Social Work

Prepare to Become an Agent of Change

Now more than ever, social workers are needed to address society’s most pressing issues. By joining Dominican’s Bachelor of Social Work Degree program, you’ll be prepared to meet the demands of one of the nation’s fastest-growing professions.

You’ll work to improve the lives of individuals, families and communities and you’ll learn how to help marginalized and vulnerable people overcome challenges they face in everyday life. In small class sizes, you’ll collaborate closely with caring professors on original research and study policy frameworks that promote human and community well-being. You’ll also dive into the complexities of oppression and privilege while adopting ethical social work practice that engages anti-racism, diversity, equity and inclusion. 

Dominican University's Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) program is currently in pre-candidacy for accreditation by the Council on Social Work Education’s (CSWE) Board of Accreditation (BOA). Pre-candidacy for a baccalaureate or master’s social work program by the BOA indicates that it submitted an application to be reviewed for candidacy and received approval of its Benchmark 1 from CSWE accreditation staff to move forward for a candidacy review within 1-year. 

A program that has attained pre-candidacy status has not yet been reviewed by the BOA nor verified to be compliant with the Educational Policy and Accreditation Standards (EPAS). Students who are admitted to pre-candidate programs in the fall (or later) of the academic year in which the program is granted candidacy status will be retroactively recognized as graduates from a CSWE-BOA accredited program as long as the program attains initial accreditation. Candidacy is typically a 3-year process and attaining pre-candidacy does not guarantee that a program will eventually attain candidacy and initial accreditation.

Your Gateway to Amazing Opportunities  

As a student at Dominican, you’ll prepare for roles of great meaning in a wide range of social service settings, including hospitals, schools, senior centers, substance abuse facilities, private practice and many other professional venues.  

Dominican’s social work program will open doors for changemakers ready to push boundaries and create a profound impact on society. In the state of Illinois, the Bachelor in Social Work is the recognized degree for entrance into human service and social work positions. By earning a Bachelor in Social Work, you’ll find a wide range of career paths to choose from. 

You’ll also find high-impact opportunities such as an outreach worker, research assistant, child welfare specialist and many other professional roles. Furthermore, after three years of supervised professional experience, graduates of the social work program can apply to become Licensed Social Workers (LSW) without taking the licensing exam in Illinois. Additionally, students who complete the Bachelor of Social Work program may move seamlessly into Dominican’s Master of Social Work degree program. 

More Ways to Learn, On Campus and Beyond   

Practical experience is built into Dominican’s social work curriculum. You’ll complete a required practicum placement experience that will draw on Chicago’s wide-ranging research and social service resources. 

At Dominican, we make our connections your connections, so you can test-drive your dream job in the real world. Our faculty will work closely with you to prepare your work for presentation at our spring research expo or even at conferences of professionals in the industry. Through Dominican’s community-based learning program, you’ll combine in-depth academic study with civic engagement in community organizations, in Chicago and beyond. In addition, the university offers a choice of study-abroad programs on four continents.  

Prepare for a Life of Service and Achievement  

A survey of U.S. employers by Hart Research Associates found that 93% of bosses say that “a job candidate’s demonstrated capacity to think critically, communicate clearly and solve complex problems” is the most important factor in hiring decisions. That is the essential skill set of our social work graduates. Our curriculum is designed to prepare you for lifelong intellectual and professional competence. Our alumni work in countless industries, and they know what they’re doing. They’re thoughtful, persuasive, open to new ideas, skilled at active listening and written expression, and able to adapt and thrive through long and meaningful careers. They have earned their way into leadership positions in the professions of their choice.