Simmons University

What you'll study

The BSW curriculum combines foundation social work theory with applied practice skills and structured field education. Core subjects typically include human behaviour in the social environment, social welfare policy and services, research methods for social work, ethics and professional practice, and diversity, equity and inclusion in practice.

Practice-focused modules emphasise intervention across levels of practice: working with individuals, families, groups, organisations and communities. Courses cover assessment and engagement, brief and long-term intervention strategies, trauma-informed care, substance use, child and family practice, and mental health practice. You will also study policy analysis and advocacy, learning how systems shape individual and community wellbeing.

The programme is built around sequential field placements supervised by experienced practitioners. Placements take place in a wide range of settings — for example hospitals and community clinics, schools, child and family agencies, mental health and substance-use services, shelters and community organisations — giving you supervised, practical experience that integrates with seminar-based coursework.

Students often complete a capstone or integrative practicum in the final year that synthesises theory, research and practice and may undertake electives or interdisciplinary modules in areas such as public health, education or management.

Entry requirements

Applicants should hold a recognised secondary-school qualification and meet the university's general admission standards. Typical entry expectations include a demonstrated academic record, a personal statement outlining commitment to social work and social justice, and at least one reference. Admissions panels look for evidence of maturity, interpersonal skills, and relevant volunteer, community or paid experience working with people.

Specific requirements may include recommended coursework in social sciences (for example psychology or sociology) and basic research or statistics exposure. Transfer applicants will be considered with college-level credits and a competitive GPA. International applicants must demonstrate English proficiency through recognised tests or previous study in English.

Career prospects

Graduates with a BSW typically move into entry-level professional roles in health care, schools, child and family services, mental health and substance-use programmes, community development, homelessness and housing services, and non‑profit case management. Common job titles include case manager, community outreach worker, school support worker, medical social worker (entry-level roles), family support worker and programme coordinator.

Many BSW graduates also choose to continue to a Master of Social Work (MSW) to qualify for clinical licensure and to access advanced clinical, policy or leadership roles. The degree also provides a strong foundation for related postgraduate studies in public health, public policy, education or counselling.

Why study at Simmons University

Simmons offers a practice-oriented BSW programme with strong ties to the Greater Boston social services sector, enabling diverse placement opportunities and local partnerships. The university emphasises small class sizes, close faculty mentorship and a curriculum grounded in social justice, anti-oppressive practice and leadership development.

Field education is supported by a dedicated placement office and experienced field faculty who help broker supervised internships across clinical, community and institutional settings. Students benefit from interdisciplinary collaboration opportunities with other professional programmes and from Simmons' alumni network in health, education and non-profit sectors.

Finally, the programme is delivered with professional accreditation standards in mind, preparing students for immediate entry-level practice or for continued study toward licensure and advanced social work roles.