Our Master of Social Work (MSW) Saturday Program at Bridgewater State University is designed to accommodate working professionals through an intensive hybrid cohort model. This challenging program will prepare you for advanced social work practice to enhance the lives of individuals, families, groups, organizations and communities. Our MSW program produces graduates who have a lifetime commitment to upholding human rights, respecting human diversity and working towards social justice in their professional and personal lives. As a graduate, you will be prepared to practice in a wide variety of public and private settings, including child welfare, youth services, mental health and counseling agencies, schools, criminal justice organizations, elder services and medical settings such as hospitals and long-term care facilities.
MSW Saturday Program Highlights:
- Fully accredited by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE).
- The Saturday hybrid model of study allows for greater access to the MSW degree by offering a one-day per week class schedule, and a limited number of on-campus sessions. This option is both affordable and flexible for working professionals.
- The Saturday program is part-time, 3 years for a total of 62 credits.
- This is a cohort model in which students stay together throughout their course of study. Cohort models such as this facilitate a sense of support and community among the students.
- Program electives focused on leadership and social justice.
- Bridgewater's School of Social Work puts social justice at the center of learning as students develop strong leadership skills.
- The program offers a wide range of placement opportunities in Southeastern Massachusetts and the Greater Boston area.
- Our diverse faculty and staff have extensive experience in a variety of social work settings.
Graduate Program Coordinator: Dr. Wendy Champagnie Williams, w1williams@bridgew.edu
- Online application and $50 application fee
- Official transcripts of all undergraduate and graduate course work
- Resume
- A personal statement that follows the guidelines provided on the application (click here for details)
- Three letters of reference, ideally from supervisors, faculty members and others able to attest to the applicant's readiness to undertake graduate education in social work (see additional requirements for Advanced Standing references)
- Preferred GPA of 3.0
The admission committee’s decision will be based on the applicant’s demonstrated academic ability and evidence of interpersonal skills and self-awareness. Special attributes such as linguistic ability, a demonstrated commitment working with underserved populations, and skills such as those in research and policy implementation will be considered.
Part-Time Saturday Program (3 Years)
First year
Fall (6 credits)
SCWK 502 - Dynamics of Diversity and Oppression
SCWK 510 - Human Behavior in the Social Environment I
Spring (6 credits)
SCWK 500 - Policy I: Social Welfare Policy
SCWK 511 - Human Behavior in the Social Environment II
Summer* (6 credits)
Two Electives
SCWK 580 - Special Topics
SCWK 580 - Special Topics
Second year
Fall (9 credits)
SCWK 530 - Social Work Practice I
SCWK 590 - Field Practice and Seminar I
SCWK 540 - Introductory Social Research
Spring (9 credits)
SCWK 531 - Social Work Practice II: Groups and Community-Based Practice
SCWK 591 - Field Practice and Seminar II
SCWK 508 - Policy II: Policy Advocacy, Development and Analysis
Summer* (6 credits)
Two Electives
SCWK 580 - Special Topics
SCWK 572 - Social Policy III: Mental and Physical Health Care Policy
Third year
Fall (10 credits)
SCWK 551 - Social Work Practice IV: Intergenerational Strengths-Based Practice with Individuals
SCWK 592 - Field Practice III
SCWK 512 - Human Behavior in the Social Environment III: DSM-The Art and Science of Clinical Diagnosis
Spring (10 credits)
SCWK 550 - Social Work Practice III: Intergenerational Strengths-Based Practice with Families
SCWK 593 - Field Practice IV
SCWK 541- Research Evaluating Practice
**Fieldwork and internships cannot be done on Saturdays.
***For the most up-to-date information regarding course descriptions, please visit our University Catalog.
Internships are a vital part of the MSW program. Based on their individual learning goals, students are matched with a partner agency in fields that include mental health, child welfare, family services, education, aging, forensics, medical social work, behavioral health, and substance use and dependency services . Student interns enroll in a weekly seminar with a field liaison to integrate academic components with their internship experience. All internships are closely monitored by field staff and faculty from the School of Social Work and supervisors in the field placement. Through their internship experiences, students learn how to apply the National Association of Social Workers’ Code of Ethics to all aspects of professional practice. Please note, it is expected that all students are prepared to complete field hours during weekday daytime hours. This range is typically Monday-Friday, 8-6, depending on the hours the agency identifies supports the internship opportunity. Place of employment applications are welcomed to be submitted for consideration.
Funding Opportunities
The College of Graduate Studies provides various opportunities for graduate students to receive funding while working towards their degrees. Appointments are competitive and are determined by undergraduate and/or graduate grade point averages, pertinent experience, educational preparation and interviews. For information on assistantships, fellowships and conference funding awards, please visit our Graduate Funding Opportunities page.
The MSA program is eligible for unsubsidized student loans and applicants are encouraged to complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid. For more specific questions, please visit the Financial Aid Office website or contact them directly at finaid@bridgew.edu.
