There can be many reasons for pursuing a career in the field of social work. You may feel a strong desire to support those in need, be motivated by the challenge of solving complex social issues, or seek to make a positive impact based on your own experiences.
Whatever draws you to this field, a career in social work begins with the right educational background. This generally requires completing both a bachelor’s and a master’s degree in social work. In Illinois, you can choose to complete these programs online to fit your schedule.
This guide highlights some of the popular online social work programs at the bachelor’s and master’s levels. Explore each option to make an informed decision about your educational path.
Online Social Work Degrees in Illinois
Listed below are some of the popular schools offering online social work degrees in Illinois:
- University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign
- Southern Illinois University
- Loyola University Chicago
- Grand Canyon University
- Simmons University
- Aurora University
- Maryville University
- Syracuse University
- National University
University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign
Online Bachelor of Social Work (BSW)
The 120-credit online BSW program at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign allows community college graduates and transfer students with junior standing (60 college credits) to earn a Bachelor of Social Work degree entirely online. The program combines online courses with in-person internship placements near your home community.
Accredited by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE), this program allows graduates to qualify for the social work licensure exam in Illinois.
The undergraduate BSW program provides a thorough educational experience for junior level transfer students, preparing you for excellence in social work practice, policy, community engagement, leadership, and entry into three tracks upon completion of the degree, including
- Generalist social work practice
- Advanced standing in graduate social work programs
- Career opportunities or graduate education in areas such as communications, corrections, business, education, government, healthcare, human resources, law, non-profit organizations, religious studies, and public service.
Field faculty support you by providing an opportunity to apply classroom knowledge through practical experiences. Professional Seminar I (SOCW 461) and Professional Practice Seminar II (SOCW 470) guide you through this learning process.
Following the National Association of Social Workers’ Code of Ethics and CSWE’s Educational Policy and Accreditation Standards (EPAS), the BSW program emphasizes generalist social work practice and hands-on experience working with individuals, groups, families, communities, and organizations.
The program uses a competency-based approach to social work education, which directs the focus of your learning in the BSW courses and field practicum. By graduation, you will be able to demonstrate how to integrate and apply these competencies in practice with individuals, families, groups, organizations, and communities.
Core social work courses of the program include:
- Introduction to Social Work: Provides an overview of social services, social welfare organizations, social issues, and methods of working with individuals, groups, and communities. Covers social work roles, personnel, skills, and educational pathways.
- Diversity: Identities & Issues: This introductory course explores dimensions of diversity within an increasingly global society using frameworks such as the social work strengths perspective, historical context, and critical analysis. You will examine identity, privilege, stigma, and issues of race, class, gender, sexual orientation, and more, at multiple levels.
- Social Welfare Policy and Services: Examines the historical context of social welfare, including economic, political, social, and ideological factors shaping the social welfare system. The course looks at income maintenance systems and alternative approaches, and reviews the role of the social work within this system.
- Social Work Research Methods: Covers social science research principles and their importance in social work, including research project stages, design, quantitative and qualitative methods, data collection, and various research designs like surveys, program evaluations, and experimental design.
- HBSE I: Human Development: Examines key theories that inform social work’s understanding of human behavior within different social contexts, using a bio-ecological systems and developmental approach. Emphasizes issues of gender, race, ethnicity, socioeconomic status, and more across the lifespan.
- Professional Practice Seminar I: Focuses on applying foundational social work knowledge to real situations, connecting core competencies with theories and real-life applications. Includes portfolio development and a service learning experience to help match students with an internship agency for the senior year.
- Field Practicum & Professional Seminar II: Supervised field experience and seminar course that lets you apply engagement, assessment, planning, and intervention skills in work with individuals, groups, families, and communities. Emphasizes problem-solving and empowerment to promote sustainable social change.
The seminar classes and internship goals are to:
- Develop social work skills and competencies through hands-on service learning and internship experiences.
- Provide opportunities to practice in diverse settings that promote racial, social, economic, and environmental justice and advance human rights.
- Offer transformative learning activities, such as a competency-based portfolio, reflective journaling, and seminar discussions, to strengthen application of the competencies.
- Promote professional development, socialization, and strong identification with social work through reflective practice, self-awareness, and ethical decision-making.
- Encourage continuing education and lifelong learning.
Transfer students for the online BSW program are accepted for Fall or Spring semesters. Admission requirements are as follows:
- Minimum GPA of 2.50 (A=4.00).
