Master's Degree
Social Sciences
Fall
Online & Hybrid Options
About the Master of Social Work at Loyola
Social work is a career and a calling. Working with the most vulnerable among us calls for compassion, cultural sensitivity, and a strong commitment to service. A career in social work requires leadership and organizational skills to improve the lives of individuals, families, and communities, and the knowledge and persistence to influence legislation and advocate for systemic change.
Loyola's School of Social Work Master of Social Work (MSW) degree is designed to develop professionals who have the confidence and skills to take on the challenge to improve individual and family welfare, and empower people within our communities to promote social justice.
Our MSW is a two-year program offering advanced practice training in clinical, school, and community settings. You will thrive in our program if you have a true passion for social justice issues and a determination to advocate and take action to help transform lives and communities. Success in the program will require emotional maturity and resiliency to manage complex issues and challenges, and excellent time management skills to balance coursework and practical fieldwork internships.
Our holistic curriculum ensures that when you graduate, you are well-positioned to serve, advocate, and assume leadership and management roles in clinical and human services organizations, as well as in community outreach and development settings.
Why Choose Loyola for Your MSW?
What motivates you? Maybe you want to enhance your job opportunities. Or work with children and families. Or help businesses compete globally. Or improve access to healthcare. At Loyola our degree and certificate programs are designed to achieve your goals. Let's get started.
- Highly rated program
- Enhanced learning innovations and fieldwork opportunities
- A flexible and customized degree
- A program built on a foundation of ethics and values
- Streamlined degree path with a real-world focus
- Double your degree potential
- Programa Bilingüe
The program curriculum incorporates the innovative use of simulation to support training both inside and outside of the classroom. You'll benefit from our extensive community ties that provide real-world experience through 300+ agency/nonprofit partnerships for fieldwork and internship opportunities. Every Fall semester, our one-week Community Immersion Program (CIP) invites incoming MSW students to participate directly with communities and see first-hand how different types of social workers engage with diverse populations.
The program curriculum incorporates the innovative use of simulation to support training both inside and outside of the classroom. You'll benefit from our extensive community ties that provide real-world experience through 300+ agency/nonprofit partnerships for fieldwork and internship opportunities. Every Fall semester, our one-week Community Immersion Program (CIP) invites incoming MSW students to participate directly with communities and see first-hand how different types of social workers engage with diverse populations.
The program curriculum incorporates the innovative use of simulation to support training both inside and outside of the classroom. You'll benefit from our extensive community ties that provide real-world experience through 300+ agency/nonprofit partnerships for fieldwork and internship opportunities. Every Fall semester, our one-week Community Immersion Program (CIP) invites incoming MSW students to participate directly with communities and see first-hand how different types of social workers engage with diverse populations.
The program curriculum incorporates the innovative use of simulation to support training both inside and outside of the classroom. You'll benefit from our extensive community ties that provide real-world experience through 300+ agency/nonprofit partnerships for fieldwork and internship opportunities. Every Fall semester, our one-week Community Immersion Program (CIP) invites incoming MSW students to participate directly with communities and see first-hand how different types of social workers engage with diverse populations.
The program curriculum incorporates the innovative use of simulation to support training both inside and outside of the classroom. You'll benefit from our extensive community ties that provide real-world experience through 300+ agency/nonprofit partnerships for fieldwork and internship opportunities. Every Fall semester, our one-week Community Immersion Program (CIP) invites incoming MSW students to participate directly with communities and see first-hand how different types of social workers engage with diverse populations.
The program curriculum incorporates the innovative use of simulation to support training both inside and outside of the classroom. You'll benefit from our extensive community ties that provide real-world experience through 300+ agency/nonprofit partnerships for fieldwork and internship opportunities. Every Fall semester, our one-week Community Immersion Program (CIP) invites incoming MSW students to participate directly with communities and see first-hand how different types of social workers engage with diverse populations.
The program curriculum incorporates the innovative use of simulation to support training both inside and outside of the classroom. You'll benefit from our extensive community ties that provide real-world experience through 300+ agency/nonprofit partnerships for fieldwork and internship opportunities. Every Fall semester, our one-week Community Immersion Program (CIP) invites incoming MSW students to participate directly with communities and see first-hand how different types of social workers engage with diverse populations.
Explore the MSW Curriculum
A social worker needs grounding in the foundational skills that define professional practice in the field, and specialized knowledge of theory, policies, and practices relevant to different types of social work.
