Social Work Programs at Chamberlain University
Chamberlain University has established itself as a prominent institution in healthcare education over the last 130 years, giving healthcare professionals the ability to excel in their careers. The university’s legacy of excellence now extends to social work programs that prepare students to become agents of social change worldwide.
The Council on Social Work Education’s (CSWE) Commission on Accreditation has granted Initial Accreditation through 2030 to Chamberlain University’s Master of Social Work (MSW) degree program. Students who graduated after September 2019 are now retroactively recognized as graduates of a CSWE-accredited program. CSWE accreditation is a quality marker, recognized by the Council for Higher Education Accreditation as the sole accrediting agency for social work education in the United States and its territories.
The social work program at Chamberlain focuses on adapting Social Work Competencies for specific populations, problem areas, intervention methods, and approaches to practice. Students become exceptional social work professionals who advocate for human rights and social, economic, and environmental justice.
Students can choose from flexible program options based on their educational background. The Traditional Option suits students with a baccalaureate degree in any field. Full-time students can complete their MSW in as few as two years, while part-time students typically take three years. On top of that, the Advanced Standing Option welcomes students who earned a CSWE-accredited baccalaureate degree in social work within the last five years, or those with an older social work degree but maintain an active social work license in good standing.
The MSW program’s second year lets students pick a specialty track that matches their community’s needs. Students can choose from six specializations: crisis and response interventions, medical social work, trauma, military social work, gerontology, and substance abuse and addictions. These specializations match the Bureau of Labor Statistics projections, which show varying employment growth across specialties, particularly in healthcare social work (medical and gerontology), substance abuse and addiction social work, and child, family, and school social work.
Chamberlain University’s curriculum lines up with their Social Determinants of Learning framework. This approach ensures multicultural excellence in curriculum, environment, and instruction to produce healthcare practitioners who understand and act on Social Determinants of Health. Students experience this culturally responsive curriculum through various online learning formats such as videos, journal articles, virtual simulations, infographics, and discussion questions.
The MSW program offers maximum flexibility for working professionals. Students can access coursework online 24/7 and participate in studies according to their schedule. This setup makes earning a social work degree possible for busy individuals juggling personal and professional commitments.
Expert faculty members who lead social justice initiatives with diverse social work practice experiences guide the students. The university has built a diverse faculty team from different backgrounds and practice types to share practical insights from various settings.
Students receive strong support beyond classroom instruction. The online MSW program pairs students with dedicated student services advisors to keep them on track, while experiential learning coordinators guide their practicum experience. Students complete an on-site fieldwork practicum tailored to their interests and goals.
The university’s community includes more than 177,000 students, faculty and alumni, with 11,000+ partner locations. This vast network creates countless opportunities for students to connect with professionals and potential employers.
Social workers can find jobs in schools, hospitals, mental health clinics, senior centers, elected office, private practices, prisons, military, corporations, and numerous public and private agencies. Social workers share one mission: to boost human well-being and help meet people’s simple human needs, focusing particularly on vulnerable, oppressed, and impoverished populations.
Where is Chamberlain University located
Chamberlain University has 24 physical campus locations across the United States. This nationwide presence makes quality healthcare education available to students everywhere. The university’s headquarters sits in Downers Grove, Illinois, with a network of campuses spread throughout the country.
Students can find Chamberlain’s campuses from coast to coast in major metropolitan areas serving communities of all types. These locations span 15 states, making education available to students whatever their location.
