Master of Social Work (MSW)
Clinical focus, real-world preparation
At Simmons University, we do more than teach social work. We define a new standard for clinical excellence. Our nationally-recognized Master of Social Work (MSW) transforms passionate advocates into expert clinicians grounded in a social justice framework.
Social workers are the leading providers of behavioral healthcare in the US. With an MSW degree in social work, you'll qualify for in-demand roles in private practice, nonprofit agencies, government, policy centers, and other settings.
Why earn a master's degree in Social Work at Simmons?
Simmons University is the first program in the country — and remains one of the few US institutions — dedicated exclusively to clinical social work education. Here, you’ll benefit from:
- The Gold Standard of Training: Gain real-world experience in the classroom. We use simulation-based education with trained actors and immersive scenarios, the most advanced preparation method in the industry.
- Nationwide Practicum Network: Wherever you live, our placement team matches you with robust, local social work practicum opportunities.
- Scholar-Practitioner Faculty: Our faculty are nationally-recognized leaders in social work practice, research, and education. They bring their diverse experiences into the curriculum and classroom.
- Proven Results: Our graduates consistently outperform state and national averages on the ASWB licensing exams.
One MSW. Flexible pathways.
Simmons offers versatile learning options for a range of schedules and goals. You can also pair your MSW with certificates that correspond with your interests and the communities you hope to serve.
Choose the format that works for you:
- On-Campus (Boston) program option: Immerse yourself in a global hub for healthcare and behavioral health.
- Online MSW program option: Experience live, synchronous classrooms, asynchronous content, and in-person practicum placements in your community.
Choose the pace that fits your learning:
- Full-time (on-campus and online program options): Complete your degree in 2 years (on-campus) or 6 terms (online)
- Extended (on-campus and online program options): Complete your degree in 3 years (on-campus) or 8 terms (online)
- Accelerated (on-campus and online program options): Earn your degree in 16 months (on-campus) or 4 terms (online).
- Advanced Standing MSW (on-campus and online program options): Fast-track your MSW if you already hold a BSW.
Choose to specialize and graduate with one of our leading-edge certificates (view the descriptions):
- Clinical Practice with Active Service Members, Veterans, and Families
- Healthcare and Social Work
- Mental Health Practice
- Public Policy Certificate
- School Social Worker Licensure
- Trauma Practice
What can you do with an MSW?
An MSW qualifies you for unlimited roles and opportunities. You can work as a licensed therapist in outpatient mental health clinics, inpatient hospitals, and private practice. You can also serve as an administrator, leading an agency, developing programs, and supervising staff. You can lead at the systems level — serving in public office, shaping policy, and advancing change that strengthens communities.
You also will be eligible to become a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) or a Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker (LICSW).
The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects that social work employment will grow by 6% through 2034. Here is a mere sample of the types of programs where our MSW graduates work:
- Clinical and Behavioral Health Settings: Community mental health eating disorder treatment, Healthcare, HIV/AIDS, inpatient mental health, private practice, public health departments,
- Children, Youth, and Families: Child welfare, juvenile justice, school social work, youth development
- Government Systems: Courts, police departments, Veterans Affairs
- Community and Social Services: disaster response, domestic violence, employment assistance programs, housing providers, libraries
Finally, return after you graduate to pursue your Doctorate in Social Work (DSW) or PhD in Social Work.
Highlights of Simmons MSW
82%
Rank Clinical Training as Excellent
82% of students agree that the clinical training quality at Simmons is "excellent."
* results from the 2025 MSW student survey
80%
Feel that Faculty are Invested
80% of students report that faculty are invested in their success.
* results from the 2025 MSW student survey
50%
Secure Employment
Close to 50% of MSW students have a job lined up before graduation.
* results from the 2025 MSW student survey
85%
First-time pass rate on ASWB licensing exam
Simmons University consistently surpasses national averages for first-time pass rates on the licensing exam. In 2025, 85% of campus and online students passed the ASWB Master’s Level Licensing Exam, which is 12% higher than the national average.
