Masters
Part-Time or Full-Time
Fall, Spring
On-Campus
School of Social Work/The Graduate School
About the Women and Gender Studies MA/Social Work MSW at Loyola
Advancing social justice requires acknowledging and honoring the diversity of our human community—especially regarding gender, race, class, and sexuality. If you are passionate about activism and addressing social justice issues, you'll thrive in Loyola's Master's in Social Work and Women's Studies and Gender Studies, one of the few dual degree graduate programs of its kind in the nation.
You will benefit from the interdisciplinary nature of the dual-degree program and its tight-knit and supportive community. Both programs use an intersectional lens throughout the coursework, examining the influence of multiple identities on the experiences of individuals, families, groups, and communities.
With a wide range of courses to choose from, you will be able to focus on the areas that interest you most. By taking courses in both degree programs, you can complete the MSW and the MA in Women's Studies and Gender Studies in a quicker timeframe than if each degree were completed individually.
Program Structure
The MA in Women's Studies and Gender Studies/Master's in Social Work can be pursued full-time or part-time.
In addition to the 49 credits required for Social Work, you must complete 18 credit hours in Women's Studies and Gender Studies. You will be required to complete two social work fieldwork. The first internship is a generalist fieldwork, and the second fieldwork is aligned with your area of specialization. Students choose the Micro Specialization or Leadership, Mezzo, and Macro Specialization for this dual degree.
The School of Social Work and the WSGS department have long-standing relationships with local organizations, providing opportunities for internships in an urban environment with diverse populations.
Learn More About Each Individual Degree
Masters | Part-Time or Full-Time | On-Campus | Fall, Spring, Summer
This program is designed to develop professionals who have the confidence and skills to take on the challenge to improve individual and family welfare and empower people within our communities to promote social justice. You will thrive in our program if you have a true passion for social justice issues and a determination to advocate and take action to help transform lives and communities.
Apply NowRequest InfoMasters | Part-Time or Full-Time | On-Campus | Fall, Spring
This program is designed for students interested in the intersectionality and social justice issues centered on gender, and who strive to bring positive change on those fronts. The program will offer you an interdisciplinary exploration of how knowledge is shaped by power, bridging insights gained from the humanities, social sciences, business, and law. You will be empowered to develop thoughtful, innovative solutions and to create pathways for promoting social justice.
Apply NowRequest InfoMA in WSGS/MSW Career Connections
Loyola's dual-degree MA in Women's Studies and Gender Studies/Master's in Social Work prepares you to work in non-profit social service agencies, schools, medical centers, or community organizations that advocate for policies to advance social justice. You will also be prepared to pursue a Ph.D. in social work, comparative literature, and other related fields or potentially, medical studies.
While WSGS does not have licensing requirements, social work does. If you wish to become a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, you must accrue 3,000 hours of supervised post-master's experience and then pass a licensure exam, for which the MSW program prepares you.
Job Outlook
The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) Occupational Outlook Handbook is a good place to start exploring the job outlook and pay potential for specific careers and fields that interest you.
Curriculum and Program Outcomes
While courses for the Social Work/Women's Studies and Gender Studies MSW/MA 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/Women's Studies and Gender Studies MSW/MA 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 CatalogCosts, 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 Social Work/Women's Studies and Gender Studies MSW/MA is a dual degree program that awards separate degrees for each program completed. Therefore, cost will equal the summation of each individual degree program's tuition times the number of credit hours taken in that program. Some dual degrees may have shared credits that adjust the total cost of the program. Please view the following pages for more information on each individual program's tuition, and contact the Office of the Bursar with any questions.
Social Work MSWWomen's Studies and Gender Studies MAApplication Process
Application Deadlines
The available start terms and corresponding application deadlines for the Social Work/Women's Studies and Gender Studies MSW/MA are listed below. We encourage you to apply early as decisions may take longer during busy periods.
Fall: June 1
Spring: November 1
Application Requirements
Application requirements for the Social Work/Women's Studies and Gender Studies MSW/MA include:
2 References
3.0 Minimum GPA
Personal Statement
Resume/CV
Writing Sample
Please note that a personal statement is required for each degree program.
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.
Apply Now