SocialWork@Simmons is a clinically focused Master of Social Work (MSW) program delivered online from Simmons School of Social Work. To apply, you must have earned a bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited college or university with at least a 3.0 (B) grade point average. Relevant work or volunteer experience is also required. If you are enrolled or have been enrolled in another CSWE-accredited MSW program, you may apply as a transfer student. Visit the application requirements page for a complete list of the items you must include, or start your application today.

If you hold a Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) from a CSWE-accredited undergraduate program, you may be eligible for Simmons’ advanced standing program. To learn more about the requirements to apply, visit the advanced standing admission page.

The traditional online MSW program comprises 65 credits and can be completed on several different timelines: accelerated (four terms), full time (six terms), extended (eight terms), or extended plus (10 terms). The advanced standing online MSW program comprises 34 credits and can be completed in less than 12 months. We offer multiple start dates per year, and the admission committee reviews applications on a rolling basis. The sooner you apply, the sooner you will receive an admission decision.

The advanced standing program allows BSW graduates to earn their MSW in less than 12 months without completing foundational coursework. Advanced standing is designed for those who have achieved a 3.0 or higher in their BSW coursework, and who demonstrate a sophisticated understanding of the discipline.

The 2-term advanced standing program allows BSW graduates to earn their MSW in less than 9 months without completing foundational coursework. Advanced standing is designed for those who have achieved a 3.0 or higher in their BSW coursework, and who demonstrate a sophisticated understanding of the discipline. This program also involves a 24-hour per week placement and a 90-minute weekly seminar.

The traditional, full-time track is best suited for those who have demonstrated strong undergraduate academic performance, and who can commit 30+ hours per week to attending live class, coursework, and practicum placement during the duration of the program.

The extended track is designed for those who want to take their MSW at a slower pace. This option is ideal for those who may be new to the discipline, have commitments outside of the program requirements, or who may be returning to school after an extended time away. This option allows students to take three terms of coursework before beginning the practicum education training, which begins with a one-semester practicum education lab and concludes with a three-term agency-based (or on-site) placement.

The extended plus track is designed for those who have or need more time to focus on their other life commitments while earning their MSW. Offering even more flexibility than the extended track, the extended plus track can be completed in 40 months and gives students increased ability to work during academic terms. This option allows students to take four terms of coursework before beginning the practicum education training — an additional term compared to the extended track. This practicum education begins with a one-semester practicum education lab and concludes with a three-term agency-based (or on-site) placement.

The accelerated MSW program is an ideal fit for students with work and/or volunteer experience in social work or other related human services disciplines, who have also excelled academically in their undergraduate studies. Students can expect to dedicate approximately 40 hours per week, per term to live classes and coursework, in addition to 16–24 hours per week for practicum placement. This rigorous program allows students to earn their degree in as little as 16 months. Start dates in January, May, and September are offered for the accelerated program.

SocialWork@Simmons offers virtual tours of the online classroom experience. To schedule one or to learn more about other virtual engagement opportunities, please contact the Admission team at admissions@socialwork.simmons.edu or 855-523-7779.