Massachusetts · MSW programs by city
Best MSW Programs near Cambridge, MA (2026)
Last updated
Edited by Zoe MacDougall, BS
Cambridge, Massachusetts (population 118,214) has 1 CSWE-accredited MSW program based in the city , with 8 more accredited programs within about 60 miles. 7 Massachusetts programs also offer an online option. Every program below is accredited by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE), the requirement for Massachusetts licensure.
Best MSW programs in Cambridge, MA
Accredited programs with a campus in Cambridge, MA, ranked by our five-factor model. National and online rank badges appear only for programs in the top 25 (nationally, or among online programs).
- #1 In Cambridge, MA
Lesley University
Cambridge, MA, MA · CSWE-accredited since 2020 · On-Campus
5.2
1 concentration ✓ Advanced Standing On-campusWhy it ranks here
Lesley University has held CSWE accreditation since 2020, 6 years of standing as of 2026. The program is delivered on campus (Cambridge, MA). It records 1 concentration (Advanced Generalist). An Advanced Standing track is available for qualified BSW holders. Students can enroll full-time or part-time. The program also offers 1 dual-degree option and 2 embedded certificates.
Concentrations
Advanced Generalist
Five-factor score breakdown
- Accreditation longevity (30%) 2.7
- Pathways & laddering (22%) 7.3
- Prestige (Carnegie research tier) (18%) 5.0
- Delivery format (18%) 4.0
- Schedule flexibility (12%) 10.0
Best MSW programs near Cambridge, MA
Accredited programs whose nearest campus is within about 60 miles of Cambridge, MA, ranked by our five-factor model. Each card shows the campus city and straight-line distance from the city center.
- #1 Boston · ~6 mi
Boston University
Boston, MA, MA · CSWE-accredited since 1939 · Online or On-Campus
8.9
2 concentrations ✓ Advanced Standing Online optionWhy it ranks here
Boston University has held CSWE accreditation since 1939, 87 years of standing as of 2026. The MSW is offered both online and on campus (Boston, MA; Fall River, MA; Worcester, MA; and more). It records 2 concentrations (Clinical or Direct Practice; Macro Social Work). An Advanced Standing track is available for qualified BSW holders. Students can enroll full-time or part-time. The program also offers 3 dual-degree options.
Concentrations
Clinical or Direct Practice, Macro Social Work
Five-factor score breakdown
- Accreditation longevity (30%) 10.0
- Pathways & laddering (22%) 8.9
- Prestige (Carnegie research tier) (18%) 5.0
- Delivery format (18%) 10.0
- Schedule flexibility (12%) 10.0
- #2 Boston · ~6 mi
Simmons University
Boston, MA, MA · CSWE-accredited since 1919 · Online or On-Campus
8.4
2 concentrations ✓ Advanced Standing Online optionWhy it ranks here
Simmons University has held CSWE accreditation since 1919, 107 years of standing as of 2026. The MSW is offered both online and on campus (Boston, MA). It records 2 concentrations (Advanced Generalist; Clinical or Direct Practice). An Advanced Standing track is available for qualified BSW holders. Students can enroll full-time or part-time. The program also offers 4 embedded certificates.
Concentrations
Advanced Generalist, Clinical or Direct Practice
Five-factor score breakdown
- Accreditation longevity (30%) 10.0
- Pathways & laddering (22%) 9.1
- Prestige (Carnegie research tier) (18%) 5.0
- Delivery format (18%) 7.0
- Schedule flexibility (12%) 10.0
- #3 Boston · ~6 mi
Boston College
Chestnut Hill, MA, MA · CSWE-accredited since 1936 · On-Campus
8.0
2 concentrations ✓ Advanced Standing On-campusWhy it ranks here
Boston College has held CSWE accreditation since 1936, 90 years of standing as of 2026. The program is delivered on campus (Chestnut Hill, MA). It records 2 concentrations (Clinical or Direct Practice; Macro Social Work). An Advanced Standing track is available for qualified BSW holders. Students can enroll full-time or part-time. The program also offers 3 dual-degree options and 7 embedded certificates.
