Boston College School of Social Work

The Boston College School of Social Work aims to shape pioneering social work research and practice to improve vulnerable lives at home an in the world. It offers three graduate degree programs and is located in Chestnut Hill, Massachusetts, near the city of Boston. Currently ranked #10 by U.S. News and World Reports, it is the highest ranked academic program at Boston College and the highest ranked Catholic school of social work in the United States. Over 7,000 alumni serve as practitioners in social service agencies, policymakers, academics, and researchers throughout the United States and across the globe.Boston College School of Social Work faculty, students, research centers, and institutes conduct innovative work in understanding and addressing critical social issues.HistoryBoston College School of Social Work was founded in 1936 by Father Walter McGuinn, S.J.In 1979 the school began offering a Doctor of Social Work degree, which later was changed to a Doctor of Philosophy in Social Work.Originally located at 126 Newbury Street in Boston, the school moved to McGuinn Hall on Boston College's Chestnut Hill campus in 1968.Academic programsBoston College School of Social Work offers three professional degrees: Masters of Social Work, Doctor of Philosophy in Social Work, Doctor of Philosophy in Social Welfare, and several dual degrees.Masters of Social Work program (MSW)Boston College School of Social Work offers a two-year program and a three- or four-year program.The Clinical Program intervention method prepares students for a broad range of careers and focuses on direct service to those in need. The Macro: Social Innovation + Leadership Program focuses on training future leaders of the public and social service sectors in the development of new ideas and directions for solving social problems, both creatively and effectively.