Illinois – Featured Online Programs in Social Work
Explore and compare a list of accredited schools to enroll in your next program.
By: SocialWorkGuide.org Staff
Last Updated: April 2020
Each year, there is considerable demand for individuals who can fill the numerous social work jobs in Illinois. The career attracts those who love helping people overcome challenges and achieve their goals. Many also find success who can remain calm and measured while they assist people dealing with substance abuse, mental health challenges, domestic violence, and other serious issues.
Seeking an online degree in social work allows individuals to enter this fulfilling career, which the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects to grow by 11% over the next decade — a much higher rate than the average career in the United States.
Featured Online Programs in Social Work
Online Social Work Degree Programs in Illinois
| University | Degree Program |
|---|---|
| Aurora University – IL | Bachelor’s in Social Work (BSW) |
| University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign – IL | Master’s in Social Work (MSW) |
| Loyola University Chicago – IL | Master’s in Social Work (MSW) |
| Aurora Institute – IL | Master’s in Social Work (MSW) |
| Institute for Clinical Social Work – IL | Doctorate in Social Work (DSW) |
Employment Outlook for Social Workers in Illinois
| Social Work Career | Job Growth (2018-28) | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workers | 6.1% | $46,540 |
| Healthcare Social Workers | 7.7% | $52,830 |
| Child, Family, and School Social Workers | 5.6% | $56,100 |
| Social Workers, All Other | 4.9% | $61,640 |
| Bachelor of Social Work | $49,000 |
|---|---|
| Master of Social Work | $52,000 |
| Doctor of Social Work | N/A |
Social Work Licensure in Illinois
To enter the variety of social work jobs in Illinois, individuals must attain either a bachelor’s (BSW) or master’s degree (MSW) in social work from a regionally accredited college or university. Although they do not need to secure a license to practice in the state, most jobs require licensure.
Those already in possession of an MSW degree can immediately apply for an Illinois social work license. BSW graduates, however, must complete three years of professional experience before applying for licensure. A licensed social worker must supervise this experience, and individuals must engage in the experience at least four hours each month, on average.
All licensed social worker applicants must take the ASWB master’s exam. Scores will go directly to the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation, the agency that issues social work licenses in the state. To register for the exam, fill out this form and pay the fee.
For more social work licensing information, visit Social Work Licensing in Illinois.
Featured Online Programs in Social Work
Should You Earn an Online Social Work Degree in Illinois?
Those hoping to serve in a high-demand social work job in Illinois should get an online degree from an accredited postsecondary institution. Seeking a degree online may allow learners to expand their options while saving money, as many colleges and universities charge in-state or reduced tuition to distance learners, regardless of their residency status.
Within a social work program, students learn about social welfare, best practices in working with people and families, human behavioral issues, cultural diversity, and research methods. Combined, these topics form a cohesive educational experience that enables graduates to serve individuals, families, and groups from diverse backgrounds who face a variety of challenges.
Equipped with an online social work degree, graduates can enter dynamic career opportunities that allow them to servepeople using the skills gained throughout their studies.
While in school, learners can network with fellow students and join professional organizations that help them advance their knowledge and career options. As students near graduation, they can benefit from internships and job placement services. Equipped with an online social work degree, graduates can enter dynamic career opportunities that allow them to serve people using the skills gained throughout their studies.
The individuals who make the greatest impact on social work jobs in Illinois tend to possess a passion for helping others work through significant challenges. Social work programs also require a considerable amount of work and diligence, and learners must be able to budget their time effectively to ensure that they complete all of their assignments and course requirements.
For those who can avoid procrastination and remain on task, an online BSW or MSW program may serve as an ideal option.
Online Bachelor’s in Social Work (BSW) Programs in Illinois
Aurora University — Bachelor of Social Work
AU, located in the suburbs of Chicago, serves 5,800 students year-round and features an 18-to-1 student-to-faculty ratio. Founded in 1893, the school focuses on the core principles of integrity, citizenship, excellence, and continuous learning.
Hosting one of the top online social work programs in Illinois, AU prepares students for careers as case managers, healthcare social workers, substance abuse counselors, and benefits eligibility specialists. Students learn about social welfare policies, human behavior in social environments, social work within communities, and how to work with individuals and families. The program also features a field instruction experience that allows students to observe licensed social workers as they go about their daily interactions.