125+
Years
For more than a century, Simmons has set the standard for clinical social work education and social justice advocacy.
5K+
Community Partners
Our extensive practicum network, with over 5,000+ partner agencies nationwide, provides exceptional placements in hospitals, schools, and community mental health settings — including the strong, successful partnerships we’ve built in Boston.
Degree Requirements (including Practicum Information), Optional Certifications, and Licensure
Work toward the Massachusetts state license for School Social Worker or School Adjustment Counselor, or choose to specialize and graduate with one of our leading-edge certificates.
The MSW degree requires 65 credit hours, consisting of 48 credit hours of classroom courses and 17 credit hours of practicum courses. Listed below is the MSW course sequence as of September 2022. On Ground course numbers have the prefix SW; online courses, SWO.
Specialized Year
| SW404 | Social Welfare Policy | 3 |
| SW414 | Assessment and Diagnosis | 3 |
| SW424A | Advanced Clinical Practice | 3 |
| SW424B | Advanced Clinical Practice | 3 |
| SW447A | Practicum Education Year II | 4 |
| SW447B | Practicum Education Year II | 4 |
| SW509 | Evaluation in Social Work Practice | 3 |
| Elective | ||
| Elective | ||
| Elective |
Licensure and Certificate Programs
As an MSW student, you may choose to pursue a certificate program in which you will gain advanced skills in a specific area of interest through a structured sequence of courses.
MSW with MA Licensure in School Social Work (On Campus)
Students in the MSW program interested in practicing as a school social worker can elect to work towards the Massachusetts state license to be a School Social Worker/School Adjustment Counselor (SSW/SAC). The certification is required to work as a clinical social worker in many school settings in Massachusetts.
Requirements for the MSW with Licensure as a School Social Worker/School Adjustment Counselor include:
- Sixty-two credits in the MSW program including SW 539A, SW in the Schools, SW 539B, SW in the Schools II and SW 595, Child and Adolescent Diagnosis, and one specialized social work elective.
- Successful completion of the two SSW practicum; one placement must be in a school setting the other placement is encouraged to be in a setting serving children and families.
- Completion and submission of required documentation.
Students planning to work toward the school social worker license should review the SSW/SAC student handbook, follow the program plan provided at registration, and attend the information sessions with the Certificate Coordinator. Practicum planning should be guided by licensure requirements. To be granted the license, candidates must complete all requirements mandated by the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) (e.g., passing the Communication and Literacy tests of the Massachusetts Tests for Educator Licensure [MTEL]). Students are strongly encouraged to take the MTEL before completing the MSW program. Waiting to take it until after graduation might delay the ability to secure employment.
MSW with Certificate in Public Policy (On Campus)
This certificate program is designed to give MSW students with an interest in macro/policy issues the opportunity to supplement their clinical education experience with a deeper knowledge of public policy. This certificate will position graduates to have more options in terms of career directions in social work, particularly around policymaking or policy advocacy, with an emphasis on building policy analysis and advocacy skills that will allow students to analyze and affect policies at local, state, and national levels. These courses will enhance students’ understanding of policy systems and theory, methods of policy analysis, and subject matter knowledge in two major policy arenas.
MSW with Certificate in Trauma Practice (On Campus and Online)
The Certificate in Trauma Practice will prepare graduates for practice with a variety of populations in multiple settings including: schools and universities, community mental health centers, immigrant and refugee centers, the legal justice and prison systems, inpatient and outpatient hospitalization programs, and psychotherapeutic settings with children, adults, couples, families and groups. Students complete all regular MSW program requirements, as well as SW 528A Child and Adolescent Trauma, SW 528B Lifespan of Trauma Treatment: Adults and Families, and two Trauma Practice certificate electives.
