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Become a Social Worker in Illinois
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.
University of Denver • Denver, CO
Master of Social Work (MSW)
Enrollment Type
Full-Time and Part-Time
Length of Program
As few as 12 months
Credits
54-81 graduate-level credits
Concentrations
Mental Health and Trauma, Health, Equity and Wellness
Admission Requirements
- Bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited institution to be considered for admission
- Minimum undergraduate GPA is a cumulative 2.5 on a 4.0 scale or a 2.5 on a 4.0 scale for the last 60 semester credits or 90 quarter credits (approximately two years of work) for the baccalaureate degree
- Official transcripts
- Letters of recommendation
- Resume
- Career goals statement
Syracuse University • Syracuse, NY
Master of Social Work (MSW)
Enrollment Type
Full-Time and Part-Time
Length of Program
As few as 24 months
Credits
36-60
Concentrations
Advanced Integrated Practice, Advanced Clinical Practice
Admission Requirements
- Minimum 3.0 GPA is preferred
- Transcripts
- Resume
- Essays
- Prerequisite coursework
- Letters of recommendation
Simmons University • Boston, MA
Master of Social Work (MSW)
Enrollment Type
Accelerated and Full-Time and Part-Time
Length of Program
As few as 9 months
Credits
37-65
Concentrations
Mental Health Practice Optional Certificate, Trauma Practice Optional Certificate, Clinical Practice with Active Service Members, Veterans, and Families
Admission Requirements
- Resume
- Transcripts
- Recommendation forms
- Statement of professional and educational intent
Howard University • Washington, DC
Master of Social Work (MSW)
Enrollment Type
Full-Time and Part-Time
Length of Program
As few as 12 months
Credits
45+
Concentrations
Direct Practice, Community, Administration and Policy (CAP) Practice
Admission Requirements
- Three (3) letters of recommendation
- College transcripts
- A personal statement
- An application essay
- A resume
- Bachelor of Social Work from a CSWE-accredited institution, award within four years of first term start date
- Minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 in all social work foundation and undergraduate coursework
Hawaii Pacific University • Honolulu, HI
Master of Social Work
Enrollment Type
Full-Time and Part-Time
Length of Program
12-36 months
Credits
30-57
Concentrations
Military and Veterans Affairs, Child or Adult Protective Services, Health Care, Mental Health, Individual and Families, Social Agency Administration
Admission Requirements
- Bachelor’s degree with at least 30 credits in Liberal Arts from an accredited four-year institution
- Minimum 3.0 GPA, but applicants below that will be considered for provisional admission
- Completed courses in Statistics and Research Methods
- Applicants must have completed each course with a grade of a "C" or higher
- Bachelor’s degree in social work from an accredited program within the past five years
- Minimum 3.25 GPA on a 4.0 scale in social work courses
- Online application
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.
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.
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.
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.
Social Work Degree Programs in Illinois
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:
Master of Social Work (MSW) Programs in Illinois
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.
| Institution & Program | Location | Study Length | Enrollment |
|---|---|---|---|
The University of ChicagoMaster of Social Work | New Orleans, LA | 2 years | Full-Time, Part-Time |
DePaul UniversityMaster of Social Work | Chicago, IL | 2+ years | Full-Time, Part-Time |
Dominican UniversityMaster of Social Work | River Forest, IL | 2+ years | Full-Time, Part-Time |
Erikson InstituteMaster of Social Work | Chicago, IL | 2+ years | Full-Time, Part-Time |
Illinois State UniversityMaster of Social Work | Normal, IL | 2+ years | Full-Time, Part-Time |
Northeastern Illinois UniversityMaster of Social Work | Chicago, IL | 2+ years | Full-Time, Part-Time |
Southern Illinois University CarbondaleMaster of Social Work | Carbondale, IL | 2+ years | Full-Time, Part-Time |
Chicago State UniversityMaster of Social Work | Chicago, IL | 2 years | Full-Time, Part-Time |
University of Illinois ChicagoMaster of Public Health/Master of Social Work | Chicago, IL | 3+ years | Full-Time |
University of Illinois ChicagoMaster of Social Work | — | 2+ years | Full-Time, Part-Time |
University of Illinois Urbana-ChampaignMaster of Social Work | — | 1.5 years | Full-Time, Part-Time |
University of St. FrancisMaster of Social Work | Joliet, IL | 2+ years | Full-Time, Part-Time |
Online MSW Programs in Illinois
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.