- Evidence of strong communication and interpersonal skills demonstrated through your personal statement.
- Volunteer or paid work experience in social services is not required but is strongly encouraged.
Southern Illinois University
Online Master of Social Work (MSW)
The Master of Social Work (MSW) degree at Southern Illinois University provides you with advanced knowledge in social work, preparing you for successful careers that assist families and communities facing various concerns. With a focus on social welfare and the advancement of at-risk groups, this program equips you to drive reform and work toward the common good.
The MSW degree is available completely online, providing a convenient option for expanding your education even if you cannot attend on-campus. This online program offers opportunities to make a positive impact in communities both domestically and internationally, with a commitment to social justice and service fork disadvantaged or at-risk populations.
The curriculum combines rigorous studies in social work practices, human behavior, critical thinking, and policy reform. This approach prepares you for leadership roles, reinforced by hands-on learning during field practicums. Emphasis on ethics and values helps you to apply your knowledge to combat oppression and discrimination.
The MSW program can be completed in two years, requiring 60 graduate credit hours. Of these hours, 30 are foundation courses, and the remaining 30 hours form the advanced curriculum within your chosen area of emphasis, either Health/Mental Health or Children, Youth & Families.
If you need a lighter schedule, reduced-load options allow you to take six to nine credit hours per semester, ideal for working students.
If you opt for the Health/Mental Health emphasis, your specialization, courses will include:
- Psychosocial Disorders in Social Work Practice
- Advanced Practicum Seminar I
- Advanced Practicum I
- Advanced Social Work Practice I: Health & Mental Health
- Advanced Policy Analysis & Practice: Health & Mental Health
- Program Evaluation for Social Work
- Advanced Practicum Seminar II
- Advanced Practicum II
- Advanced Social Work Practice
On the other hand, If you opt for the Children, Youth & Families, your specialization courses will include:
- Psychosocial Disorders in Social Work Practice
- Advanced Practicum Seminar I
- Advanced Practicum I
- Advanced Social Work Practice I: Children, Youth & Family
- Advanced Policy Analysis and Practice: Children, Youth & Family
- Program Evaluation for Social Work
- Advanced Practicum Seminar II
- Advanced Practicum II
- Advanced Social Work Practice II: Children, Youth and Family
Throughout each of the two years, you will complete a field practicum in an agency related to your career goals. This applied learning opportunity allows you to apply theories in real-world settings, building competency through practical experience.
To maintain progress in the program, you must hold a minimum 3.0 GPA. If your GPA falls below this standard, you will be placed on academic probation. Those on probation for more than two consecutive semesters (excluding Summer) may face permanent suspension.
The MSW program prepares you for the Professional Educator License (PEL) in School Social Work, accredited by the Illinois State Board of Education. To meet this goal, you will complete advanced courses in your specialization, along with the following specific courses and requirements:
- Social Work Practice in the Schools (SOCW 533)
- Advanced School Social Work Issues (SOCW 567)
- Intro to Special Education (SPED 300) as an undergraduate OR Advanced Theories and Practices in Special Education (SPED 420) as a graduate.
The prerequisite for field placements is completion of one of the above special education courses. Field placement will take place over two semesters in a school setting. A passing score on the School Social Work licensure content exam is required, preferably before your final semester.
Program options for students with different backgrounds:
- Students with a baccalaureate degree in a field other than social work enroll in the regular program, requiring 30 credit hours of foundation courses and an additional 30 credit hours in advanced study within their chosen specialization. This program begins in the Fall semester.
- Students with a baccalaureate degree in social work from an accredited program are eligible for the Advanced Standing Program, which consists of one Summer semester of 9 transition credit hours, followed by 30 credit hours of advanced study in their chosen area of specialization.
Loyola University Chicago
Online Master of Social Work
Loyola University Chicago offers an internationally respected MSW)program online, allowing you to access this distinguished degree from anywhere. Upon completion, you will fulfill the education requirements for both the Licensed Social Worker (LSW) and Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) licenses. To obtain the LCSW, you must complete post-graduate clinical supervision hours under a licensed clinician and pass the licensure exam.
The online MSW program consists of 49 credit hours and can be completed in eight consecutive semesters, including summer terms. Following a cohort model for the first five semesters, the program is delivered through synchronous online sessions with additional asynchronous content. You will complete two internships totaling 1,000 hours.