Concentrations
Clinical or Direct Practice, Macro Social Work
Five-factor score breakdown
- Accreditation longevity (30%) 10.0
- Pathways & laddering (22%) 10.0
- Prestige (Carnegie research tier) (18%) 5.0
- Delivery format (18%) 4.0
- Schedule flexibility (12%) 10.0
- #4 Salem · ~14 mi
Salem State University
Salem, MA, MA · CSWE-accredited since 1977 · Online or On-Campus
6.8
1 concentration ✓ Advanced Standing Online optionWhy it ranks here
Salem State University has held CSWE accreditation since 1977, 49 years of standing as of 2026. The MSW is offered both online and on campus (Salem, MA). It records 1 concentration (Integrated Practice). An Advanced Standing track is available for qualified BSW holders. Students can enroll full-time or part-time.
Concentrations
Integrated Practice
Five-factor score breakdown
- Accreditation longevity (30%) 7.9
- Pathways & laddering (22%) 4.7
- Prestige (Carnegie research tier) (18%) 5.0
- Delivery format (18%) 7.0
- Schedule flexibility (12%) 10.0
- #5 Worcester · ~36 mi
Westfield State University
Westfield, MA, MA · CSWE-accredited since 2010 · Online or On-Campus
6.1
1 concentration ✓ Advanced Standing Online optionWhy it ranks here
Westfield State University has held CSWE accreditation since 2010, 16 years of standing as of 2026. The MSW is offered both online and on campus (Westfield, MA; Worcester, MA). It records 1 concentration (Clinical or Direct Practice). An Advanced Standing track is available for qualified BSW holders. Students can enroll full-time or part-time. The program also offers 1 embedded certificate.
Concentrations
Clinical or Direct Practice
Five-factor score breakdown
- Accreditation longevity (30%) 3.9
- Pathways & laddering (22%) 5.5
- Prestige (Carnegie research tier) (18%) 5.0
- Delivery format (18%) 9.0
- Schedule flexibility (12%) 10.0
- #6 Bridgewater · ~29 mi
Bridgewater State University
Bridgewater, MA, MA · CSWE-accredited since 2003 · On-Campus
5.7
1 concentration ✓ Advanced Standing On-campusWhy it ranks here
Bridgewater State University has held CSWE accreditation since 2003, 23 years of standing as of 2026. The program is delivered on campus (Bridgewater, MA). It records 1 concentration (Advanced Generalist). An Advanced Standing track is available for qualified BSW holders. Students can enroll full-time or part-time. The program also offers 1 dual-degree option.
Concentrations
Advanced Generalist
Five-factor score breakdown
- Accreditation longevity (30%) 4.8
- Pathways & laddering (22%) 5.7
- Prestige (Carnegie research tier) (18%) 5.0
- Delivery format (18%) 5.0
- Schedule flexibility (12%) 10.0
- #7 Paxton · ~42 mi
Anna Maria College
Paxton, MA, MA · CSWE-accredited since 2017 · Online or On-Campus
5.3
1 concentration ✓ Advanced Standing Online optionWhy it ranks here
Anna Maria College has held CSWE accreditation since 2017, 9 years of standing as of 2026. The MSW is offered both online and on campus (Paxton, MA). It records 1 concentration (Advanced Generalist). An Advanced Standing track is available for qualified BSW holders. Students can enroll full-time or part-time.
Concentrations
Advanced Generalist
Five-factor score breakdown
- Accreditation longevity (30%) 3.1
- Pathways & laddering (22%) 4.7
- Prestige (Carnegie research tier) (18%) 5.0
- Delivery format (18%) 7.0
- Schedule flexibility (12%) 10.0
- #8 North Andover · ~21 mi
Merrimack College
North Andover, MA, MA · CSWE-accredited since 2022 · On-Campus
5.0
1 concentration ✓ Advanced Standing On-campusWhy it ranks here
Merrimack College has held CSWE accreditation since 2022, 4 years of standing as of 2026. The program is delivered on campus (North Andover, MA). It records 1 concentration (Advanced Generalist). An Advanced Standing track is available for qualified BSW holders. Students can enroll full-time or part-time. The program also offers 1 dual-degree option and 1 embedded certificate.
Concentrations
Advanced Generalist
Five-factor score breakdown
- Accreditation longevity (30%) 2.5
- Pathways & laddering (22%) 6.5
- Prestige (Carnegie research tier) (18%) 5.0
- Delivery format (18%) 4.0
- Schedule flexibility (12%) 10.0
Online MSW programs available in Cambridge, MA
Massachusetts-based CSWE-accredited programs with an online option, which Cambridge, MA residents can complete from home. See the full online MSW ranking for national options.
| Institution | Accredited | Adv. Standing | Natl. |
|---|---|---|---|
| Boston University | 1939 | Yes | #26 |
| Simmons University | 1919 | Yes | #50 |
| Salem State University | 1977 | Yes | #118 |
| Springfield College | 1989 | Yes | #124 |
| Westfield State University | 2010 | Yes | #172 |
| Anna Maria College | 2017 | Yes | #275 |
| Regis College | 2018 | Yes | #338 |
How much do social workers make in Cambridge, MA in 2026?
