Simmons University - School of Social Work

Simmons University School of Social Work was the first clinical social work school in the nation. With a distinguished legacy spanning for more than 115 years, Simmons School of Social Work is a pioneer in clinical social work education and managed care practice. We were also one of the first online MSW programs, and have been educating clinical social workers through synchronous and asynchronous coursework since 2014.

Simmons offers a rigorous education in clinical social work, through a progressive, hands-on curriculum that infuses education and practice with social justice values and multicultural perspectives. Simmons Social Work is a leader in educating students for the demands of contemporary practice with individuals, families, groups and communities with a nationally acclaimed clinical social work program. Simmons School of Social Work offers BSW, MSW (traditional and advanced standing), DSW, and PhD degrees. 

• The only school of social work in Massachusetts that uses Social Work Clinical Simulation Education to engage MSW students in higher level learning. Standardized patients who are trained actors and case studies are used to produce simulated clinical situations, allowing Simmons MSW students to practice treatments. Our online students receive similar training through our unique Field Education Lab.

• Faculty experience as practitioners informs their research and their teaching. Our faculty are scholar practitioners: almost 90% of our faculty have direct clinical experience.

• Certificate Options: Trauma Practice, Healthcare, School Social Work Licensure, Mental Health, Practice with Groups and Families.

• Program Options: You can pursue your MSW at an accelerated (16 month), full-time (23 month), or extended (32 month) pace. The MSW Advanced Standing Program ( for BSW Degree holders) can be completed in only 9 months full-time or 24 month part-time.

• More hours in the field. 24 hours/week of field practicum–more than any other SW school in Boston.

• Simmons Social Work Community:  Active, diverse, engaged. Our Simmons social work community has several student organizations and support groups.