Social Work Programs available at Governors State University

Looking to start your career in a faster growing field with a social work program at Governors State University? Social work professionals can look forward to bright prospects, as employment growth is set to reach 7% from 2023 to 2033. This growth outpaces the average across all occupations and will create about 67,300 job openings each year over the decade.

Governors State University offers several nationally accredited paths in social work education. You can pursue a 120-hour Bachelor of Social Work degree or choose the Master of Social Work program. The master’s program comes with two options – a 32-credit Advanced Standing track or a 60-credit Full Program. These programs will prepare you for success in the field. The MSW programs at Governors State stand out among other Illinois options because you can earn your degree in just one year of full-time study.

Social justice principles are the foundations of these valuable programs. The Social Work Department prepares competent practitioners who will reshape the scene to create healthy communities that support children, adults, and families. The university’s diverse student community enriches the learning experience with approximately 45.79% Black or African American, 36% White, and 9.35% Hispanic/Latino students. This multicultural environment mirrors the communities you’ll serve in your future career.

Where is Governors State University located

The Governors State University campus offers a perfect blend of natural beauty and easy access. Students in the university’s social work program enjoy a prime location in University Park, Illinois, that combines Chicago’s proximity with a peaceful suburban setting.

You’ll find Governors State University on a beautiful 750-acre wooded landscape with lakes and natural trails, just 30 miles south of Chicago. The spacious grounds create a perfect study environment while keeping big city resources within reach. Students looking at msw programs in Illinois will appreciate GovState’s mix of convenience and retreat-like atmosphere.

The university sits right in Chicago’s Southland, next to I-57 and I-80. These major highways make it easy to reach the campus from any direction.

Travel Times to Campus

Getting to Governors State University takes:

• 37-40 minutes from downtown Chicago
• 15 minutes from Chicago Heights
• 20 minutes from Tinley Park
• 35 minutes from Joliet
• 35 minutes from Kankakee
• 35 minutes from Palos Hills
• 35 minutes from Gary, Indiana

The location strikes the right balance – Chicago’s resources are nearby, yet students can focus on their studies away from city distractions. More than that, its central spot in the southern Chicago metro area makes it available to students from many communities.

Arriving by Car

Driving directions couldn’t be simpler:

• From I-57: Take the east exit onto Stuenkel Road/University Parkway
• From I-394: Exit onto Exchange West

You’ll have no trouble parking since it’s free in all university lots except Prairie Place and some designated areas. The university meets all Americans with Disabilities Act requirements, with accessible spaces in every lot.

Public Transportation Options

Several convenient public transport options can get you to campus:

By Train: The METRA Electric Line runs between Chicago’s Randolph Street Station and University Park station. You can walk the Alumni Path to the main entrance or hop on the free GSUXpress Shuttle.

By Bus: PACE busses connect nearby communities and the University Park Metra station to campus. Regular stops make it easy to travel around the area.

By Air: Chicago’s O’Hare International Airport and Midway Airport serve travelers from far away. Both offer good expressway access to the university, though you’ll need to arrange ground transport to campus.

Campus Setting

The governors state university social work program’s location stands out because of its unique campus. The 750-acre property’s wooded areas, lakes, and trails create a relaxed atmosphere that encourages learning and reflection – exactly what students in helping professions need.

This peaceful environment complements the demanding coursework in the social work programs. Students can recharge between classes by enjoying the natural surroundings, which helps them maintain the work-life balance so important in social work.

Social work students get extra benefits from this location. The diverse Chicago Southland region offers field placements in communities of all sizes with different needs. This variety prepares students for the range of populations they’ll serve in their careers.

Chicago’s proximity means students can tap into one of America’s biggest urban centers, packed with social service agencies, healthcare facilities, government offices, and non-profits – all potential employers for msw programs in Illinois graduates. These professional connections are a great way to get real value from a GovState degree.

The university’s address at 1 University Parkway, University Park, IL 60466 puts it in a community that values higher education while providing space for a complete university experience.

