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Accompanying
Latinx Communities
The Latinx Communities field of practice—one of six academic pathways that include specialized coursework and field placements—celebrates individuals in their most genuine form, which includes language and culture. Building classrooms that invite students to share their genuine experiences, intersectionalities, and knowledge signals respeto, which is conducive to genuine learning.
- Classes: Students who choose the Latinx Communities field of practice take core classes in Spanish. Besides transforming the learning space into one in which students’ heritage, culture, and experiences become the norm, teaching in Spanish also allows for more nuanced explorations, discussions, and thinking on how to work effectively with Latinx populations. Students are open to sharing their perspectives and experiences because they are validated and celebrated in the academic space,
- Focus: We create a space in which students’ assets shine: Their resilience and innovation come through because they are allowed to explore how to work with Latinx populations from their own standards rather than from a normative standard that doesn’t recognize the strengths of the community. Our students graduate with a deep understanding of the complex work they will encounter, but also with a rich sense of the importance of our mandate: to base our work on the strengths of the communities with whom we work. It is the only way to collaborate to create sustainable solutions to complex problems.
At a Glance
Program format:
In person
Are scholarships available?
When you submit your application for admission, you are automatically considered for BCSSW scholarships, fellowships, graduate assistantships, and research assistantships.
Overview
- All students can choose the following:
- Course of study (macro or clinical)
- One of six fields of practice, which requires both a practice and policy course in advanced practice
- Two yearlong practicum experiences where coursework and experiential learning combine to support a well-rounded practitioner
- Students can take five electives, which are the best way to customize their curriculum plan, to deepen their knowledge, or to venture into an area of practice that is new and fascinating.
Training in the field
Our students engage in direct social work practice in public schools, medical centers, government agencies, nonprofit organizations, and a wide range of settings in the human services sector. The Field Education team works with each student to ensure that they find an agency that aligns with their career goals.
Sample agency sites include:
- Boston Medical Center
- Boston Public Schools
- Boys & Girls Club of Watertown
- Cambridge Health Alliance
- Camp Harbor View
- Carroll Center for the Blind
- Catholic Charities
- Italian Home for Children
- Jesuit Refugee Service
- United Way
- Veterans’ Administration Medical Centers
Practice Specialty
You will choose between clinical and macro. The clinical program teaches students how to integrate evidence-based interventions. Macro social work aims to effect change within large systems at the community, organizational, and policy levels.
Fields of Practice
Within either specialized practice (clinical or macro), you will develop expertise by selecting one of six fields of practice.
Certificates
Build additional knowledge and specialized skills by completing an optional certificate. Certificates give students the opportunity to build knowledge in subject-specific areas of social work. Certificates require the completion of three specified courses within a chosen area.
Electives
Our MSW program consists of 12 required courses and 5 electives.
Each semester there are 50+ electives to choose from. With electives, students can customize their curriculum plan, deepen their knowledge, or venture into an area of practice that is new and fascinating.
5 tips for completing your application:
Personal Statement: Put time into your personal statement and tell us about yourself. What drives you to want to be a social worker? Who do you want to help and why?
References: Be sure to reach out to your contacts early so we can review your complete application. References should know you well enough to evaluate your potential in the field of social work.
Apply Early: The earlier you apply, the better chance you’ll have of getting more scholarships, tuition, and aid. Submit your application as soon as it’s ready.
Transcripts: Transcripts from all undergraduate and (if applicable) graduate schools attended are required for application review. Official transcripts may be sent electronically or in hard copy.
No GRE Required: We value your lived experience and look forward to seeing your potential as a future social worker. Think about ways you can stand out from the crowd in your personal statement.
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Grou poster from the Latinx Leadership annual retreat
Career Pathways
Our graduates’ work ranges from early intervention through the end of life. We have graduates working in community health centers, detention units, protective services, schools, hospitals, universities, immigration clinics, and hospice and community-based settings. While starting in direct service roles, many of our graduates have transitioned into leadership roles from which they are transforming the way we work with Latinx communities across the country.
Our graduates can work with every sector of our profession that serves Latinx populations. Our goal for these alumni is for them to continue the work they have been doing since they graduated from the program: trailblazing in their respective fields, mentoring and supervising those who come after them, and transforming the systems that exclude Latinx communities from accessing the opportunities for advancement they deserve.
Why BC School of Social Work?
Support to Help You Succeed
Advising Center
Access academic guidance, including course selection, certificate information, and tips for maintaining work/life balance.
Field Education Team
The BCSSW field education team will help you find your perfect match. The team facilitates connections with agencies so you don’t need to find practicum experiences on your own.
Career Services
Through individual appointments, programming, and events, BCSSW Career Services helps students attain their career goals by maintaining relationships with employers and alumni who share their knowledge, networks, and opportunities.
Social Work Library
Enjoy a dedicated space to study and access hundreds of research databases. The Social Work Library is located right in McGuinn Hall.
Advisors
Advisors support you throughout the program and range from full-time faculty members to active practitioners and leaders in various human services settings.
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Students at the annual Latinx Leadership retreat
Start Your Social Work Journey
The BCSSW Admissions team is available to support students throughout the application process. Join us for a virtual information session or connect with a member of the Admissions team for a one-on-one chat.