Social Work MSW Online Bilingual with Advanced Standing

About the Online Bilingual MSW with Advanced Standing at Loyola

Designed for Spanish-speaking individuals who have earned a Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) degree, our bilingual, Advanced Standing program offers an accelerated path to earning a Master of Social Work (MSW) online. Complete your master’s degree and begin working with Latinx/e, immigrant, and refugee communities sooner while balancing your other obligations with this remote, part-time program. 

As Latinx/e, immigrant, and refugee communities continue to grow in the U.S., these populations are experiencing heightened rates of mental health issues, such as depression, anxiety, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Yet, these populations face greater challenges to access support due to language and cultural differences, mistrust in social services, and other inequitable circumstances.  

Loyola’s online, bilingual MSW program, the first of its kind in the inland U.S., seeks to dismantle these barriers by preparing the next generation of social workers to support and serve Latinx/e, immigrant, and refugee communities through culturally responsive care tailored to their needs. Infusing over 100 years of experience and the Loyola’s Jesuit heritage with Spanish-English bilingual instruction, innovative remote teaching and learning opportunities, and a focus on social justice, this program is the first of its kind in the inland U.S.

Program Structure

If you earned your Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) at an accredited institution within the past five years, you may qualify for Loyola's Advanced Standing program, which can be completed in four continuous semesters and requires one internship for a total of 600 hours. Please note the Online Bilingual MSW with Advanced Standing program is Spring start only.

Specialization

Micro Practice

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 Online Bilingual MSW program are in the Micro Practice Specialization with a track in Migration Studies.

Why Choose Loyola for the Online Bilingual Spanish/English Master of Social Work?

Earn your in MSW with one of the top social work programs nationwide that empower you to deliver impactful care for our Latinx/e, immigrant, and refugee communities. From innovative online teaching delivered in Spanish to outstanding faculty and an emphasis on social justice, Loyola’s online bilingual MSW balances remote flexibility with academic excellence.

Accelerate your career in social work

Students who already have completed their BSW can enter the Online Bilingual MSW with Advanced Standing program. Requiring fewer credit and internship hours needed to graduate, the program allows you to complete your training faster and begin your social work career sooner.

Begin your journey toward supporting Latinx/e, immigrant, and refugee communities through a flexible, part-time program delivered fully online via synchronous and asynchronous learning in both English and Spanish – from anywhere in the world.

Apply the concepts and skills you have learned in an internship in your local 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 and work directly with leading practitioners whose research ranges across clinical and policy-based interests such as Latino families and the impact of migration, social-emotional needs of immigrant and undocumented youth, community trauma and resilience, poverty and inequality, Latina women leadership, non-profits, program design management, child welfare, cross-cultural counseling issues, and family-centered services.

Ranked #28 in the nation for graduate social work by U.S. News and World Report (2024), earn your MSW from a respected institution with over 100 years of experience training and preparing social workers to excel in their service of others.

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.

Learn more about our full-time OBMSW faculty: Diana Franco, DSW, LCSW-R, Priscila R. Freire, PhD, Maribel Lopez, EdD, MSW, and Ivan Medina, MSW.

Loyola Stories

Curriculum and Program Outcomes

While courses for the Social Work MSW Online Bilingual with Advanced Standing 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 Bilingual with Advanced Standing 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 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 Bilingual with Advanced Standing totals $17250.00, or 23 credit hours at a cost of $750.00 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.

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Upcoming Events

Nov
13
12:00PM - 01:00PM

Join us for an engaging online info session hosted by Dr. Maribel...

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Dec
10
05:30PM - 06:30PM

Join us for an engaging online info session hosted by Dr. Maribel...

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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 Bilingual with Advanced Standing are listed below. Please keep in mind that both the application and the required materials must be submitted by the specified deadline.

Spring: November 1
All applicants meeting this deadline will be considered for admission. Any applications received after November 1 will be considered until the program reaches enrollment capacity for the Spring. 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 Bilingual with Advanced Standing include:

  • Official transcripts from all institutions attended

  • 2 References

  • Resume/CV

  • Statement of Purpose

Prerequisite Standing Requirements

To qualify for the advanced level, the student must meet the following requirements:

  • Earned a bachelor's degree in social work from an accredited US school of social work.

  • Received a bachelor's degree in social work in the last 5 years.

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. Please note that your submission should be in Spanish.

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

Official transcripts are those that are sent directly by the college/university to Loyola University Chicago. Transcripts 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.

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.

Please visit our International Applicant Requirements page for specific information regarding the application process for international students.

International Applicant Requirements
Start Your Application

Applying online to the Social Work MSW Online Bilingual with Advanced Standing 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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Masters | Part-Time Only | Online | Fall

Program Page

Latinxs, immigrants, and refugees in the U.S. can experience a wide range of mental health issues, including increased rates of depression, anxiety, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). However, accessing mental health services often proves difficult, if not impossible. Breaking down these barriers requires culturally competent clinical social workers who are specifically prepared to work with Latinx, immigrant, and refugee communities. This program, the first of its kind in the inland United States, is designed to prepare you to become that social worker.

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Masters | Part-Time Only | Online | Spring

Program Page

This program aims to develop professionals with the competence and assurance needed to tackle the mission of enhancing the well-being of individuals and families. It empowers participants to become agents of change within their communities, championing social justice causes. Success in our program is likely if you possess a genuine dedication to social justice issues and a resolute commitment to advocating for positive change in the lives of individuals and communities. This online program gives you access to our distinguished coursework from anywhere in the world. If you earned your Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) at an accredited institution within the past five years, the Advanced Standing option can be completed in four continuous semesters.

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