Social Work/Women’s and Gender Studies (MSW-MA)

Shape your role in social work with a focus on women’s and gender studies

A Social Work/Women’s and Gender Studies MSW/MA dual degree will give you a foundation for developing a career in social work that emphasizes social responsibility, advocacy and activism. This unique program places a focus on gender, community and social justice.

The program can be completed in three years with classes available at both the Lincoln Park and Loop campuses.

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Study social welfare in the community of Chicago

Your classes will challenge you to see human behavior and your environment through the lens of a women’s and gender studies scholar. Take part in rigorous social work curriculum, while having access to Chicago-based organizations like the Chicago Metropolitan Battered Women's Network, the Illinois Safe Schools Alliance and About Face Theater.

Application Deadlines

The priority deadline for MA applications is February 15. Applications will continue to be accepted until April 1 which is the deadline for the MSW program.

Admission Requirements

Submit an online application, official transcripts, essay, two letters of recommendation, a writing sample, and curriculum vitae or résumé.

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Required Courses

You’ll complete 76 credit hours in the MSW program and 32 credit hours in the Women’s and Gender Studies program.

MSW Requirements MA Requirements

95%

of LAS master’s degree recipients were employed, continuing their education or not seeking employment within six months of graduation.

89%

of employed College of LAS graduates were in a job related to their field of study.

Faculty with a breadth of social work and service experience

You’ll learn from faculty like Assistant Professor Maria Ferrera who specializes in child welfare, medical social work and assists the Filipino American and other immigrant communities with social service needs. Her areas of practice and research involve the influence of colonization on ethnic identity development; community-based, socially just practices and mixed-methods-research with ethnic minority youth. Ferrera also studies health disparities and the impact of health care law on new and undocumented immigrants in Chicago.

“I chose this program for the integration of two fields that I hold very near to my heart, and for the importance in practice that I think they hold for each other. While Women's and Gender Studies allows us to delve deep into theoretical frameworks, Social Work ultimately binds our academic journey in praxis. I hope to work in the social work field with at-risk LGBTQ teens with a focus in community building and restorative justice.”

Kate (MSW/MA ’20)

Alumni Network

Alumni of the MSW/MA in Women’s and Gender Studies degree have followed a number of trajectories. Graduates go on to become social workers for non-profits, while others are leaders in education, media and communications, human rights, public policy, community-based organizing, creative arts and social justice.

Scholarships & Aid

The department offers yearly graduate assistantships that include a stipend. Learn more about the 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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Women's and Gender Studies