Anna Maria College Masters of Social Work

The Sisters of Saint Anne established Anna Maria College, a private Catholic institution, in 1946. The college sits on a beautiful 192-acre campus in Paxton, Massachusetts. Students enjoy both rural peace and easy access to Worcester, Massachusetts’ second-largest city, just minutes away.

The college started as a women-only institution but opened its doors to male students in 1973. Over its 75-year history, Anna Maria has grown into a thriving academic community. Today, about 1,400 students, including undergraduates, graduates, and continuing education learners, pursue their dreams here.

Students at Anna Maria College receive education that merges liberal arts foundations with career-focused preparation. This unique philosophy values both faith and reason as ways to discover knowledge and meaning. Small class sizes create an intimate learning atmosphere with a 13:1 student-faculty ratio, which helps build meaningful relationships between students and mentors.

Several specialized academic schools make up the college:

• School of Liberal Arts and Sciences
• School of Business
• School of Education
• School of Fire and Health Sciences
• School of Justice and Social Sciences
• School of Visual and Performing Arts

U.S. News & World Report’s 2026 edition of Best Colleges ranks Anna Maria College #150-164 among Regional Universities in the North and #36 in Top Performers on Social Mobility. These rankings highlight the college’s excellence in education and social equity advancement.

Students can choose from more than 30 undergraduate majors and 12 graduate programs, available both on campus and online. Popular fields of study include nursing, criminal justice, fire science, social work, mental and behavioral health, education, therapeutic arts, and business—all contributing to community wellness and social progress.

Campus life buzzes with activity. Students participate in 13 NCAA Division III athletic programs and more than 30 student-led clubs and organizations. The college’s emphasis on community service gives students plenty of chances to make a difference while developing leadership abilities.

Graduate programs at Anna Maria College accommodate working professionals through flexible class schedules and program structures. The Class of 2025’s impressive 95.2% employment rate shows the real value of an Anna Maria College education.

Programs offered

Anna Maria College’s Master of Social Work (MSW) program will prepare you to work with people from all backgrounds. The curriculum builds on liberal arts principles and person-in-environment framework. Students can choose from several flexible degree paths that fit their schedule and educational background.

The college offers three MSW degree paths:

• Full-time: Complete 62 credits in two years, including summer courses
• Part-time: Finish 62 credits typically over four years, including summer courses
• Advanced Standing: For those with a BSW from a CSWE-accredited program, complete 30+ credits in just three semesters (Summer, Fall, Spring) full-time or two years part-time

Starting Fall 2024, students can earn their MSW through a completely online program that delivers the same advanced generalist practice curriculum as the on-campus program. The online track starts with part-time options, while full-time programs await approval from the Council of Social Work Education (CSWE).

Students benefit from hands-on field experience alongside their coursework. First-year students spend 16 hours each week at field placements during Fall and Spring semesters, completing 450 hours for the academic year. Advanced Year and Advanced Standing students dedicate 20-24 hours weekly during Fall and Spring, totaling 620 hours. Every MSW student must complete 1,070 hours of field education at social service agencies throughout central Massachusetts and nearby areas.

The program splits into two main parts: Generalist Practice (32 credits) and Advanced Generalist Practice (30 credits). Students take core courses in Social Work and Practice Fields, Ethical Theory, Social Welfare Policy, and specialized advanced practice courses. Six credits of electives round out the program, which students can complete during summer sessions or through other AMC graduate programs with director approval.

Graduates qualify for Master’s level practice and licensure anywhere in the United States under ASWB standards. Massachusetts graduates can earn the Licensed Certified Social Worker (LCSW) designation. The program combines interactive learning, research opportunities, and expert faculty to help students become skilled, independent researchers and practitioners.

About the online program

Beginning Fall 2024, Anna Maria College’s Master of Social Work program offered a completely online option. This most important development keeps the program’s high standards while giving working professionals and students with family responsibilities more flexibility than ever before.

The online MSW delivers similar curriculum content to the on-campus version through both synchronous and asynchronous formats. Students follow a 12-week cycle structure that creates a balanced learning experience. You can participate in real-time discussions with peers and professors while completing assignments according to your schedule.

Field internships remain a vital part of the online MSW experience. The Director of Field Placement helps online students find meaningful internships in their local areas. Social work faculty provide ongoing support throughout your field placement requirements. This individual-specific approach will give you the same career-building opportunities as on-campus students, whatever your location.

The program starts as a part-time option, with full-time expansion pending approval from the Council of Social Work Education (CSWE). Quality standards stay consistent in all program formats through this step-by-step implementation.

The online MSW creates the same intimate learning environment as the on-campus program. Small class sizes help build genuine mentor relationships between faculty and students. Your professors will know you personally and invest in your educational experience – you’ll never feel lost in a virtual sea of names.

The online format gives busy professionals clear advantages. Students can access courses any time, day or night, and complete assignments around their personal and professional commitments. This flexibility means you could finish your degree faster than in a traditional part-time campus program.

The program runs 100% online with no on-site requirements. You’ll earn the same respected degree as on-campus students. Employers recognize the full value of your educational achievement through this equivalent credentialing.

The online MSW offers an ideal solution to students juggling work, family, and education. Program Director Lenore Rust explains, “The new online option promotes accessibility for our students, especially for working professionals or those earning their degree while raising a family”. Anna Maria College’s steadfast dedication to removing barriers to advanced social work education shines through this student-centered approach.

