Social Work, M.S.W.
A Master of Social Work (MSW) prepares students for a career in an advanced specialized area of practice serving individuals, groups, communities, and organizations. Students who graduate with an MSW can seek clinical and leadership roles in a variety of public/private settings (e.g., advocacy organizations, counseling centers, child welfare agencies (IDCFS), hospitals, private practice, residential settings, schools, veteran administration systems, and more).
After earning a master’s degree in social work from our CSWE-accredited program and meeting additional state requirements, graduates can immediately apply to become a Licensed Social Worker (LSW) in Illinois. To become a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW), 3,000 clock hours of post-MSW supervision, and a clinical exam are required (reference your state guidelines). To learn more about the profession of social work, visit the National Association of Social Work website.
Why Study Social Work at GovState?
- We are fully accredited by The Council on Social Work Education.
- Our program is grounded in a social justice ethos.
- We offer full-time and part-time enrollment in the afternoon & evening Hours.
- Our class sizes are small.
- We have a diverse student body and faculty.
- Our tuition and fees are among the lowest in Illinois.
- We offer great student life opportunities (study abroad, clubs, advocacy).
Quick Facts
Advanced Standing MSW - 32 Credits
Full Program MSW - 60 Credits
Full-Time and Part-Time Options
In-Person Afternoon/Evening Classes
Program Description
The Social Work Department at GovState offers two programs and several different specializations.
The Advanced Standing MSW Program, which is comprised of 32 credit hours, is for students who have earned a Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) degree from a Council on Social Work Education (CSWE) accredited program. Students can achieve their MSW degree in as little as one year (full-time). A two-year part-time option is also available. Based on the chosen practice specialization, students complete 16-20 hours of field education per week in both the Fall and Spring semesters.
The Full MSW Program comprises 60 credit hours for students without a (BSW) degree from a CSWE accredited program. Students complete their MSW degree in as little as two years (full-time). A three- or a four-year part-time option is also available. Students complete field education at the generalist and specialized levels, completing 14 hours weekly at the generalist level and 16-20 hours weekly at the specialized level based on practice specialization. Each level requires a Fall and Spring term of field education, totaling four semesters of field education.
We offer the following specializations:
- School Social Work Practice (Professional Educator License/PEL)
- Children and Family Practice* (with the option of a subspecialty)
- Flex/no subspecialty option, select from available electives (as long as prerequisites are satisfied)
- Child Welfare Practice subspecialty (training to obtain an Illinois Child Welfare Employee License/CWEL)
- Mental Health Subspecialty (training in DSM-5 specified diagnostic standards and related interventions for advanced mental health disorders)
Both specializations satisfy the educational requirements of the IL Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) license. Students can work with children, adolescents, adults, families, organizations, and communities upon graduation.
Reach Your Career Goals
A master's level degree in Social Work, opens the door to a variety of impactful careers. According to the U.S. Bureau of Statistics, the employment of social workers is projected to grow by 6% from 2024 to 2034, which is faster than the average for all occupations. This growth is expected to result in about 74,000 job openings each year over the decade. This positive outlook reflects the increasing demand for social services across various sectors, including healthcare, mental health, and community support.
Provided is a comprehensive list of positions, job descriptions, as well as salary information:
Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) - Provides mental health therapy, diagnosing and treating emotional and psychological issues. Works in settings like private practices, hospitals, or community agencies. Salary Range: $53,618-$95,634. Source: (NASW)
Mental Health Therapist - Offers counseling services to individuals or groups dealing with mental health challenges. Develops treatment plans and therapeutic interventions tailored to client needs. Salary Range: $36,700-$113,520. Source: (allpsychologyschools.com)
Clinical Forensic Specialist - Works at the intersection of social work and the legal system, assessing and providing therapy to individuals involved in legal matters. Collaborates with law enforcement and legal professionals to address psychosocial aspects of cases. Salary Range: $43,947-$95,148. Source: (Salary.com)
Geriatric Social Worker - Specializes in supporting the elderly, addressing issues like aging, health care, and end-of-life planning. Connects seniors with resources to enhance their quality of life. Salary Range: $76,375-$97,514. Source: (Salary.com)
Hospice Social Worker - Provides emotional and logistical support to patients in hospice care and their families. Assists with end-of-life planning, counseling, and connecting to necessary services. Salary Range: $45,500-$98,500. Source: (ZipRecruiter.com)
Master of Social Work Program Mission and Learning Goals
The mission of the Master of Social Work Program at Governors State University is to prepare students to practice with a social justice ethos. Our social justice ethos is our guiding principle of challenging barriers and promoting access to political, social, and economic freedoms and rights. Students specialize in child and family practice and school social work practice. Students demonstrate proficiency in social work knowledge, values, and skill-based competencies to improve the well-being of individuals, families, groups, organizations, and communities. Through policy and program development, students learn to promote and advocate for diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging with client populations.
