BEGIN YOUR SOCIAL WORK JOURNEY IN ILLINOIS
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To practice as a social worker in Illinois, you must have at least a bachelor’s degree (BSW), though many positions ask for a master’s degree (MSW). You need a state license from the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation to legally work as a social worker in Illinois.
Social work is a profession dedicated to helping people live better lives and meeting essential human needs, with special focus on at-risk and underserved communities. Illinois social workers practice in diverse environments and use their training and skills to address challenging social issues.
The social work field in Illinois is projected to expand by 15 percent over the coming decade, which beats national growth rates and creates many career opportunities throughout the state. Illinois provides competitive wages and has strong job demand for social workers.
Earn Your Social Work Degree in Illinois
Social work degrees come in different levels, from associate programs through doctoral degrees. To become a licensed social worker in Illinois, you must have at least a bachelor’s degree in social work (BSW), although many advanced positions need a master’s degree (MSW). Everyone begins somewhere. If you’re starting your education, look at our information on associate and bachelor’s programs in social work. If you’re further along, then a master’s in social work may be what comes next. You can enter social work even if your bachelor’s degree is in something else, but you might have additional requirements.
Bachelor of Social Work (BSW)
The undergraduate degree for social work is a Bachelor of Social Work. A BSW prepares you for entry-level positions and is necessary for licensure as a Licensed Bachelor Social Worker (LBSW) in Illinois. Most bachelor’s programs take 120 credit hours, and several Illinois schools offer online options.
Master of Social Work (MSW)
A master’s degree in social work qualifies you for advanced practice and clinical positions in Illinois. Whether you want to work in healthcare settings, child welfare, mental health services, or with aging populations, an MSW opens doors to becoming a Licensed Master Social Worker (LMSW) or Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) in Illinois once you finish required supervised experience.
Ph.D. in Social Work
If you’re interested in research, policy development, or teaching at the college level in social work, you may want a Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.). Those with a Ph.D. in Social Work typically work at Illinois universities, research organizations, or in leadership positions.
Associate Degree in Human Services
An Associate Degree in Human Services is a great starting point to build your education in social work. While this degree doesn’t allow you to work as a licensed social worker, you can begin your studies and find employment in assistant roles at Illinois social service organizations while you complete more education.
DSW (Doctor of Social Work)
Another doctorate path is the Doctor of Social Work (DSW). The DSW is designed for social workers seeking advanced clinical work or management positions in Illinois organizations. This practice-oriented doctorate typically needs an MSW and professional experience. DSW graduates often run major social service agencies or serve as clinical supervisors who mentor other social workers.
Related Advanced Degrees
Illinois social workers can also pursue related graduate degrees such as an MPA (Master of Public Administration) or MPH (Master of Public Health) to strengthen their practice in specialized fields like public administration or community health social work.
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Career Paths with an Illinois Social Work Degree
Picking a Specialization
As you begin working toward becoming an Illinois social worker, you might already know exactly what field you want to work in, or you might still be exploring options. Based on where you are in deciding, you can select a degree program that works for you. If you’re unsure, pick a program with a general curriculum – that way, you can discover different areas of social work and choose a specialization down the road. Or, if you’re confident about your direction, you can select a specific concentration, like Child Welfare or Medical Social Work, to specialize early. To assist you, we’ve put together guides about different social work careers in Illinois to help you narrow down a specialization.
Funding and Scholarships
Because higher education is often required for social work jobs in Illinois, this career path might feel financially challenging. Fortunately, many scholarships exist specifically for Illinois social work students, and there are also public and private financial aid options that can help you achieve your dream. Other possibilities include tuition assistance from Illinois employers or loan forgiveness programs for social workers who commit to serving in high-need communities across the state. We’ve compiled a list of Illinois social work scholarships for you to review as you pursue a fulfilling career serving Illinois residents.