AU’s School of Social Work is accredited by both the Council on Social Work Education and the Illinois Certification Board. The program also offers an Illinois State Board of Education-approved master’s degree specialization for individuals who want to become school social workers. The School of Social Work originated at George Williams College before moving to AU in 1987.
Distance learners in AU’s Illinois social work program can access services like academic advising, content-specific tutoring, writing assistance, and testing services. Students also benefit from career services and access to a digital library.
Accreditation
- AU is regionally accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC).
- AU’s bachelor of social work is accredited by the Council of Social Work Education (CSWE).
Admissions
- Minimum GPA: 2.5
- Prerequisites: U.S. government, general psychology, principles of psychology
- Other Admission Requirements: 60 credits of completed college coursework; two years of demonstrated work experience; statement of purpose
Tuition
- Average Undergraduate Tuition per Credit (In-State/Out-of-State): $425
- Average Graduate Tuition per Credit (In-State/Out-of-State): $600
- Notes: The cost per online credit does not include distance education fees or other expenses, such as books and exam proctoring fees.
Academics
- Online Social Work Programs: BSW; MSW; MSW/MBA; MSW/MPA
- Program Length: 2-4 years; 120 credits
- Information Relevant for Transfer Students: Students may transfer in more than 50% of the credits needed to earn a bachelor’s degree. AU accepts as many as 68 credits from a two-year institution and 90 credits from a four-year institution.
Social Work Coursework
- Field Education/Practicum Required?: Yes
- Capstone/Thesis Required?: No
- Core Courses: Survey of social work; social work with groups; social welfare: institutions and policies; human behavior in the social environment; individuals and families; social work with communities and organizations; integrative seminar in social work
- In-Person Requirements: None
Student Support
- Technical Support: Yes
- Special Services Provided to Online Students: Academic advising, tutoring, writing assistance, testing services
Online Master’s in Social Work (MSW) Programs in Illinois
University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign – Master of Social Work
UIUC serves as the flagship campus of the state’s public university system. Also the state’s largest postsecondary institution, UIUC serves nearly 50,000 undergraduate and graduate students each year.
The university offers a blended, 44-credit master of social work program that does not require incoming students to hold an existing BSW degree. Although most learning takes place online, students also engage in a monthly in-person session on the Urbana-Champaign campus. Students may focus their studies on advocacy, healthcare, mental health, school social work, or youth and family services.
Cohorts start in the fall, spring, and summer. Distance learners can access tutoring, academic advising, writing assistance, and digital library resources. The program’s core curriculum includes classes on managing human services organizations, inequalities in a diverse society, social work and the law, and social welfare planning. Students take part in a field practicum, working directly with experienced and licensed Illinois social work professionals in a real-world setting.
The school’s social work program offers in-depth education and experience in mental health, substance abuse, child welfare, extramural education, problems of adolescence, self-help groups, and women and minorities.
Accreditation
- UIUC is regionally accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC).
- UIUC’s master of social work is accredited by the Council of Social Work Education (CSWE).
Admissions
- Minimum GPA: 3.0
- Prerequisites: 20 hours of social and behavioral sciences, humanities, and biological sciences
- GRE required?: No
- Other Admission Requirements: Bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution; experience in human services
Tuition
- Average Undergraduate Tuition per Credit (In-State/Out-of-State): $409
- Average Graduate Tuition per Credit (In-State/Out-of-State): $598
- Notes: Tuition rates do not include distance education fees or other expenses, such as books and exam proctoring fees.
Academics
- Online Social Work Programs: MSW
- Program Length: 2 years; 44 credits
Social Work Coursework
- Tracks/Concentrations: Advocacy; youth and family services; healthcare; mental health; school social work
- Field Education/Practicum Required?: 930 hours
- Capstone/Thesis Required?: No
- Core Courses: Human behavior and the social environment; inequalities in a diverse society; managing human service organizations; international social work and development; social work and the law; social welfare planning
- In-Person Requirements: One weekend session per month
Student Support
- Technical Support: Yes
- Special Services Provided to Online Students: Academic advising; digital library, tutoring; writing assistance
Loyola University Chicago – Master of Social Work
Serving more than 17,000 students, Loyola features six campus locations throughout the Chicago area. The private, nonprofit institution includes 13 schools and more than 200 undergraduate, graduate, and professional programs.
