Best Online Social Work Programs in Massachusetts (2026)

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Massachusetts Social Work At a Glance

MetricDetail
Median Social Work Salary$71,409
Salary OutlookMassachusetts offers competitive wages for social work professionals, reflected in the state-specific Bureau of Labor Statistics median salaries shown below.
Primary Licensing BodyMassachusetts Board of Social Work Examiners
Accreditation RequiredInstitutional + Regional

Earning an online social work degree in Massachusetts offers a flexible path to a high-demand career. Massachusetts offers competitive wages for social work professionals, reflected in the state-specific Bureau of Labor Statistics median salaries shown below. Whether you’re looking for an affordable in-state option or a top-ranked national program, Massachusetts students have access to a variety of accredited online choices that balance quality and cost.


Online Social Work Schools in Massachusetts

The following schools offer accredited online social work programs and are ranked based on affordability, graduation rates, and student outcomes in Massachusetts.

How We Rank Schools

Every school list on this site is ordered by the BOC Score, computed from the most recent school-level data published by the U.S. Department of Education (College Scorecard and IPEDS). To qualify, a school must be currently operating and accredited by an agency recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. Each eligible school is then scored on five measures, percentile-ranked against schools at the same credential level:

  • Graduation rate 30%
  • Median earnings, 10 years after entry 25%
  • Average net price (lower is better) 20%
  • Retention rate 15%
  • Fully online availability 10%

Schools without enough outcome data appear after ranked schools, without a score. Advertising never affects these rankings. Read the full methodology.

#2

University of Massachusetts-Amherst

Amherst, MA BOC Score 79.0
  • 4 year
  • Campus + Online
TuitionContact school for pricing
Contact
Key stats
  • Programs offered: 21

Source:IPEDSCollege Scorecard

#3

Boston College

Chestnut Hill, MA BOC Score 78.5
  • 4 year
  • Campus + Online
TuitionContact school for pricing
Contact
Key stats
  • Programs offered: 15

Source:IPEDSCollege Scorecard

#4

Smith College

Northampton, MA BOC Score 66.3
  • 4 year
  • Accredited
Acceptance rate 20%
Graduation rate 89%
Tuition
In鈥憇tate$61,568
Out鈥憃f鈥憇tate$61,568
Contact
Key stats
  • Programs offered: 2

Source:Accreditor: New England Commission on Higher EducationIPEDSCollege Scorecard

#5

Springfield College

Springfield, MA BOC Score 46.2
  • 4 year
  • Accredited
Acceptance rate 70%
Graduation rate 70%
Tuition
In鈥憇tate$43,707
Out鈥憃f鈥憇tate$43,707
Contact
Key stats
  • Programs offered: 16

Source:Accreditor: New England Commission on Higher EducationIPEDSCollege Scorecard


Career Outlook and Salaries in Massachusetts

Social Work professionals in Massachusetts experience a dynamic job market with competitive wages. Below are the median annual salaries for key roles in the field, based on the latest Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) data for Massachusetts.

OccupationMedian Annual Salary (Massachusetts)
Child, Family, and School Social Worker$75,570
Healthcare Social Worker$76,440
Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Worker$62,500
Social Worker, All Other$101,280
Social and Community Service Manager$81,380
Social and Human Service Assistant$47,130
Community Health Worker$55,560

Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), May 2025 Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.


Why Pursue an Online Social Work Degree in Massachusetts?

Choosing a program in Massachusetts can provide several advantages:

  • In-State Tuition: Many public universities in Massachusetts offer lower tuition rates for residents, even for online programs.
  • Local Networking: Attending a school within your state can make it easier to connect with local employers and professional organizations.
  • Regional Relevance: Curriculum often incorporates data and case studies relevant to the Massachusetts economy and job market.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are online social work programs in Massachusetts accredited?

Yes, the programs listed above are accredited by recognized regional or national agencies. For Massachusetts, this includes accreditation from agencies recognized by the U.S. Department of Education, ensuring your degree meets high academic standards.

How does Social Work pay in Massachusetts compare to other states?

Massachusetts offers competitive wages for social work professionals, reflected in the state-specific Bureau of Labor Statistics median salaries shown below. This makes Massachusetts a strong choice for students looking to maximize their ROI after graduation.

What is the primary licensing board for social work in Massachusetts?

The Massachusetts Board of Social Work Examiners oversees professional standards and licensure for the field in Massachusetts. Most accredited programs are designed to align with their specific requirements.


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