Accreditation

Accreditation is the gold standard that proves educational quality and professional credibility in social work master’s programs. The Anna Maria College Masters of Social Work program has full accreditation from the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE). The program received this prestigious recognition through June 2024. This validates that it meets the strict national standards for social work education.

CSWE accreditation plays a vital role in the social work profession. CSWE is a national organization that represents social work education in the United States. It includes more than 750 accredited baccalaureate and master’s degree programs. Students can trust that Anna Maria College’s curriculum, faculty qualifications, and educational outcomes match established professional standards.

This accreditation shapes your future career opportunities substantially. Social work professionals in Massachusetts and across the United States need a degree from a CSWE-accredited school to get their license. Anna Maria College’s MSW program readies its graduates for practice and licensure at the Master’s level nationwide. The program follows Association of Social Work Boards (ASWB) standards.

“We are excited about this accreditation and recognition of the Master of Social Work program at Anna Maria College,” stated Christine Holmes, Vice President for Academic Affairs. Her words show the school’s steadfast dedication to excellence in social work education.

Anna Maria’s social work program dates back to 1974. This 50-year old legacy brings deep expertise to graduate-level social work education. Faculty members actively take part in reporting assessment data for program, college, and CSWE accreditation requirements. This ensures the program keeps getting better.

Students benefit from this accreditation in several ways:

• Current social work practices shape the curriculum
• Program’s academic quality is guaranteed
• Graduates can apply for licenses
• Recognized credentials boost job prospects

Looking at social work master’s programs in Massachusetts, accreditation status should be a key factor in your choice. Anna Maria College ranks among respected schools in the state that offer CSWE-accredited social work education. This makes it an excellent choice to start your professional development experience.

Admission Requirements

The Anna Maria College Masters of Social Work program welcomes applications throughout the academic year. The admissions committee and graduate program director review submissions on a rolling basis to find candidates ready for advanced social work education.

The MSW program needs several key application materials. Here’s what you’ll need to submit:

• An online application through the Anna Maria College Online Application portal
• Proof of your undergraduate degree from a regionally accredited U.S. institution (or equivalent)
• Three letters of reference—two academic references from your last school and one from a non-relative
• Official transcripts with a minimum GPA of 2.7. Students seeking course waivers in the advanced standing track should have a 3.3 GPA
• A personal statement of at least 500 words that shows your dedication to graduate studies and writing ability
• A professional resume

The program stands out from many other graduate programs because it doesn’t require GRE or MAT scores. You can still submit these scores to strengthen your application.

The MSW program’s unique feature is a required personal interview with the program director. This conversation helps determine if you’re a good fit for the program’s mission and ready for graduate-level social work studies.

The Fall enrollment deadline is in March. International applicants must submit their materials by February. Spring semester hopefuls should apply by December 1, while international students face an October 1 deadline.

After acceptance, you’ll need a $300 deposit to secure your spot in the incoming class. You’ll then get your student credentials and access to your school email account. The next step is meeting with your program director to plan your curriculum and sign up for your first courses.

Social Work majors must earn C+ or higher grades in all SWK courses to advance through the program. This requirement will give graduates the knowledge and skills they need for professional practice.

Tuition

Your graduate education’s financial planning is a vital step in your academic trip. Anna Maria College’s Masters of Social Work program provides clear cost details and payment options that work for different financial situations.

The college bills graduate students each semester. Students receive their Fall tuition bills electronically in July (due in August) and Spring bills in December (due in January). You’ll get notification emails at your Anna Maria College email address when a new electronic bill is ready. Any authorized third parties will also receive these notifications. This system will give a four-week window to arrange payment before each semester starts.

Federal sources provide most financial aid options for MSW degree students rather than institutional grants. Graduate students can borrow up to $20,500 annually in Federal Direct Unsubsidized Loans, though total borrowing can’t exceed attendance costs. These loans start with an interest rate that changes each July but stays fixed throughout the loan’s duration.

You must complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) before receiving federal financial aid. This step determines your eligibility for federally funded help, including Direct Loans for graduate study.

MeadowPay partners with Anna Maria College to offer an interest-free Monthly Payment Plan if you want to spread payments across the semester. This service has:

• Five-month plans for Fall (July-November) and Spring (December-April) semesters
• Payments due on the 15th of each month
• A non-refundable $50 enrollment fee

Late payments may lead to a 1% monthly interest charge plus registration and transcript holds. The Student Accounts Office can help you avoid these charges through proper financial planning. They’re ready to walk you through all payment options.

Additional Information

Anna Maria College’s social work graduates enjoy excellent job prospects. The Class of 2025 achieved a remarkable 95.2% placement rate. The Bureau of Labor Statistics expects social work employment to grow 6% by 2034, which shows how much employers value the college’s MSW program.

Graduating makes you part of a thriving network of more than 18,000 Anna Maria alumni worldwide. Your automatic membership in the Alumni Association gives you access to these benefits:

• Career services with job listings, fairs, and individual counseling
• Professional networking through the AMC Alumni LinkedIn page
• Library resources for both personal and professional pursuits
• Access to Handshake to explore career paths and job opportunities

Anna Maria College provides great financial support opportunities. Students received $10,000 stipends through a federal Behavioral Health Workforce Education and Training grant in the last several years. This funding helped students build their skills while reducing education costs.

These resources complement the program’s academic excellence and support your growth during your studies and throughout your career.