There were 17,790 child, family and school social workers in Illinois as of May 2024, making Illinois have the fifth-highest employment level of child, family, and school social workers in the country according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). 

This career guide for how to become a social worker in Illinois explains educational requirements, licensure, Illinois-based social work organizations to join and more. Once you complete the steps to become an Illinois social worker, you can embark on a meaningful, fulfilling career helping others.

Sponsored Online Social Work Programs

University of Denver

infoAD

Master of Social Work (MSW)

The University of Denver’s Online MSW Program is delivered by its top-ranked school of social work and offers two programs. Students can earn their degree in as few as 12 months for the Online Advanced-Standing MSW or 27 months for the Online MSW.

Request more info from the University of Denver.

Syracuse University

infoAD

Master of Social Work (MSW)

Syracuse University’s online Master of Social Work program does not require GRE scores to apply and is focused on preparing social workers who embrace technology as an important part of the future of the profession. Traditional and Advanced Standing tracks are available.

Request more info from Syracuse University.

Simmons University

infoAD

Master of Social Work (MSW)

Aspiring direct practitioners can earn their MSW online from Simmons University in as few as 9 months. GRE scores are not required, and the program offers full-time, part-time, accelerated, and advanced standing tracks.

Request more info from Simmons University.

Howard University

infoAD

Master of Social Work (MSW)

The online Master of Social Work program from Howard University School of Social Work prepares students for advanced direct or macro practice in culturally diverse communities. Two concentrations available: Direct Practice and Community, Administration, and Policy Practice. No GRE. Complete in as few as 12 months.

Request more info from Howard University.

Hawaii Pacific University

infoAD

Master of Social Work

The online Master of Social Work prepares aspiring social work leaders to develop a multicultural social work practice, advocate for social and economic justice, and empower diverse communities affected by systemic inequities within civilian and military-focused areas. 

Request more info from Hawaii Pacific University.

infoAD

Common Steps to Become an Illinois Social Worker

Wondering how to become a social worker in Illinois? Education, field experience and licensure can help you achieve your goals to become a social worker in this state. Follow these steps to become a licensed social worker in Illinois and advance your career. The information below was summarized and obtained from the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation (IDFPR) Social Work.

Information below was retrieved February 2026 and is only meant to be a high-level overview. Requirements may change, always check with the state licensing board for complete and up to date information.

1. Earn a CSWE-Accredited Social Work Degree

To become licensed in Illinois, you must earn a CSWE-accredited social work degree. The LSW can be earned with either a CSWE-accredited MSW, or a CSWE-accredited BSW plus required supervised professional experience. The LCSW requires a graduate degree in social work (MSW or a doctorate). Illinois offers two main licenses: Licensed Social Worker (LSW) and Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW). The LSW can be earned with a CSWE-accredited MSW or with a CSWE-accredited BSW plus required supervised professional experience; the LCSW requires a graduate degree in social work.

2. Complete Any Required Supervised Experience

Master of Social Work programs will include field experience, but you’ll need to meet certain experience requirements for social work licensure in Illinois. LSW requirements depend on your degree: MSW graduates can apply for the LSW without a licensing exam, while BSW graduates must document three years of supervised professional experience to qualify. LCSW applicants must complete supervised clinical professional experience, 3,000 hours after an MSW, or 2,000 hours after a doctorate in social work, along with the required exam.

3. Get Licensed

Apply for licensure through IDFPR once you meet the education and experience requirements. LSW licensure does not require an ASWB exam under current Illinois law, while LCSW applicants must complete the required exam process as part of licensure.

Learn more about how to become a social worker.

Illinois is home to many CSWE-accredited social work degree programs (BSW and MSW), offered in a range of formats, including on-campus, hybrid, and online. For the most current list, use CSWE’s Directory of Accredited Programs. At the bachelor’s level, Illinois offers multiple CSWE-accredited BSW programs, including online options (field education is still completed in person in an approved community setting). Your degree affects which Illinois license you can pursue: the LSW can be earned with a CSWE-accredited MSW, or with a CSWE-accredited BSW plus three years of supervised professional experience. The LCSW requires a graduate degree and supervised clinical experience. 

Illinois has multiple CSWE-accredited MSW programs, with formats that may include full-time, part-time, advanced standing, and online/hybrid options. Some social workers also pursue a Doctor of Social Work (DSW) or other doctorate to move into advanced leadership, teaching, or applied research roles. If a practice doctorate’s accreditation matters to you, confirm its current status in CSWE’s directory.

Learn more about social work programs:

MSW programs in Illinois typically include core coursework in social work practice, human behavior in the social environment, social welfare policy, research, and supervised field education. Concentrations and focus areas vary by school and may include clinical practice, children/youth/families, leadership/administration, health care, school social work, and other population- or practice-area tracks. Below are examples of CSWE-accredited master’s-level social work programs in Illinois. Because accreditation status can change, confirm the most current list using CSWE’s Directory of Accredited Programs.

Online MSW programs cover the same core competencies required by CSWE accreditation, while delivery formats, course sequencing, and elective options may vary by school. Below are a few Illinois-based MSW programs that offer online program options and report CSWE accreditation; always confirm current accreditation and delivery formats in CSWE’s Directory of Accredited Programs.

Learn more about MSW programs:

In Illinois, there are two types of social work licensure options: Licensed Social Worker (LSW) and Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW).  Illinois also credentials School Social Workers through IDFPR, which is a separate pathway tied to school-based practice requirements. These social work licenses are issued by the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation (IDFPR).

Learn more about online clinical MSW programs.

Information on the above social work salaries in Illinois was retrieved from the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Estimates – Illinois in February 2026.

Learn more about social work salaries.

If you’re interested in going to social work school in Illinois, there are social work scholarships that can help you pay for school. Be sure to check with your preferred university for other financial aid options available.

There are a variety of state-level and local social work scholarships available in Illinois, including: 

Social workers in Illinois can connect with a variety of social work organizations that provide networking opportunities, news and research about social work in Illinois, and job listings. Your university may also offer student social work organizations.

Illinois offers licensure by endorsement, which allows social workers to apply for a license in Illinois based on an active license in another state, according to the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation.

The social work CE requirements in Illinois include 30 hours of continuing education during the 24-month pre-renewal period after the first renewal, according to the IDFPR—Continuing Education. At least 3 hours must cover social work practice ethics, 3 hours must cover cultural competence, and 1 hour must cover sexual harassment prevention training.

Learn more about continuing education for social workers.

Social work license verification in Illinois can be obtained through the IDFPR—License Lookup. Users must enter their license type, status, number, legal business name, “doing business as” name, first name, last name, city, state, county and zip code.

Information last updated: February 2026