MSW with Certificate in Clinical Practice with Active Service Members, Veterans, and Families (On Campus and Online)
This certificate provides MSW students with a unique opportunity to develop the knowledge and skills necessary to engage in effective and culturally-sensitive clinical practice with service members, veterans, and their families. Students will learn about the systems and culture of the U.S. military; the sociocultural identity development of military personnel; the experiences, needs, and strengths of military individuals and families, with specific attention to minoritized groups; avenues of support for military personnel and their families; and specific assessment and intervention practices, with particular emphasis on PTSD and suicidality. This certificate prepares students to work with individuals and families at any stage of military involvement and in a variety of settings.
MSW with Certificate in Mental Health Practice (Online)
The Certificate in Mental Health Practice prepares graduates to work with people who have experience with serious mental health conditions, including those with concurrent health conditions. Students will learn to recognize and address the significant impacts of stigma, marginalization, and discrimination that impede the health, safety, access to resources, and quality of life for people with serious mental health conditions. In addition, they will become skilled in delivering evidence-based and best practice approaches for managing symptoms and achieving wellness and recovery. Students will exit the program with an understanding of the role of social worker as both a provider and advocate working in collaboration with interdisciplinary teams, families, and other supports and services.
MSW with Certificate in Public Health
This Simmons Certificate in Public Health provides the opportunity for Simmons’ MSW students to acquire specialized knowledge from the adjacent field of public health. The certificate helps students enrich their MSW education and training in a way that prepares them further for work in macro social work settings. With a focus on health equity, a Simmons Certificate in Public Health will equip MSW students with the analytical lens necessary to identify the population health consequences of social injustice, along with the associated approaches to address them through public health programming, policy, community organizing and advocacy. The certificate will also provide MSW students with foundational understandings of public health history, theory, and practice.
Elective Courses
MSW students who opt not to enroll in a certificate can still develop a focused skill set through their elective courses. Students interested in an area of focus can work with their Academic Advisors on elective selection. Examples of focus areas are:
- Health and Aging
- Child and Family Wellbeing
- Substance Use and Misuse
- Adult Mental Health
- Trauma and Interpersonal Violence
- Group Practice
- Clinical Practice and Therapy Models
Course Sequencing / Prerequisites
- Research, SW 441/SWO 441 must be completed prior to enrollment in Evaluation, SW 509/SWO 509.
- Program Evaluation, SW 509/SWO 509 must be taken concurrently with SW 447A or SW 447B/SWO 447A or SWO 447B.
- Dynamics of Racism and Oppression, SW 409/SWO 409 must be completed before commencing specialized year courses.
- SW 403/SWO 403 must be completed before SW 404/SWO 404.
- Practicum Education Year I, SW 446A or SWO 446L is concurrent with SW 421A or SWO 421A; SW 446B or SWO 446B is concurrent with SW 421B or SWO 421B.
- Practicum Education Year II, SW 447A or SWO 447A is concurrent with SW 424A or SWO 424; SW 447B or SWO 447B is concurrent with SW 424B or SWO 425.
- Students must stay in the same sections (day, time, and professor) for practice classes: SW 421A/SWO 421A and SW 421B/SWO 421B and SW 424A and SW 424B.
Practicum Placements
Students apply their academic knowledge through direct-practice internships with individuals, groups, families agencies, and larger systems. Practicum helps students develop a strong foundation of social work practice skills prior to graduation. The final semesters of practicum placement focus on advanced clinical skills. Practicum placements occur on weekdays (Monday-Friday) during regular business hours.
On Ground MSW practicum options
- Full-Time Students: Internships are three days (24 hours) per week from September to May for both years of the MSW Program.
- Extended Program Students: Internships taken during the second and third years of the program are three days (24 hours) per week from September to May. Students can choose to do placements 16 hours per week for 11 months.
- Advanced Standing Students: Advanced standing students complete one 2 semester (Fall, Spring) practicum. Placements are 24 hours each week.
- 16-Month Students: Internships are in four consecutive semesters starting in the Spring Term. Each is 24 hours per week.