Loyola’s School of Social Work, founded in 1914, offers BSW, MSW, and Ph.D. programs. The school’s experienced faculty emphasize social and economic justice to help ensure people from all backgrounds and experiences can access opportunities in society.
Within the 60-credit blended MSW program, students take classes on human behavior in social environments, social work with individuals and families, research methods, social welfare, and community intervention strategies. More advanced coursework covers subjects like health systems and health policy, human sexuality, and family assessment and intervention. Students also take part in 480-hour and 720-hour internships.
MSW students may choose from concentrations in children and families, health, leadership and development in social services, mental health, or schools. Most students can graduate within two years when attending full time.
For distance learners, the university offers academic advising, career development services, tutoring, and a digital library.
Accreditation
- Loyola is regionally accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC).
- Loyola’s School of Social Work is accredited by the Council of Social Work Education (CSWE).
Admissions
- Minimum GPA: None
- Prerequisites: Statistics
- GRE required?: No
- Other Admission Requirements: Two letters of recommendation; statement of purpose; resume
Tuition
- Average Undergraduate Tuition per Credit (In-State/Out-of-State): $1,007
- Average Graduate Tuition per Credit (In-State/Out-of-State): $814
- Notes: Tuition rates do not include distance education fees or other expenses, such as books and exam proctoring fees.
Academics
- Online Social Work Programs: BSW; MSW; Ph.D.
- Program Length: 2 years; 60 credits
Social Work Coursework
- Tracks/Concentrations: Children and families; health; leadership and development in social services; mental health; schools
- Field Education/Practicum Required?: Yes
- Capstone/Thesis Required?: No
- Core Courses: Human behavior in social environments; social work with individuals and families; research methods; social welfare; community intervention strategies
- In-Person Requirements: Yes
Student Support
- Technical Support: Yes
- Special Services Provided to Online Students: Academic advising; career development services; tutoring; digital library resources
Aurora University – Master of Social Work
Located in the suburbs of Chicago, AU serves more than 5,500 students and maintains a close affiliation with George Williams College in Wisconsin. The university started as a seminary but experienced considerable growth serving returning veterans from World War II in the late 1940s and early 1950s.
The School of Social Work offers 13 undergraduate and graduate programs, with several delivered via distance learning. The school is accredited by both the Council on Social Work Education and the Illinois State Board of Education.
MSW students benefit from the guidance of skilled faculty who possess real-world experience as social workers. The program’s curriculum includes classes on welfare policy, clinical theory, perspectives on psychopathology, research methods, working with individuals and groups, and advanced social policy. Students may choose from concentrations in faith-based social work, forensics, healthcare, leadership administration, and school social work.
AU offers key services to online students, such as a digital library, testing services, subject-specific tutoring, writing assistance, academic advising, and career services. In addition to online coursework, students can take in-person classes at the university’s Aurora and Woodstock campuses.
Accreditation
- AU is regionally accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC).
- AU’s master of social work is accredited by the Council of Social Work Education (CSWE).
Admissions
- Minimum GPA: 3.0
- Prerequisites: None
- GRE required?: No
- Other Admission Requirements: Resume; professional statement; two recommendation letters
Tuition
- Average Undergraduate Tuition per Credit (In-State/Out-of-State): $425
- Average Graduate Tuition per Credit (In-State/Out-of-State): $600
- Notes: The cost per online credit does not include distance education fees or other expenses, such as books and exam proctoring fees.
Academics
- Online Social Work Programs: MSW; MSW/MBA; MSW/MPA; BSW
- Program Length: 2-3 years; 60 credits
- Information Relevant for Transfer Students: The program accepts transfer credits for most courses completed with a “B” or better from regionally accredited institutions.
Social Work Coursework
- Tracks/Concentrations: Faith-based social work; forensics; healthcare; leadership administration; school social work
- Field Education/Practicum Required?: 1,050 hours
- Capstone/Thesis Required?: No
- Core Courses: Social welfare policy and institutions; theories of human development; individuals and families; group work; community practice; social work research methods
- In-Person Requirements: None
Student Support
- Technical Support: Yes
- Special Services Provided to Online Students: Academic advising, tutoring, writing assistance, testing services
Online Doctorate in Social Work (DSW) Programs in Illinois
Institute for Clinical Social Work – Ph.D. in Clinical Social Work
ICSW offers both on-campus and online Illinois social work Ph.D. programs. Each program takes about three years to complete and features a flexible format to meet the needs and schedules of practicing clinicians. ICSW prepares students to serve as leaders in the psychotherapy and clinical counseling fields.