The western region features campuses in:
- Arizona (Phoenix)
- California (Irwindale and Sacramento/Rancho Cordova)
- Nevada (Las Vegas)
Students in the midwest can access campuses in:
- Illinois (Addison, Chicago, and Tinley Park)
- Indiana (Indianapolis)
- Kansas (Overland Park)
- Michigan (Troy)
- Missouri (St. Louis)
- Ohio (Columbus)
The southern states have campuses in:
- Florida (Jacksonville and Miramar)
- Georgia (Atlanta/Sandy Springs and Stockbridge)
- Louisiana (New Orleans/Jefferson)
- Texas (Houston, Irving, Pearland, and San Antonio)
Students on the eastern seaboard can attend:
- New Jersey (North Brunswick)
- North Carolina (Charlotte)
- Virginia (Tysons Corner/Vienna)
Working professionals can take advantage of flexible scheduling options at many locations. 13 campuses offer Evening/Weekend options for nursing programs, which helps students balance education with work. This flexibility extends to social work programs too.
The university’s physical campuses mainly offer nursing education programs like the 3-Year Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN). The Master of Social Work program runs entirely online. Students in the social work program can use Chamberlain’s nationwide infrastructure and expert faculty without relocating or commuting to campus.
The online Master of Social Work program builds on the university’s strong reputation in healthcare education. The widespread physical presence offers several benefits, even though social work students study online. A substantial investment in educational infrastructure across the country shows the university’s commitment. Students gain networking and community connection opportunities in multiple regions. The university’s dedication to accessibility carries over to their online social work curriculum.
The extensive campus network helps create a strong partnership ecosystem. The “About” section mentions more than 11,000 partner locations. Physical campuses act as anchor points for regional relationships with healthcare providers, community organizations, and potential fieldwork placement sites for social work students.
The university’s geographic spread gives social work students access to a diverse learning community. Online MSW program participants bring points of view from different parts of the United States. This diversity enriches discussions and helps students understand how social issues and interventions change across communities and cultures.
Chamberlain’s location strategy shows their understanding of regional workforce needs. Their presence in various geographic areas has helped them develop expertise in addressing unique healthcare challenges in different communities. This knowledge shapes their social work curriculum and prepares graduates to meet specific regional demands.
The MSW program may be online, but it gains significant advantages from Chamberlain’s physical presence nationwide and its connections to diverse communities and healthcare systems.
Chamberlain University runs a detailed Master of Social Work (MSW) degree program. The program enables students to become agents of social change in their communities and worldwide. The Council on Social Work Education’s (CSWE) Commission on Accreditation (COA) granted Initial Accreditation through 2030 to this program. This is a big deal as it means that the program has achieved a major milestone since its launch three years ago.
Students at Chamberlain learn both generalist and specialized practice skills. The program builds on the foundation outlined in CSWE’s Educational Policy and Accreditation Standards. Students learn to adapt Social Work Competencies for specific populations, problem areas, intervention methods, and practice approaches.
Students can choose between two main paths to earn their MSW degree:
Traditional Option: This path works for students with a bachelor’s degree in any field. You can complete your degree in less than two years as a full-time student or three years as a part-time student.
Advanced Standing Option: This path suits students who earned their bachelor’s degree in social work from a CSWE-accredited program in the last five years. Students who got their social work degree more than five years ago can also qualify if they have an active social work license in good standing.
The Chamberlain MSW program stands out because of its specialized tracks. You can pick from three tracks during your second year that line up with your career goals:
- Medical Social Work: Students learn to help patients understand their diagnosis and adjust their lifestyle, housing, or healthcare needs. This track works great for anyone who wants to work in medical settings like nursing homes and hospitals.
- Crisis and Response Interventions: Students learn to help vulnerable people through crisis de-escalation, emotion management, and therapeutic techniques. This track is perfect if you want to work for crisis intervention hotlines and disaster response agencies.
- Trauma: Students focus on helping clients deal with traumatic events through psychotherapy, cognitive behavioral therapy, and motivational interviewing. This track prepares you to work in clinical settings with people who have experienced trauma, such as child abuse, neglect, or PTSD.
The program offers more than just these specialized tracks. You can customize your curriculum by choosing courses that directly relate to your future social work practice. You get to pick any three electives that match your career goals.
