Masters
Part-Time Only
Fall
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.
Ranked in the top 2 social work graduate programs and #28 nationally, you will gain distinguished expertise and competitive edge that will set you apart and propel you to the forefront of the field.
Program Structure
Traditional MSW
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. The program requires two internships for a total of 1,000 hours.
Advanced Standing
If you’ve received a BSW degree within the past five years, the Social Work MSW Online with Advanced Standing option can help you complete your master’s degree in one year. The Advanced Standing program is 23 credit hours and requires one internship for a total of 600 hours. Please note the Advanced Standing program is Spring start only.
Students in the Online Master's in Social Work program can select an area of specialization in Micro Practice or Leadership, Mezzo, & Macro Practice (LMMP).
Please note that the LMMP specialization with a track in Leadership, Community, Advocacy, and Policy (LCAP) is paused indefinitely for new students.
The Micro Practice Specialization extends foundation knowledge of generalist practice and requires a critical understanding of diverse theories and their related evidence-informed practice models with a diverse population. Critical analysis is used to examine these models from an antiracist, strengths, and systemic perspective to plan for interventions that are most effective in situations of increased complexity within our global world. Critical thinking skills, reflexivity, and an appreciation and understanding of diverse political, economic, and social systems as they impact micro practice in diverse settings (e.g. schools, mental health clinics, health care facilities, and others), are utilized to assess and engage client systems in prioritizing and managing clinical problems, and treatment goals. Practice modalities from diverse cultural contexts are emphasized to deepen students’ understanding and ability to apply, modify, and develop practice models relevant to clients’ culture and experience of oppression in society.
Students in the Micro Practice Specialization can choose between the Advanced Clinical Practice and the School Social Work/Professional Educator License (PEL) tracks.
Advanced Clinical Practice Track
The Advanced Clinical practice track prepares students for micro-level clinical practice across a variety of settings, including hospitals, outpatient practice, extended care facilities, and community mental health agencies. This track is consistent with Loyola University School of Social Work’s mission to provide a transformative education for practice-informed social work. Students will take 15 credit hours of practice courses taught by faculty members with expertise in course content. Courses include a variety of modalities, populations, and client concerns, including individuals, children, adults, crisis intervention, treatment in addictions, and more. All courses integrate content on policy as relevant to the course topic. For more information, please view the course sequencing template.
School Social Work/Professional Educator License (PEL) Track
To learn more about this track, please visit the Academic Catalog webpage and view our course sequencing template. Please note that students must live in Illinois to be eligible for this track.
Please note that the LMMP specialization with a track in Leadership, Community, Advocacy, and Policy (LCAP) is paused indefinitely for new students.
The Leadership, Mezzo, and Macro Practice area of specialization extend foundation knowledge and skills in working at the mezzo and macro levels of social work practice. Informed by an anti-racist framework and social work ethics, LMMP courses educate students in critical thinking, reflective attention to affective factors, and informed decision-making for action. These overarching values and processes are applied to the development of theoretical knowledge of community change, organizations, leadership and supervision, and policy advocacy.
The courses address skill development for mezzo/macro practice, including: leading people; managing programs, services, and organizations; developing and evaluating programs and policies; supervising and supporting the work of individuals, teams, and groups; assisting the professional development of others; developing, implementing, monitoring and evaluating budgets; engaging in policy advocacy and coalition building; working with advisory and/or policy boards; supporting evaluation and research endeavors to assess effectiveness and efficiency; performing development activities such as fund-raising and grant writing.
The Leadership, Mezzo, & Macro Practice Specialization (LMMP) offers a track in Leadership, Community, Advocacy, and Policy (LCAP).
LMMP Suggested Electives
SOWK 602: Health and Behavioral Health Policy and Systems
SOWK 606: Practicum in Research and Evaluation
SOWK 654: Global Social Work: Reflective Practice for Justice and Peace
SOWK 663: Women in a Global Context
SOWK 709: Social Work and the Law
SOWK 714: Philanthropy, Public Policy, Community Change
SOWK 730: Migration Dynamics and U.S, Social Policy
SOWK 732: Migration, Social Justice, and Human Rights
Courses meet all Council on Social Work Education (CSWE) accreditation standards and prepare you to sit for the LCSW examination to work as a licensed clinical social worker.
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
- Cutting-edge online instruction
- Close-to-home internships
- Exceptional faculty and staff
- A top-rated program at a respected institution
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.
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 StaffSocial Worker MSW Jobs: Career Connections
As a social worker with an MSW, you will be prepared for jobs in numerous settings, including behavioral and mental health agencies, nonprofit organizations, government, law enforcement, schools, and health care institutions.
Specific job options include:
- Clinical social worker
- Child welfare specialist
- School social worker
- Medical social worker
- Law enforcement social worker
- Program manager
- Policy analyst
Because Loyola is a member of the Jesuit network of 27 colleges and universities nationwide, our graduates can access career advising services, resume and interviewing assistance, career fairs and events, and employment listings in our Career Services center, as well as at career centers at other U.S. Jesuit colleges and universities.
Job Outlook
The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) Occupational Outlook Handbook is a good place to start exploring the outlook and pay potential for specific social worker MSW jobs.
Loyola Stories
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.
2024-2025 Catalog
Browse Academic CatalogMaster's in Social Work Online Program Results and Skills
After completing Loyola's MSW degree program, you will have numerous skills that will help you provide effective, equitable care to the populations you will serve through:
- Advocacy
- Clinical assessment and intervention
- Communication
- Cultural competence
- Leadership
- Critical thinking
- Research and evaluation
- Policy analysis
- Ethics and professionalism
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 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 $55370.00, or 49 credit hours at a cost of $1,130.00 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 AppointmentThe 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.
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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.
Application Process
Application Deadlines
The available start terms and corresponding application deadlines for the Social Work MSW Online are listed below. Please keep in mind that both the application and the required materials must be submitted by the specified deadline.
Fall: June 1
All applicants meeting this deadline will be considered for admission. Any applications received after June 1 will be considered until the program reaches enrollment capacity for the Fall. Securing an internship is an essential part of the MSW program and cannot be guaranteed if applying after this date.
Application Requirements
Application requirements for the Social Work MSW Online include:
Official transcripts from all institutions attended
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.
Official Documents
Applicants must submit official transcripts from all institutions attended. Official transcripts are those that are sent directly by the college/university to Loyola University Chicago. Transcripts (with U.S. educational credentials) sent by the student to Loyola are considered unofficial documents, and while they may be utilized for initial review of your application, official transcripts are still required. Official documents should be sent by the institution to gradapp@luc.edu. Official documents should be sent by the institution to gradapp@luc.edu.
International Applicant Requirements
An official English language proficiency exam is required for international applicants whose native language is not English. If you have non-U.S. educational credentials, you are required to submit an official transcript evaluation. The transcript evaluation cannot be waived, and unofficial transcripts will not be accepted for international applicants.
Please visit our International Applicant Requirements page for specific information regarding the application process for international students.
Start Your Application
Applying online to the Social Work MSW Online program is a swift, uncomplicated, and cost-free process. After submission, you can proceed to send and upload any additional requirements.
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