In the distance program, classes meet in alternating weeks, with students attending in-person sessions at the school’s Chicago campus twice each term. Online courses use video conferencing to allow students to regularly interact with their instructors and fellow learners. Students take classes in the fall, spring, and summer terms.
The program’s curriculum covers subjects like developmental theory, psychodynamic psychology, psychoanalytic social work, trauma and neuropsychology, and psychodynamic psychology. Ph.D. students must complete a capstone course and dissertation before graduating. In addition to the full-time, three-year program, students may opt for a part-time, six-year format.
Founded in 1981, ICSW enables social workers and psychotherapists to pursue a Ph.D. while working. For online learners, the school offers a digital library, faculty advisors, writing support, and financial aid help.
Accreditation
- ICSW is regionally accredited by the Higher Lea rning Commission (HLC).
Admissions
- Minimum GPA: 3.0
- Prerequisites: None
- GRE required?: No
- Other Admission Requirements: Master’s degree from an accredited graduate school of social work; baseline licensure; active weekly clinical caseload
Tuition
- Average Graduate Tuition per Credit (In-State/Out-of-State): $10,500 per full-time semester; $2,350 per course if enrolled part time
- Notes: The cost per online credit does not include distance education fees or other expenses, such as books and exam proctoring fees.
Academics
- Online Social Work Programs: Master’s in clinical counseling and psychotherapy; Ph.D. in social work
- Program Length: 3 years
- Information Relevant for Transfer Students: The Office of the Dean reviews all potential transfer credits from accredited institutions.
Social Work Coursework
- Tracks/Concentrations: None
- Field Education/Practicum Required?: Yes
- Capstone/Thesis Required?: Yes
- Core Courses: Traditions of inquiry in the social sciences; developmental theory; psychodynamic psychology; perspectives on trauma and neuropsychology; psychoanalytic social work in the community
- In-Person Requirements: Two in-person sessions at ICSW’s Chicago campus each semester.
Student Support
- Technical Support: Yes
- Special Services Provided to Online Students: Digital library; faculty advisors, writing support; financial aid assistance
Accreditation Information for Illinois Social Work Schools
| School | Graduation Rate1 | Transfer-Out Rate1 | Associate’s SW Program | Bachelor’s SW Program | Graduate SW Program | CSWE Accred.5 | US News Social Work Grad Schools Rank3 | Net Price*1 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Aurora University | 58% | N/A | No | Yes | Yes | Yes | #172 | $17,178 |
| Bradley University | 74% | N/A | No | Yes | No | Yes | Not Ranked | $27,451 |
| Carl Sandburg College | 23% | 25% | Yes | No | No | No | Not Ranked | $3,673 |
| Chicago State University | 19% | 50% | Yes | No | Yes | Yes | #201 tie | $10,610 |
| City Colleges of Chicago-Harold Washington College | 11% | 30% | Yes | No | No | No | Not Ranked | $6,073 |
| City Colleges of Chicago-Kennedy-King College | 23% | 20% | Yes | No | No | No | Not Ranked | $9,717 |
| City Colleges of Chicago-Wilbur Wright College | 15% | 21% | Yes | No | No | No | Not Ranked | $6,083 |
| College of DuPage | 17% | 30% | Yes | Yes | No | No | Not Ranked | $7,458 |
| College of Lake County | 21% | 25% | Yes | No | No | No | Not Ranked | $4,615 |
| Concordia University-Chicago | 58% | N/A | No | Yes | No | No | Not Ranked | $18,450 |
| DePaul University | 71% | N/A | No | No | Yes | Yes | #88 tie | $29,756 |
| Dominican University | 63% | 32% | Yes | No | Yes | Yes | #147 tie | $16,505 |
