years of supervised work experience by an LMSW or LICSW in a social work field. If they have only two-and-a-half years of college, they will need five years of supervised social work experience. With only two years of college, the work experience requirement jumps to six years. Those with one year of college will require eight years of social work experience, and those with a high school diploma will need 10 years.
Once these requirements have been met, the student also needs to register for and pass the Bachelors exam offered by the Association of Social Work Boards (ASWB). This exam costs $230. Finally, students must fill out the Massachusetts Social Worker Licensure Application, which will require three references, educational history, and work history. The applicant must also include a photograph, official transcript, criminal history report, and pay a $173 fee.
Licensed Certified Social Worker
To be eligible to become a License Certified Social Worker (LCSW) in Massachusetts, candidates must have a master鈥檚 or doctoral degree in social work from a school accredited by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE). They must submit a Social Worker Licensure Application and include an official, sealed transcript from the university at which they obtained their highest degree. Additionally, they will need to provide two professional references and one second-year field placement supervisory reference that can speak to their qualifications and work ethic. This supervisory reference will list the number of hours the applicant has worked under direct supervision in a special form.
LCSW candidates will also be required to take the Masters exam from the Association of Social Work Boards (ASWB). Applicants must pass this test before they can be granted a LCSW license. The exam must have been taken no more than two years prior to the application date.
Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker
The Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker (LICSW) is the highest level of social work licensure in Massachusetts and requires the most qualifications. Candidates will need a master鈥檚 or doctoral degree in social work from a school accredited by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE), as well as current LCSW certification. Applicants complete the Social Worker Licensure Application and will need to provide two professional references from other LICSWs, as well as one supervisory reference from an LICSW. The LICSW supervisor will need to monitor the candidate for a total of 3,500 clinical social work services hours over a period of at least two years. Of these hours, 100 must come from face-to-face clinical supervision at a rate of one hour for every 35 hours worked. The supervisor must have a current Massachusetts social work license. Like the LBSW and LMSW levels, applicants for the LICSW must also successfully pass an Association of Social Work Boards (ASWB) exam. They will need to pass the Clinical level test.
Social Work License Reciprocity in Massachusetts
Massachusetts does permit reciprocity for social workers with a current social work license who obtained their license in another state. Candidates must fill out a Social Worker Licensure Application and include a reciprocity fee which varies per level.
LSWA fee = $187
LSW fee = $213
LCSW fee = $241
LICSW fee = $267
In addition, the applicant must have passed the appropriate Association of Social Work Boards exam for their current level and have a certified statement from the jurisdiction in which they were previously licensed. As a part of the application, they must also include three professional references and an official university transcript.
Licensing Renewal and Continuing Education Information
All Massachusetts social work licenses expire every two years. The Board has made a recent change regarding the renewal process, so that licenses will now expire on the license holder鈥檚 birthday. This change took place beginning October 1, 2018.
To be eligible for license renewal, social workers must complete continuing education units (CEUs). LSWAs need 10 CEUs, LSWs need 15 CEUs, LCSWs need 20 CEUs, and LICSWs need 30 CEUs. While social workers don鈥檛 need to submit proof of CEUs, they can be audited at any time. License renewals must be completed online and require a fee which varies by license level. The LSWA fee is $42, the LSW fee is $54, the LCSW fee is $68, and the LICSW fee is $82.
Bottom Line
Online MSW programs in Massachusetts offer flexibility, accessibility, and pathways to advanced social work roles, with CSWE accreditation ensuring quality education. Whether fully remote or hybrid, programs offer customizable formats to suit diverse needs, from advanced standing options for BSW holders to asynchronous learning for working professionals. Additionally, online MSWs open doors to higher-paying roles and licensure opportunities. The potential for a salary increase of nearly $15,000 annually makes the investment in an MSW online worthwhile for many.
Simmons University leads the rankings, combining high enrollment and innovative hands-on experiences, while schools like Westfield State and Anna Maria College provide affordable and specialized options. Programs cater to diverse career goals, from clinical practice to administrative leadership, often featuring robust fieldwork components. Whether students seek advanced practice models or flexible learning formats, Massachusetts' online MSW options deliver excellent preparation for licensure and impactful careers in social work.
For those focused on cost, check out our comprehensive guide to the most affordable online MSW degrees nationwide.