Social Work MSW Online

About the Online MSW Program at Loyola

Now more than ever, individuals and communities need well-trained professionals to help them to overcome personal, emotional, and societal challenges. If you are passionate about making a difference in the world, a master's in social work can equip you with the advanced training you need to make a lasting positive impact.

With over 100 years of experience in training social work professionals, Loyola University Chicago's School of Social Work offers an internationally recognized and respected MSW program. We bring that same quality to our MSW Online Program, giving you access to our distinguished master's in social work from anywhere in the world.

Program Structure

The online MSW program requires 49 credit hours of coursework and is designed to be completed in eight consecutive semesters, including summer terms. The program follows a cohort model for the first five semesters and is delivered completely online in synchronous class sessions. The courses also include asynchronous content.

Why Choose Loyola for Your MSW Degree?

At Loyola, you will have the opportunity to study in one of the nation's best MSW programs. From our world-class faculty of social work practitioners to our focus on social justice, you will experience a truly distinctive program in a format that works best for you.

Intentionally designed MSW

Learn in a meticulously designed program that offers comprehensive training in an accessible online format.

Get the same quality of instruction online as you would in person. Our program leverages the latest instructional technologies to create engaging learning experiences such as simulation practice in the internship seminar courses. The courses include both synchronous class sessions and asynchronous content.

Specialize in an area relevant to your career interests and goals. These tracks prepare you for roles in mental health clinics, health care facilities, schools, and the policy arena. Choose between the Micro Practice Specialization or the Leadership, Mezzo, and Macro Specialization (LMMP).

Within the Micro Practice Specialization, students may choose from the Advanced Clinical track or the School Social Work track (Illinois students only).

Students in the LMPP Specialization pursue a track in Leadership, Community, Advocacy, and Policy (LCAP).

Apply the concepts and skills you have learned in an internship in your community. If you do not reside in Chicago, you can complete your internship requirement at an organization close to you and make a difference in communities close to home.

Learn from social justice-minded practitioners who bring diverse experiences and interests to the classroom. Nearly 100% of our faculty hold a terminal degree in social work and have more than five years of experience in social work practice. Additionally, 43% of our full-time faculty are people of color, and the majority of our faculty actively research ways to eliminate oppression in our communities.

Join an institution with a long history of recognition for producing successful social workers. Loyola's master's in social work program is ranked #28 in the nation for graduate social work by U.S. News & World Report and has been internationally recognized for excellence and innovation.

Meet the Faculty

Loyola is proud to have talented and nationally-recognized scholar-teachers as part of our diverse community of exceptional faculty, students and staff. Loyola faculty are known for their commitment to teaching, the dissemination of knowledge through innovative and interdisciplinary scholarly research, and a commitment to social justice and cura personalis, or care for the whole person. Visit the School of Social Work faculty and staff directory to learn more about the teachers and mentors involved with the Social Work MSW Online program.

Faculty and Staff

Curriculum and Program Outcomes

While courses for the Social Work MSW Online program may vary from semester to semester, Loyola’s extensive Academic Catalog will always house the official listing of courses, programs of study, academic policies, degree requirements, and specialization or concentration options.

Additionally, this resource will provide Social Work MSW Online learning outcomes, showcasing the commitment to specific skills and growth graduates can expect to achieve following completion of the program.

2023-2024 Catalog
Browse Academic Catalog

Costs, Scholarships, and Aid

Loyola University Chicago is committed to making your graduate and professional studies a reality. Our Cost & Financial Aid page can help better inform you about the costs and potential funding opportunities through scholarships, loans, and aid for graduate and professional education.

If you are a current Loyola undergraduate or recent alum, you may be eligible for a Returning Rambler discount. Learn more and see if you qualify on our Returning Rambler Scholarship page.

Tuition and Costs

The estimated tuition and fees for the Social Work MSW Online totals $51205.00, or 49 credit hours at a cost of $1,045.00 per credit hour. Please note that tuition and fees for all of Loyola's academic programs are subject to change.

For more detailed information about tuition and fees, and a breakdown of how these costs are calculated on a yearly basis, please visit Tuition and Fees from the Office of the Bursar.

School of Social Work Scholarships

The School of Social Work offers several scholarship opportunities specifically for MSW students:

Performance-Based Scholarships Focused on Student Need

Incoming MSW students who demonstrate financial need, community engagement, a commitment to academic success, and promise in the social work profession are eligible to apply.

Most graduate programs across the nation only offer merit-based scholarships; we are one of few that offer an award based on student financial need — all students, including international, DACA, and undocumented students qualify for this scholarship application.

Lester Czernik Scholarship

The Lester Czernik Scholarship is awarded at the start of each academic year to one to two incoming MSW students who demonstrate financial need and promise in the social work profession.

View a complete list of School of Social Work scholarships, including external scholarship opportunities.

Appointments and Events

Whether you’re just beginning your search, in the midst of the application process, or eager to explore our graduate and professional programs, our admissions staff is here to assist you every step of the way.

Schedule an Appointment

The School of Social Work offers graduate open houses, information sessions, individual appointments, open Zoom and text sessions, and a multitude of other ways to get to know us better.

Attend an Event

Upcoming Events

Oct
04
06:00PM - 07:00PM

We are hosting a Virtual Information Session on October 4th to discuss...

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Oct
18
05:30PM - 07:00PM

Join us to learn more about our graduate programs in Social Work at Lo...

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Visit and Connect With Us

With our visit opportunities, you can tour our beautiful Chicago campuses and learn more about Loyola's ties to one of the most prestigious cities in the world.

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Application Process

Application Deadlines

The available start terms and corresponding application deadlines for the Social Work MSW Online are listed below. We encourage you to apply early for priority review. Please note that decisions may take longer during busy periods.

Fall: July 1

Application Requirements

Application requirements for the Social Work MSW Online include:

  • Transcripts

  • 2 References

  • Resume/CV

  • Statement of Purpose

Statement of Purpose Details

The personal statement component of your application to the MSW Program at Loyola University Chicago School of Social Work will be used to assess your writing, critical thinking, and capacity for self-awareness in terms of readiness for graduate level work and supervised practice in the field.

Please submit (one) well-developed 1500 word, double spaced personal statement that shares your interest in the field of social work and motivation to pursue the MSW Program at Loyola University Chicago School of Social Work.

The personal statement submitted must be a comprehensive essay that addresses all of the questions posed in the three topics below:

Topic 1: Describe your understanding of the social work profession. How have you incorporated the values of service and social justice (held by the profession) in your human service experiences and interactions with others?

Topic 2: Discuss your career interests and goals. In what population or area of social work practice are you interested? How will a Social Work education from Loyola University Chicago School of Social Work prepare you for work in your area of interest? What do you hope to accomplish with an MSW?

Topic 3: Discuss your timing to pursue a graduate program now. What personal and/or professional factors have led you to want to pursue an MSW now? How do you intend to complete the program? How do you plan to balance the academic and field responsibilities of the program with outside responsibilities and obligations? How will you finance your studies?

If you are a transfer student currently or previously enrolled in a MSW program elsewhere, in addition to addressing the questions above in your personal statement, please address you interest in transferring to Loyola University Chicago School of Social Work from your current or past institution.

International Student Requirements

Additional information regarding the application process for international students can be found on the International Student Requirements page.

Additional Details

For general information and a step-by-step guide to applying for graduate and professional study, please visit our Admission Process page. There is no fee to apply to graduate programs at Loyola.

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