The program works well with busy schedules. All coursework is available online 24/7, which helps working professionals and people with personal commitments. You’ll also get hands-on experience through fieldwork practicum opportunities based on your interests and goals.
The teaching approach makes this program special. Expert faculty members with doctoral degrees lead the classes. These instructors are active social justice leaders who use videos, podcasts, case studies, and simulations. This mix of learning tools helps students grasp complex concepts easily.
A unique feature of the program is the three-day MSW immersion experience. Faculty members call it different from other social worker degree programs. Amanda Morgan, MSW, LCSW-C, director of MSW Field Education, says “the immersion experience is a chance for students to work through and apply what they’ve learned in their courses to real-life practice”.
CSWE accreditation matters a lot for MSW programs. This credential shows that the curriculum meets or exceeds social work education standards and gives you the academic preparation needed for licensure. Chamberlain’s MSW program has this vital credential, giving graduates a solid foundation for career growth.
The program aims to develop exceptional social work professionals who care about advancing human rights and social, economic, and environmental justice. Chamberlain University gives students the knowledge, skills, and experience they need to make a difference in their communities throughout their careers.
Field education at Chamberlain
Field education is the substance of Chamberlain University’s social work program. It gives students vital hands-on experience they need to develop professional competence. Students apply their classroom knowledge to actual situations when they work with individuals, groups, and service delivery systems.
Chamberlain’s practicum requirements line up with Council on Social Work Education (CSWE) accreditation standards. Students need to complete either 500 hours (Advanced Standing Option) or 1,000 hours (Traditional Option) of supervised field education. This approach will give a solid mix of practical skills and academic knowledge that prepares them for professional social work practice’s complexities.
Students must show specific competencies through foundation and advanced-year immersions before starting fieldwork courses. These immersions serve two purposes – they prepare students for field education and help assess their readiness to interact with clients. The immersions create a natural bridge between classroom learning and real-world practice.
Here’s how immersion experiences vary by program track:
- Traditional Option students attend two on-ground immersion experiences
- Advanced Standing Option students attend one immersion experience
Each three-day immersion offers great ways to interact face-to-face with professors and fellow students. Students observe and take part in practice exercises that prepare them for specialized fieldwork experiences. Faculty members can then review students’ abilities to work effectively with peers and potential clients before fieldwork placement starts.
The three-day MSW immersion component makes Chamberlain’s program stand out from other social worker degree programs. Amanda Morgan, MSW, LCSW-C, director of MSW Field Education puts it well: “The immersion experience is a good opportunity for students to work through and apply what they’ve learned in their courses to real-life practice”. Students can blend theories, approaches, and strategies in realistic scenarios.
Students must complete these immersion experiences before entering practicum rotations. They need to demonstrate specific immersion competencies to pass their direct practice courses (MSW-512 and MSW-517). This ensures all students have basic skills before they work with clients in professional settings.
Safety comes first in Chamberlain’s field education approach. Each field education site goes through careful vetting to make sure students get the best experiences in secure and nurturing learning environments. This detailed selection process protects students while giving them maximum educational value.
Students receive strong support from Chamberlain’s staff throughout their practicum experience. Dedicated student services advisors help with academic progress, while experiential learning coordinators guide the practicum experience. This dual support system helps students direct both their academic requirements and practical training effectively.
Chamberlain provides structured assistance, unlike traditional programs where students often struggle to find placements. Each practicum experience matches your individual interests and career goals. Experiential learning coordinators help find appropriate placements, taking a big weight off students’ shoulders.
Early preparation is vital to get the most from your practicum experience. Starting early with location selection and finding qualified preceptors builds a strong foundation. Good documentation, regular contact with professors, and active pursuit of learning opportunities make the practicum more valuable. The professional relationships you build during practicum might lead to future jobs.
Immersion and practicum components build essential skills for professional practice. These experiences connect theoretical knowledge with practical application. Students develop confidence in their abilities before graduation. They learn to address real client needs in various settings, from healthcare facilities to community organizations.
