School of Social Work
Educating for Change
Mission Statement
The Boston University School of Social Work (BUSSW) develops dynamic and diverse social work practitioners, leaders, and scholars through rigorous teaching, innovative research, and transformative community engagement.
Our faculty are in the forefront of practice, research, and training with diverse populations in such areas as:
- Aging and gerontology
- Children, youth, and families
- Communities, policies, and practice
- Disability
- Health and public health social work
- HIV and AIDS
- Mental health
- Refugees and immigrants
- Substance abuse
- Suicide prevention
- Trauma
Students take advanced coursework to develop and deepen their competence according to their special interests and talents, and major in either clinical or macro social work practice.
The Boston University School of Social Work offers options to earn a Master of Social Work degree as well as a PhD in Social Work. The School is located on BU’s Charles River Campus in Boston, with Off-Campus Program sites in Bedford, Fall River, and Cape Cod, MA. A part-time Online Program is available.
Diversity in Student Population
BUSSW’s composition reflects the changing face of the urban environment and attracts students with diverse racial, ethnic, cultural, religious, and economic backgrounds; students with disabilities; gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgendered students; and students of various ages and life experience.
An emphasis is placed on the recruitment of ALANA students (African Americans/Blacks, Latinos, Asian Americans/Pacific Islanders, and Native Americans). Scholarships earmarked for ALANA students have provided important support for this effort.
There is also a special scholarship for students with disabilities—the Wendy Carol Byers Memorial Scholarship. To assist with its recruitment programs for students with disabilities, all of the School’s sites are wheelchair accessible. The staff also works closely with the Boston University Disability Services office to provide appropriate support for students.
Accreditation
Boston University is accredited by the New England Association of Schools and Colleges (NEASC), one of six nationally recognized accrediting agencies. In addition, the MSW degree program at the Boston University School of Social Work is fully accredited by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE).
