Get a Master of Social Work Near Chicago

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Mission Statement

 The mission of the Master of Social Work Program at Governors State University is to prepare students to practice with a social justice ethos. Our social justice ethos is our guiding principle of challenging barriers and promoting access to political, social, and economic freedoms and rights. Students specialize in child and family practice and school social work practice. Students demonstrate proficiency in social work knowledge, values, and skill-based competencies to improve the well-being of individuals, families, groups, organizations, and communities. Through policy and program development, students learn to promote and advocate for diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging with client populations.

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Why a MSW?

An MSW prepares students for a career in an advanced specialized area of practice serving individuals, groups, communities, and organizations. Students who graduate with an MSW can seek clinical and leadership roles in a variety of public/private settings (e.g., advocacy organizations, counseling centers, child welfare agencies (IDCFS), hospitals, private practice, residential settings, schools, veteran administration systems, and more). After earning a master’s degree in social work from our CSWE-accredited program and meeting additional state requirements, graduates can immediately apply to become a Licensed Social Worker (LSW) in Illinois. To become a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW), 3,000 clock hours of post-MSW supervision, and a clinical exam are required (reference your state guidelines). To learn more about the profession of social work, visit the National Association of Social Work website.

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Program Description

The Social Work Department at GovState offers two programs:

The Advanced Standing MSW Program, which is comprised of 32 credit hours, is for students who have earned a Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) degree from a Council on Social Work Education (CSWE) accredited program. Students can achieve their MSW degree in as little as one year (full-time). A two-year part-time option is also available. Based on the chosen practice specialization, students complete 16-20 hours of field education per week in both the Fall and Spring semesters.

The Full MSW Program comprises 60 credit hours for students without a (BSW) degree from a CSWE accredited program. Students complete their MSW degree in as little as two years (full-time). A three- or a four-year part-time option is also available. Students complete field education at the generalist and specialized levels, completing 14 hours weekly at the generalist level and 16-20 hours weekly at the specialized level based on practice specialization. Each level requires a Fall and Spring term of field education, totaling four semesters of field education.

We offer the following specializations:

• School Social Work Practice (Professional Educator License/PEL)
• Children and Family Practice* (with the option of a subspecialty)
• Flex/no subspecialty option, select from available electives (as long as prerequisites are satisfied)
• Child Welfare Practice subspecialty (training to obtain an Illinois Child Welfare Employee License/CWEL)
• Mental Health Subspecialty (training in DSM-5 specified diagnostic standards and related interventions for advanced mental health disorders)

Both specializations satisfy the educational requirements of the IL Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) license.  Students can work with children, adolescents, adults, families, organizations, and communities upon graduation.

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Accreditation

The MSW program is fully accredited by the Council on Social Work Education.
The Council on Social Work Education
Address:333 John Carlyle Street Suite 400
Alexandria, VA 22314-3457
Phone: 703.683.8080
Fax: 703.683.8099
Email: info@cswe.org
Website:https://www.cswe.org

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Delivery Format

Classes are held in person or on campus and primarily offered in the afternoon/evening (e.g., starting at 4:30 pm). Field Education is completed off-campus within a social service setting in the community. Scheduled times vary by selected field education site, yet with our vast network of placement sites, most students schedule field hours that fit their class/employment schedules. Students can enroll as a full-time or part-time student.

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Why Study Social Work at GovState?

• We are fully accredited by The Council on Social Work Education.
• Our program is grounded in a social justice ethos.
• We offer full-time and part-time enrollment in the afternoon & evening Hours.
• Our class sizes are small.
• We have a diverse student body and faculty.
• Our tuition and fees are among the lowest in Illinois.
• We offer great student life opportunities (study abroad, clubs, advocacy).