Online MSW practicum options
In the first term of practicum education students complete the Simulated Practicum Experience, a 14-week 3 credit course that constitutes the first term of the generalist placement. After successful completion of the course, students enter the three-term agency-based placement which comprises the final term of the generalist placement and both terms of the specialized placement. The core of the Simulated Practicum Experience is simulation training, an evidence-based teaching and learning pedagogy and an essential method for applying knowledge to practice. MSW program students are required to complete a minimum of 1104 hours of practicum in their agency-based placements. Regular attendance of three days a week (or 24 hours per week) in practicum is required of students during the three terms. Advanced Standing students attend 672 hours of practicum for two terms.
Students in each of the online options typically begin practicum work as follows:
- Extended (8 terms): 4th term
- Full-time (6 terms): 2nd term
- Accelerated (4 terms): 1st term
- Advanced Standing (3 terms): 2nd term
- Advanced Standing (2 terms): 1st term
Employment as Practicum (all enrollment options)
In certain situations, the School and Practicum Education Department may permit students to use a paid social work position to fulfill the practicum education requirement for one practicum. In the On Ground program this arrangement is generally made for the foundation placement but can also occur during the advanced placement if faculty deems the site appropriate. In the Online program this could possibly be approved as the 3 term placement. Students who wish to use their place of paid employment as a practicum must complete an employment-based Practicum placement application. Each application will be carefully reviewed and decided upon within the framework of Council on Social Work Education (CSWE) and school standards and expectations. To be approved, the agency and student must agree to adhere to the criteria for such placements, which are listed in the Practicum Education Manual.
If you’re unsure about choosing between clinical and policy work, Simmons University’s Certificate in Public Policy lets you combine clinical training with advanced public policy knowledge. This program prepares on-campus students to emerge as leaders in social work.
Along with your MSW courses, you’ll take three classes with public policy faculty to broaden your understanding of policy systems, theory, analysis, and key policy topics. These classes count toward the 65 credits needed for the MSW, so there’s no extra cost.
You’ll graduate with the skills to analyze and influence policies at the local, state, and national levels. This opens up many career paths in social work, especially in policymaking, advocacy, and administration.
Become a trauma-informed clinician who can support individuals and communities with understanding, compassion, and skill.
The Certificate in Trauma Practice prepares you to work in many settings, such as schools, community mental health centers, programs for immigrants and refugees, hospitals, correctional systems, and private therapy practices. You’ll work with children, adults, couples, families, and groups, giving you the flexibility needed in today’s clinical environments.
Along with your MSW courses, you’ll take classes like Child and Adolescent Trauma, Lifespan of Trauma Treatment: Adults and Families, and two electives focused on trauma. You’ll graduate ready to use evidence-based trauma treatment with people of all ages and in different care settings.
Simmons University’s Certificate in Healthcare prepares on-campus students to become the next generation of clinical social work leaders in health and healthcare.
Along with your MSW courses, you’ll take specialized classes in healthcare systems, culture, practices, and working with other professionals. You’ll get a personalized and integrated learning experience. These classes are part of the 65 credits needed for the MSW, so there’s no extra cost.
You’ll be ready to work in health services settings like community health centers, primary care practices, hospitals, behavioral health clinics, and other healthcare organizations. You’ll also be prepared to make a difference through direct clinical work, especially with underserved groups.
Simmons University’s Certificate in Mental Health Practice prepares online students to work with people who have serious mental health conditions, including those with other health challenges.
Along with your MSW courses, you’ll take specialized classes on being a clinician and advocate, and on working with teams, families, and other support systems. These classes count toward the 65 credits needed for the MSW, so there’s no extra cost.
Throughout the program, you’ll learn about how stigma, marginalization, and discrimination affect health, safety, access to resources, and quality of life. You’ll graduate with the skills to use evidence-based interventions to help clients manage symptoms, support wellness, and recover.