- Prepare students for advanced specialized and multi-disciplinary practice at the individual, family, group, organizational, and community levels in schools and child and family settings.
- Apply the values and ethical standards of the profession to practice.
- Conduct multidimensional assessments of individuals, groups, organizations, and communities considering cultural, economic, political, and system factors.
- Apply theoretical frameworks and empirical evidence to engage, assess, intervene, and evaluate human development, behavior, agency, and interactions at all levels in Schools and Child and Family settings.
- Conduct, critically analyze, and utilize research to evaluate practice interventions to improve practice and inform social policy.
- Apply strategies of advocacy and social change that advance social and economic justice and personal well-being.
· Equity and Inclusion: We advance diversity, equity, and inclusion in health informatics education and practice.
· Integrity: We uphold ethical standards and accountability in data stewardship, research, and professional practice.
· Innovation: We embrace creativity, technology, and evidence-based solutions to address emerging healthcare challenges.
· Collaboration: We foster partnerships among students, faculty, healthcare organizations, and communities to drive shared learning and progress.
· Lifelong Learning: We prepare graduates for continuous growth in a rapidly evolving healthcare and technology landscape.
· Community Impact: We are committed to using informatics to improve access, quality, and equity in healthcare for all populations.
Delivery Format
Classes are held in person on campus and primarily offered in the afternoon/evening (e.g., starting at 4:30 pm). Field Education is completed off-campus within a social service setting in the community. Scheduled times vary by selected field education site, yet with our vast network of placement sites, most students schedule field hours that fit their class/employment schedules. Students can enroll as a full-time or part-time student. More information on field education can be found in the fact sheets below.
Student Involvement
The Social Work program has a well-established history of student involvement in the community, at GovState, and in the Social Work Department, through service and leadership by developing and involvement in student organizations (e.g. The Gay Straight Alliance, Veterans Resource Center, International Student Organization, and Student Senate).
Social Work students founded Generating Hope, a student organization grounded in the belief that education is a human right that should be accessible to everyone—a belief supported by data that shows higher education significantly decreases recidivism and transforms the lives of those who have been formerly incarcerated.
The Social Work Student Organization (SWSO) has been instrumental in coordinating an annual Social Work Advocacy Day in Springfield and raising funds for global and domestic communities (e.g. Haiti, Flint, Michigan, etc.).
The social work honor society Phi Alpha not only recognizes academic excellence but also has spearheaded community service projects.
Under faculty leadership, social work students have the opportunity for study abroad and service-learning opportunities in locations such as Ghana, Inuab, South Argentine, Nicaragua and Panama.
Social Work students may enhance their professional skills by attending professional conferences and engaging in research with faculty.
Quote from Linda D Campos-Moreira, Ph.D., M.S.W., M.Ed., LSW
We welcome you to the Master of Social Work Program at Governors State University (GovState)! We are excited to have you be a part of the social work community and look forward to supporting you in becoming a specialized social work professional. Our program is deeply committed to preparing the next generation of practitioners whose practice in schools and agencies with children, adolescents, adults, and families is grounded in a social justice ethos. Students will be surrounded by a diverse student body and diverse faculty. Our faculty are committed to social justice and their expertise is expansive (e.g., medical/healthcare, criminal justice, trauma-informed care, school social work, forensics, advocacy, research, and more). Our coursework with field education (i.e., field placement) prepares students to practice in various settings with diverse populations. After completing our curriculum, students can conduct multidimensional assessments, analyze the effects of socio-cultural, economic, and political influences on clients, advocate for and empower clients, and engage in research-informed practice. As the MSW Program Coordinator, I invite you to work hard, ask questions, utilize resources, connect with peers and faculty, and take advantage of learning opportunities both inside and outside of the classroom (e.g., study abroad, public health brigades, campus events, research, and student organizations). All in all, if you are looking to empower and enhance the well-being of individuals, groups, and communities and advocate for systems and processes that support client progress, then you’ve come to the right place!
