While the world has changed vastly since the Graduate School of Social Work's founding in 1936, its charge remains steadfast: to engage in rigorous scholarship, to prepare students for competent and compassionate practice and to promote attainment of social justice.
The GSSW provides an innovative curriculum sharply focused to meet the needs of a changing society, and remains an international leader in shaping the education of professional Social Workers.
MSW Program
MSW students choose between Clinical or Macro practice. All students are required to take a set of required "foundation" courses coupled with "methods" courses in their chosen area of study. All second year students in both the Clinical and Macro methods will choose a Field of Practice Concentration. We currently offer Field of Practice Concentrations in: Children, Youth & Families; Global Practice; Health & Mental Health; and Older Adults & Families. Developing an individualized field of practice is also an option. Students have the options of full-time (2 year program) or part-time (3-4 year program) on either the main BC Campus (Chestnut Hill) or one of GSSW's three offsite campuses (Worcester, Mass., Southeastern, Mass. and Portland, Maine).
Doctoral Program
The Boston College Graduate School of Social Work Doctoral Program prepares scholars committed to pursuing knowledge that will advance the field of social welfare and social work practice. Students master a substantive area and gain methodological expertise to excel as researchers and teachers in leading academic and social welfare settings throughout the world.