Loyola University Chicago

School of Social Work

Graduate FAQ

General Information

Over 100 years, the School has prepared competent social workers who are exceptional practitioners in the communities they serve. Classes are taught by faculty who have many years of real-life practice experience and who continue to investigate complex social problems in their research agendas. Those impactful findings are infused throughout the curriculum which makes our teaching/learning practical, relatable, and has immense utility when students go to pursue their careers. Utilizing the latest tools, methods, and learning materials, our students thrive in small class settings that foster meaningful debates and discussions.

An internship opportunity is available in Mexico. For more information, visit our Study Abroad page.

There are two internships required as part of the MSW to meet our accreditation requirements set by the Council on Social Work Education. The first is 400 hours and the second is 600 hours. Advanced standing students only complete the 2nd level internship. Internships are located throughout the Chicagoland area.

The Advanced Standing program is an accelerated MSW program for students who hold a BA or BS with a major in Social Work, or a BSW degree from a CSWE accredited school of social work and qualify for admission. It requires the completion of 23 credits, which includes an internship. Program completion takes 10 months. This option only begins in the Fall term.

Classes are offered during the day, evening, and a limited number are offered online. Typically, students are on campus 2-3 days a week depending on how they set up their schedule.

For those interested in participating in research, our three Institutes of Learning continuously have opportunities. Also, we have student-run organizations called SSWSO, SWOCA, and a Social Work student-only publication called Praxis. Within Loyola's larger community, there are always community building and social events going on.

Yes, we welcome applicants from all academic backgrounds as long as you have a confirmed bachelors degree.

Typically, admitted students have a GPA of at least a 3.0 from their higher education career. To qualify for our advanced standing program, you must have at least a 3.0 overall and a 3.25 minimum in your social work classes.

By applying online, you can save your information and log in later with a username and password. Once all sections are complete, click "Submit" and the application will be immediately sent to the processing office. You also may return to the application after submission to upload additional documents.

Depending on the programs to which you are applying, you may be required to submit separate applications or application materials. Please contact gradapp@luc.edu with any questions.

If you are applying to the JVC Magis Program, you must still follow the regular requirements of your degree program as well as complete the requirements of the Magis Program. For more information on the Magis program application requirements, you may contact Lee Hubbel at lhubbel@luc.edu.

Yes. It is considered academic fraud if you neglect to list all institutions where you took courses for credit. If you audited a class or took a class for no credit, it is not necessary to list that institution.

Yes. If you were known by a different name at some point, note that name in the appropriate place on the application.

The School of Social Work has a priority scholarship deadline March 1st for the Summer and Fall start terms and an October 1st priority deadline for the Spring start term.  Final deadlines are May 1st for the Fall & Summer, and November 1st for Spring.

  • Newly admitted MSW students should request transfer credit for courses completed at a previous accredited college or university as soon as possible prior to their first semester.
  • Students must submit a transcript (unofficial) and syllabi for each course that they are requesting transfer credit consideration for to MSWtransfercredit@luc.edu.
  • Students seeking credit for field must submit an unofficial transcript, the internship evaluations, and the syllabi for the field courses to MSWtransfercredit@luc.edu.
  • Note: Please submit ALL the requested materials above in ONE email.
  • The review process can take up to 14 days. An e-mail will be sent to the student's Loyola email address informing them of the outcome.

Application Process