Situated in the Midwestern Great Lakes region of the United States, Illinois is the fifth most populous and 25th most extensive state that is often considered to be a microcosm of the entire nation with its diverse economy. Nicknamed the "Prairie State" and the "Land of Lincoln," three presidents have been elected while living in Illinois, including Abraham Lincoln, Ulysses S. Grant, and our current president Barack Obama.
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Home to the famous third largest city in Chicago with several small industrial cities, Illinois is packed full of some of the top-ranked universities in the Midwest and the nation. For aspiring social workers, the following are the first half (A-N) of social work degrees in Illinois fully accredited by the CSWE. (See the second half of our list at Social Work Degree Programs in Illinois (O-Z).)
Aurora University
School of Social Work
Based in the second largest city in Illinois, just 40 miles from downtown Chicago with a satellite campus nestled on the shores of Geneva Lake in George Williams Bay, Aurora University is a private non-profit institution founded in the liberal arts tradition with approximately 4,900 students. Fully accredited by the North Central Association, Aurora University awards more than 40 bachelor's, master's, and doctoral degrees. The School of Social Work is nationally recognized for excellence by the U.S. News and World Report with the 172nd best graduate social work program in the nation.
Bachelor of Social Work (BSW)
The Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) program combines a strong liberal arts foundation with professional training in theory and meaningful field practice. After completing at least 62 semester hours of general education requirements in the first two years, students are admitted at the junior level to complete at least 48 semester hours of major social work courses and electives. Giving students the unique opportunity to also concentrate their studies in Addictions Counseling, graduates may be eligible for the Certified Alcohol and Other Drug Counselor (CADC) exam. (See also: What is the Best Degree for Substance Abuse Professionals?)
Master of Social Work (MSW)
Designed to give students a strong base in generalist clinical social work practice as well as specialized study through flexible full-time and part-time program options, the Master of Social Work (MSW) program consists of 60 credit hours and 20 clock hours each week of field instruction with real-world experience. The program offers students four optional specializations, which are Addictions, Child Welfare, Gerontology, and Leadership. While the program can be completed in two years full-time or three years part-time, those with a BSW may apply for Advanced Standing for one year of studies.
Accreditations
- Council on Social Work Education (CSWE)
- North Central Association of Colleges and Schools (NCA)
Contact Information
347 S. Gladstone Ave.
Aurora, IL 60506
(630) 892-6431
[email protected]
http://www.aurora.edu/academics/colleges-schools/social-work/#axzz2nNI0UKgb
Bradley University
Department of Sociology and Social Work
Situated in the historic West Bluff residential neighborhood of the largest metropolitan area in downstate Illinois in Peoria, Bradley University is a small private independent institution with 5,700 students with more than 136 degree choices characteristic of a much larger university. According to the U.S. News and World Report, Bradley is recognized as the 5th best college and 7th best value school in the Midwest. The Department of Sociology and Social Work is committed to producing qualified generalist social service professionals for the helping professions.
Bachelor of Social Work (BSW)
Nationally recognized as an outstanding accredited undergraduate social work program for licensing in Illinois, the Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) follows a generalist social work model to emphasize the four major theme areas of social policy and its effects on client systems, research to guide practice, human behavior in the social environment, and commitment to practice in diverse populations. Designed to prepare students for beginning level social work in case management, the program consists of a minimum of 120 semester credits completed under the guidance of an assigned social work advisor.
Accreditations
- Council on Social Work Education (CSWE)
- North Central Association of Colleges and Schools (NCA)
Contact Information
Bradley Hall Room 112
1501 W. Bradley Ave.
Peoria, IL 61625
(309) 677-2388
[email protected]
http://www.bradley.edu/academic/departments/social/
Chicago State University
School of Social Work
Chicago State University is a comprehensive public institution located in the heart of the Windy City with more than 4,700 students. With the mission of providing a professional educational experience primarily for non-traditional and minority students, CSU currently is recognized as the top producer of degrees for African American students in Illinois and 18th in the nation for awarding degrees to all minority students. Ranked as having the 130th best graduate social work program in the nation by the U.S. News and World Report, the CSU School of Social Work seeks to support students' commitment to skilled social work practice in service to their communities.