Field education at Chamberlain University’s social work program creates a clear path from classroom to career. The program combines immersion experiences, supervised practicum hours, and dedicated support. Graduates gain both theoretical knowledge and practical skills they need for effective social work practice. This detailed approach to field education shows Chamberlain’s steadfast dedication to developing well-rounded social work professionals who can make real differences in communities of all types.
What sets Chamberlain University apart?
Chamberlain University’s social work programs stand out with features that go way beyond the reach and influence of simple curriculum requirements. The institution creates educational paths that fit diverse student needs through flexibility, specialization, and hands-on experience.
The faculty mentorship makes Chamberlain’s Master of Social Work program unique. Students learn from expert faculty who lead in social justice and bring diverse ground experience. “It was really important for us in our hiring that we bring people in who can tell students stories of real practice in different settings. We didn’t want everyone to have come from the same background or the same type of practice,” says Dr. Ferguson. This mix of faculty expertise helps students gain views they can use in various settings.
The program’s three-day immersion experience caught Dr. Ferguson’s attention so much that she joined Chamberlain. Students get a chance to use their theoretical knowledge in realistic scenarios. Amanda Morgan, MSW, LCSW-C explains, “The immersion experience is a good opportunity for students to work through and apply what they’ve learned in their courses to real-life practice. It’s an opportunity to think about theories, approaches and strategies in a very real scenario”. Students work as social workers in simulated scenarios and get live feedback before starting fieldwork.
Unlike traditional programs, Chamberlain’s online learning platform gives students remarkable flexibility. Students can access coursework anytime, creating a balance between work and school that fits their schedule. Working professionals can advance their careers without leaving their jobs.
The specialized track options add to the program’s appeal. Students can choose from six specializations: crisis and response interventions, trauma, medical social work, substance use and addictions, gerontology, and military social work. These options let students shape their education toward specific career goals.
Chamberlain’s curriculum comes alive through various formats. Videos, journal articles, virtual simulations, infographics, and discussion questions help students learn. Different learning styles benefit from this multimedia approach when tackling complex concepts.
The Council on Social Work Education’s Commission on Accreditation has accredited the university’s online MSW program. This credential confirms the program’s quality through peer review and assures students about the program’s standards and graduate competence.
Students get complete support at Chamberlain. Student services advisors help with academics while experiential learning coordinators guide them through practicum. This support ensures success in both classroom learning and practical training.
Students also get great hands-on experience through virtual practice. They work with virtual clients to develop skills in a safe environment before meeting actual clients.
The Alpha Beta Gamma Chapter of the Phi Alpha Honor Society at Chamberlain opens doors for networking and recognition. This internationally recognized honor society is certified by the Association of College Honor Societies.
Social work careers look promising. Job growth for social workers should rise by 7% through 2033, suggesting strong employment prospects for graduates.
Chamberlain has built a community of more than 177,000 students, faculty, and alumni over 130+ years of enabling healthcare professionals. Current students and graduates benefit from this large network as they build their careers.
Expert faculty, specialized tracks, flexible online learning, complete support, and accreditation make this program ideal for future social workers. These elements show why many aspiring social work professionals choose Chamberlain University for quality education that fits their lives.
Next steps
Ready to begin your social work experience at Chamberlain University? The application process is simple and helps you move smoothly into your education. This year’s Social Work Month theme “Compassion + Action” matches what Chamberlain’s Master of Social Work degree program gives you—skills and knowledge to make a real difference in communities.
The application process at Chamberlain University’s social work program has several simple steps. You need to fill out an online application at chamberlain.edu/apply. A $60 non-refundable application fee applies, which you can pay with major credit cards, personal check, or money order. Fee waivers are available for:
- Chamberlain alumni
- Qualified military personnel (active duty, veterans, retired military, spouses and dependents)
- Department of Defense employees
- Non-degree seeking students enrolled at Chamberlain who are applying to a matriculating program
You’ll need official transcripts from your previous education. MSW applicants must submit transcripts from their bachelor’s degree institution. Students who want to transfer credits should include transcripts of all their graduate coursework.