| Institution & Program | Location | Study Length | Enrollment |
|---|---|---|---|
Erikson InstituteMaster of Social Work | Chicago, IL | 2+ years | Full-Time, Part-Time |
Loyola University ChicagoLOYCHI-MSW | Chicago, IL | 2 years | Full-Time, Part-Time |
Loyola Chicago UniversityMaster of Social Work | — | 2 years | Full-Time, Part-Time |
University of Illinois Urbana-ChampaignMaster of Social Work | — | 2+ years | Full-Time, Part-Time |
University of Illinois Urbana-ChampaignMaster of Social Work | — | — | — |
University of St. FrancisMaster of Social Work | Joliet, IL | 2+ years | Full-Time, Part-Time |
Learn more about MSW programs:
- Advanced standing online Master of Social Work programs
- Online MSW programs for aspiring clinical social workers
- Online Master of Social Work programs
Social Work Licenses in Illinois
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).
Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) in Illinois
- Education requirements: Completion of a CSWE-accredited MSW or DSW program is required prior to examination.
- Field requirements: After the graduate social work degree is awarded, complete 3,000 hours of satisfactory, supervised clinical professional experience (master’s) or 2,000 hours (doctorate). Clinical hours must be supervised by an LCSW and include an average of at least 4 hours/month of supervision.
- Exam: The ASWB Clinical Examination OR Illinois’ Exam Alternative: 3,000 hours of supervised professional experience (separate from/in addition to the clinical hours), available only if you’ve attempted the ASWB Clinical exam after January 1, 2019. Beginning January 1, 2026, you must be licensed as an LSW or School Social Worker while completing Exam Alternative hours.
- License renewal: Licenses generally renew on a 2-year cycle and expire November 30 of odd-numbered years (the first licensure period may be shorter than two years).
Learn more about online clinical MSW programs.
Licensed Social Worker (LSW) in Illinois
- Education requirements: A CSWE-approved Master of Social Work (MSW) or Bachelor of Social Work (BSW)
- Field requirements: BSW applicants must complete 3 years of supervised professional experience; MSW applicants do not need post-degree supervised experience to qualify for the LSW.
- Exam: No exam is required for the Illinois LSW (effective January 1, 2022).
- License renewal: Licenses generally renew on a 2-year cycle and expire November 30 of odd-numbered years (the first licensure period may be shorter).
Social Work Salaries for Illinois
Illinois Social Work Careers | Number of Social Workers in Illinois | Annual Mean Social Work Salary |
|---|---|---|
Child, family and school social workers | 17,790 | $69,430 |
Healthcare social workers | 5,240 | $67,130 |
Mental health and substance abuse social workers | 1,730 | $61,600 |
Social workers, all other | 1,870 | $72,170 |
Social work teachers, postsecondary | 770 | $78,460 |
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.
Illinois Social Work Scholarships
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:
- University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign (School of Social Work) — BSW scholarships
- University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign (School of Social Work) — MSW scholarships
- Jewish Federation of Metropolitan Chicago (JCFS) scholarship services — administers educational scholarships funded by the Jewish Federation of Metropolitan Chicago for eligible students pursuing helping professions
- School and Municipal Social Work Shortage Loan Repayment Program (ISAC) — a loan repayment benefit (not a scholarship) for eligible social workers in Illinois public schools and municipalities
Illinois Social Work Organizations
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 Association of School Social Workers: Founded in 1970 as a not-for-profit organization, this Illinois-based organization supports local school social workers and improves the education and quality of life for schoolchildren.
- National Association of Social Workers (NASW), Illinois Chapter: NASW is the largest membership organization of professional social workers in the U.S., and the Illinois Chapter provides continuing education, practice resources, and advocacy for social workers statewide.
- Society for Social Work Leadership in Health Care (SSWLHC), Illinois Chapter: The Illinois chapter connects health care social workers through professional development, mentoring, and networking, and supports best practices in health care social work.”
FAQ
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.
Information last updated: February 2026