Why Simmons University?
Simmons University, a small private university in Boston, Massachusetts, recruits applicants for its online Master of Social Work program. The programs accepts applicants with an undergraduate degree in any subject. Applicants to the program should have relevant work or volunteer experience.
Standardized test scores are not required, and a minimum undergraduate GPA of 3.00 is expected.
Program Snapshot
| University Name | Simmons University |
| Location | Boston |
| State | Massachusetts |
| Niche.com Grade | B |
| Name of Degree | Master of Social Work |
| School or Department Administering Program | College of Social Sciences, Policy, and Practice |
| Credits | 65 |
| Cost per credit | $1,110.00 |
| Tuition for Entire Program | $72,150 |
| Test Requirements | No |
| Minimum GPA | 3.00 |
| Prerequisite Courses and Skills | Relevant work or volunteer experience |
| Campus Visit Required? | No Visit Required |
| Typical Time to Complete | 16-32 months |
| When Can Students Start the Program? | January, March, May, September, November |
| Program Concentrations | Health and Aging; Child and Family; Addictions; Child Welfare; Adult Mental Health; Trauma and Interpersonal Violence |
| Synchronous Classes | Yes |
| Required Courses |
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| Does the Program Include a Capstone? | No |
| Does the Program Include a Practicum or Internship? | Yes |
| Other Features that Make the Program Unique | Required course in substance use; classes of 20 or fewer students; Certificate in Trauma Practice; Certificate in Practice with Groups and Families; Certificate in Mental Health Practice |
| Program Objectives (quoted directly from the program) | Students will develop the skills necessary to work with individuals, families, groups, organizations and communities to facilitate development and change in the service of social, economic and environmental justice. The MSW program prepares students to practice with an appreciation for the dignity and worth of the person and the importance of human relationships; with a sense of integrity and a commitment to supporting human rights and actively opposing structures and practices that oppress and marginalize individuals, groups and communities. |
| Program Description | This 65-credit program at a small college offers personal attention and synchronous instruction in classes with fewer than 20 students per class. A capstone is not required but all students must complete a practicum. Several concentrations and certificates are offered. |
What will I Learn?
The MSW program prepares students to work with a variety of populations and social issues, using a broad and flexible range of evidence-informed practices at an advanced level. Students will develop the skills necessary to work with individuals, families, groups, organizations and communities to facilitate development and change in the service of social, economic and environmental justice. Graduates will be prepared to practice with an appreciation for the dignity and worth of the person and the importance of human relationships, with a sense of ethics and a commitment to supporting human rights and social, economic and environmental justice. The curriculum is informed by the following perspectives: ecological systems theory, human development, sociocultural theory, psychodynamic theory, cognitive behavioral theory, solution-focused therapy, and motivational interviewing
Students begin the program with required courses in Social Policy and Social Work in Organizations and Communities. They debate key issues in Dynamics of Racism & Oppression and Human Behavior and Social Environment. Students learn key professional skills in Social Work Practice A and B, and in Advanced Clinical Practice. They deepen their knowledge of specific practice areas in Substance Use and Social Work, Assessment and Diagnosis and Advanced Policy. Leadership and administration skills are taught in Social Work Research and Evaluation in Social Work Practice. They prepare for practicum work in Field Education Lab, and in accompanying Field Education and Field Year courses.
Students can choose to specialize in one of the following concentrations: Health and Aging; Child and Family; Addictions; Child Welfare; Adult Mental Health; Trauma and Interpersonal Violence. They can gain further expertise by obtaining a Certificate in Trauma Practice, aCertificate in Practice with Groups and Families, or a Certificate in Mental Health Practice.
How much will the program cost?
Students finish their degree within 16-32 months and pay $1,110.00 per credit for a total of 65 credits, or $72,150 in total.
How does the program fit into my life?
Courses are synchronous, meaning that students attend “live” class sessions online each week at a scheduled time. No campus visit is required. Most students complete the program within 16-32 months. Students can enter the program in January, March, May, September or November. Students are encouraged to come to Boston to celebrate graduation. All classes have 20 or fewer students.
Summary
With small class sizes and a program that emphasizes community through synchronous instruction, the Master of Social Work online program at Simmons University offers a more intimate and personalized setting than some similar programs. The curriculum offers greater chances for specialization than many programs. Applicants may be attracted to the program’s flexibility since it offers multiple start dates per year. The program is more expensive than many similar programs, but for many applicants the advantages may be worth the extra cost.