University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign School of Social Work

www.socialwork.org is an advertising-supported site. Featured or trusted partner programs and all school search, finder, or match results are for schools that compensate us. This compensation does not influence our school rankings, resource guides, or other editorially-independent information published on this site.

The University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign was founded in 1867 and now serves almost 50,000 students from all over the world. U of I boasts a variety of programs, including those offered through its College of Engineering and Department of Psychology. The School of Social Work offers small class sizes, a wealth of student organizations that encourage educational growth, and the resources students need to succeed.

Thanks to the strong leadership of Marietta Stevenson, who saved the program in 1943 as the university dealt with the effects of war, students can join a long line of successful alumni in nationally-recognized social work programs.

The University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign is regionally accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC). The School of Social Work is also accredited by the Council of Social Work Education (CSWE).

Featured Programs in Social Work

Social Work Program Overview

With a focus on leadership, discovery, engagement, and economic development, U of I’s Department of Social Work enhances the lives of its local community and the world at large. Students gain valuable hands-on experience during their time at U of I and learn to engage in the needs of those around them. Students also benefit from classes taught by award-winning faculty made up of innovative scholars.

Online Social Work Programs

Learners ready for graduate-level coursework can receive their U of I degree through fully online or hybrid programs. The school’s online master of social work allows students to choose between two concentrations. The advanced clinical concentration, which allows students to focus on a specific area like mental health or healthcare, takes place mostly online with some face-to-face requirements. The leadership and social change concentration emphasizes social change through social service agencies or public advocacy and can be completed fully online.

With options for both part- or full-time classes, students benefit from flexible scheduling throughout degree completion. The University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign social work master’s degree comprises 44 credits and takes 1.5-2 years to complete. Online admission holds the same qualification for on-campus students as it does for distance learners.

On-Campus Social Work Programs

The University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign offers on-campus options for students no matter their social work education background. For instance, undergraduate students may choose to earn a bachelor of social work. This 120-credit degree prepares students for the workforce or to begin a master’s program.

U of I’s master of social work can be completed on campus, online, or in a hybrid format. Students can also earn a dual master of social work and master of business administration degree through a special program.

For students nearing the end of their educational journey, U of I’s School of Social Work’s doctoral program may be the next step. This program comprises 64 credits and requires intensive study.

University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign Online Social Work Degree Programs

Online Master’s in Social Work

Program Overview

  • Department: School of Social Work
  • Program Name: Master of Social Work
  • Concentrations: Leadership and social change; advanced clinical

Delivery

  • Format: Hybrid (advanced clinical concentration) or online (leadership and social change concentration)
  • Instruction Style: Synchronous and asynchronous

Program Requirements

  • Prerequisites: Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university
  • Credit Requirements: 44 credits
  • Field Education Requirements: Field experience required

Program Length

  • Program Options: Full- or part-time
  • Program Length: 1.5-2 years
  • Program Start Dates: Spring, summer, and fall

Admission Requirements

  • Application Deadline: Spring 2020 – December 1, 2019; Summer and Fall 2020 – January 15, 2020
  • GPA: 3.0 minimum
  • Work Experience: Experience in human services
Read more information about Social Work Degrees and Careers in Illinois