Social Work

Master of Social Work

College of Liberal Arts and Social Sciences

MSWHealth Care, Mental Health, WellnessEquity & InclusionCritical ThinkingIn-Person
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Make a real impact

The Master of Social Work (MSW) program will prepare you for advanced social work, with attention to professional ethics, respect for human rights and recognition of the inherent dignity of all people. The curriculum is grounded equally in theory and practical application. Choose from one of three concentrations:

  • The Community Practice concentration prepares you to lead human service organizations.
  • The Forensic Social Work concentration prepares you for practice and advocacy in settings where human services and the legal system intersect.
  • The School Social Work concentration prepares you to assist students in processing the theoretical, analytical, and practical skills needed in the role of school social worker.

You’ll be grouped in a small cohort, which enables you to get to know your colleagues and receive individualized attention from your professors.

DePaul’s MSW program is offered on the Loop Campus and can be completed on either a full-time (two years) or part-time (options for three years or four years) basis. Classes are held on weekday afternoons and evenings. Field placements will require daytime availability and are offered across the Chicago area.

Immerse yourself in the field

Chicago is home to hundreds of social service agencies and nonprofits, and with our partnerships you’ll gain hands-on experience in an area that interests you. As part of the MSW degree program, you’ll complete two field experiences with agencies like Catholic Charities, AIDS Foundation of Chicago, Friedman Place, and DePaul Family and Community Services.

Application Deadlines

For admission in the autumn quarter, the deadline for full-time applicants is April 1 (or until the cohort is filled), and the deadline for part-time applicants is July 15.

Admission Requirements

Submit an online application, résumé/CV, personal statement, two letters of reference and official transcripts.

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Required Courses

You’ll take 11 foundation courses, nine courses in your concentration, including field placements, and two electives.

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Passionate faculty driven to make a difference

Neil Vincent, PhD, associate professor of social work, is one of the founding voices for Chicago Survivors, an organization dedicated to serving families impacted by violences, and Sonya Crabtree-Nelson, PhD, LCSW, Associate Professor of Social Work, is facilitating student involvement with the Neighborhood Legal Assistance Program to provide triage case management and pro bono legal assistance to homeless and formerly homeless Chicagoans. These professors are examples of the passionate faculty you will have the opportunity to learn from during your graduate program at DePaul.

Quote component
Lyndsey, MSW 2010
Lyndsey (MSW ’10)
Director of Social Services, HCR ManorCare
Alumni Network
Connect with MSW alumni working across the Chicago area at organizations and agencies like AmeriCorps, Boys & Girls Clubs of Chicago, and Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children’s Hospital of Chicago. You’ll also be connected to the wider network of over 180,000 DePaul alumni. 
Scholarships & Aid
Graduate school is an investment in your future. Learn more about the financial aid and scholarship opportunities available to you. 
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Contact Information
For more information about applying, contact The Office of Graduate Admission at 
   (773) 325-7315 or 
   LASgrad@depaul.edu. 
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We’ll send you information about the degree, admission requirements and upcoming info sessions. Let’s get started.
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