Build advanced clinical skills to serve active service members, veterans, and their families with respect and care.
The Certificate in Clinical Practice with Active Service Members, Veterans, and Families helps you better understand military culture, systems, and identity, as well as the unique experiences, strengths, and challenges experienced by military-connected people. You’ll also learn to work respectfully with minoritized communities in the military, building the cultural awareness needed for ethical and effective practice.
You’ll graduate ready to support individuals and families at any stage of military life, whether you work in healthcare, community agencies, schools, or clinical settings.
Spotlight on MSW Students and Alums
A Holistic Approach to the Veteran Population
Tim Norton ’26MSW is completing his master of social work + clinical practice with active service members, veterans, and families certificate at Simmons. Norton shares how he brings his own experience as an Army officer and his training at Simmons to support this unique population.
Social Work Alumna Publishes Book on Divorce
Oona Metz ’93MSW is a therapist who leads therapy groups and supports women in transition. We spoke with her about her new book on navigating divorce and the essential training she received at Simmons.
2025–26 Graduate Student Research Award Recipients
The Office of Research and Fellowships has announced the recipients of the 2025–2026 Graduate Student Research Award. This competitive, cross-disciplinary award provides up to $1,500 to five doctoral and master’s degree candidates to conduct research in the fields of mental health, social work, children’s literature, and archival preservation.
Pioneering Trauma-Informed Care with Expressive Arts
Kapr Bangura is the program director for the Therapeutic After-School Program at the Home for Little Wanderers, the oldest child-welfare organization in the country, focused on serving children who have experienced violence, neglect, and other forms of trauma. In this leadership role, Bangura oversees a strengths-based afterschool program designed to address the therapeutic, educational, and recreational needs of youth ages 12 to 18 and their families.
Family Support Through Care and Housing Support
Deyanira Gomera ’24MSW is a school-based clinician at Housing Families, Inc., a nonprofit in Malden, Massachusetts, that offers a range of programs for individuals and families in need of stable housing. In this role, Gomera works in partnership with Everett and Peabody public schools to provide group therapy to children and teens who are living in shelters.
Finding Purpose in School-Based Social Work
Diana Pelaez ’24MSW is a clinical social worker for the Metropolitan Council for Educational Opportunity (METCO) — the largest voluntary school-integration program in the country.
Alumna Delivers Trauma-Informed Care at Boston Children’s
Rachel Nyakako is a clinical social worker in the Children’s Hospital Primary Care Center (CHPCC) at Boston Children’s Hospital. She serves as a link for patients and families in need of mental and behavioral healthcare and resources.
Advocating for Others
Anne Villano ’22MSW says her decision to enroll in Simmons’ School of Social Work was influenced by two key factors that also shaped volunteer service she engaged in while earning her degree – and her path since graduating: life experience and an affinity for advocacy.
Our Faculty
Experts in their profession and dedicated mentors in their classrooms, Simmons faculty are dedicated to teaching, mentoring, and guiding the next generation of social workers. The esteemed MSW faculty — many of whom are published authors, researchers, and practitioners across the country — includes:
Gary Bailey
Professor of Practice and MSW Program Director
Joanna Almeida
Professor and Eva Whiting White Endowed Chair
Kristie Thomas
Professor and Associate Dean for Academic Affairs
Noelle C. Dimitri
Assistant Professor
Daren Graves
Professor
Johnnie Hamilton-Mason
Professor and Associate Dean for Faculty Development
Eugenia Knight
Associate Professor of Practice and Director of MSW Practicum Education
Peter Maramaldi
Professor and Social Work Alumni Fund Endowed Chair
Samuel Odom
Associate Professor of Practice
Christina M. Sellers
Associate Professor, Jennifer Eckert ‘08SW School of Social Work Endowed Chair, and Director of the Center for Innovation in Behavioral Health Education and Research
Leah Hart Tennen
Professor of Practice and Director of Student Support Services