Master of Social Work (MSW)
The Master of Social Work (MSW) program has been designed to prepare students for advanced family-centered social work practice. The 60-credit program can typically be completed in two years full-time and three years part-time; however, the program does admit a limited number of qualified BSW applicants to a 33-credit Advanced Standing option for one year of studies. Offering more than 100 different field practicum placements to enrich theories outside the classroom, the program includes three specialization areas in Direct Practice with Families, Program Planning and Administration, and School Social Work.
Accreditations
- Council on Social Work Education (CSWE)
- North Central Association of Colleges and Schools (NCA)
Contact Information
Williams Science Center Room 116A
9501 South King Dr.
Chicago, IL 60628
(773) 995-2207
[email protected]
http://www.csu.edu/socialwork/
DePaul University
College of Liberal Arts and Sciences
As the nation's largest Catholic university with about 25,000 students, DePaul University is a major private institution with six campuses in and around downtown Chicago. Consistently recognized among the top 25 universities nationally for outstanding service learning programs, DePaul is currently ranked as the 121st best college in the nation by the U.S. News and World Report. Even more importantly, the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences at the Loop campus is nationally distinguished for hosting the 79th best graduate social work program in the nation.
Master of Social Work (MSW)
Committed to the continuous concern for social justice within the context of a Vincentian urban environment, the Master of Social Work (MSW) program is designed to prepare students for advanced social work with an emphasis on community practice. Producing qualified graduates for leadership in varied human service organizations that span child welfare, mental health, community planning, and family services, the program consists of 88 quarter hour credits, including 24 hours of field practicum.
Accreditations
- Council on Social Work Education (CSWE)
- North Central Association of Colleges and Schools (NCA)
Contact Information
1 East Jackson Blvd.
Chicago, IL 60604
(312) 362-7325
[email protected]
http://las.depaul.edu/msw/
Dominican University
Graduate School of Social Work
On a beautiful 37-acre main campus in River Forest just 10 miles west of downtown Chicago with several satellite locations sprinkled across the region, Dominican University is a private institution rooted in the Roman Catholic tradition. Well-known for its intimate atmosphere of just 2,000 students, Dominican is currently ranked as the 13th best college, 4th top value school, and 5th best college for veterans in the Midwest by the U.S. News and World Report. Furthermore, the Graduate School of Social Work is home to the 66th best social work program for graduate students.
Master of Social Work (MSW)
Designed to prepare students for competent practice of globally focused, family-centered social work, the Master of Social Work (MSW) program is offered at both the River Forest and Grayslake campuses in Illinois. Giving students the unique option of going abroad for 10-weeks to conduct the final field placement requirement, the program consists of 60 credit hours for two years full-time or three years part-time. The program provides students with the opportunity to pursue a Master of Business Administration (MBA) or Master of Library and Information Science (MLIS) concurrently with additional coursework.
Accreditations
- Council on Social Work Education (CSWE)
- North Central Association of Colleges and Schools (NCA)
Contact Information
7900 West Division St.
River Forest, IL 60305
(708) 366-3463
[email protected]
http://socialwork.dom.edu/academics/msw
Governor's State University
Department of Social Work
Considered the most affordable higher education institution with the lowest undergraduate tuition rates in northern Illinois, Governor's State University is an upper-division public university that specializes in quality programs for non-traditional working adults. Located on the main 760-acre wooded campus with access to several lakes and natural trails for tranquil studies just 35 miles south of Chicago, the Department of Social Work is committed to ensuring that the vulnerable citizens of our communities receive the care they need to live fulfilling lives.
