Master of Social Work/Master of Library and Information Science

Social work and information science: a growing convergence. With information management skills added to expertise in the practice of social work, you will make a greater impact in the communities you serve.

You are dedicated to making it possible for everyone to succeed—in their lives and in their careers—and libraries offer nearly unlimited resources to help you achieve your goal. At Dominican we recognized our strengths in the areas of social work and information management and the usefulness of combining the two degrees and established the MSW/MLIS program.

Our MSW/MLIS program requires a reduced number of hours for each degree—allowing you to earn both degrees in a shorter period of time and at a lower cost than if you completed them separately.

The degrees complement each other, and you will explore the growing importance of information management in social services and the expanding role of libraries in providing social services.

Upon completion of the program, you will earn two degrees: an MSW from Dominican’s School of Social Work and an MLIS from our School of Information Studies. SSW is accredited by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE), and SOIS offers an American Library Association (ALA)-accredited Master of Library and Information Science degree. You must apply and be admitted to both schools.

Program Overview
  • Time to complete: three years as a full-time student; four years studying part time (less if you are eligible for advanced standing)
  • All requirements in this combined-degree program must be completed within six years
  • This program is not open to students who have already earned a Master of Social Work degree or a Master of Library and Information Science degree
  • Your required clinical experiences in social work will be done in libraries
  • Gain valuable—and different—perspectives from the faculty and students in the two schools
  • Classes are offered at our campus in River Forest, which is just 10 miles west of downtown Chicago and all it has to offer
  • Option to study 100% online, with a first-weekend residency in-person at Dominican or online to launch your graduate experience; available to residents of Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Michigan, and Wisconsin
Expand Your Network

In both schools, classes are small and learning is team-based, so you will get to know your professors as well as your fellow students, and they will become key members of your professional network. Your network will also include alums in key positions in the Chicago area and beyond.

The Dominican Difference

Dominican’s School of Social Work is committed to truth and compassionate service. Our mission guides us to advocate for human rights and social and economic justice for all persons including socially excluded populations, and to promote human and community well-being.

The School of Information Studies empowers professionals to connect individuals and communities to the world of information and learning with reason, compassion and a commitment to service.