| Elgin Community College | 31% | 23% | Yes | No | No | No | Not Ranked | $6,183 |
| Erikson Institute | 76% | N/A | No | No | Yes | Yes | #174 tie | N/A |
| Governors State University | N/A | N/A | No | Yes | Yes | Yes | #220 tie | N/A |
| Greenville College | 48% | N/A | No | Yes | No | No | Not Ranked | $19,728 |
| Illinois State University | 72% | N/A | No | Yes | Yes | Yes | #128 tie | $16,337 |
| Illinois Valley Community College | 24% | 19% | Yes | No | No | No | Not Ranked | $7,103 |
| Institute for Clinical Social Work | N/A | N/A | No | No | Yes | No | Not Ranked | N/A |
| Lake Land College | 34% | 20% | Yes | No | No | No | Not Ranked | $5,149 |
| Lewis University | 62% | N/A | No | Yes | No | Yes | Not Ranked | $18,768 |
| Loyola University Chicago | 73% | N/A | No | Yes | Yes | Yes | #38 tie | $31,069 |
| MacMurray College | 29% | N/A | No | Yes | No | Yes | Not Ranked | $17,555 |
| Millikin University | 61% | N/A | No | Yes | No | No | Not Ranked | $19,208 |
| Northeastern Illinois University | 22% | 41% | No | Yes | Yes | Yes | Not Ranked | $16,181 |
| Oakton Community College | 17% | 37% | Yes | No | No | No | Not Ranked | $6,030 |
| Olivet Nazarene University | 56% | N/A | No | Yes | No | Yes | Not Ranked | $19,112 |
| Rock Valley College | 25% | 18% | Yes | No | No | No | Not Ranked | $6,997 |
| Saint Augustine College | 32% | N/A | No | Yes | No | Yes | Not Ranked | $6,817 |
| Sauk Valley Community College | 35% | 20% | Yes | No | No | No | Not Ranked | $6,403 |
| Shawnee Community College | 26% | 31% | Yes | No | No | No | Not Ranked | $12,164 |
| South Suburban College | 18% | 49% | Yes | No | No | No | Not Ranked | $4,390 |
| Southern Illinois University-Carbondale | 44% | N/A | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | #105 tie | $15,778 |
| Southern Illinois University-Edwardsville | 50% | 38% | No | Yes | Yes | Yes | #174 tie | $15,784 |
| Southwestern Illinois College | 25% | 22% | Yes | No | No | No | Not Ranked | $9,178 |
| Trinity Christian College | 58% | N/A | No | Yes | No | Yes | Not Ranked | $20,701 |
| University of Chicago | 93% | N/A | No | No | No | Yes | #3 tie | $34,352 |
| University of Illinois at Chicago | 60% | N/A | No | No | Yes | Yes | #24 tie | $11,567 |
| University of Illinois at Springfield | 49% | N/A | No | Yes | No | Yes | Not Ranked | $9,049 |
| University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign | 84% | N/A | No | Yes | Yes | Yes | #17 tie | $16,249 |
| University of St. Francis | 56% | N/A | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | #201 tie | $17,366 |
| Wabash Valley College | 58% | 17% | Yes | No | No | No | Not Ranked | $1,711 |
| Waubonsee Community College | 24% | 23% | Yes | No | No | No | Not Ranked | $6,079 |
| Western Illinois University | 54% | 33% | No | Yes | No | Yes | Not Ranked | $16,829 |
*The net price is calculated by the National Center for Education Statistics by subtracting the average amount of aid (including grants and scholarships) from the total published cost of attendance for in-state/in-district students, which includes tuition, books, room and board, and other expenses. To gain a better understanding of how to interpret the statistics discussed in this table, see our list of important definitions.
Directory of Illinois Social Work School Programs
Note: Student Reviews are based on the experiences of a few individuals and it is unlikely that you will have similar results. Please review the “Data, Student Reviews and Other Information” section in our Terms of Use and Disclaimers.
Schools with an asterisk (*) have programs accredited by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE).