Bachelor of Social Work (BSW)
Ideal for undergraduate students interested in making a difference in diverse underserved populations by fighting the effects of poverty, healing relationships, uniting families, easing suffering, and advocating for social change, the Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) program imparts the foundational knowledge and skills to begin in entry-level generalist practice. Strongly focused on an emphasis in social and economic justice, the program requires students to complete a minimum of 37 generation education credits, 51 major social work credits, and 15 upper-division social work electives.
Master of Social Work (MSW)
Designed to prepare graduates to become advanced social work practitioners to empower individuals, guide communities, influence policies, fight oppression, and make a critical difference in the lives of others, the Master of Social Work (MSW) program places a foundational emphasis on a philosophy of social justice for diverse at-risk populations. While the full MSW degree program consists of 60 credit hours for two years full-time or three years part-time, the Advanced Standing option contains just 32 credit hours of advanced curriculum. Students must also successfully complete a minimum of 860 clock hours of field practicum.
Accreditations
- Council on Social Work Education (CSWE)
- North Central Association of Colleges and Schools (NCA)
Contact Information
1 University Parkway
University Park, IL 60484
(708) 534-5000
[email protected]
http://www.govst.edu/Academics/Colleges_and_Programs/College_of_Health_and_Human_Services/Department_of_Social_Work/
Illinois State University
School of Social Work
Known for being the first public institution in Illinois with a long tradition tracing back to 1857, Illinois State University is situated in the urban town of Normal approximately 130 miles southwest of Chicago. Promoting the highest academic standards for its diverse student body of more than 18,500, ISU is currently ranked as the 152nd best college and 81st top public school in the nation by the U.S. News and World Report. In addition, the ISU School of Social Work has been nationally recognized for being home to the 104th best graduate social work program in the United States.
Bachelor of Social Work (BSW)
With the goal of preparing students for strength-based ethical generalist practice in agency-based settings to work with diverse clients at the micros, mezzo, and macro levels, the Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) program builds upon the liberal arts foundation to provide the theoretical and conceptual knowledge needed to be a successful social worker. After completing the general education requirements in the first and second year, students are admitted to the program in the junior year to complete required courses covering social welfare, human behavior, generalist practice, diverse populations, social work research, policy practice, and field instruction.
Master of Social Work (MSW)
Seeking to prepare advanced family and child welfare practitioners who act as agents for social change to promote individual and societal well-being, the Master of Social Work (MSW) program is focused on strength-based advanced practice knowledge and skills for working with diverse individuals or families across the lifespan. Designed for completion in two years full-time or three years part-time, students in the 60-credit program have the freedom to focus their studies with one of the three concentrations, which are Child and Family Practice, Gerontology Practice, and School Social Work.
Accreditations
- Council on Social Work Education (CSWE)
- North Central Association of Colleges and Schools (NCA)
Contact Information
Campus Box 4650
Normal, IL 61790
(307) 438-3631
[email protected]
http://socialwork.illinoisstate.edu/academics/
Lewis University
Department of Social Work
As the seventh largest private non-profit university in Illinois with nearly 6,600 students, Lewis University is a Catholic institution sponsored by the De La Salle Christian Brothers in Romeoville. According to the U.S. News and World Report, Lewis is currently ranked as the 34th best college in the Midwest. The Department of Social Work is firmly committed to educating generalist practice social workers who exhibit integrity and follow ethical principles.
Bachelor of Arts in Social Work (BASW)
With the goal of preparing generalist social work practitioners who can effectively provide services to diverse populations, advance human rights, and advocate for social justice, the BASW program is offered solely at the main Romeoville campus and supported by a Catholic Lasallian heritage. Built upon the National Association of Social Workers (NASW) Code of Ethics, the program consists of 128 semester hours in general education, social work core, and general electives. In the senior year, students are required to complete 450 clock hours in a field internship in an approved social service setting.
