Program Overview
Introduction to the Boston College School of Social Work
The Boston College School of Social Work offers a Master of Social Work (MSW) program that allows students to customize their graduate education by selecting one of six fields of practice. This flexibility enables students to concentrate their studies on the issues and populations that matter most to them.
Fields of Practice
The MSW program at Boston College School of Social Work offers six fields of practice:
- Black Leadership in Social Work
- Children, Youth, and Families
- Global Practice
- Health
- Latinx Communities
- Mental Health
Black Leadership in Social Work
The Black Leadership in Social Work field of practice takes an African-centered approach to engaging individuals, families, and communities. Students are equipped with the tools to critically evaluate, intervene, advocate, support, and lead with an African-centered approach to practice.
Required Courses
- SCWK8846 Advanced Practice in Afrocentric Social Work
Best Suited For
- Students interested in exploring and implementing an Afrocentric perspective across developmental stages with Black communities, families, groups, and organizations.
Children, Youth, and Families
Children, Youth, & Families students intern in schools, nonprofits, and health centers addressing trauma, poverty, homelessness, health, and immigrant integration. Advanced courses focus on activity-based therapy for youth, family therapy models, and school social work licensure.
Required Courses
- SCWK8872 Advanced Clinical Practice with Children, Youth, and Families (for Clinical Social Work)
- SCWK8885 Management of Organizations Serving Children, Youth, and Families (for Macro Social Work)
Best Suited For
- For students committed to promoting the well-being of children, youth, and families through direct practice, advocacy, and systems change.
Global Practice
Focused on human rights, security, development, and sustainable solutions to social issues. Students work with domestic or international partners on projects like supporting refugees, drafting immigration policies, preventing violence, and developing sustainable programs globally.
Required Courses
- SCWK7797 Frameworks and Tools of Global Practice
Best Suited For
- Students who are prepared and motivated to work across cultures, borders, and international systems of care.
Health
Clinical students focus on building strong assessment skills and learning evidence-based interventions for individuals, couples, families, and groups. Macro students develop policy, planning, and management skills to lead and advocate. Graduates work in health/behavioral health settings.
Required Courses
- SCWK8873 Integration of Behavioral Health and Medical Care Practice (for Clinical Social Work)
- SCWK8897 Planning for Health and Mental Health Services (for Macro Social Work)
Best Suited For
- Ideal for students interested in promoting health equity and delivering social work services within healthcare systems, public health, and community settings.
Latinx Communities
Using an asset-based approach, students explore the barriers Latinx populations face in accessing education, social services, and healthcare, while learning to apply evidence-based interventions. In a Spanish-taught cohort, students intern with area partners.
Required Courses
- SCWK8837 Social Services with Latinx Populations in the U.S.
Best Suited For
- For students committed to empowering Latinx communities through culturally responsive practice, advocacy, and systems change.
Mental Health
Clinical students focus on building strong assessment skills and learning evidence-based interventions for individuals, couples, families, and groups. Macro students develop policy, planning, and management skills to lead and advocate. Graduates work in health/behavioral health settings.
Required Courses
- SCWK8874 Adult Psychological Trauma (for Clinical Social Work)
- SCWK8897 Planning for Health and Mental Health Services (for Macro Social Work)
Best Suited For
- For students interested in integrating trauma-informed approaches into health and social service systems to promote healing, resilience, and equity.
Application Deadlines
- Early: November 15
- Priority: January 15
- Regular: March 15
- Rolling
Required Coursework for all Fields of Practice
For Clinical
- SCWK99339934 Field Education IIIIV
For Macro Social Work
- SCWK99439944 Field Education IIIIV
The Boston College School of Social Work is committed to providing students with a comprehensive education that prepares them for a career in social work. With a focus on practice, research, and community engagement, the school offers a unique and enriching experience for students.