If you earned a BSW within the last five years, the MSW Advanced Standing option allows you to complete the degree in one year. This 23-credit program includes one internship totaling 600 hours.
The MSW curriculum is split up by year with generalist and specialized courses.
Generalist courses include:
- Assessment of Client Concerns in Context
- Power, Oppression, Privilege, and Social Justice
- Practice Skills with Individuals and Families
- Research and Evaluation in Social Work Practice
- Social Work Policy and Community Intervention
- Internship I and II
Advanced courses include:
- Advanced Micro-Level Practice
- Advanced Mezzo & Macro Practice
- Internship Instruction III & Simulated Experiences
- Integrative Seminar
- Internship Instruction IV & Simulated Experiences
Apart from completing Generalist and Advanced courses, as an MSW online student, you have to choose a specialization in either Micro Practice or Leadership, Mezzo, and Macro Practice (LMMP).
In the Micro Practice Specialization, you will build on foundational knowledge of generalist practice by critically engaging with diverse theories and evidence-informed practice models for work with various populations. You will develop skills to plan effective interventions in complex situations through an antiracist, strengths-based, and systemic perspective.
This specialization will hone your critical thinking and appreciation of diverse political, economic, and social systems impacting micro practice in settings such as schools, mental health clinics, and healthcare facilities. You will learn to assess and engage client systems, manage clinical challenges, and establish treatment goals. Emphasis is placed on applying culturally relevant practice models for clients experiencing oppression.
Within the Micro Practice Specialization, you can select the Advanced Clinical Practice track or the School Social Work/Professional Educator License (PEL) track:
- Advanced Clinical Practice Track: Prepares you for clinical practice in settings such as hospitals, outpatient clinics, extended care facilities, and community mental health agencies. Courses cover multiple modalities, client populations, and topics, including crisis intervention and addiction treatment.
- School Social Work/PEL Track: For those aiming to practice in Illinois public schools, this track prepares you to obtain the Professional Educator License (PEL) with an endorsement in School Social Work. Coursework and training meet the standards of Loyola, the CSWE, and the Illinois State Board of Education (ISBE) for PEL eligibility.
The Leadership, Mezzo, and Macro Practice (LMMP) Specialization builds skills for working at the mezzo and macro levels of social work. Courses, grounded in an anti-racist framework and social work ethics, focus on leadership, community change, policy advocacy, and program management.
You will learn skills for leading people, managing programs, developing policies, supervising teams, facilitating professional growth, managing budgets, and engaging in coalition building. You will also gain experience with grant writing, fund-raising, and other development activities.
The MSW program requires two internships. During your first year, you will focus on coursework only. Beginning in the first semester, you will work with Regional Coordinators to secure internship placements in your state. Internships run from Fall to Spring. The generalist internship is 400 hours, requiring 10-15 hours per week, while the specialized internship is 600 hours at 24 hours per week, aligning with your chosen specialization.
Application requirements for the MSW online program include:
- Official transcripts from all institutions attended
- Two references
- Resume or CV
- Statement of Purpose
Your personal statement will be used to assess your writing skills, critical thinking abilities, and self-awareness, as well as your readiness for graduate-level study and supervised field practice.
Grand Canyon University
Online Master of Social Work (MSW) – Advanced Standing
At Grand Canyon University (GCU), you can apply your BSW towards a MSW to potentially advance your graduate education more quickly. If you are accepted into the advanced standing MSW program, you will be eligible to move directly into advanced social work courses. This MSW program is accredited by CSWE.
To apply for the advanced standing program, you must already have a CSWE-accredited bachelor’s degree in social work. This credential enables you to enter the program at an advanced level, reducing the time to complete your degree through a focused course sequence.
Throughout the program, you will gain advanced skills and knowledge in areas like social work theory, practice, and ethics, preparing you to work effectively with individuals, families, groups, organizations, and communities to address various social and behavioral health issues.
Most courses are available online, giving you the flexibility to study while managing other responsibilities. You will learn from faculty with experience in the field and have the opportunity to network with peers.
To complete GCU’s online advanced standing MSW program, you will need to earn 33 credits. You may choose to progress at your own pace or enroll in back-to-back courses. Additionally, the program includes 250 hours of supervised field experience, allowing you to gain hands-on experience in community agencies under professional supervision.
Core courses in the program will include:
- Introduction to Graduate Studies in Advanced Standing Social Work: This course provides an orientation to your graduate learning experience, helping you develop skills fork academic success. You will explore career interests, set goals for internships, and review licensure steps after graduation.
