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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
Southern Illinois University – Carbondale
Bachelor of Social Work (BSW)
In full compliance with the Educational Policy and Accreditation Standards (EPAS) of the CSWE, the Bachelor of Social Work program aims to develop social workers who are capable of delivering social services to meet human needs within state, national, international, and global contexts. With a strong emphasis on diverse social service needs in rural communities, the program is focused on enhancing the quality of life for individuals, families, groups, organizations, and communities, especially for poor or oppressed populations. Along with 120 semester credits, students are required to complete a total of 420 clock hours of supervised field practice in an approved social work setting.
Master of Social Work (MSW)
Designed to incorporate academic rigor with hands-on learning and field experience opportunities to prepare students for a fulfilling career in advanced professional social work practice, the Master of Social Work (MSW) program is centered on human behavior, social work practice, evaluation, policy, and critical thinking. Students in the program are given the chance to concentrate their studies in Children, Youth, and Families, School Social Work, or Health/Mental Health. While those with a BSW degree can complete the program with just 39 semester credits, those without previous social work education will need to complete a minimum of 60 credits in two years full-time.
Accreditations
- Council on Social Work Education (CSWE)
- Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association (NCA)
Contact Information
Quigley Hall Mail Code 4329
874 South Normal Avenue
Carbondale, IL 62901
(618) 453-2243
[email protected]
http://ehs.siu.edu/socialwork/
Southern Illinois University – Edwardsville
Bachelor of Social Work (BSW)
Designed to foster the development of generalist social work skills in preparation for entering the profession or related graduate programs, the Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) program is ideal for students seeking entry-level positions in the areas of child welfare, aging, mental health, domestic violence, juvenile services, and health prevention. As an upper-level two-year program that begins in the fall semester of the junior year, students must complete a minimum of 124 total hours. Centered on the important elements of generalist practice, the program focuses heavily on issues related to at-risk populations and diversity for promoting social justice.
Master of Social Work (MSW)
Fully accredited and approved for certification in the state of Illinois, the Master of Social Work (MSW) program prepares students for entering advanced social work practice as community-based professionals to work with and on behalf of underserved and at-risk diverse populations. Designed to promote social and economic justice to enhance social well-being, the program offers students the chance to concentrate in Micro Practice for work with individuals, families, and groups or Macro Practice for working with communities, organizations, and neighborhoods.
Accreditations
- Council on Social Work Education (CSWE)
- Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association (NCA)
Contact Information
Peck Hall Room 1306
Campus Box 1450
Edwardsville, IL 62026
(618) 650-5758
[email protected]
http://www.siue.edu/artsandsciences/socialwork/
St. Augustine College
Bachelor of Social Work (BSW)
With the goal of preparing diverse students from a large number of Latin American countries to be generalist social work practitioners and promote social justice, the Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) program aspires to fill cultural, educational, and socioeconomic gaps beginning with those in the surrounding Chicago communities, particularly those of Hispanic descent. With the mission of building a bridge to a better future where students can strengthen confidence for lifelong learning, ethical awareness, and critical thinking skills, the program requires that students complete a minimum of 128 credits with 48 credits being in major social work courses.
Accreditations
- Council on Social Work Education (CSWE)
- Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association (NCA)
Contact Information
1345 West Argyle St.
Chicago, IL 60640
(773) 878-8756
http://www.staugustine.edu/index.php?src=gendocs&ref=academic_programs_social_work
Trinity Christian College
Bachelor of Social Work (BSW)
Intended to prepare professionals for advancing human rights and social justice while embracing Christian understandings of justice, humility, and unconditional love, the Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) program is strongly focused on the practical skills needed to provide interventions for individuals, families, groups, organizations, and communities overcoming social obstacles. Pulling from the historical roots of the profession and the Reformed Christian perspective, the program places a strong emphasis on providing students with the opportunities to fulfill their callings through numerous serving learning and field education experiences.
Accreditations
- Council on Social Work Education (CSWE)
- Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association (NCA)
Contact Information
6601 West College Drive
Palos Heights, IL 60463
(708) 239-4849
[email protected]
http://www.trnty.edu/academics/socialwork/socialwork.html
University of Chicago
Master of Social Work (MSW)
With the goal of providing a broad educational and experiential foundation that prepares students to be leaders in the fields of clinical social work and social administration practice, the Master of Social Work (MSW) program combines direct social work practice with policy development, interdisciplinary research, and social science theory. The program places a particular emphasis on understanding and working with culturally diverse and economically disadvantaged populations. After completing the first year of core curriculum, students are given the opportunity to focus their studies with a Clinical Concentration or Social Administration Concentration.