Aurora University*
347 S Gladstone Ave
Aurora, IL 60506-4892
(630) 892-6431
http://www.aurora.edu
Bradley University*
1501 W Bradley Ave
Peoria, IL 61625-0001
(309) 676-7611
http://www.bradley.edu
Carl Sandburg College
2400 Tom L Wilson Blvd
Galesburg, IL 61401
(309) 344-2518
http://www.sandburg.edu
Chicago State University*
9501 S King Dr
Chicago, IL 60628-1598
(773) 995-2000
http://www.csu.edu
City Colleges of Chicago-Harold Washington College
30 E Lake St
Chicago, IL 60601-2449
(630) 892-6431
http://www.ccc.edu/colleges/washington
City Colleges of Chicago-Kennedy-King College
347 S Gladstone Ave
Aurora, IL 60506-4892
(773) 602-5000
http://www.ccc.edu/colleges/kennedy
City Colleges of Chicago-Wilbur Wright College
4300 N Narragansett
Chicago, IL 60634-1500
(773) 777-7900
http://www.ccc.edu/colleges/wright
College of DuPage
425 Fawell Blvd
Glen Ellyn, IL 60137-6599
(630) 942-2800
http://www.cod.edu
College of Lake County
19351 W Washington St
Grayslake, IL 60030-1198
(847) 543-2000
http://www.clcillinois.edu
Concordia University-Chicago
7400 Augusta
River Forest, IL 60305-1499
(708) 771-8300
http://www.cuchicago.edu
DePaul University*
1 E Jackson Blvd
Chicago, IL 60604
(312) 362-8000
http://www.depaul.edu
Dominican University*
7900 W Division St
River Forest, IL 60305
(708) 366-2490
http://www.dom.edu
Elgin Community College
1700 Spartan Dr
Elgin, IL 60123-7193
(847) 697-1000
http://www.elgin.edu
Erikson Institute*
451 North LaSalle St
Chicago, IL 60654-4510
(312) 755-2250
http://www.erikson.edu
Governors State University*
1 University Pkwy
University Park, IL 60484
(708) 534-5000
http://www.govst.edu
Greenville College
315 E College Ave
Greenville, IL 62246
(618) 664-2800
http://www.greenville.edu
Illinois State University*
100 North University St
Normal, IL 61790-1000
(309) 438-2111
http://www.illinoisstate.edu
Illinois Valley Community College
815 N Orlando Smith Ave
Oglesby, IL 61348-9692
(815) 224-2720
http://www.ivcc.edu
Institute for Clinical Social Work
401 South State St, Ste 822
Chicago, IL 60605-1229
(312) 935-4242
http://www.icsw.edu
Lake Land College*
5001 Lake Land Blvd
Mattoon, IL 61938
(217) 234-5253
http://www.lakeland.cc.il.us
Lewis University*
One University Pkwy
Romeoville, IL 60446-2200
(815) 838-0500
http://www.lewisu.edu
Loyola University Chicago*
1032 W Sheridan Rd
Chicago, IL 60660
(773) 274-3000
https://www.luc.edu
Student Review: “Loyola University has one of the best social work programs in Chicago. It is great clinically and general social work. The professors are great. Also, the fieldwork experience is lacking during the 2nd year. The focus of Loyola’s program is to shape us into clinicians. In our classes, we studied about the human experience and the DSM 4. I appreciated how in-depth the professor went into the DSM 4. She had vast knowledge and experience with all types of mental disorders. The fieldwork experience is lacking as they push you to find your own placement. The happened when my placement rescinded its offer during the summer going into my 2nd year. I was totally discouraged like I would never go anywhere in social services. Then, upon searching myself, I visited an agency right in my local police department for locked out teens. I inquired and within 2 weeks I had an internship for my 2nd year. Overall, I learned a great deal at Loyola and value its leadership in teaching social work students. It is second to none for training students clinically. But you have to be assertive in fieldwork and know what you want to work towards.” – Student at Loyola University Chicago
MacMurray College*
447 East College Ave
Jacksonville, IL 62650-2590
(217) 479-7000
http://www.mac.edu
Millikin University
1184 W Main St
Decatur, IL 62522-2084
(217) 424-6211
https://www.millikin.edu
Northeastern Illinois University*
5500 N Saint Louis Ave
Chicago, IL 60625-4699
(773) 583-4050
http://www.neiu.edu
Oakton Community College
1600 E Golf Rd
Des Plaines, IL 60016-1268
(847) 635-1600
http://www.oakton.edu
Olivet Nazarene University*
One University Ave
Bourbonnais, IL 60914-2271
(815) 939-5011
http://www.olivet.edu
Rock Valley College
3301 N Mulford Rd
Rockford, IL 61114-5699
(815) 921-7821
http://www.rockvalleycollege.edu
Saint Augustine College*
1333-45 W Argyle St
Chicago, IL 60640-3593
(773) 878-8756
http://www.staugustine.edu
Sauk Valley Community College
173 Illinois Rt 2
Dixon, IL 61021-9112
(815) 288-5511
http://www.svcc.edu
Shawnee Community College
8364 Shawnee College Rd
Ullin, IL 62992
(618) 634-3200
http://www.shawneecc.edu
South Suburban College
15800 South State St
South Holland, IL 60473-1200
(708) 596-2000
http://www.ssc.edu
Southern Illinois University-Carbondale*
1263 Lincoln Dr
Carbondale, IL 62901-4512
(618) 453-2121
http://www.siu.edu
