MSW Programs in Illinois: Online & Campus

Aurora University's MSW program in Addictions offers a targeted approach to addressing complex substance abuse challenges. Designed for professionals seeking specialized interventions, this concentration provides comprehensive training in addiction assessment, treatment strategies, and recovery support. Students explore neurobiological foundations of addiction, evidence-based counseling techniques, and systemic approaches to substance use disorders. The program's flexible online format enables working professionals to advance their clinical skills while maintaining current employment, with employment-based internships offering real-world addiction treatment experience.

• 60 semester hours traditional MSW
• 30 semester hours advanced standing
• Multiple track options
• CSWE accredited program
• Fall, spring, summer starts
• Online and on-campus options
• Employment-based internships
• Leads to state licensure
• Tracks include addictions, forensics
• Median salary $58,380

Aurora University's Child Welfare MSW concentration equips social work professionals with specialized skills in protecting and supporting vulnerable children and families. Students develop advanced intervention strategies, understand complex family dynamics, and learn trauma-informed practice approaches. The curriculum emphasizes policy analysis, child development frameworks, and legal considerations in child welfare systems. Through targeted coursework and employment-based internships, graduates gain expertise in child protection, foster care management, and advocacy for at-risk youth populations.

• 60 semester hour traditional program
• 30 semester hour advanced standing
• Multiple track options available
• CSWE accredited program
• Online and on-campus options
• Two and three-year formats
• Employment-based internships
• Leads to state licensure
• Diverse career pathways
• Median salary $58,380 annually

Aurora University's generalist MSW program prepares social work professionals for diverse practice environments. The comprehensive curriculum integrates theoretical knowledge with practical skills across multiple practice domains. Students explore advanced clinical techniques, social policy analysis, and community intervention strategies. With flexible online and on-campus options, the program accommodates diverse learning preferences and professional backgrounds. Graduates emerge equipped to address complex social challenges, implement evidence-based interventions, and drive meaningful community transformations.

• 60 credit traditional MSW program
• 30 credit advanced standing option
• Multiple specialization tracks
• CSWE accredited program
• Fall, spring, summer starts
• Online and on-campus options
• Employment-based internships
• Prepares for state licensure
• Tracks lead to external certifications
• Median salary $58,380 annually

Loyola University Chicago's online MSW program in Micro Practice delivers an innovative curriculum focused on clinical social work intervention strategies. Designed for professionals committed to direct client support, the program emphasizes developing advanced assessment, counseling, and therapeutic skills. Students navigate complex interpersonal dynamics while learning evidence-based approaches to individual and family treatment. The synchronous online format accommodates working professionals, offering flexible learning with rigorous academic standards. With an Advanced Standing option for BSW graduates and comprehensive training in cultural competence, students prepare for diverse clinical roles in mental health, healthcare, and community settings.

• 49 credit hours total program
• Fully online synchronous format
• Two specialization tracks available
• Advanced Standing option
• 1,000 internship hours required
• Total estimated tuition: $55,370
• Fall semester start
• Part-time study only
• Application deadline: June 1

Loyola University Chicago's Leadership, Mezzo, & Macro Practice MSW track equips students with comprehensive skills to drive systemic social change. This robust online program prepares professionals to address complex organizational and community challenges through strategic leadership and policy development. Students explore advanced intervention techniques at mezzo and macro levels, learning to design effective programs, implement organizational strategies, and advocate for marginalized populations. The curriculum blends theoretical frameworks with practical applications, enabling graduates to become transformative leaders in nonprofit sectors, government agencies, and social service organizations.

• Online MSW, 49 credit hours
• Part-time program format
• Two specialization tracks
• 1,000 total internship hours
• Fall semester start
• Application deadline June 1
• Advanced Standing option
• Total tuition $55,370
• Two internship requirements
• Synchronous online classes
• CSWE accredited program
• Performance-based scholarships
• Prepare for LCSW exam

Loyola University Chicago's Bilingual Online MSW with Migration Studies concentration offers a specialized pathway for social work professionals serving Latinx and immigrant communities. This innovative program bridges linguistic and cultural competencies, preparing students to provide nuanced, culturally sensitive support to diverse populations. Focusing on migration dynamics, mental health interventions, and cross-cultural communication, students develop advanced skills in addressing complex challenges faced by immigrant populations. The curriculum integrates Spanish-language training with comprehensive social work methodologies, enabling graduates to become highly effective advocates and practitioners in multicultural social service environments.

• Part-time online program
• 3-year traditional MSW
• 1,000 hours internship required
• Micro Practice Specialization
• Migration Studies track
• Bilingual (Spanish/English) focus
• Fall start term
• Application deadline June 1
• 49 credit hours
• Performance-based scholarships available
• Advanced Standing option
• Jesuit university program

The University of Chicago's Crown Family School delivers an exceptional Master of Arts in Social Work that transcends traditional graduate programs. This innovative curriculum seamlessly integrates direct practice methodologies with advanced policy development and interdisciplinary research. Students explore comprehensive social science theories while gaining practical skills to address complex societal challenges. The program's long-standing accreditation since 1919 underscores its academic excellence, providing graduates with unparalleled professional preparation across diverse social service sectors and policy domains.

