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Simmons University Master of Social Work online

Facilitate positive change for individuals, families, and communities as a Simmons-prepared social work leader.

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About the program

  • CSWE-accredited: Simmons’ online MSW program is accredited by the Council on Social Work Education.
  • Certificates available: Gain advanced skills in a specific area of social work by pursuing a certificate in mental health practice or trauma practice, or clinical practice with active service members, veterans, and families.
  • 9-month MSW: Earn your MSW in as few as 9 months (two terms) or in 12 months (three terms) on the advanced standing track for BSW holders.

About Simmons School of Social Work

Founded in 1904, the Simmons School of Social Work has trained social workers for clinical practice with a commitment to social justice. Today, the online Master of Social Work program brings this training to aspiring social work leaders across the country, preparing them to address contemporary social issues and drive real change for those most in need.

Tuition and fees are subject to change and may increase each academic year. Tuition does not include student fees, technology platform licensing, or support services. Learners are also responsible for travel and accommodation costs related to any in-person immersions or residentials.

Technology and services powered by 2U, Inc., the parent company of edX.

Program tracks

The clinically focused online Master of Social Work (MSW) program incorporates social justice values and a multicultural perspective, and prepares you for direct practice in a wide range of settings. Whether you are a Traditional MSW learner or an Advanced Standing MSW learner, you will attend live, online classes, complete self-paced coursework, and participate in practicum education at clinical sites in or near your community. The online MSW program offers five tracks, so you can earn your degree at the pace that best fits your lifestyle. The five track options are:

  • Advanced standing: Learners who hold a Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) may be eligible to apply to the advanced standing program. In this track, you will complete only 34 credits and earn your MSW in as few as nine months with our two-term option, or in 12 months with our three-term option.
  • Accelerated: This intensive track is for traditional MSW learners who are able to fully dedicate their time to this degree program. This track requires 65 credits and allows you to earn your MSW in as few as 16 months.
  • Full time: The full-time track allows traditional MSW learners, who do not have previous academic experience in social work, to complete a standard course load each term. In this track, you will complete 65 credits and earn your MSW in as few as 23 months.
  • Extended: The extended track allows traditional MSW learners, who do not have previous academic experience in social work, to complete standard courses and earn their degree at a more convenient pace. In this track, you will complete 65 credits and earn your MSW in as few as 32 months.
  • Extended plus: The extended plus track is designed for traditional MSW learners who have or need additional time to focus on their other personal commitments while earning their degree online. In this track, you will complete 65 credits and earn your MSW in 40 months.
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Admissions

Simmons School of Social Work welcomes candidates who are interested in clinical social work, who are committed to social work values, and who possess the academic qualifications and work experience that will lead to success in this rigorous online program. To complete an application, you will need to submit:

  • Online application 

  • Résumé

  • Transcripts from every institution you’ve attended 

  • Recommendation forms 

  • Statement of professional and educational intent

  • Interview (by invitation)

  • Application fee (nonrefundable)

Practicum education

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The online MSW program offers hands-on opportunities for learners to integrate classroom knowledge into practice through practicum experiences. Learners will explore the foundations of social work practice during generalist experiences, and build on that generalist knowledge during specialized community-based placements. Each learner’s practicum schedule depends on which program track they are enrolled in. 

Advanced standing MSW learners: Advanced standing learners will complete 672 hours of practicum education. Learners completing their MSW in two terms will spend both terms in the specialized experience at the same community-based site. Learners completing their MSW in three terms will spend one term of the generalist practicum education at a community-based site, and two terms of the specialized practicum education at the same community-based site.

Traditional MSW learners: Traditional MSW learners will complete more than 1,000 hours of practical experience in community settings. They will spend one term of generalist practicum experience in the Simulated Practicum Experience (SPX), one term of generalist practicum experience in a community-based site, and two terms of the specialized practicum experience at the same community-based site.

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