Cambridge, Massachusetts sits within the Boston-Cambridge-Newton, MA-NH metro area, the labor market that sets pay and demand for its social workers. Across specialties, the area employs roughly 17,090 social workers , and the best-paid specialty here is social workers, all other at a $98,320 median. Figures are from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS program (May 2025).
| Occupation | Employed | Median wage | Typical range (10th–90th) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Healthcare social workers | 4,950 | $78,410 | $56,140 – $103,700 |
| Mental health & substance abuse social workers | 4,660 | $63,830 | $49,280 – $102,830 |
| Child, family & school social workers | 7,070 | $77,420 | $49,970 – $108,810 |
| Social workers, all other | 410 | $98,320 | $70,720 – $125,010 |
| Social & community service managers (macro) | 5,730 | $85,430 | $62,180 – $132,230 |
How local pay compares
Child, family & school social workers around Cambridge, MA earn a median of $77,420 versus $75,570 statewide in Massachusetts and $67,310 nationally. That is at or above the Massachusetts median.
Where do social workers work in Cambridge, MA in 2026?
Cambridge, Massachusetts sits in Middlesex County. Organizations in and around the city that commonly employ MSW-level social workers include:
- Cambridge Health Alliance
- Mass General Brigham
- Cambridge Public Schools
- Riverside Community Care
- Massachusetts Department of Children and Families
Representative local employers known to operate in the area; illustrative, not an exhaustive or BLS-sourced list.
Nationally, BLS projects social worker employment to grow 6% from 2024 to 2034, faster than the average for all occupations, driven by demand in healthcare and mental-health settings. Macro roles such as social and community service managers are projected to grow alongside them. See pay by role in our career guides.
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (May 2025) for Boston-Cambridge-Newton, MA-NH; employment projections from the BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook. Wages are annual medians.
What kind of social work license do I need in Cambridge, MA?
After an MSW from Cambridge, MA or anywhere, these are the Massachusetts social work licenses, per ASWB. A CSWE-accredited degree is required for each.
| License | Education | Supervised hours | Exam |
|---|---|---|---|
| Licensed Certified Social Worker (LCSW) | Master of Social Work or Doctorate of Social Work | — | Masters |
| Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker (LICSW) | Doctorate of Social Work or Master of Social Work | 3500 hours (upon licensure) | Clinical |
| Licensed Social Work Associate 1 (LSWA1) | Bachelor of Arts or Bachelor of Science | — | Associates |
| Licensed Social Work Associate 2 (LSWA2) | Associate/Diploma (2 year degree) | — | Associates |
| Licensed Social Worker 1 (LSW1) | Bachelor of Social Work | — | Bachelors |
| Licensed Social Worker 2 (LSW2) | 3500 hours (upon licensure) | Bachelors | |
| Licensed Social Worker 3 (LSW3) | 2.5 Years of College | 8750 hours (upon licensure) | Bachelors |
| Licensed Social Worker 4 (LSW4) | 2 Years of College | 10500 hours (upon licensure) | Bachelors |
| Licensed Social Worker 5 (LSW5) | 1 Year of College | 14000 hours (upon licensure) | Bachelors |
| Licensed Social Worker 6 (LSW6) | High School Diploma | 17500 hours (upon licensure) | Bachelors |
| Licensed Social Worker Associate 3 (LSWA3) | High School Diploma | Four years number of hours not specified | Associates |
Source: ASWB social work licensure database. Verify current requirements with the Massachusetts state board before applying.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many CSWE-accredited MSW programs are in Cambridge, MA?
How much do social workers earn in Cambridge, MA?
Can I earn an MSW online from Cambridge, MA?
What license do MSW graduates need in Massachusetts?
MSW programs in other Massachusetts cities
Sources
- CSWE Directory of Accredited Programs for program accreditation, campuses, and structure.
- U.S. Census Bureau 2023 Gazetteer (city coordinates) and Population Estimates Program (population).
- ASWB social work licensure database for Massachusetts license requirements.
Last updated 2026-06-12. "Near" means a program campus within 60 straight-line miles of the city center.