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Make a real impact
The Master of Social Work (MSW) program will prepare you for advanced social work, with attention to professional ethics, respect for human rights and recognition of the inherent dignity of all people. The curriculum is grounded equally in theory and practical application. Choose from one of two concentrations:
- The Community Practice concentration prepares you to lead human service organizations.
- The Forensic Social Work concentration prepares you for practice and advocacy in settings where human services and the legal system intersect.
You’ll be grouped in a small cohort, which enables you to get to know your colleagues and receive individualized attention from your professors.
DePaul’s MSW program is offered on the Loop Campus and can be completed on either a full-time (two years) or part-time (options for three years or four years) basis. Classes are held on weekday afternoons and evenings. Field placements will require daytime availability and are offered across the Chicago area.
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Immerse yourself in the field
Chicago is home to hundreds of social service agencies and nonprofits, and with our partnerships you’ll gain hands-on experience in an area that interests you. As part of the MSW degree program, you’ll complete two
field experiences with agencies like Catholic Charities, AIDS Foundation of Chicago, Friedman Place, and DePaul Family and Community Services.
Application Deadlines
For admission in the autumn quarter, the deadline for full-time applicants is April 1 (or until the cohort is filled), and the deadline for part-time applicants is July 15.
Admission Requirements
Submit an online application, résumé/CV, personal statement, two letters of reference and official transcripts.
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Required Courses
You’ll take 11 foundation courses, nine courses in your concentration, including field placements, and two electives.
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86%
of Social Work graduates were employed, continuing their education or pursuing other goals within six months of graduation.
Passionate faculty driven to make a difference
Neil Vincent, PhD, associate professor of social work, is one of the founding voices for Chicago Survivors, an organization dedicated to serving families impacted by violences, and Sonya Crabtree-Nelson, PhD, LCSW, Associate Professor of Social Work, is facilitating student involvement with the Neighborhood Legal Assistance Program to provide triage case management and pro bono legal assistance to homeless and formerly homeless Chicagoans. These professors are examples of the passionate faculty you will have the opportunity to learn from during your graduate program at DePaul.
“The DePaul MSW program provided me with a well-rounded social work education. The MSW faculty encourage class discussions and participation that allows for consideration of diverse points of view. Learning from my classmates made me a more mindful and empathetic person. The faculty also used current social and political issues and pop culture in the classroom to demonstrate concepts and theories we learned in our books. This model of learning forces critical thinking and has made me more analytical of the world around me.”
Lyndsey (MSW ’10)
Director of Social Services, HCR ManorCare
Alumni Network
Connect with MSW alumni working across the Chicago area at organizations and agencies like AmeriCorps, Boys & Girls Clubs of Chicago, and Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children’s Hospital of Chicago. You’ll also be connected to the wider network of over 180,000 DePaul alumni.
Scholarships & Aid
Graduate school is an investment in your future. Learn more about the financial aid and scholarship opportunities available to you.
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Contact Information
For more information about applying, contact The Office of Graduate Admission at
(773) 325-7315 or
graddepaul@depaul.edu.
Take the next step
We’ll send you information about the degree, admission requirements and upcoming info sessions. Let’s get started.
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