Best Online MSW Programs in Illinois

Reputable Online MSW Programs

Illinois is home to several universities accredited by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE) that offer online or hybrid MSW programs. Below, we highlight three popular schools and provide key facts – from program structure and concentrations to a quick snapshot of one specific degree track – to help you compare options.

The Best Fields for MSW Graduates

Illinois’s economy and community needs create demand in several key social work fields. Below are five top MSW specializations to consider, each with strong job prospects, relevance to state needs, and growth potential. 

Healthcare Social Work

Healthcare social workers help patients navigate hospitals, clinics, and long-term care, a critical role as healthcare remains one of Illinois’s largest industries. Major hospital systems in Chicago and statewide, the largest being Advocate Aurora Health, employ social workers to coordinate care and support patients and families. 

The aging population in Illinois is increasing the need for geriatric care coordinators and discharge planners. While Illinois projects modest 6% growth in healthcare social work jobs through 2030, MSW graduates in this field benefit from solid salaries (around $67,000 average in IL)  and the reward of improving patient outcomes across diverse communities.

Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Work

Illinois faces ongoing challenges in mental health and addiction, making clinical social work in mental health and substance abuse a high-demand field. Statewide initiatives to expand behavioral health access have led to a remarkable 100% increase in licensed social workers since 2021, thanks in part to removing licensing barriers. 

Employment of mental health and substance abuse social workers in Illinois is projected to grow much faster than average according to the BLS. MSW-prepared clinicians provide counseling, crisis intervention, and case management in settings like community mental health centers, inpatient psychiatric units, and substance abuse treatment programs. 

School Social Work

School social work is a prominent career track in Illinois due to the state’s requirements and commitment to student support services. Illinois mandates that school social workers earn a Professional Educator License (PEL) with a School Social Work Endorsement, which generally requires an MSW plus specialized coursework and internships. This makes MSW grads the primary pipeline for these roles. 

School social workers in Illinois tackle issues like absenteeism, behavioral problems, and mental health needs in K-12 schools, working closely with teachers and parents. Urban districts like Chicago Public Schools rely on social workers to address trauma and equity issues, and even suburban and rural schools need them to connect families with resources.  

Child and Family Social Work

Focusing on children, youth, and family services is another top avenue for MSW earners in Illinois. This broad field includes child welfare caseworkers, family therapists, foster care and adoption coordinators, and community agency counselors. Illinois’s Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS) and numerous non-profits in cities like Chicago, Peoria, and Springfield employ MSW-level social workers to protect children and strengthen families.

The field is bolstered by pressing needs in the state: addressing child abuse/neglect, managing the foster care system, and providing family preservation services. The job market remains robust, with about 16,000 employed child and family social workers in Illinois and 1,660 openings a year anticipated.

Social Work Administration and Community Leadership

For MSW graduates interested in macro-level impact, careers in social work administration, policy, and community development are a top choice, especially in a state with a large non-profit sector like Illinois. Many MSW programs (including UIUC and Loyola) offer leadership or administrative concentrations to prepare students for roles as program directors, nonprofit executives, policy analysts, or community organizers.

Illinois has thousands of community organizations and advocacy groups, many headquartered in Chicago, that seek leaders with both business acumen and social work values. The employment category of social and community service managers, often filled by MSW graduates, is projected to grow about 8% nationally from 2023 to 2033.

Accreditation Matters: Ensuring a Quality MSW Program

The key accrediting body for social work programs is the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE), which evaluates MSW curricula to ensure they meet rigorous professional standards. Graduating from a CSWE-accredited program is also required to become a Licensed Social Worker. Additionally, universities often have regional accreditation by the Higher Learning Commission, which speaks to overall academic quality. 

Accreditation matters beyond paperwork – it signals that the program provides proper fieldwork hours, qualified faculty, and comprehensive training aligned with national standards. It’s also important for financial aid eligibility and credit transfer.  

Ways Your Online MSW Programs Can Be Delivered

Generally, you’ll find online MSW programs in Illinois structured in a traditional vs. advanced standing pathway, and with options to study full-time or part-time. Below is an overview of common program types available from Illinois universities.

Full-Time Traditional MSW Programs

Full-time traditional programs are designed for students entering with a non-social work bachelor’s degree. They include foundational generalist coursework plus advanced specialization. Typically, these programs require around 60 credit hours and take about two years of full-time study to complete. This option is ideal if you want to immerse yourself and finish quickly. You’ll need to devote ~40 hours per week to classes and an internship during those two years.  

