MSW Programs in Illinois Online

Loyola University Chicago's online Master of Social Work program offers a comprehensive Micro Practice concentration designed for students passionate about direct client intervention. The fully online, synchronous program provides advanced training in clinical assessment, cultural competence, and advocacy. Students can complete the traditional eight-semester track or utilize the Advanced Standing option for BSW graduates. With 49 credit hours and 1,000 internship hours, the program prepares professionals for diverse social work roles. Part-time study ensures flexibility, and the program is nationally ranked #28, reflecting its commitment to high-quality social work education.

• 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 online MSW program specializing in Leadership, Mezzo, & Macro Practice (LMMP) empowers students to drive systemic social change. This comprehensive program offers advanced training in organizational and community-level interventions, preparing graduates to address complex social challenges. Through 49 credit hours and 1,000 internship hours, students develop sophisticated leadership and policy skills. The CSWE-accredited program provides performance-based scholarships and prepares students for the LCSW exam. With a synchronous online format and Advanced Standing option, the program offers flexibility for working professionals seeking meaningful social impact.

• 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

Loyola University Chicago's Online Bilingual Master of Social Work offers a specialized three-year program focusing on Migration Studies and Latinx populations. This unique track provides culturally sensitive training in clinical social work, emphasizing mental health interventions for immigrant and refugee communities. Students develop advanced skills in Spanish and English, gaining 1,000 internship hours across diverse settings. The part-time, online format allows working professionals to advance their careers while addressing critical social needs. With a focus on cultural competence and advocacy, this program prepares students to become transformative social work professionals in multicultural contexts.

• 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

Aurora University's online Master of Social Work (MSW) program with an Addictions concentration provides a comprehensive pathway for students seeking specialized professional development. Designed with flexibility, the program offers traditional and advanced standing tracks across multiple start dates. Students benefit from CSWE accreditation, employment-based internships, and expert faculty guidance. The addictions-focused curriculum prepares graduates for high-demand careers in mental health and substance abuse treatment, emphasizing clinical practice, research methodologies, and policy understanding. Notably, the program supports state licensure preparation and offers two to three-year completion formats.

• 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 online Master of Social Work (MSW) with a Child Welfare concentration equips students to become transformative professionals in protective services and family support systems. Through a CSWE-accredited curriculum, students engage in specialized training addressing complex child and family dynamics. The program's flexible online format accommodates diverse learning needs, offering traditional and advanced standing tracks with fall, spring, and summer entry points. Graduates receive comprehensive preparation for state licensure, with opportunities for employment-based internships and diverse career pathways in social service agencies, schools, and community organizations.

• 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 online Master of Social Work (MSW) program provides a robust educational experience for aspiring social work professionals seeking comprehensive training. With multiple specialization options including child welfare, school social work, and forensics, students can customize their academic journey. The CSWE-accredited curriculum supports flexible learning through traditional and advanced standing tracks, accommodating various professional backgrounds. Students benefit from employment-based internships, multiple start dates, and preparation for state licensure. The program emphasizes practical skills, theoretical knowledge, and professional development across diverse social service settings.

• 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

The University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign offers a robust hybrid Master of Social Work program emphasizing Leadership and Social Change concentration. This innovative online degree provides flexible learning pathways ranging from 12 to 48 months, accommodating diverse student needs. Notably, the program waives GRE requirements and maintains full CSWE accreditation. Students can select between Advanced Clinical and Leadership tracks, gaining hands-on experience through strategic internships. With an average class size of 25 students, the program prepares professionals for transformative social work careers. Multiple financial aid options support students, while internship opportunities span across Illinois, enabling comprehensive practical learning experiences.

• 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

Dominican University's online Master of Social Work program offers a comprehensive educational journey for aspiring social work professionals. The CSWE-accredited hybrid program provides students with six distinct specialization tracks, enabling personalized career development. Students complete 60 credit hours and 1,080 fieldwork hours, gaining practical experience through an extensive network of 350 agencies. With flexible full-time and part-time options, the program accommodates diverse student needs. Graduates are prepared to lead social change across various practice settings, benefiting from small class sizes and opportunities for dual degrees. The program is available in five Midwestern states and includes a first weekend residency experience.

• CSWE-accredited MSW program
• 100% online or campus options
• Six specialized practice tracks
• 60 credit hours total
• 1,080 hours fieldwork required
• Full-time and part-time options
• Small class sizes
• Available in 5 midwest states
• First weekend residency
• Dual degree opportunities

Dominican University's online Master of Social Work program with a concentration in Aging, Adulthood and Gerontology provides specialized training for social work professionals focusing on older adult populations. The CSWE-accredited hybrid program offers comprehensive curriculum addressing the unique needs of aging communities. Students complete 60 credit hours and 1,080 fieldwork hours, with opportunities for international placements and diverse agency networks. Featuring flexible full-time and part-time options, the program prepares students for high-demand roles in gerontological social work. Social work scholarships are available, and students benefit from small class sizes and expert faculty in the Chicago area.

• 100% online or campus options
• CSWE-accredited program
• 60 credit hour curriculum
• 1,080 hours fieldwork included
• Multiple specialization tracks
• Full-time and part-time options
• Campus locations in Chicago area
• Small class sizes
• Social work scholarships available
• Dual degree opportunities

Dominican University's online Master of Social Work program specializing in Children, Youth and Family provides a dynamic pathway for students committed to supporting vulnerable populations. The CSWE-accredited hybrid program offers comprehensive training in child welfare and family systems. Students complete 60 credit hours and 1,080 fieldwork hours, gaining practical experience through a robust 350-agency placement network. With flexible daytime, evening, and weekend class options, the program accommodates diverse student schedules. Graduates are equipped to create meaningful change, with opportunities for dual degrees and social work scholarships. The program emphasizes expert faculty guidance and comprehensive professional preparation.

• CSWE-accredited MSW program
• Online and campus options
• 60 credit hours total
• 1,080 fieldwork hours
• Multiple specialization tracks
• Full-time and part-time
• Daytime, evening, weekend classes
• Dual degree opportunities
• 350 agency placement network
• Social work scholarships available

Chicago State University's online Post-MSW Professional Educator License provides specialized training for experienced social work professionals seeking School Social Work endorsement. Tailored for MSW degree holders with a minimum 3.0 GPA, this comprehensive program prepares graduates to meet Illinois State Board of Education requirements. Students engage in strength-based and family-centered learning through asynchronous and synchronous courses, completing a rigorous 300-hour field practicum. The program uniquely focuses on developing advanced skills in educational social work, offering a strategic pathway for professionals to expand career opportunities within school systems while maintaining flexible online learning options.

• 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

Southern Illinois University-Edwardsville offers a robust online Master of Social Work (MSW) program with an Advanced Generalist concentration, uniquely designed to prepare students for comprehensive social work practice. The hybrid program blends online coursework with community engagement, allowing students to develop advanced intervention skills across diverse practice settings. While specific entrance exam requirements are not detailed, the program emphasizes practical learning through local agency partnerships. Students can expect flexible evening class options and a curriculum that supports multiple professional pathways in healthcare, policy, education, and social services, with a strong focus on addressing complex social challenges and supporting vulnerable populations.

• Master of Social Work (MSW) degree
• Mostly face-to-face course formats
• Evening class options available
• Community-engaged learning approach
• Multiple professional role opportunities
• Online/blended course options
• Diverse career paths supported