Students at Governors State University can enjoy Chicago’s cultural, professional, and social scene while studying in a calmer setting. This combination makes GovState an excellent choice for anyone seeking quality social work education near Chicago.

GovState’s Department of Public Safety adds to the campus experience by running escort services from the University Park Metra Station through the GSUXpress Shuttle, keeping everyone safe and comfortable.

Governors State University brings together easy access, natural beauty, and professional opportunities. The university’s strategic location makes it a smart choice for advancing your social work career through one of Illinois’ respected programs, whether you commute or move to the area.

What social work programs does XX offer?

Governors State University provides a detailed range of social work programs that prepare students for meaningful careers in the field. Students at different educational levels can get the knowledge and skills they need to tackle complex social issues in a variety of communities.

Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) Program

The BSW program at Governors State University gives students the skills they need for entry-level professional social work practice as generalists. Students learn about social justice ethics with special focus on social and economic disparities. The program prepares them to work with people at multiple levels—individuals, families, groups, organizations, and communities.

The program helps students understand human behavior in environmental contexts. They learn about human capacity for growth and change while developing cultural, social, and political competence. Students also build critical thinking skills and research knowledge to evaluate their own practice.

BSW Admission Requirements: You must meet these requirements to join the BSW program:

• Good standing at the university with a minimum 2.5 GPA
• Formal application for BSW status
• Grades of C or higher in English 1101 and 1102
• Successful completion of Areas A through F (except SW 2000)
• Minimum 2.5 GPA in lower-division courses for Areas A-F and at least a C in SW 2000 (if completed)

The BSW program’s entry process is selective based on space availability. Meeting minimum requirements doesn’t guarantee acceptance. Qualified students who don’t get in initially might end up on a competitive waiting list.

Master of Social Work (MSW) Programs

GSU’s MSW programs prepare advanced social work professionals to help at-risk, socially and economically diverse children, adults, and families. The program’s graduates work in social service agencies that serve children, adolescents, adults, families, and communities in Chicago’s southern urban/suburban/rural metropolitan region.

The university offers two MSW programs:

1. Full MSW Program (60 credit hours)
   • Students without a BSW degree from a CSWE-accredited program can apply
   • The program has foundation and advanced curriculum
   • Students finish in two years (full-time) or three to four years (part-time)
   • Field education happens at generalist and specialized levels
   • Students work 14 hours weekly at generalist level and 16-20 hours at specialized level
2. Advanced Standing MSW Program (32 credit hours)
   • Students need a BSW degree from a CSWE-accredited program within seven years
   • Advanced curriculum only
   • Students complete it in one year (full-time) or two years (part-time)
   • Field education needs 16-20 hours per week in Fall and Spring semesters based on specialization

Both programs let students study full-time or part-time. Full-time works best for those working less than full-time jobs. Part-time programs help full-time professionals who can’t study full-time.

Specialization Options: Students can focus on two main areas after finishing foundation curriculum (or starting Advanced Standing):

1. Children and Family Practice Optional subspecialties include:
   • Flex/No Subspecialty Option – Pick from available electives (with met prerequisites)
   • Mental Health Subspecialty – Learn DSM-5 diagnostic standards and interventions for advanced mental health disorders
   • Child Welfare Practice Subspecialty – Get training for Illinois Child Welfare Employee License (CWEL)
2. School Social Work Practice
   • Guides to Professional Educator License (PEL)
   • Prepares for work in educational settings

Both specializations meet Illinois Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) license educational requirements.

MSW Admission Requirements: You need:

• Bachelor’s degree with minimum 2.5 GPA
• Liberal arts foundation with behavioral/social sciences (9 credit hours), science/mathematical reasoning including human biology and statistics (6 credit hours), and humanities/fine arts (6 credit hours)
• 0 GPA in baccalaureate social work coursework for Advanced Standing program
• Application, three recommendation letters, and essay responses to MSW faculty questions

MSW programs start in Fall term. Students advance to candidacy by showing good progress and keeping a 3.0 GPA.