Accreditation
The MSW program is fully accredited by the Council on Social Work Education.
The Council on Social Work Education
Address:333 John Carlyle Street Suite 400
Alexandria, VA 22314-3457
Phone: 703.683.8080
Fax: 703.683.8099
Email: info@cswe.org
Website:https://www.cswe.org
How To Apply and Special Admissions Requirements
Students are admitted twice per year in the Summer and Fall semesters. To receive the strongest consideration and an earlier decision, apply by the priority consideration deadline. Full-time students are strongly encouraged to apply by the priority consideration deadline to begin the internship/field practicum process early.
Entry Term:
Summer/Fall 2026
- Priority Consideration: December 15th, 2025 •
Standard Deadline: March 15th, 2026
Note: Due to accreditation guidelines regarding the faculty/student ratio, admission to the program is limited each year.
Full Program MSW Special Admissions Requirements: For students without a bachelor’s degree in social work from a CSWE-accredited program. In addition to meeting the university admission criteria, the following are required of applicants:
1. A bachelor’s degree with a minimum cumulative G.P.A. of 2.50 on a 4.0 scale
2. A liberal arts foundation that includes coursework in the following areas: a. behavioral/social sciences (equivalent of nine credit hours); b. science/mathematical reasoning (equivalent of six credit hours); and c. humanities/fine arts (equivalent of six credit hours).
3. Submit an application with the following: a. essay responses to questions posed by the M.S.W. program faculty, b. official transcripts from all post-secondary institutions from which the applicant completed coursework c. three professional/academic recommendation forms completed (applicants provide three references, and we will email your references a recommendation form to complete).
Note: An application is not considered complete until all recommendation forms have been completed/submitted.
Advanced Standing MSW Special Admissions Requirements: For students with a bachelor’s degree in social work from a CSWE-accredited program.
Prospective students for the Advanced Standing Degree program must satisfy the above requirements in addition to having a 3.0 G.P.A. in baccalaureate social work coursework.
Applicants are ranked for admission on the basis of:
1. undergraduate grade point average;
2. commitment to the mission of the M.S.W. program;
3. personal value system consistent with that of the social work profession;
4. prior employment and/or volunteer experience serving the needs of vulnerable, at-risk population groups
• https://apply.govst.edu/apply/.
• Official transcripts should be sent to apotranscripts@govst.edu. GovState alumni can email apotranscripts@govst.edu to request that their transcripts be uploaded to their application.
For additional inquiries, email us at MSWAdmissions@govst.edu or book a time with Dr. Campos-Moreira, MSW Program Coordinator
What You'll Study
Our academic catalog has detailed information about what you'll study, like courses, hours needed for completion, and other requirements.
Admissions
You'll need certain documents and meet certain requirements in order to apply. Read about them on our admissions pages.
Financial Aid and Scholarships
Governors State’s mission is to offer accessible and exceptional education, which is why GovState offers the most affordable tuition rates in the Chicagoland area—all while maintaining our top accreditations.
As a student at Governors State University, you have many available ways to cover the cost of your tuition.
Contact Us:
- Linda D Campos-Moreira, Ph.D., M.S.W., M.Ed., LSW
- MSW Program Coordinator, Associate Professor of Social Work, and MSW Academic Advisor
- 1 University Parkway, University Park,IL, 60484-0975
- 708.235.7141
- lcampos-moreira@govst.edu
- MSW Admissions
- College of Health and Human Services
- 1 University Parkway, University Park,IL, 60484-0975
- MSWAdmissions@govst.edu