Earn Your Master of Social Work (MSW)-Online or On Campus

Whether you are changing careers or are already a social worker, our flexible MSW program will enhance your ability to make a difference in our rapidly changing world.

Gain valuable real-world experiences as you earn a CSWE-accredited MSW in a format that fits your life. Whether you choose to study with us in person or through our online Master of Social Work program, you’ll experience the interdisciplinary, family-centered and globally focused curriculum that sets Dominican apart.

  • 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
  • Convenient campus locations in the Chicago area (River Forest and Grayslake)
  • Full-time or part-time options, as well as daytime, evening and weekend classes so you can complete your degree in a time frame that works for you
  • Small classes that allow you to get to know your professors and your fellow students, even online
  • Social work scholarships that help make earning your MSW more affordable

Build a foundation for effective, compassionate care. Request information

MSW Tracks

Focus your studies and build your career in the area that matters most to you. Choose from the following tracks:

Already have your MSW? We also offer a non-degree certificate program in school social work for professionals looking to expand their knowledge and skills and advance in their careers. Learn more about this certificate option. Request Information.

Dual Degree Opportunities

Many areas of study and areas of industry cross paths with social work. If you are interested in building cross-functional skills that can elevate your career, consider a dual master’s degree program within Dominican’s esteemed Brennan School of Business, School of Information Studies or College of Applied Social Sciences.

Ready to take the next step? Apply now

What to Expect as You Earn Your MSW at Dominican

The foundation of any social work practice is relationships. That is why we emphasize collaboration in our MSW programs—both online and on campus.

Whether you’re studying remotely or are meeting with your cohort in person, you’ll experience real-time lectures and discussions that connect you to your classmates. You’ll work on a synchronous schedule with peers, participate in active learning sessions and enjoy engaging discussions that will elevate your skills.

Curriculum Requirements

In this program, you’ll complete 60 credit hours of coursework. This includes 1,080 hours of fieldwork and related field practicum courses.

Field Placement Options

We offer an expansive network of 350 agencies in the Chicago area that offer hands-on research and clinical opportunities. And, if you’re studying remotely, we’ll guide you through the process of securing field placements local to you. We also offer placement options abroad for those interested in international social work.

Real-World Context

Our School of Social Work faculty offer a breadth of life and career experience. You’ll learn from experts who have real-world experience in a wide range of social work settings:

  • Schools
  • Child welfare services
  • Developmental disabilities programs
  • Domestic violence-prevention services
  • Health/mental health settings
  • Human trafficking prevention services
  • Substance abuse facilities
  • Private practice
  • International community development
First Weekend Residency

As an MSW student (either on campus or online) you’ll meet with your cohort in person at Dominican University during your first weekend in the program. There are now online options for the orientation that don't require students to come on campus; available to residents of Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Michigan, and Wisconsin. This sets the stage for a close-knit graduate experience that helps build critical career connections with your peers. They, and our 850 alums, all will become key members of your professional network—helping you lead social change with organizations in Chicago and beyond.

Financing your Dominican MSW

Along with opportunities for financial aid through loans and grants, the School of Social Work offers a variety of departmental scholarships for outstanding academic achievement and graduate assistantships for those who wish to work with faculty while pursuing their degree. Contact our Office of Financial Aid to learn more. We can be reached at (708) 524-6809 or finaid@dom.edu

What Can I Do with a Master of Social Work (MSW) degree?

Social workers provide care that impacts individuals, families and communities on a very personal level. As health care and related industries continue to tackle a breadth of challenges, this profession is growing in demand. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, job outlook for social workers is expected to grow 16% from 2016 to 2026, which is much faster than average.

By earning your Master in Social Work, you can not only enter the field, but also prepare to lead. You will find Dominican graduates working in an array of social-work specializations. Among them:

  • Aging care specialists
  • Licensed social workers
  • Medical social workers
  • Mental health social workers
  • Military social workers
  • School social workers
  • Therapists
  • Child welfare social workers

Changed Lives Start with Yours

At Dominican University, our mission guides us to advocate for human rights and social and economic justice for all, including socially excluded populations. By joining this program, you’ll be part of that mission, promoting human and community well-being and bringing compassionate care to those who need you.

Take the next step by connecting with an admission counselor who can answer your questions. Request information

Accreditation

The Master of Social Work program is accredited by the Council on Social Work Education’s Board of Accreditation.

Accreditation of a baccalaureate or master’s social work program by the Council on Social Work Education’s Board of Accreditation indicates that it meets or exceeds criteria for the assessment of program quality evaluated through a peer review process. An accredited program has sufficient resources to meet its mission and goals and the Board of Accreditation has verified that it demonstrates compliance with all sections of the Educational Policy and Accreditation Standards.

Accreditation applies to all program sites and program delivery methods of an accredited program. Accreditation provides reasonable assurance about the quality of the program and the competence of students graduating from the program.