A step-by-step guide to obtaining LSW and LCSW licensure in Illinois can be found here. A detailed guide and FAQ section on obtaining the LSW can be accessed here.

Applications for Illinois licensure can be found at Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation (IDFPR). Click here to access the IDFPR Social Work page directly.

Students admitted to the MSW Program are encouraged to submit the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) form as early as possible to ensure they are provided access to loans, scholarships, assistantships and other forms of aid available to all graduate students.

Graduate Assistantships

The MSW Program typically has two kinds of graduate assistantships, each of which provides up to a full tuition waiver of two graduate-level courses required for the degree and a stipend of up to $1000. In addition, DePaul offers student health insurance and various types of leave.

The first type (available only to incoming MSW students) supports the department office, and the second type (for students who have completed their first field internship) supports the field coordinator.

Primary responsibilities of the graduate assistantship, which requires approximately (10 hours per week), include the following:

• Administrative duties to support the department,
• Support faculty in the teaching, research, and/or service,
• Support the Director of Field Education in the administration of the internships.

In lieu of an application process, the MSW Program will put out a call notice at the beginning of July. Students will have an opportunity to submit their cover letter and resume through the start of August, via email. The MSW Program will conduct an interview of interested students and awardees will be notified by August 15^th.

Information on other program support is sent to enrolled students as it becomes available, and assistantships and other support available external to the department is typically emailed.

Additional information on financial aid can be found at the Office of Financial Aid.

Double Demon Scholarship

If you are an alumnus from any of DePaul’s colleges, you qualify for the Double Demon Scholarship which covers 25% of the tuition for a master’s degree in the MSW Program. There is no application required for the Double Demon Scholarship. Alumni who are admitted into the MSW Program will automatically qualify for the scholarship. More information about scholarship elegibility and restrictions is available on the DePaul Admission and Aid page.

If you have questions about the Double Demon Scholarship, please contact the college admissions office below.

Office: 773/325-7315
Fax: 312/476-3244
GradDePaul@depaul.edu

MSW Program students planning to graduate (with the standard student plan of courses, this would occur in June) must apply for degree conferral through Campus Connect. The deadline for application is at least one month before the quarter of conferral (again with the standard plan of courses this would be Spring Quarter). For more information on Degree Conferral deadlines and the process of Degree Conferral application go to LAS Degree Conferral Information.

The Graduate Research Funding (GRF) Program has been created to support LAS graduate students in their pursuit of research and scholarship. The GRF program provides research funds to the college’s graduate student population who contribute importantly to the academic rigor of our programs. The program provides graduate students with a unique opportunity to receive funding for the planning and implementation of research and scholarship, and in the dissemination of knowledge, both internal and external to the university community. Providing financial assistance for conducting and presenting research at professional and academic conferences enhances the learning experiences of our students. This funding contributes to the students' overall academic experience, and more effectively meets the needs of graduate level training. The online application along with application deadlines is accessed here.

DePaul's libraries are an excellent resource for students. In addition to the hundreds of thousands of books, periodicals, microforms and other reference materials housed in the library, students can also complete their research from home by accessing online journal articles. If a particular journal article or book is not available at DePaul, students can borrow them from other libraries through inter-library loan. For students needing research assistance, librarians are available to help through instant messaging, phone, email, or by appointment. Search through Social Work subject pages at the DePaul Library.

Loop Library
1 East Jackson Blvd
DePaul Center, 10th floor
Chicago, IL 60604

Access Services/General Information
(312) 362-8433

Reference Desk
(312) 362-8432

John T. Richardson Library/Lincoln Park
2350 North Kenmore Avenue
Chicago, IL 60614

Access Services
(773) 325-7895

General Information
(773) 325-7862

Reference Desk
(773) 325-7863

The information and policies in the MSW Program Student Handbook are designed to clarify University, program and professional expectations for students. The academic policies related to the program are intended to be in keeping with those of the College of Liberal Arts and Social Sciences and the University. It is hoped that this Handbook is useful to students as they progress through the degree program and join the profession of social work. Updates or addendums to this Handbook will be disseminated widely, including being made available on this website. Click here to view the latest version of the Handbook.

All students are encouraged to join the major professional organization of social workers, the National Association of Social Workers (NASW), while enrolled in the program. Membership rates for NASW are significantly discounted for students and all membership categories carry automatic membership in the state (Illinois) chapter which is currently one of the largest and best known in the nation. Membership applications are available online and in the MSW Program offices.

www.socialworkers.org | www.naswil.org

The Master of MSW Student Association (MSWSA), founded 2007, is open to all admitted MSW students and represents the voice of full-time and part-time students in the operation and direction setting of the program. MSWSA elects its own leadership and has defined roles in formally evaluating faculty, organizing student information sessions, facilitating student gatherings, and advocating for students within the MSW Program and the University. One faculty member serves as an advisor to the student association. The faculty and students meet jointly during the academic year to review program and association needs and policies.

The MSWSA board for AY 2025-2026 is: TBA

mswsadepaul@gmail.com

A fact sheet on several student loan forgiveness programs (compiled May 2025) can be accessed here.

Students admitted to the MSW Program who are enrolled in eight or more credit hours are eligible to participate in DePaul's CTA U-PASS program. This program provides students with unlimited CTA train and bus rides during the academic year (except Winter Break) for a nominal fee, which is charged each quarter to the student's tuition account. Click the link here for more information.

Resources for DePaul MSW Program students and field instructors:
Field Time Sheet
Internship Search Website (for enrolled DePaul MSW Program Students)

Resources for prospective field agencies and field instructors:
Requirements for Sites
DePaul MSW Field Instructor Application