MSW Chicago
Master's in Social Work Chicago
Looking to make a change? Columbia University’s online master’s of social work program will help you be the catalyst for that change. Whether it’s working with the impoverished, with children, or another population in need, CSSW will be with you every step fo the way.
Ready for the first step toward your Chicago MSW?
What's it Like to Earn an MSW Online in Chicago?
Our Online MSW Program
CSSW offers online, social work programs in Chicago that are convenient for you. Many of the same resources available in New York City are available to you in Chicago:
Financial Aid is Available
The School is committed to working with every student who qualifies for admission to make it possible to attend and earn your MSW degree.
Rigorous Coursework
Learn core theories that guide social work practice from the same faculty and under the same rigorous curriculum offered to students in our NYC campus.
Incomparable Training
Spend three days (21 hours a week) in the filed working at one of the social work agencies in Chicago, with a local advisor as well.
Support Services
Same network of support services as our New York City students, including career services, writing center, and library e-resources.
Why Masters in Social Work in Chicago
Chicago, a lakefront city known for its art museums, perfect summers, eclectic neighborhoods, and deep-dish pizza, is a city unlike any other. Despite its frigid temperatures—which locals will attest you become accustomed to—it attracts individuals from both coasts and anywhere in between. With its large population size and all that it has to offer, Chicago has been deemed a gem of the Midwest by many and ranks as the third largest city in the United States.
With its large population size comes a high need for social workers. The rough winters take a toll on the homeless population, which the Illinois Department of Human Services totals over 38,000 individuals. Children under the age of 18 make up roughly 30% of this number. The youth in the Chicago Public School system is also in the need of skilled social workers. Areas within the Chicagoland face violence both inside and outside the home. Columbia School of Social Work can prepare individuals to meet these needs.
Ready to Apply to CSSW? – 7 Recommended Steps
Please read our Admissions brochure and:
- Discover how our school defines social work.
- Explore the range of careers you can pursue with a masters in social work degree.
- Understand the process of earning an MSW.
- Confer with current and former students about their Practicum Learning experiences.
- Meet our faculty, among the most distinguished scholars and practitioners in the nation.
- Acquaint yourself with our student life.
- Learn how to apply.
Resources for Our Online Chicago MSW Students
Columbia School of Social Work has extensive experience assisting Chicago students in securing practical experience to supplement their online classroom learnings.
Listed on the right are agencies that CSSW currently has relationships with in the Chicago area.
CSSW currently has practicum placements at the following agencies in Chicago:
Additional agencies coming soon.
CSSW's Social Work Research in Chicago
Desmond Patton, an Assistant Professor of Social Work at CSSW is currently conducting research on gang violence afflicting neighbors of the greater Chicagoland. With over 500 homicides taking place a year, areas within Chicago are no longer safe for students and adults alike. Patton is attempting to produce an algorithm that can predict when and where gang violence may next take, so as to aid the criminal justice system in preventing this violence.