Field Education Component

Field education is the foundation of BSW and MSW programs. Students get unique hands-on experience in real-life settings. Full MSW students complete field education at both generalist and specialized levels over four semesters.

Advanced Standing MSW students do field education at specialized level only, lasting two semesters.

Field education hours vary by program and specialization:

• Full MSW students work 14 hours weekly at generalist level
• Full and Advanced Standing students work 16-20 hours weekly at specialized level, based on their practice specialization

Program Accreditation and Recognition

The Council on Social Work Education (CSWE) accredits both BSW and MSW programs at Governors State University. This will give students quality education that meets national standards for professional practice.

Career Opportunities with BSW and MSW Degrees

Social Work degrees at bachelor’s or master’s level open doors to meaningful careers. BSW graduates often work as:

• Case Manager (salary range: $38,011-$77,619)
• Community Outreach Worker (salary range: $49,058-$77,619)
• Probation Officer (salary range: $98,376-$170,407)
• Human Services Specialist (salary range: $23,072-$57,870)
• Juvenile Court Liaison (salary range: $40,811-$66,591)

MSW graduates can take on senior roles like:

• Licensed Clinical Social Worker (salary range: $53,618-$95,634)
• Mental Health Therapist (salary range: $36,700-$113,520)
• Clinical Forensic Specialist (salary range: $43,947-$95,148)
• Geriatric Social Worker (salary range: $76,375-$97,514)
• Hospice Social Worker (salary range: $45,500-$98,500)

Governors State University’s social work program lines up with various career goals and work situations. Students can choose flexible schedules, specialized tracks, and detailed field education. The program helps them make meaningful changes in their communities through evidence-based, socially just practice.

Field education at GovState

Field education is the substance of social work training at Governors State University. Many call it the “signature pedagogy” of social work education. This vital component connects classroom theory with ground settings. Students develop significant professional skills under expert supervision.

The main goal of field instruction at the governors state university social work program helps students build core practice competencies. These competencies match GovState’s curriculum goals and educational standards set by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE). Students strengthen their practice skills through hands-on experience. They learn supervision techniques, practice self-reflection, show professionalism, follow the NASW Code of Ethics, promote social justice, and build their professional identity.

Structure and Requirements

GovState’s field education follows a structured format based on program level and concentration. BSW students and MSW-Foundation students focus on generalist practice. Advanced MSW students work in specialized placements that match their chosen concentration.

The time commitment varies by program:

• BSW students: Typically complete 14 hours weekly at the foundation level
• MSW-Foundation students: Complete 14 hours weekly
• MSW-Advanced students: Complete 16-20 hours weekly based on practice specialization

Full MSW students need four semesters (two years) of field placement at both foundation and advanced levels. Advanced Standing MSW students complete field education only at the advanced level for two semesters (one year).

Application Process

Students must meet specific criteria to start field education:

1. MSW students must gain admission to the MSW program
2. Complete required core courses in sequential order

Students must attend a mandatory orientation before starting field education. The orientation covers application processes, problem management in the field, and student expectations. Students learn about the E-Value electronic records system for field documentation.

The Field Education Office stresses that students should follow their Plans of Study. Students should meet with Academic Advisors before applying for field placement. Students can’t arrange their own placements. The Field Education Office must approve all field sites to ensure quality learning experiences.

Documentation and Learning Tools

Students must keep several documents to track their progress and learning:

• Student Learning Contract – A learning plan that structures time and professional development at the placement site
• Time Logs – Documentation of placement hours
• Student Performance Evaluation – Assessment of progress and competency development

These documents link social work practice with learning outcomes. They allow observation and assessment of practice behaviors, connect practice with professional knowledge and skills, and help identify future planning needs.

Supervision: A Critical Component

Field supervision is vital to the field education experience. Weekly one-hour supervisory meetings provide accountability and guidance about agency policies. Students receive ongoing case consultation, professional modeling, support with new interventions, and performance feedback.