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Reach Your Career Goals

A master's level degree in Social Work, opens the door to a variety of impactful careers. See below for a comprehensive of positions, job descriptions, as as well as salary information:

• Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) - Provides mental health therapy, diagnosing and treating emotional and psychological issues. Works in settings like private practices, hospitals, or community agencies. Salary Range: $53,618-$95,634. Source: (NASW)
• Mental Health Therapist - Offers counseling services to individuals or groups dealing with mental health challenges. Develops treatment plans and therapeutic interventions tailored to client needs. Salary Range: $36,700-$113,520. Source: (allpsychologyschools.com)
• Clinical Forensic Specialist - Works at the intersection of social work and the legal system, assessing and providing therapy to individuals involved in legal matters. Collaborates with law enforcement and legal professionals to address psychosocial aspects of cases. Salary Range: $43,947-$95,148. Source: (Salary.com)
• Geriatric Social Worker - Specializes in supporting the elderly, addressing issues like aging, health care, and end-of-life planning. Connects seniors with resources to enhance their quality of life. Salary Range: $76,375-$97,514. Source: (Salary.com)
• Hospice Social Worker - Provides emotional and logistical support to patients in hospice care and their families. Assists with end-of-life planning, counseling, and connecting to necessary services. Salary Range: $45,500-$98,500. Source: (ZipRecruiter.com)

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Job Outlook

According to the U.S. Bureau of Statistics, the employment of social workers is projected to grow by 7% from 2023 to 2033, which is faster than the average for all occupations. This growth is expected to result in about 67,300 job openings each year over the decade. This positive outlook reflects the increasing demand for social services across various sectors, including healthcare, mental health, and community support.

Learn More!

Download the MSW Fact Sheet 
Register for an Information Session

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Application Deadlines for Full Program and Advanced Standing MSW Applicants

Students are admitted into the MSW Program twice per year, in the Summer and Fall semesters. To receive the strongest consideration for acceptance and an earlier decision, apply by the priority consideration deadline.

• • Entry Term: Summer/Fall 2025
• • Priority Consideration Deadline: December 15th, 2025
• • Final Deadline: March 15th, 2025 — extended until April 25th, 2025.

Note: Due to accreditation guidelines regarding faculty/student ratio, admission to the program is limited each year.

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Student Involvement

The Social Work program has a well-established history of student involvement in the community, at GovState, and in the Social Work Department, through service and leadership by developing and involvement in student organizations (e.g. The Gay Straight Alliance, Veterans Resource Center, International Student Organization, and Student Senate).

• Social Work students founded Generating Hope, a student organization grounded in the belief that education is a human right that should be accessible to everyone—a belief supported by data that shows higher education significantly decreases recidivism and transforms the lives of those who have been formerly incarcerated.
• The Social Work Student Organization (SWSO) has been instrumental in coordinating an annual Social Work Advocacy Day in Springfield and raising funds for global and domestic communities (e.g. Haiti, Flint, Michigan, etc.)
• The social work honor society Phi Alpha not only recognizes academic excellence but also has spearheaded community service projects.
• Under faculty leadership, social work students have the opportunity for study abroad and service-learning opportunities in locations such as Ghana, Inuab, South Argentine, Nicaragua and Panama.
• Social Work students may enhance their professional skills by attending professional conferences and engaging in research with faculty.

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Learning Goals

MSW Program Outcomes:

1. Prepare students for advanced specialized and multi-disciplinary practice at the individual, family, group, organizational, and community levels in schools and child and family settings.
2. Apply the values and ethical standards of the profession to practice. 
3. Conduct multidimensional assessments of individuals, groups, organizations, and communities considering cultural, economic, political, and system factors.
4. Apply theoretical frameworks and empirical evidence to engage, assess, intervene, and evaluate human development, behavior, agency, and interactions at all levels in Schools and Child and Family settings.
5. Conduct, critically analyze, and utilize research to evaluate practice interventions to improve practice and inform social policy.
6. Apply strategies of advocacy and social change that advance social and economic justice and personal well-being.

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Additional Resources

MSW Student HandbookGovState CRTL School Social Work Matrix

MSW Student Field Education Manual

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