Lesley University

What you'll study

The MSW curriculum at Lesley combines foundation coursework, advanced practice seminars and supervised field practicum to build clinical, policy and research skills. Core topics typically include human behaviour and the social environment, social welfare policy and services, research methods for social work practice, and ethical and cultural competence.

Advanced study allows students to specialise in clinical practice with individuals, families and groups, and to develop skills in assessment, diagnosis, treatment planning and evidence‑based interventions. Coursework commonly covers brief and long‑term therapeutic approaches, trauma‑informed care, substance misuse interventions, family systems, and interdisciplinary collaboration.

Field education is a central component: students complete supervised placements in community organisations, mental health clinics, hospitals, schools or child welfare agencies. Placements are integrated with seminar work to support reflective practice and professional development. Advanced Standing options are available for applicants who hold an accredited Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) and meet programme criteria, allowing for an accelerated pathway.

Entry requirements

Applicants are normally expected to hold a bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution. Typical admissions materials include an application form, academic transcripts, a personal statement or statement of purpose describing professional goals and relevant experience, a current résumé or CV, and letters of recommendation. Some programmes request a minimum undergraduate GPA; where applicants do not meet that threshold, relevant professional experience and a strong personal statement can be taken into consideration.

Additional requirements often include a confidential field placement/background check and, for international applicants, proof of English language proficiency. Candidates applying for Advanced Standing should have an accredited BSW and submit transcripts and documentation of practicum hours as required by the programme.

Career prospects

Graduates of Lesley’s MSW pursue practice and leadership roles across health, mental health, education, child welfare, nonprofit and governmental sectors. Common job titles include clinical social worker, mental health clinician, medical social worker, child and family therapist, case manager, care coordinator and programme director. Many graduates prepare for state licensure as clinical social workers (licensing requirements vary by jurisdiction), enabling independent clinical practice.

The MSW also supports career pathways in policy analysis, community organising, agency administration and programme development, particularly for graduates who combine practice experience with coursework in research, evaluation or leadership.

Why study at Lesley University

Lesley emphasises practice‑driven education and close faculty mentorship, with small cohort sizes that foster personalised supervision and reflective learning. The university has longstanding community partnerships across the Boston area, which provide diverse practicum opportunities in urban and suburban settings. Faculty bring clinical experience and research expertise, and the programme is structured to integrate classroom learning with field practice from early in the course.

Students benefit from an applied curriculum that balances clinical skills, social policy understanding and research literacy, preparing graduates for both direct practice and roles that shape services and systems. Career support and advising help students navigate licensure pathways and transition into employment in a range of social service settings.