• AM degree equivalent to MSW
• Accredited since 1919
• Interdisciplinary social work approach
• Policy and research integration
• Flexible career preparation
• Advanced standing option available

University of Chicago's Clinical Social Work concentration offers a sophisticated professional pathway emphasizing advanced therapeutic intervention strategies. The program uniquely blends evidence-based clinical practice with comprehensive social science perspectives, preparing students for nuanced mental health professional roles. Students develop sophisticated diagnostic skills, intervention techniques, and critical understanding of psychological and social dynamics. Clinical concentration graduates are equipped to provide high-quality, culturally sensitive mental health services across various institutional and community-based settings.

• Accredited since 1919
• AM degree equivalent to MSW
• Interdisciplinary social work approach
• Combines practice and policy
• Flexible career preparation
• Advanced standing option available

The Social Administration concentration at University of Chicago's Crown Family School provides comprehensive training in systemic social change and organizational leadership. This specialized track emphasizes policy analysis, program development, and strategic interventions addressing complex societal challenges. Students develop advanced skills in research methodologies, organizational management, and policy design, positioning themselves as transformative leaders in social service agencies, governmental organizations, and nonprofit sectors. The curriculum integrates theoretical frameworks with practical application, enabling graduates to design innovative solutions to intricate social problems.

• Master of Arts (AM) degree
• Continuously accredited since 1919
• Interdisciplinary social work curriculum
• Combines practice and policy
• Broader educational foundation
• Flexible career preparation

Chicago State University's Master of Social Work (MSW) program is designed to equip students with the skills necessary for advanced practice in social work. The program emphasizes a family-centered approach, focusing on clinical practice, social policy, and leadership to address the needs of vulnerable populations. Accredited by the CSWE, it offers a pathway for those aiming for doctoral studies or professional growth in social work. The curriculum is structured around promoting social justice and cultural competency, preparing graduates to make a significant impact in human services.

• CSWE Accredited MSW Program
• Family-centered curriculum
• Clinical practice focus
• Serves marginalized populations
• Prepares for doctoral study
• Virtual informational sessions available
• Emphasizes social justice

The Post MSW Professional Educator License at Chicago State University is tailored for social work professionals seeking to specialize in school social work. This online program adheres to the Illinois State Board of Education's requirements, offering a blend of theoretical knowledge and practical field experience. It's ideal for MSW graduates with a 3.0 GPA or higher, focusing on strength-based interventions in educational settings. The program includes a 300-hour field practicum and prepares participants for the School Social Work Endorsement, enhancing career prospects in schools.

• Online Post-MSW Professional Educator License
• CSWE Accredited Program
• Minimum 3.0 GPA Required
• Application Deadline May 15th
• 300 Hours Field Practicum
• Asynchronous/Synchronous Courses
• Short-Term Approval Option
• Requires Previous MSW Degree
• School Social Work Endorsement
• Designed for Experienced Professionals

The University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign's Master of Social Work program with a concentration in Advanced Clinical Practice is a CSWE-accredited program that prepares students for high-level clinical roles. Offering both on-campus and online formats, it emphasizes intervention strategies for diverse populations and includes options for advanced standing, full-time, or part-time study. The curriculum is research-oriented, focusing on leadership and social change, making it ideal for those aiming to make a significant impact in clinical social work settings.

• CSWE-accredited MSW program
• Campus and online options
• Advanced Standing available
• Full and part-time enrollment
• Focuses on diverse populations
• Advanced clinical concentrations
• Research-oriented curriculum
• Leadership and social change track

Focusing on Leadership & Social Change, the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign's MSW program is designed for future leaders in social work. This CSWE-accredited program offers flexibility with on-campus and online options, catering to both full-time and part-time students. It emphasizes professional ethics, policy analysis, and working with diverse communities, preparing graduates to drive social change and lead in various professional environments.

• CSWE-accredited MSW program
• On-campus and online options
• Advanced Standing available
• Part-time and full-time formats
• Advanced Clinical Concentration
• Leadership and Social Change Concentration
• Diverse populations focus
• Research and policy analysis
• Professional ethics training

The iMSW Program at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, with a concentration in Leadership and Social Change, is a hybrid program that blends online and on-campus learning. No GRE is required for admission, making it accessible to a wide range of students. Accredited by CSWE, it offers flexible program lengths and focuses on preparing students for impactful careers through internships and mentorship. With tuition options for residents and non-residents, it's designed for those seeking to lead social change without the barrier of entrance exams.

• Three program options available
• No GRE required
• CSWE accredited since inception
• Two concentration tracks
• Campus and online formats
• Flexible program lengths
• Block internship placement
• Average class size 25 students
• Multiple financial aid options
• Internship sites across Illinois