Social Work, MSW

for the degree of Master of Social Work Major in Social Work on campus and online

The MSW program is accredited by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE). The MSW program offers courses on campus and online.

The master's degree provides specialized study for advanced social work practice. Students take foundation and advanced courses in social work practice methods with individuals, families and organization, in policy and services, in research, and in human behavior and the social environment. Students are required to complete a one to two semester field placement/internship (minimum 900 hours) in an approved setting. A total of 44 -72 hours of graduate coursework is required for the M.S.W. degree. The determination of the number of hours needed within the range is determined on a case-by-case basis after considering each student’s prior education, coursework and experience. The curriculum may be completed in 16 to 18 months of full-time study.

MSW students choose from one of these two concentrations:

  • In the Advanced Clinical Practice concentration, students prepare for clinical practice with individuals, families and groups, and in one of the focus areas. These students' Methods coursework has a clinical focus.
  • Students in the Leadership & Social Change (LSC) concentration prepare for advanced macro practice which focuses on work with communities and organizations rather than work with individuals and families. In the LSC concentration students are prepared to work in either leadership/administration or advocacy/policy. Methods coursework for this concentration has a Macro focus.

Admission

MSW program applicants must meet the following minimum requirements:

  1. a baccalaureate degree from an accredited college or university in the United States or from a recognized institution of higher learning abroad;
  2. a grade point average of 3.0 (A = 4.0) or greater for the last 60 semester hours of undergraduate work;
  3. 20 hours of completed coursework in a liberal arts core consisting of social and behavioral sciences, the humanities, and biological sciences
  4. evidence of personal attributes that are suitable for the profession of social work;
  5. a score of 103 or above on the TOEFL test;
  6. provision of a written supplementary statement.

Advanced Standing MSW applicants who meet all above requirements who have earned a Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) degree from a CSWE-accredited program in the past seven years are considered for admission into the Advanced Standing MSW program. This is a three semester/44 hour program that may be completed in 12 months by most students.

for the degree of Master of Social Work Major in Social Work on campus or online

Students pursuing the Master of Social Work must apply to and complete a graduate concentration. The concentration selected determines the courses needed to fulfill the requirements below. Select a concentration in:

This program is available on campus or online.

The requirements below for the Master of Social Work will be met by choosing one of these graduate concentrations:
Advanced Clinical Practice, or
Leadership & Social Change (LSC)

Requirements for students entering with a BSW (Advanced Standing)

Methods
Policy
Research
HBSE
Electives
Field Education
Total Hours44-56

Requirements for students entering without a BSW 

Methods
Policy
Research
HBSE
Electives
Field Education
Total Hours64-72

Other Requirements

A concentration is required.
Minimum 500-level Hours Required Overall: 36 or 48
Minimum GPA: 3.0

for the degree of Master of Social Work Major in Social Work on campus or online

  1. Demonstrate Ethical and Professional Behavior
  2. Engage Diversity and Difference in Practice
  3. Advance Human Rights and Social, Economic, and Environmental Justice
  4. Engage in Practice-informed Research and Research-Informed Practice
  5. Engage in Policy Practice
  6. Engage with Individuals, Families, Groups, Organizations, and Communities
  7. Assess Individuals, Families, Groups, Organizations, and Communities
  8. Intervene with Individuals, Families, Groups, Organizations and Communities
  9. Evaluate Practice with Individuals, Families, Groups, Organizations, and Communities

Graduate Degree Programs in Social Work

for the degree of Master of Social Work Major in Social Work on campus or online

School of Social Work

MSW Program Director: Kate Wegmann
School of Social Work website
School of Social Work Faculty
1010 W. Nevada St., Urbana, IL 61801
(217) 333-2261
socialwork@illinois.edu

Admissions

Overview of Grad College Admissions & Requirements