Social Work | Springfield College

Social Work

Master of Social Work
About This Program
Admissions Contact

Sean Mangan
Graduate Admissions Counselor
smangan@springfield.edu
(413) 748-3060
Make an appointment

Are you an International Student?
Please contact intladmissions@springfield.edu 
Make an appointment

Curriculum and Delivery
Start Dates and Duration
  • Start in September (fall semester) or January (spring semester)
  • Attend full or part time
  • Full time: Complete in 2 years
  • Part time: Complete in 3 years
Fieldwork Practicum
Career Opportunities
Paying for Your Education
Looking for other degrees in Social Work?
Upcoming Events

Tips and Pointers for Applying to Graduate School
Tuesday, January 14, 2025 at 6 p.m.
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Social Work Virtual Information Session
Tuesday, February 4, 2025 at 7 p.m.
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Social Work In-Person Information Session
Thursday, March 6, 2025 at 5 p.m.
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Social Work Virtual Information Session
Wednesday, April 9, 2025 at 6 p.m.
Register

 

Springfield College Social Work graduate students discuss their coursework and careers between classes at the Brennan Center on Tuesday, January 30, 2024.

Every one of us is a work in progress.

The Master of Social Work (MSW) at Springfield College provides students with the education and experience needed to make a difference in the field of social work.  Dive into a supportive learning environment where experienced faculty guide you through evidence-based practices, hands-on experiences, and the latest research. You'll not only learn to address societal challenges but also advocate for change, making a tangible difference in your community. 

The Master of Social Work prepares social workers for professional practice through a single concentration in advanced generalist practice. Students graduate well-equipped to work at the individual, family, group, organization, and community levels with evidence-based and knowledge-guided practice.

Program Options

  • MSW 100% Online Program (part time, three years) - Mix of synchronous and asynchronous courses, cohort model to build community, and includes intensive faculty advising and technical support
  • MSW Weekday Program (full time, two years) - Classes meet on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 9 to 3:50 p.m. In addition to classroom work, a field practicum is required in each of four semesters and participation in fall field seminars is required. The field practica take place during weekday business hours.
  • MSW Evening Program (full time, two years)- In this option, classes meet on a weekly basis on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 5:15 to 8:30 p.m. All courses are in a hybrid format.
  • MSW Weekend Program (part time, three years) - In this option, classes meet seven times per semester in the fall and spring and in two summer semesters, on Saturdays and Sundays from 9 to 3:40 p.m. In addition to classroom work, a field practicum is required in the fourth, fifth, seventh, and eighth semesters, along with fall field seminars. The content and quality of the weekday and weekend programs are the same. The field practica take place during weekday business hours.

Mission  

Through the teaching of social work knowledge and practice, the Masters in Social Work program at Springfield College prepares individuals to meet universal human needs in order to engender mutually beneficial interaction between individuals and societal systems at all levels, based on principles of economic and social justice, dignity, and human rights.

What job can I get with a degree in Social Work?

A Master of Social Work (MSW) degree isn't just a degree—it's your passport to making a real difference while building a rewarding, dynamic career. Whether you're passionate about community transformation or individual support, your MSW opens doors to incredible professional opportunities across multiple sectors.

Data is from the 2024 Occupational Outlook Handbook from the Bureau of Labor Statistics


Social Worker
$73,630
Median Salary
7%
Job Projected Growth
54,700+
Job Projected Openings

Social workers who are licensed to diagnose and treat mental, behavioral, and emotional disorders are called clinical social workers (CSW), licensed clinical social workers (LCSW), or have a similar title; specific titles vary by state. They provide individual, group, family, and couples therapy; work with clients to develop strategies to change behavior or cope with difficult situations; and refer clients to other resources or services, such as support groups or other mental health workers. Clinical social workers may develop treatment plans with the client, doctors, and other healthcare workers and may adjust the treatment plan if necessary based on their client’s progress. They may work in a variety of specialties.



Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselor
$53,710
Median Salary
19%
Job Projected Growth
84,500+
Job Projected Openings

Substance abuse counselors and behavioral disorder counselors, also called addiction counselors, work with clients individually and in group sessions. They teach clients how to cope with stress and life’s problems in ways that help them recover. Furthermore, they help clients rebuild professional relationships and, if necessary, reestablish their career. They also help clients improve their personal relationships and find ways to discuss their addiction or other problems with family and friends.

Mental health counselors advise individuals, families, couples, and groups. Some work with specific populations, such as children or older adults. Mental health counselors treat clients who have a variety of conditions, including anxiety, depression, grief, and stress. They also help with emotional health and relationship problems.


Accreditation

The Springfield College Master of Social Work program is accredited by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE), the official accrediting body for social work programs in the U.S. This enables graduates to take professional social work licensure examinations in all 50 states.

How to Apply:

Admissions Requirements

International Applicants

  • $100 non-refundable International Application fee

In addition to the above admissions requirements, all international applicants from non-English-speaking countries are required to submit:

  • Proof of English language proficiency by way of the TOEFL or IELTS: Other tests may be accepted on a case-by-case basis. Please refer to our language requirements for more information on acceptable tests, minimum scores, exemptions, and conditional acceptance. If your undergraduate degree was earned in the United States and you successfully completed college-level English, we will consider English language proficiency met.
  • Please note: Transcripts must be in English. If the transcript is not in English you will be required to submit a professional credential evaluation completed by any member of the National Association of Credential Evaluation Services (NACES). For this we recommend SpanTran, with its customized portal for Springfield College applicants. World Education Services or Josef Silny & Associates, Inc. are also recommended for your credential evaluations.

The Office of International Admissions can assist you with questions you may have about enrolling at Springfield College as an international student by emailing intladmissions@springfieldcollege.edu.

Application Deadlines

Domestic Students:

Fall Start

  • Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis as space is available.

Spring Start

  • Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis as space is available.

International Students:

Fall Start

  • Application and Supporting Materials Deadline: May 1

Spring Start

  • Application and Supporting Materials Deadline: October 1

Winifred Brown, MSW’23

“Coming from a country whose child protection system was not well suited to the current needs of its citizens ignited a flame in me that required knowledge and skill to help me become an instrument of change. Springfield College has given me the platform to acquire academic training with its generalist program. I gained knowledge, skills, and values at the micro, mezzo, and macro levels. I gained so much confidence in myself and professional skills using group experience from field placements and project presentations.”

Winifred Brown
MSW and JD

Jenna Stadulis, MSW’23

“I have always had a passion for wanting to help people with substance use disorders. I wasn’t sure if I wanted to do that in a legal or social work capacity which is why I decided to get both degrees. The best part of my time in the MSW program has been my fieldwork experiences, from my first placement at a methadone clinic to my placement at the Committee for Public Counsel Services. I have learned so much from working in the field and have loved being able to connect what I am learning in the classroom to the real world.”

Jenna Stadulis

Fellowships & Scholarships

Let us help you make your graduate education as affordable as possible.

Employee Partnerships

Employees of our partnerships are eligible to receive a $5,000 or $10,000 partner grant.

Graduate Financial Aid

Most of our students are eligible for some type of aid, whether a grant, scholarship, or loan.