Students should welcome instruction and critical feedback to improve their social work practice skills. Field supervisors model professional practice and take final responsibility for student training at the placement site.

Field Placement Settings

Students complete field education off-campus in social service settings throughout the community. GovState’s big network of placement sites helps most students schedule field hours around their classes and jobs.

Field placements happen in:

• Social service agencies
• Healthcare facilities
• Educational institutions
• Government organizations
• Community-based programs

These varied settings expose students to different populations and social issues. This prepares them for professional practice complexities. Most students can arrange field hours that fit their schedules thanks to GovState’s extensive placement network.

Support from the Field Education Office

GovState’s Field Education Office, part of the Social Work Department, creates optimal learning experiences. The office acts as “the bridge between social work theory and practice”. It guides students through the field education process from start to finish.

Januari Wilson, MSW, LCSW, coordinates field education for BSW students. The Field Education Coordinator helps MSW students with placement, monitoring, and evaluation.

Students should check the Field Education Office webpage often. It lists important resources, upcoming field events, and announcements.

Field Seminar: Connecting Theory and Practice

Students take Field Seminar courses alongside their practical experience. These seminars help students connect theory and practice in a process-oriented learning environment. Field Practicum and Field Seminar courses run together, letting students develop professional skills in a supportive academic setting.

Field Education Manual

The Field Manual guides Field Education in GovState’s Social Work Program. This detailed resource helps students, field agency instructors, and GSU field faculty understand policies and procedures. The manual covers professional mandates, field instruction roles, field procedures, the Field Instructor Agreement, and student performance in field curriculum.

The Value of Field Education

The governors state university social work program sees field education as essential to professional development. Field work involves real clients with real-life situations, problems, and crises. This makes supervised practice vital. Students test theoretical knowledge, build technical skills, and shape their professional identity under careful guidance.

MSW program students in Illinois gain a vital competitive edge through field education. They build professional networks and get documented experience before graduation. Students grow confident in their abilities and understand actual social work practice complexities.

Insurance Requirements

GovState requires all social work students to have professional liability insurance during field education. A group policy fee usually covers this insurance that protects students during their internship.

Students should get personal health insurance. They might want optional “Accidental Injury and Post Exposure” insurance plans for extra protection. The university and placement agencies don’t usually cover personal property insurance for items like cell phones or laptops.

What sets Governors  apart?

Governors State University is well-known among educational institutions that offer social work degrees. The program goes beyond simple program descriptions and field placements. Several unique features make the governors state university social work program worth thinking over for your educational trip.

Affordability That Makes a Difference

Most prospective students rank affordability at the top of their priorities. Governors State University offers exceptional value with tuition rates consistently lower than comparable MSW programs in Illinois. This cost advantage comes with quality education that shows the university’s steadfast dedication to making professional social work education available to diverse populations.

The university makes education even more affordable through generous financial aid options. Social work majors can qualify for specific scholarships, need-based grants, and graduate assistantships. These opportunities help reduce the financial burden of higher education. Students can focus on learning instead of worrying about money.

Flexible Program Delivery Options

Governors State meets today’s students’ diverse needs through remarkable program flexibility. The social work department offers multiple paths to complete your degree:

• Evening and weekend courses designed for working professionals
• Online and hybrid options that cut down commuting time
• Accelerated formats for faster completion
• Part-time study plans that fit around other commitments

Students who juggle professional duties, family life, or other commitments find this flexibility valuable. Unlike programs with strict schedules that force tough choices, Governors State adapts to your schedule.

Student-Centered Learning Environment

Small class sizes at Governors State help create meaningful connections between students and faculty. This approach allows for personal attention that bigger schools can’t match. Professors know their students’ names, understand their career goals, and offer guidance throughout their educational trip.

Support extends beyond the classroom through complete support services:

• Academic advisors who specialize in social work education
• Writing help tailored to social work documentation
• Tech support for online resources
• Career services focused on social work jobs

These resources create a supportive environment that boosts learning outcomes and prepares students for professional practice.