- Psychopathology and the Role of the Social Worker: In this course, you will learn to identify and understand mental health conditions using Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM) criteria. This course helps you recognize symptoms and understand how culture may impact symptom interpretation.
- Social Work Advocacy: This course examines ethical responsibilities in social work advocacy, focusing on effective advocacy to address social issues and promote social justice.
- Advanced Social Work Practice Skills: Building on foundational knowledge, this course focuses on theories and models for treatment planning and interventions, fostering a culturally inclusive approach to mental health care.
- Advanced Standing Field Instruction: This practicum provides practical experience with individuals, families, groups, and communities, applying concepts and skills from your coursework.
- Evidence-Based Practice in Social Work: In this course, you will apply evidence-based practices at multiple levels, focusing on ethical and culturally informed delivery of programs, policies, and services.
GCU’s social work program emphasizes key areas including:
- Ethical and professional behavior.
- Diversity and inclusion in practice.
- Human rights, social, economic, and environmental justice.
- Practice-informed research and research-informed practice.
- Policy practice.
- Engaging, assessing, intervening, and evaluating individuals, families, groups, organizations, and communities.
Simmons University
Online Master of Social Work – Traditional
Simmons University’s clinically focused, CSWE-accredited online MSW curriculum is rooted in social justice values and a multicultural perspective, preparing you fork@ direct practice across a wide range of clinical settings.
The online MSW program at at Simmons University includes weekly, interactive classes with an average of 20 students or fewer, giving you a chance to discuss social work concepts and practice methods. Live classes allow direct communication with classmates and expert faculty who are dedicated clinicians. As a student, you will have 24/7 access to tools, features, and course content.
The online MSW program offers full-time, part-time, and accelerated tracks, as well as an advanced standing track for BSW graduates, allowing you to earn your degree at the pace that best fits your lifestyle.
The program can be completed in as few as 9 months or as many as 40 months. This hands-on program enables you to connect with your classmates and professors and build relationships that continue after graduation. You will benefit from one-on-one time with faculty during online office hours and study groups with fellow students.
The online MSW program offers five tracks:
- Advanced Standing If you hold a BSW from a CSWE-accredited program, you may be eligible to apply to the advanced standing program. In this track, you complete only 34 credits and earn your MSW in as few as 9 months with a two-term option, or 12 months with a three-term option.
- Accelerated: This intensive track is for students who are able to fully commit to their studies. It requires 65 credits and allows you to earn your MSW in as few as 16 months.
- Full Time: The full-time track enables you to complete a standard course load each term. This option requires 65 credits and allows you to earn your MSW in as few as 23 months.
- Extended: The extended track lets you earn your degree at a more manageable pace. It requires 65 credits and allows you to earn your MSW in as few as 32 months.
- Extended Plus: This slower-paced track is for students who need more time to focus on personal and professional responsibilities. You will complete 65 credits and earn your MSW in as few as 40 months.
Throughout the program, you will study different theoretical frameworks and practice methods, including:
- Ecological systems theory
- Human development
- Sociocultural theory
- Psychodynamic theory
- Cognitive behavioral theory
- Solution-focused therapy
- Motivational interviewing
Upon graduation, you will have a strong foundation in evidence-informed approaches and intervention skills for use in your practice.
The online MSW program provides traditional MSW students with over 1,000 hours of practical experience in community settings; advanced standing students complete 672 hours of practicum education. These hands-on experiences help you apply classroom knowledge in areal-world context.
You will participate in both generalist and specialized practicum experiences. Traditional MSW students begin their practicum with the Simulated Practicum Experience (SPX), a supportive online course that lets you practice your skills through simulated client encounters. After completing SPX, you will move on to a community-based agency to continue with three additional terms.
Simmons University’s placement team helps you secure a practicum placement in or near your community, supervised by professional social workers.
To apply, you must have earned a bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited college or university with a minimum 3.0 GPA (B average). Relevant work or volunteer experience is also required. If you are or have been enrolled in another CSWE-accredited MSW program, you may apply as a transfer student.
During the admissions process, a dedicated admission counselor will be available to answer any questions you may have about the program and application process.
How Much Does a Licensed Social Worker Make in Illinois?
As of October 2024, the average annual salary for a licensed social worker working in Illinois is $87,331. More experienced and top earning social workers in Illinois make over $150,000 per year.