Master of Social Work
Loyola’s School of Social Work was founded in 1914. Throughout its history, the School has been dedicated to clinical social work, preparing career-minded students through scholarship and the development of direct practice skills.
As an MSW student, you will have the opportunity to tailor your curriculum to your needs and interests. Through coursework and hands-on experience, you’ll become an expert in your chosen area, giving you a distinct advantage when pursuing your first post-MSW job.
Students can choose from two areas of study:
- Clinical Social Work: This curriculum focuses on advanced practice theory, research, and intervention skills to work with individuals, groups, and families. You’ll also engage in fieldwork placements that reflect your area of specialization: health, mental health, children and families, or schools.
- Leadership and Development in the Social Services: This area of study will prepare you for administrative roles in social service agencies and other organizations. You’ll develop skills in grant writing, organizational management, and fundraising.
- The degree offers full-time enrollment
- Average time to completion (full-time): 2 years - The degree offers part-time enrollment
- Average time to completion (part-time): 3–4 years - This degree offers select online courses
The MSW can be completed at the Water Tower Campus in downtown Chicago or on Saturdays at Carthage College in Kenosha, WI.
Loyola offers an Advanced Standing MSW program for students who have completed their BSW from an accredited institution within the past 5 years.
You will complete two required internships during the program, totaling 1,200 hours. We have more than 300 field sites in the Chicago area, as well as international internship opportunities.
You can also apply for a graduate student assistantship and get involved in faculty research.
The School of Social Work offers a variety of hands-on service opportunities such as Advocacy Day and poverty awareness workshops.
Once you earn your MSW, you’ll be ready to work in a wide range of settings, including:
- Public and private mental health settings
- Philanthropic organizations
- Government entities
- Schools
- Hospitals and other health care settings
MSW alumni are currently serving as clinical social workers, policy makers, program directors, faculty, and researchers.
- Career services are available—learn more at LUC.edu/career.
Through practical curriculum and two internship experiences, students are actively involved in preparing for their life and career after graduation while also making valuable professional connections.
- Study abroad: We encourage you to hone your skills and build your network through intensive courses around the world. Study abroad is open to full- and part-time students. Locations vary, but 2-week study trips to Mexico are typically available. International internships and spring break immersions (Mexico) are also available.
- Student organizations: The School of Social Work Student Organization (SSWSO) and the LUC Social Workers of Color Alliance (SWoCA) are active student organizations with several committees and opportunities for involvement.
Our faculty have a wide variety of clinical and policy-based research interests, including school social work, mental health, health care, children & families, leadership & development, migration & immigration, gerontology, and many others.
Many faculty conduct their own private practice with clients in addition to their Loyola position.
Applicants should have taken a statistics course within the past 4 years and earned a grade of C or higher. If you do not meet this requirement, you will complete an online statistics course during your first semester as an MSW student.
Begin the financial aid process by completing your Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) here.
All students who complete their application by the priority scholarship deadline are considered for merit-based scholarships. Need-based scholarships are also available each year, and graduate assistant positions are offered through the School of Social Work and other departments on campus. Visit LUC.edu/socialwork/admission/tuition/ externalscholarshipsources to learn about outside scholarships.