Faculty Expertise and Ongoing Practice

Governors State’s faculty members bring outstanding qualifications that blend academic expertise with ground experience. Most professors maintain active practices alongside teaching. This ensures classroom instruction reflects current trends, new challenges, and evolving best practices.

Their involvement in both academia and practice creates unique learning opportunities. Professors share recent case experiences in class discussions while protecting confidentiality. This helps students connect theory with practice. Many faculty members also maintain ties with local agencies that become valuable networking resources for students seeking field placements or jobs after graduation.

Dedication to Diversity and Inclusion

Diversity and inclusion spread through every aspect of Governors State University’s social work program. This shows in:

• A culturally diverse faculty from various backgrounds
• A curriculum that addresses cultural competence and social justice
• Efforts to create diverse student groups
• Campus events that celebrate different cultural traditions

Students develop cultural sensitivity by participating with diverse points of view during their education. This prepares them to work with various populations in increasingly multicultural communities.

Seamless Pathway from BSW to MSW

Students planning their education from undergraduate through graduate levels will find a smooth path at Governors State. The BSW and MSW curricula line up perfectly to avoid repetition. BSW graduates moving to the Advanced Standing MSW program find familiar frameworks, consistent terminology, and logical progression to advanced content.

Strong Community Partnerships

Governors State has developed exceptional relationships with social service agencies, healthcare systems, schools, and government organizations over decades. These partnerships benefit students through:

• Exclusive field placements not open to other schools’ students
• Expert guest speakers in classrooms
• Research projects that solve community problems
• Job opportunities after graduation

These long-standing relationships give students access to valuable experiences and professional connections that newer programs can’t match.

Focus on Rural Social Work Practice

While many msw programs in illinois concentrate on urban settings, Governors State emphasizes preparing social workers for rural communities. The program recognizes rural areas’ unique challenges—limited resources, connected social networks, and distinct cultural dynamics.

Students interested in helping underserved rural populations find this focus valuable. The curriculum covers rural-specific intervention strategies, resource development, and ethical considerations for smaller communities. This helps fill a critical workforce gap in rural areas that struggle to find qualified social workers.

Technology Integration in Practice Preparation

Governors State prepares students for the digital world of social work. Students learn to use electronic health records, telehealth platforms, case management software, and data analysis tools common in professional settings. This tech training ensures graduates can handle the digital aspects of modern social services.

Research Opportunities with Community Impact

Students interested in research can join faculty-led projects that address pressing social issues. These experiences build research skills while helping communities. Unlike purely academic research elsewhere, Governors State focuses on applied research that directly affects practice and policy.

The governors state university social work program takes an all-encompassing approach to professional preparation. It combines academic excellence, hands-on experience, community connections, and student support to create exceptional educational outcomes. This complete approach continues to attract students who want quality social work education in a supportive environment.

Next steps

The path to a rewarding career in helping others starts with selecting the right social work program. Governors State University emerges as an outstanding choice with its nationally accredited BSW and MSW programs. Students benefit from a beautiful 750-acre wooded campus that strikes the perfect balance – close to Chicago’s networking opportunities yet peaceful enough to study effectively.

Governors State’s program options fit diverse educational backgrounds and career goals. The BSW degree requires 120 hours of detailed coursework. The MSW program offers two paths: a 32-credit Advanced Standing option or a 60-credit Full Program. Each program builds on social justice principles. Field education connects classroom theories to ground practice under expert guidance.

The university stands apart from other Illinois MSW programs in several ways. Quality education remains available through affordable tuition rates. The flexible schedule helps students balance their studies with life commitments. Faculty members maintain active professional practices and provide individual attention in small classes.

The university’s diverse environment mirrors the communities that graduates will serve. Strategic collaborations with regional agencies create exclusive field placement opportunities that often lead to jobs after graduation.

Governors State University provides more than academic credentials – it opens the door to a meaningful career that helps individuals, families, and communities thrive. Your path to becoming a skilled and caring social work professional begins here, with programs that support healthy communities for everyone.