Accreditations
- Council on Social Work Education (CSWE)
- North Central Association of Colleges and Schools (NCA)
Contact Information
1 University Parkway
Romeoville, IL 60446
(815) 838-0500
[email protected]
http://www.lewisu.edu/academics/socialwork/
Loyola University Chicago
School of Social Work
Known for being the largest private Jesuit institution in the entire nation, Loyola University Chicago has two locations throughout the third largest U.S. city at the Lake Shore and Water Tower campuses. The U.S. News and World Report survey currently ranks Loyola Chicago as the 101st best college and 44th top value school in the country. Furthermore, the School of Social Work is nationally recognized for excellence by having the 44th best graduate social work program in the United States for aspiring professionals.
Bachelor of Social Work (BSW)
Intended to introduce students to the dynamic, changing, and challenging profession of social work to help people of all ages and backgrounds in many social service settings, the Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) program offers a strong liberal arts base supplemented with a wide range of practical opportunities for fieldwork in the community. Along with a minimum of 480 supervised hours of field experience, students must successfully complete major coursework in social welfare policy, social work methods, human behavior, group processes, cultural diversity, social research, and practice seminar.
Master of Social Work (MSW)
The Master of Social Work (MSW) program offers graduate students the opportunity to gain advanced practice skills in Clinical Social Work or Leadership and Development in the Social Services in preparation for licensure in the state of Illinois. Within the two-year full-time or three-year part-time program, students are required to complete at least 60 credit hours, which include two internships at 480 and 720 hours for a grand total of 1200 hours of field experience within a clinical or administrative position. Students with a BSW degree may also apply for Advanced Standing to complete the program full-time in 10 months with 720 internship hours.
Accreditations
- Council on Social Work Education (CSWE)
- North Central Association of Colleges and Schools (NCA)
Contact Information
Lewis Towers Room 1200
820 North Michigan Ave.
Chicago, IL 60611
(312) 915-7005
[email protected]
http://www.luc.edu/socialwork/academics/ssw_programs.shtml
MacMurray College
Department of Social Work
As a small private Midwestern liberal arts college built in the Methodist tradition with just under 1,000 students, MacMurray College is located in the stimulating college community of Jacksonville within easy driving of St. Louis. Named a top 20 bachelor's college in the nation by Washington Monthly magazine, MacMurray is ranked as the 63rd best college and 13th top school for veterans in the Midwest by the U.S. News and World Report. Within the yellow ribbon school, the Department of Social Work is committed to the core values of the profession with an emphasis on human diversity, ecological systems perspective, and changing social conditions.
Bachelor of Social Work (BSW)
Designed to prepare graduates for beginning professional employment in social service agencies and/or the successful pursuit of graduate education, the Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) program is focused on the humanitarian values toward the promotion of social and economic justice, resolution of human problems, and improvement in quality of life. Built on a strong liberal arts foundation, students engage in coursework in crisis interventions, social welfare, human behavior, gerontology, social justice, diversity, child welfare, substance abuse, and social work practicum.
Accreditations
- Council on Social Work Education (CSWE)
- North Central Association of Colleges and Schools (NCA)
Contact Information
447 East College Ave.
Jacksonville, IL 62650
(217) 479-7016
[email protected]
Northeastern Illinois University
Department of Social Work
Located in the heart of Chicago to provide students with opportunities to integrate field-based learning with classroom instruction, Northeastern Illinois University is a comprehensive public institution with more than 10,000 students on its 67-acre campus. According to the U.S. News and World Report, NEIU remains the leader among all universities in the nation for having the lowest percentage of students who graduate with loan debt. Within the only federally designated Hispanic Serving Institution, the Department of Social Work has a strong commitment to the values and ethics of social services in diverse populations.
Bachelor of Social Work (BSW)
The Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) program ultimately produces individuals who possess a professional social work identity to work in global and international contexts. Requiring students to complete a minimum of 125 semester credits, the program focuses on enhancing students' ability to analyze, evaluate, and synthesize concepts.
Accreditations
- Council on Social Work Education (CSWE)
- North Central Association of Colleges and Schools (NCA)
Contact Information
5500 North St. Louis Avenue
Chicago, IL 60625
(773) 442-4760
[email protected]
Filed under: Social Work Degrees in Illinois