Southern Illinois University-Edwardsville*
Il State Rte 157
Edwardsville, IL 62026-1259
(800) 447-7483
http://www.siue.edu/
Student Review: “I attended Southern Illinois University in Edwardsville or SIUE for my bachelors degree in Social Work. I worked full time as well as attending school and the school offered a lot of options that worked with my schedule, I did not feel as though I was unable to attend and have some flexibility. The classes that I attended were great and the professors were extremely helpful and knowledgeable. During my practicum, I had the ability to pick my location and absolutely loved that process and felt as thought the school understood that I was a working student and needed to have some flexibility. I felt like some courses that I was required to take were not needed but I understand that is the process with most any degree. Overall my experience within the school and the program were great. The cost of the school as well as the ability to rent books instead of buying them was amazing. I would definitely recommend this school to others.” – Student at Southern Illinois University-Edwardsville
Southwestern Illinois College
2500 Carlyle Ave
Belleville, IL 62221-5899
(618) 235-2700
http://www.swic.edu
Trinity Christian College*
6601 W College Dr
Palos Heights, IL 60463-0929
(708) 597-3000
http://www.trnty.edu
University of Chicago*
5801 S Ellis Ave
Chicago, IL 60637
(773) 702-1234
http://www.uchicago.edu
University of Illinois at Chicago*
601 S Morgan
Chicago, IL 60607
(312) 996-7000
http://www.uic.edu
Student Review: “The social work program I was involved with met on Tuesdays for an hour. Once a month, there would be guest speakers who would talk to us about scholarship opportunities and internships. I really enjoyed this because I was able to get in contact with people from my field. In addition to guest speakers, the program also helped us with tutoring. If we were having trouble with material for a class, they would help us understand the material. I think they had a good amount of tutors available since there were many people with different majors. Another thing that I liked was that members were given first choice during busy times in the semester. During midterms and finals, the tutors were available to other students; however, they would accommodate us first.” – Student at the University of Illinois at Chicago
University of Illinois at Springfield*
One University Plaza
Springfield, IL 62703-5407
(217) 206-6600
http://www.uis.edu
University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign*
601 E John St
Champaign, IL 61820-5711
(217) 333-1000
http://www.illinois.edu
University of St. Francis*
500 N Wilcox St
Joliet, IL 60435-6188
(815) 740-3400
http://www.stfrancis.edu
Student Review: “The University of St. Francis is a private Catholic University so the price tag for my Advanced Standing MSW was $35,000. I went full time for a summer, fall, and spring. Some elective classes are offered online, but the main courses are in the classroom. The classes are heavy in theory and applying them to practice. The program is great for someone who wants to practice at a micro level. The classes are offered Thursday, Friday, and Saturday normally 5:30-8:45 at night. However, there are other classes offered during the day. During the summer I took classes all day Friday which put me ahead some. I commuted from almost 2 hours away and the professors were great at accommodating anything I needed. I felt this program prepared me very well for my future, however I wish they offered more help regarding internship findings. I did not have any guidance mainly because of my location. Overall, though if you can afford the program I would recommend it to anyone.” – Student at the University of St. Francis
Wabash Valley College
2200 College Dr
Mount Carmel, IL 62863
(618) 393-2982
http://www.iecc.edu/wvc
Waubonsee Community College
Rte 47 at Waubonsee Dr
Sugar Grove, IL 60554-9454
(630) 466-7900
http://www.waubonsee.edu
Western Illinois University*
1 University Cir
Macomb, IL 61455
(309) 295-1414
http://www.wiu.edu
Schools with an asterisk (*) have programs accredited by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE).
References:
1. National Center for Education Statistics: https://nces.ed.gov/collegenavigator/
2. Kiplinger’s Best College Values: https://www.kiplinger.com/tool/college/T014-S001-kiplinger-s-best-values-in-private-colleges/index.php?table=all
3. US News & World Report Social Work Best Grad Schools Rankings: https://www.usnews.com/best-graduate-schools/top-health-schools/social-work-rankings
4. Social Work Guide’s Top Online MSW Programs: /degrees/masters/online/
5. Council on Social Work Education: https://www.cswe.org/Accreditation/Directory-of-Accredited-Programs.aspx
