Social Work Degree

The social work program at Boston University prepares students for careers as an adolescent specialist, child and family social worker, healthcare social worker, mental health and substance abuse social worker, and more. The program focuses on social welfare administration and counseling, as well as studying organized means of providing basic support services for vulnerable individuals and groups. Program courses include: social welfare policy, case work planning, social counseling and intervention strategies, and administrative procedures and regulations. Get more details below including other Massachusetts colleges that offer social work degrees.

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Boston University

140 Commonwealth Avenue, Chestnut Hill, MA

Boston University (BU) is a top-ranked, private institution of higher education located in Boston, Massachusetts.  BU offers undergraduate, graduate and professional degree programs in more than 250 fields of study and is particularly known for its interdisciplinary programs, leading research, and excellent faculty.  Its faculty includes several Nobel Prize winners, a poet laureate, and a recipient of the MacArthur Foundation "Genius Award."

BU's main campus is its Charles River Campus, and its Medical Campus is nearby.  The total campus area is 133 acres, supporting 320 buildings, 487 classrooms, 23 libraries and more than 2,000 laboratories.  Despite its physical size, BU strives to have smaller class sizes, with a ratio of one teacher per 13 students.  The average class size for undergraduates is 27 students.

History

Boston University was established in 1869.

Academics

Boston University (BU) follows the semester academic calendar, with fall, spring and summer semesters.  BU offers 250 different programs of study from its 17 colleges and schools.

Colleges and Schools

• College of Arts & Sciences
• Graduate School of Arts & Science
• College of Communication
• College of Engineering
• College of Fine Arts
• College of General Studies
• College of Health & Rehabilitation Sciences: Sargent College
• Metropolitan College
• Henry M. Goldman School of Dental Medicine
• School of Education
• School of Hospitality Administration
• School of Law
• School of Management
• School of Medicine
• School of Public Health
• School of Social Work
• School of Theology

Student Life

Boston University has 80% of its undergraduates living on campus, which means there is a strong student community on campus.  Additionally, BU has more than 500 student activity groups that include academic, social, athletic, artistic, scientific and religious interests. BU is host to many annual events, including lectures and debates, music, comedy and drama.

There are several student publications, as well as WTBU, the student-run radio station, that encourage student participation.  A good way for students to connect with others, navigate the academic requirements or find out what's happening on and around campus is to access "Student Central" online.  This online resource provides access to academic bulletins, course descriptions, registration information, student health services, libraries, the student union, student links, a blackboard, the BU Bus schedule, BU maps, BU Bookstore hours, important dates, classes and amenities available at the FitRec Center, and more.

Athletics

The Boston University athletics department participates in 23 varsity sports.  The team mascot is the Boston Terrier, and BU's athletic teams are known as "The Terriers."

Men's Sports:

• Basketball
• Crew
• Cross Country
• Ice Hockey
• Soccer
• Swimming & Diving
• Tennis
• Track & Field
• Wrestling

Women's Sports:

• Basketball
• Cross Country
• Field Hockey
• Golf
• Ice Hockey
• Lacrosse
• Rowing
• Soccer
• Softball
• Swimming & Diving
• Tennis
• Track & Field

Community Life

The BU community is vibrant and busy, with a full calendar of activities to choose from including exhibits, lectures, social gatherings, year-round events offered at the Agganis Arena, performances at the Huntington Theatre Company, and more.  The FitRec Center offers individual or group exercise classes and state-of-the-art facilities for fitness and recreation.

Students Enrolled in the Social Work Program

Get more details below regarding enrollment, academics, and school demographics. Boston University has offered the following degree levels for students:

• Master's Degree
• Doctorate Degree

Students by Academic Level (2019)

Students by Gender (2019)

Students by Race (2019)

Source: IPEDS Survey 2012-2020: Data obtained from the US Dept. of Education's Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS). Data may vary depending on school and academic year.

Career Options for Graduates

Social and Community Service Managers

Description

Plan, direct, or coordinate the activities of a social service program or community outreach organization. Oversee the program or organization's budget and policies regarding participant involvement, program requirements, and benefits. Work may involve directing social workers, counselors, or probation officers.

Career Outlook & Projections ()

According to the BLS, social and community service managers employment is expected to grow at a rate of 9.5% from 2014 to 2024

Marriage and Family Therapists

Description

Diagnose and treat mental and emotional disorders, whether cognitive, affective, or behavioral, within the context of marriage and family systems. Apply psychotherapeutic and family systems theories and techniques in the delivery of services to individuals, couples, and families for the purpose of treating such diagnosed nervous and mental disorders.

Career Outlook & Projections ()

According to the BLS, marriage and family therapists employment is expected to grow at a rate of 14.8% from 2014 to 2024

Counselors, All Other

Description

All counselors not listed separately.

Career Outlook & Projections ()

According to the BLS, counselors, all other employment is expected to grow at a rate of 11.0% from 2014 to 2024

Child, Family, and School Social Workers

Description

Provide social services and assistance to improve the social and psychological functioning of children and their families and to maximize the family well-being and the academic functioning of children. May assist parents, arrange adoptions, and find foster homes for abandoned or abused children. In schools, they address such problems as teenage pregnancy, misbehavior, and truancy. May also advise teachers.

Career Outlook & Projections ()

According to the BLS, child, family, and school social workers employment is expected to grow at a rate of 6.2% from 2014 to 2024

Source: Job descriptions, estimated salary and wages, and projected job growth are taken from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS).