Loyola University Chicago

School of Social Work

Admission

MSW/JD Dual Degree

This dual degree program begins every Fall.  Applicants for the dual MSW/JD degree should apply separately for admission to both the School of Social Work and to the School of Law, indicating their intent to pursue a dual degree. Early applications are strongly encouraged. To apply to the MSW program, please submit the following:

  • A Completed Application Form
    You may submit your application form online, by following the application link: gpem.luc.edu/apply/. Note: Students who have already applied to a graduate or professional program at Loyola University Chicago should fill out the reapplication form.
  • Official Transcripts
    To be eligible for admission, your transcript must show you earned a bachelor's degree or a bachelor's degree is in progress. Certified copies of transcripts are acceptable; faxed copies of transcripts are not considered official. Other transcripts may be sent at the applicant's discretion. If you attended Loyola University Chicago previously, you do not need to request these transcripts; we have them on record. Official Electronic Transcripts may be delivered directly to Graduate & Professional Enrollment Management at gradapp@luc.edu.
    *Applicants who completed post-secondary education abroad are required to submit non-U.S. transcripts to Educational Credential Evaluators, Inc. (ECE) for evaluation of credentials. Please see the additional steps here.
  • Two Professional References
    The complete contact information of two references is required to apply to the Social Work Master's program. This information can be included in your online application.
    Your references can be academic, professional, or volunteer contacts. If you graduated less than 5 years ago, at least one of the references must be from an academic source.

  • A Statement of Purpose
    The personal statement component of your application to the MSW Program at Loyola University Chicago School of Social Work will be used to assess your writing, critical thinking, and capacity for self-awareness in terms of readiness for graduate-level work and supervised practice in the field.

    The personal statement must be a comprehensive essay that addresses all the questions posed in the three topics below. You should submit one well-developed 1500-word, double-spaced personal statement.

    Topic 1: Describe your understanding of the social work profession. How have you incorporated the values of service and social justice (held by the profession) in your human service experiences and interactions with others?

    Topic 2: Discuss your career interests and goals. What population(s) or area(s) of social work practice most interests you? How will a social work education from Loyola University Chicago School of Social Work prepare you for work in your area of interest? What do you hope to accomplish with an MSW?

    Topic 3: Discuss your decision to pursue a graduate program now. What personal and/or professional factors have led you to want to pursue an MSW? How do you plan to balance the academic and field responsibilities of the program with outside responsibilities and obligations? How will you finance your studies?

    If you are a transfer student currently or have previously enrolled in an MSW program elsewhere, please also address your motivation for transferring to Loyola University Chicago School of Social Work.
  • CV/Resume
  • International Students: Additional language requirements may apply. Please see additional details here.

Additional Program Requirements

School Social Work: Students interested in specializing in school social work and wishing to obtain the Professional Educator License must apply for the Fall term. Please review other requirements for the School Social Work Track.