Chamberlain makes applying easier since you don’t need GRE scores or recommendation letters. This removes common roadblocks that slow down graduate school applications.
The university runs year-round with multiple start dates. Each semester has two 8-week sessions, so you can start when it works best for you. You won’t have to wait long to start your social work education.
After you apply, you’ll meet with an admissions representative. This chat helps make sure the program fits your career goals and lets you ask questions about courses, specializations, and field work requirements.
The MSW program lets you pick from four specialized tracks:
- Medical Social Work
- Crisis and Response Interventions
- Trauma
- Design Your Own Focus
You can finish your MSW in about two years with flexible online learning that fits around your schedule. The program gives you practice through virtual client simulations before you start field placements.
Want to learn more about Chamberlain’s MSW program? Check out the detailed MSW eBook to help plan your social work career and education. The admissions team is ready to help at 888.556.8226, option 1, with any questions about applying.
The admission committees will review your materials and interview using a weighted system with multiple factors. Once you’re in, you’ll join over 177,000 students, faculty, and alumni in Chamberlain’s network.
A Chamberlain University social work degree sets you up for success in a growing field. Social work jobs should grow 7% through 2033, with different opportunities based on specialization. Starting your enrollment now means preparing to help transform lives and communities through compassionate action.
Learning about Chamberlain University’s social work program opens a clear path to make positive changes in communities across the country. Social problems are systemic now, and qualified professionals are needed in settings and specializations of all types.
A Master of Social Work from Chamberlain puts you in a growing field with promising career prospects. The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects employment for social workers to grow 7% through 2033, which exceeds the average for all occupations. Growth rates vary by specialization, with higher demand especially when you have healthcare, substance abuse, and mental health settings.
Chamberlain’s MSW program graduates can access numerous career paths. Social workers find roles in a variety of environments including:
- Hospitals and healthcare facilities
- Mental health clinics
- Child welfare agencies
- Schools and educational institutions
- Community organizations
- Government agencies
- Private practice settings
Social work salaries reflect your specialization, experience level, and location. The median annual wage for social workers is approximately $50,390, while healthcare social workers earn slightly higher at $60,280 annually. Mental health and substance abuse specialists can expect median earnings around $49,130, and child, family, and school social workers typically earn about $49,150 per year.
Getting licensed is a natural next step after completing Chamberlain’s MSW program. State requirements vary but typically include:
- Earning an MSW from a CSWE-accredited program (which Chamberlain provides)
- Completing supervised clinical hours (partially fulfilled through Chamberlain’s fieldwork requirements)
- Passing the Association of Social Work Boards (ASWB) examination
- Maintaining licensure through continuing education
A Chamberlain University social work degree brings substantial returns through career stability, personal fulfillment, and ways to create meaningful change. You’ll join a professional community that promotes social justice, human rights, and addresses critical societal challenges.
The rewards of a social work career go beyond money. Each day brings chances to promote vulnerable populations’ needs, use evidence-based interventions, and see positive changes in individuals and communities. The profession’s ethical foundation matches Chamberlain’s mission to strengthen change agents perfectly.
America’s population grows more diverse daily. Chamberlain’s culturally responsive curriculum helps graduates serve clients from different backgrounds with sensitivity and competence. Cultural awareness has become essential in today’s social service landscape.
Choosing Chamberlain University for social work education connects you to a century-old tradition of excellence in a forward-looking profession set for continued growth. Flexible online learning, specialized tracks, immersive experiences, and CSWE accreditation create an educational path that fits both personal goals and professional needs.
Chamberlain’s complete support systems—from admission through graduation and beyond—show the university’s dedication to student success in both academic and career goals.