Why Boston University?
The online Master of Social Work offered by Boston University offers comprehensive professional education to those interested in pursuing a Social Work career. Boston University, a large private research university in Boston, Massachusetts, accepts applicants with an undergraduate degree in any subject.
Standardized test scores are not required, and a minimum undergraduate GPA of 3.00 is expected.
Program Snapshot
| University Name | Boston University |
| Location | Boston |
| State | Massachusetts |
| Niche.com Grade | A+ |
| Name of Degree | Master of Social Work |
| School or Department Administering Program | School of Social Work |
| Credits | 65 |
| Cost per credit | $910.00 |
| Tuition for Entire Program | $59,150 |
| Test Requirements | No |
| Minimum GPA | 3.00 |
| Prerequisite Courses and Skills | none |
| Campus Visit Required? | No Visit Required |
| Typical Time to Complete | 3 years |
| When Can Students Start the Program? | Fall, Spring, Summer |
| Program Concentrations | Clinical Practice; Macro Practice |
| Synchronous Classes | No |
| Required Courses |
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| Does the Program Include a Capstone? | Yes |
| Does the Program Include a Practicum or Internship? | Yes |
| Other Features that Make the Program Unique | 7 week consecutive courses, part-time only |
| Program Objectives (quoted directly from the program) | Demonstrate ethical and professional behavior. Engage diversity and difference in practice. Advance human rights and social, economic, and environmental justice. Engage in practice-informed research and research-informed practice. Engage in policy practice. Engage with individuals, families, groups, organizations, and communities. Assess individuals, families, groups, organizations, and communities. Intervene with individuals, families, groups, organizations, and communities. Practice evaluation with individuals, families, groups, organizations, and communities. |
| Program Description | This 65-credit program prepares students to be well-rounded and competent social work professionals. 2 concentrations are offered. A capstone is required and all students must complete a practicum. |
What will I Learn?
As with all programs that are accredited by the Council on Social Work Education, the Master of Social Work program at Boston University focuses on teaching students professional ethics and foundations. Students learn to engage with issues of diversity and difference, and to understand the role of human rights and social justice in social work theory and practice. All coursework is guided by a basis in evidence and research, and students learn to assess and evaluate their own practice, and to be active in policymaking.
Students in the Boston University program begin their studies with required courses inSocial Welfare Policy (I and II) and Introduction to Clinical Social Work Practice. Students learn to understand their clients in Human Behavior, and in required Clinical Practice courses covering work with Individuals, Communities and Organizations, Groups, and Families. They debate key issues in courses in Racial Justice and Social Work Practice Ethics. Leadership skills are taught in Research I and II, while practicum experience is discussed and applied in the Field Education and capstone Integrative Seminar courses.
Students can choose to specialize in one of the following concentrations: Clinical Practice, Macro Practice.
How much will the program cost?
Students finish their degree within 3 years and pay $910.00 per credit for a total of 65 credits, or $59,150 in total.
How does the program fit into my life?
All classes are asynchronous , meaning that students complete coursework on their own schedule each week, including watching pre-recorded lectures and participating in online discussion. No campus visit is required. Most students complete the program within 3 years. Students can enter the program in Fall, Spring, Summer. All courses are taught on a accelerated schedule where students take only one course for a period of 7 weeks before moving on to the next course. The program can only be completed on a part-time schedule.
Summary
Offering flexible 7-week accelerated courses taught in the asynchronous modality, the online Master of Social work program at Boston University would fit the needs of working individuals looking for a part-time and flexible professional program. The capstone integrative seminar may be attractive to applicants who like to consolidate their knowledge through discussion and community. The program is in the middle of the range in terms of cost when compared to similar programs.