Accreditations
- Council on Social Work Education (CSWE)
- Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association (NCA)
Contact Information
969 East 60th St.
Chicago, IL 60637
(773) 702-1250
[email protected]
http://www.ssa.uchicago.edu/masters-program-sw
University of Illinois at Chicago
Master of Social Work (MSW)
Intended to prepare graduate students with the competencies and practice behaviors needed to excel in advanced social work practice, the Master of Social Work (MSW) program provides a generalist perspective on social work practice, human behavior, research, social welfare policy, and field instruction. While the program is wholly focused on service for the social well-being of urban at-risk populations, students are asked to concentrate their studies in Child and Family, Community Health and Urban Development, School Social Work, or Mental Health. The MSW degree requires the completion of 62 semester hours of full-time or part-time study, but those who have achieved a BSW degree can apply for Advanced Standing to receive up to 28 semester hours of transfer credit.
Accreditations
- Council on Social Work Education (CSWE)
- Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association (NCA)
Contact Information
1040 West Harrison St.
Chicago, IL 60607
(312) 996-7096
[email protected]
http://www.uic.edu/jaddams/college/programs/academic_msw.html
University of Illinois at Springfield
Bachelor of Social Work (BSW)
Designed to prepare graduates for entry-level social work practice and lay the foundation for graduate social work education, the Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) program follows a generalist approach with an emphasis on an empowerment model that builds on client strengths and abilities. Focused on teaching skills in critical thinking, research, communication, and collaboration with colleagues to build on the liberal arts foundation, the upper-level program beginning in the junior year requires students to complete a minimum of 44 credit hours with a culmination in a 400-hour internship at an approved social service agency.
Accreditations
- Council on Social Work Education (CSWE)
- Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association (NCA)
Contact Information
One University Plaza
Springfield, IL 62703
(217) 206-6687
[email protected]
http://www.uis.edu/socialwork/
University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
Bachelor of Social Work (BSW)
Focused on preparing generalist practice to help individuals dealing with disabilities, life-threatening illnesses, poverty, unemployment, substance abuse, domestic violence, child abuse, sexual assault, or mental illness, the Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) program involves the completion of at least 120 earned credit hours, community-based projects, and a full-time 16-week internship experience in a social service setting. Throughout the program, students will gain valuable opportunities to participate in generalist social working learning across individuals, groups, families, communities, and organizations.
Master of Social Work (MSW)
Designed to prepare students for advanced social work practice in a specialized area, the Master of Social Work (MSW) program aims to provide opportunities for students to integrate conceptual knowledge gained from coursework into practical experience. Along with the full-time on-campus and Advanced Standing programs, students can also participate in an innovative MSW Outreach program that enables students to pursue the graduate degree through blended online and evening classes in select cities throughout the state. Students are required to focus their studies with a concentration in Advocacy and Social Change, Children and Family Services, Mental Health, Health Care, or School Social Work.
Accreditations
- Council on Social Work Education (CSWE)
- Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association (NCA)
Contact Information
1010 West Nevada St.
Urbana, IL 61801
(217) 333-2261
[email protected]
http://socialwork.illinois.edu/
University of St. Francis
Bachelor of Social Work (BSW)
Centered on the consistent changes in our domestic and international environment that directly affect children, families, and communities of all socioeconomic backgrounds, the Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) program provides all of the needed knowledge and skills necessary to make a difference in the lives of others in entry-level generalist social work practice. Focused on social work's heritage, commitment, values, and methods, the accredited program fulfills the requirements for students who are seeking Advanced Standing at the graduate level. As an upper-level program that begins in the junior year, students are required to complete a minimum of 58 credit hours for completion.
Master of Social Work (MSW)
Combining both theoretical and practical knowledge that is highly respected in the workplace, the Master of Social Work (MSW) program is designed for working professionals with convenient Friday and Saturday classes. While full-time students can expect to complete the 62-credit degree in two years or four semesters, Advanced Standing students with a BSW from an accredited institution can complete the 32-credit program within just one academic year. Throughout the program, social work students are trained in advanced assessment, interviewing, referral, service planning, case management, crisis intervention, community outreach, program evaluation, and advocacy.
Accreditations
- Council on Social Work Education (CSWE)
- Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association (NCA)
Contact Information
500 Wilcox St.
Joliet, IL 60435
(815) 740-3460
[email protected]
https://www.stfrancis.edu/academics/social-work/
Western Illinois University
Bachelor of Social Work (BSW)
With a seamless blend of a liberal arts foundation with major social work coursework, the Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) program is strongly focused on the skills needed for social work professionals to excel in the promotion of social and economic justice for diverse populations at-risk. Throughout the program, students are actively engaged in coursework covering topics in human behavior, research methods, social welfare, social policy, community service, social work practice, statistics, and practicum field experience. For outstanding students in the program, the department also enables access to the Phi Alpha Honor Society in social work.
Accreditations
- Council on Social Work Education (CSWE)
- Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association (NCA)
Contact Information
Horrabin Hall Room 8
One University Circle
Macomb, IL 61455
(309) 298-1071
[email protected]
http://www.wiu.edu/coehs/health_sciences/social_work/
As job opportunities in social work continue to grow steadily, it is an advantageous time for students aspiring to start a career in the helping profession to enroll in a training program that has been given the gold standard of approval by the CSWE for excellence. Therefore, it is recommended that students in the "Prairie State" further investigate these top-notch undergraduate and graduate accredited social work degrees in Illinois to jump-start their career.