The MSW curriculum takes a fully holistic approach, combining foundational coursework and competencies required in all social work practice, with internship and fieldwork experiences to develop hands-on skills, and specialized courses that allow you to tailor your degree to your area of interest and career goals.
The School of Social Work offers five pathways to choose for specialization and two sub-specializations:Migration Studies prepares social work professionals to work with displaced persons, immigrants, and refugees.
Study abroad internships are available.
Group Work develops the skills needed for effectively working with groups in both clinical and administrative settings.
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Courses may vary from semester to semester. Please consult the academic catalog for the most up-to-date information. Some examples of courses that may be offered include:
[TBD, pending class selection.]
Meet the Faculty
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READ MOREMSW Program Skills Development
The School of Social Work is a professional school where you learn about the practice of social work both in the classroom and in real-world settings in the field. This allows you to integrate foundational knowledge with practical experience and the values of the profession. You will graduate ready to practice as an ethical, and highly-skilled social work professional.
Among the skills emphasized are:- empathy
- active and reflective listening
- critical thinking
- cultural responsiveness and humility
- advocacy and organization
- self-care
Program Learning Outcomes
After completing the program, students in the MSW program and dual degree options should be able to demonstrate the following competencies and foundational and advanced level practice behaviors.
Mastery of these competencies and attendant practice behaviors is achieved through course readings, discussion, activities, and assignments as well as through field internship experiences
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MSW: Career Connections
There are many types of social workers and a broad number of social work career paths, depending on the area of specialization you choose. MSW graduates work in schools, government agencies, hospitals, nonprofit organizations, outpatient services, higher education, and rehabilitation centers, to name just a few.
The day-to-day work is often varied. In addition to working directly with individuals and families, graduates with an MSW degree develop and manage programs, advocate for community and population needs, and provide data for policy advocacy, research, program evaluation, and organizational development.
Specific job options include:- Case management
- School social workers
- Healthcare social workers
- Mental health counselors
- Child and family social worker
- Addiction counselor
The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) Occupational Outlook Handbook is a good place to explore the job outlook and pay potential for specific jobs that interest you.
The School of Social Work offers sponsoring events and programs to prepare you for the job search. Every March, we host the Networking and Career Fair where you can expand your networking skills, develop valuable contacts, and learn about opportunities in the field. Generally, 40–60 agencies and organizations attend each year.
We encourage you to visit the Career Development Center which maintains online job postings, provides information on job fairs, and assists with resume writing and interview skills.
LOOKING FOR JOB OPPORTUNITIES?Costs, Scholarships, and Aid
There are several ways to finance your graduate education through loans and scholarships. The university's Financial Aid Office can help you successfully navigate the process of making your education affordable.
Tuition and Costs
For detailed information about tuition, costs, and graduate assistantships, please visit the Tuition & Financial Aid page.
School of Social Work Scholarships
The School of Social Work offers several scholarship opportunities specifically for MSW students:
Performance-Based Scholarships Focused on Student NeedIncoming MSW students who demonstrate financial need, community engagement, a commitment to academic success, and promise in the social work profession are eligible to apply.
Most graduate programs across the nation only offer merit-based scholarships; we are one of few that offer an award based on student financial need — all students, including international, DACA, and undocumented students qualify for this scholarship application.
Lester Czernik ScholarshipThe Lester Czernik Scholarship is awarded at the start of each academic year to one to two incoming MSW students who demonstrate financial need and promise in the social work profession.
Visit and Connect With Us
Before starting the program, we welcome you to sit in on a class and meet our faculty, observe a lecture, and experience the diverse and collaborative learning environment at the School of Social Work.
We also offer one-on-one appointments if you'd like to speak with us about the MSW program, as well as Open House events and Information Sessions where you can learn more.
Calendar Events
Loyola University Chicago Receives Major Grant from Lilly Endowment to Support Pastoral Leaders in Latinx and Hispanic Communities
MSW Application and Admission Requirements
You may apply to our Summer, Fall, or Spring terms for the MSW program. Once we receive all required application materials, you can expect a decision within 10 days, though it may take longer during busy periods. We strongly encourage you to apply early.
- A completed application form
- Official transcripts showing you have earned or are in the process of earning a bachelor's degree
- Two professional recommendations
- A personal statement of purpose
- A resume or CV
Additional requirements may apply if you are an international student. Application for admission to the School of Social Work varies by program. For more detailed information please visit our Admission page.
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