Social Work (BSW): Online
An online bachelor's degree completion program
Are you looking to complete your bachelor’s degree in social work? Simmons University’s Online Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) program option gives you the same high-quality education as our on-campus program, but with the flexibility to fit your schedule.
You’ll join live, interactive online classes led by experienced professionals and learn the basics of social welfare, economic justice, and general social work practice.
Learn more about Simmons’ women-centered Online Degree Completion Program.
Why pursue an online BSW degree at Simmons?
Simmons made history in 1904 by creating the nation’s first MSW program for clinical social workers. Building upon this legacy, Simmons has continued to lead and innovate in social work education. Over the years, we expanded our programs with the launch of the PhD program in 1984, the BSW program in 2012, and the DSW program in 2021.
Here's what sets Simmons' online BSW apart:
- Small Classes: Learn in a setting where your voice is heard, and your growth is personal.
- Integrated Learning: Take part in a supervised internship where you’ll gain real-world experience for over 425 hours, about 16 hours each week.
- Scholar-Practitioner Faculty: Our faculty are nationally recognized leaders in social work practice, research, and education. They share their real-world experience in every class.
- Career Preparation: Graduate ready to work in a range of agencies, including community, government, residential, schools, hospitals, and child welfare.
- A Lifelong Network: Join the Simmons School of Social Work family, a community of alumnae/i leading the profession globally.
- Affordable, accessible per-credit tuition
What can you do with an online BSW?
With a bachelor’s degree in Social Work, you'll be prepared to take the Licensed Social Worker (LSW) exam and apply for our 9-month Advanced Standing MSW Program.
The US Bureau of Labor Statistics projects a 6% growth in social work employment through 2034. Simmons graduates work in community agencies, residential programs, child protective services, schools, geriatric services, and organizations focused on community activism.
Spotlight on Social Work Students and Alums
Meet Our 2025–26 Bonner Community Leaders
The Bonner Community Leaders Program is a unique opportunity for students who want to combine a strong commitment to service with personal growth, teamwork, leadership development, and scholarship. This academic year, Simmons announced a new cohort of Bonner Leaders including Ammy A. Cardenes Santana ’29, Gulsah Cayan ’29, Lily-Rose O’Brien ’29, and Mackenzie Oprea ’29.
Simmons Student-athletes Excel On and Off the Field
Early mornings and late evenings. Long practices and rigorous academic courses. Team bonding and unforgettable moments. These are just a few of the hallmarks of the student-athlete experience at Simmons, according to field hockey player Sydney Gonyea ’25 and softball pitcher Piper Kinney ’26.
Social Work Student Destigmatizes Homelessness in New Book
Social Work major Maggie Spadaro ’25 recently published a children’s book that fosters awareness and empathy regarding individuals experiencing homelessness. We spoke with her about this unique project, Simmons’ vital community, and her social justice-related aspirations.
Simmons Welcomes New Cohort of Bonner Community Leaders
The Bonner Community Leaders Program is a unique opportunity for students who want to combine a strong commitment to service with personal growth, teamwork, leadership development, and scholarship. We spoke with Ellie Foss ’28, Jocelyn Miranda Landaverde ’28, Bridget Swezey ’28, and Soraya Timas ’28 about what drew them to the program.
Ilana Feldman ’23MSW: Empowering Communication and Connection with the Special Needs’ Population
Ilana Feldman is a social worker in the Deafblind School at Perkins School for the Blind in Watertown, Massachusetts—the oldest school for the blind in the U.S.
Trans & Non-Binary Living-Learning Communities at Simmons Offer Residential Support and Allyship on Campus
The Trans & Non-Binary Living-Learning Communities (LLC) are for students who identify anywhere within the transgender and non-binary spectrum, as well as active allies. We spoke to students, staff, and Resident Advisors about how the LLC supports trans undergraduate students on campus.
Simmons Announces Passionate Leaders Project Scholars for Fall 2023
The Passionate Leaders Project supports Simmons undergraduates by enriching their academic & professional interests beyond the classroom. Students may request up to $4,000 to support their research, internships, and creative endeavors. This semester’s students produced research related to human rights, documentary film, healthcare access, therapeutic care databases, the neurodevelopment of fruit flies, Muslims’ experiences with healthcare in Boston, and software that supports Simmons’ food pantry.
Marina McCollum ’25 on Deconstructing Stigma: Changing Attitudes toward Mental Health
McLean Hospital recently launched Deconstructing Stigma: Changing Attitudes toward Mental Health. This campaign challenges popular and erroneous assumptions about psychiatric disorders. Social work major Marina McCollum is a participant in the program. She spoke with us about her personal experiences...
Highlights of Simmons BSW Program
125+
Years
For more than a century, Simmons has set the standard for clinical social work education and social justice advocacy.
1st
School of Clinical Social Work in the Country
The School of Social Work (SSW) is distinguished in many ways — with nationally acclaimed faculty, a strong emphasis on clinical practice, and our ideal Boston location among world-renowned teaching hospitals and research facilities.
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.
100%
Feel that Faculty are Invested
100% of students report that faculty are invested in their success.
* results from the 2025 BSW student survey
90%
Rank Practicum Sites as Excellent
90% of students reported they would recommend their placement site to other BSW students.
* results from the 2025 BSW student survey
94%
Agree that are receiving a high-quality education
94% of students agreed that the content and skills they are learning is preparing them for a successful career in social work.
* results from the 2025 BSW student survey