Part-Time MSW Programs

Part-time MSW tracks offer greater flexibility, allowing students to continue working or managing other responsibilities while earning the degree. In Illinois, many online MSW programs are explicitly designed for part-time enrollment. Part-time students typically take two courses per semester instead of four, extending the length of the program. A traditional MSW that is two years full-time might take three to four years part-time to finish.

Advanced Standing MSW Programs

Advanced Standing programs are accelerated MSW tracks for students who already have earned a Bachelor of Social Work (BSW). Because BSW graduates have completed foundational social work coursework, they can bypass the first year of a traditional MSW. Advanced standing MSW programs often start in the summer or spring and allow you to earn the MSW in one year full-time or two years part-time. 

Cost Breakdown: Paying For Your Online MSW Program

In Illinois, tuition for online and hybrid MSW programs varies by institution and program type (public vs. private, advanced standing vs. traditional). Online MSW programs typically charge per credit hour. Illinois public universities often have one rate for online graduate credits, while private schools set their own tuition. 

You can expect to pay roughly $600 to $1,100 per credit for an online MSW in Illinois, depending on the school. The credit range of 30-to-60 means total tuition can span from about $30,000 on the low end to $60,000+ on the high end. Below is a snapshot of the cost at three Illinois universities offering online MSW programs.

Note: Total tuition figures are for traditional programs and do not include fees or potential scholarships

Answering Online MSW Program FAQs

What are the licensing requirements for social workers in Illinois after earning an MSW?

In Illinois, MSW graduates can pursue two levels of licensure: Licensed Social Worker (LSW) and Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW). To become an LSW, you must have an MSW (or BSW + 3 years of experience). Illinois recently removed the exam requirement for LSW licensure if you have an accredited MSW, so you simply apply through the Illinois Department of Financial & Professional Regulation and submit your transcripts. Many new MSW grads obtain the LSW as an entry credential. 

The LCSW is the clinical license allowing independent practice; it requires first earning the LSW, then completing 3,000 hours of supervised clinical experience (about 2 years full-time) after your MSW. You’ll then need to pass the ASWB clinical exam.

How do field placements work for online MSW students in Illinois?

Field education is the hands-on internship component of earning a master’s degree in social work, and it’s required for all online programs just as it is on campus. Even though your coursework is online, you must complete a certain number of in-person field hours (often 900+ hours total for traditional MSW, less for advanced standing). 

Online programs in Illinois help students arrange field placements in their local area whenever possible. Typically, you’ll work with the school’s field education office to identify an approved agency (such as a hospital, nonprofit, school, or counseling center) near where you live.

Can I enroll in an Illinois online MSW program if I live in another state?

Yes, many Illinois online MSW programs accept out-of-state students, but it can vary by school. It’s important to check each program’s distance learning authorization and any state-specific restrictions. 

Some Illinois universities are part of NC-SARA, which allows them to enroll students from most states. However, some programs have regional restrictions: Dominican University’s online MSW is only available to residents of IL and adjacent states like IN, IA, MI, and WI. This is often due to field placement.

What are the typical admission requirements for online MSW programs in Illinois?

Admission requirements for Illinois MSW programs are generally similar across universities. The typical requirements include a bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution, a decent academic record (many programs want a minimum 3.0 GPA in your last 60 credits or overall), transcripts from all colleges, letters of recommendation (usually up to three from academic or professional references), a personal statement/statement of purpose, and a resume.

Schools look for human services experience, but volunteer or internship experience can also strengthen your application. Many schools also explicitly state that GRE scores are not required. This is common: a number of Illinois programs have dropped the GRE as an admission hurdle, focusing on GPA and other materials instead.

Can I work full-time while pursuing my online MSW, or is the workload too intense?

Many students do continue working while enrolled in an online MSW, especially if they choose a part-time track, but it requires good time management. If you work full-time, a part-time MSW is the realistic route – this might mean finishing in three years instead of two, but you’ll balance school and work more sustainably. 

Students who have done it advise treating your MSW like a second job: you’ll need to allocate time for about 10-15 hours of coursework/study per week for each class. So, with two classes at a time, that’s roughly 20-25 hours per week needed for school. It’s a lot on top of a 40-hour workweek, but doable if you plan ahead. 

Career Overview: Social Worker Edition