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healthcare professional and boy holding hands outside with family

Master of Social Work (MSW)

Make an impact on your community

Earn Your Master's in Social Work in as few as 2 years.

Next Start Date |  May 08

MSW Program Details

Degree Length: Approximately 2 Years

Credits: 36-60 Credit Hours

Next Start Date:  May 08

Location: 100% Online

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Master of Social Work Degree

Complete Your MSW Online

The Master of Social Work (MSW) degree program at Chamberlain University is aimed at developing and empowering students to be agents of social change in their communities and throughout the world.

  • Degree track options to meet the needs of social work education and the industry at large
  • Flexible online learning options available 24/7
  • Committed faculty with hands-on social work experience
  • Support for non-traditional students
  • Simulation practice opportunities with virtual clients
  • Learn from recognized social justice leaders active in the field
  • Receive up to 30% in tuition savings on MSW programs*
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MSW Degree Program Overview

Our MSW degree program prepares students for generalist or specialized practice. Specialized practice builds on generalist practice as described in the Council on Social Work Education’s (CSWE) Educational Policy and Accreditation Standards. It emphasizes adapting and extending the Social Work Competencies for practice with specific populations, problem areas, methods of intervention and perspectives or approach to practice. Specialized practitioners advocate with and on behalf of clients and constituencies within their specialty. 

Our culturally responsive curriculum prepares each MSW student with the knowledge, values and skills  to work with:

  • Individuals
  • Families
  • Groups
  • Organizations
  • Communities 
Request information to learn more about the Master of Social Work degree program.
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  • Responsive and engaged faculty
  • Relentless, personalized support
  • Classes begin every 8 weeks
  • Earn your MSW in as few as 2 years
  • 30% tuition savings* with the Leading the Way Social Work Grant 

*The grant availability for new students will be evaluated each session.

Explore MSW Options

Review the full curriculum for a breakdown of courses and tracks. 

See Full Curriculum

Master of Social Work Curriculum

Our MSW degree program is designed to meet students where they are in their professional journey. Within this program, students will have the opportunity to engage directly with their professors due to smaller class sizes, gain simulation experience with a virtual client, and partner with social work agencies that set them up for success before they graduate. That's why we offer both advanced standing and traditional options, along with three tracks.

Traditional Option

Traditional Option is for students who have earned a baccalaureate degree. The option can be completed in as few as 2 years at a full-time pace, or 3 years at a part-time pace.

Advanced Standing Option

Advanced Standing Option is for students who have completed a baccalaureate degree in social work from a CSWE accredited program within the last 5 years, or a degree in social work more than 5 years ago, but have an active social work license in good standing. The option can be completed in as little as 1 year at a full-time pace, or in as few as 2 years at a part-time pace.

MSW Practicum

Chamberlain University is committed to providing you with the support needed for you to graduate with your Master of Social Work (MSW) and become a competent social work practitioner. 
Practice Education is the signature pedagogy of the social work profession-- the primary method used to guide students in becoming competent practitioners. The MSW Practicum provides a hands-on opportunity to apply the skills you have learned in your coursework in an actual social work setting. Your Practicum course instructors will guide your Practicum experiences while offering a space for reflection and feedback.
 
Preparing for your practicum involves a lot of planning and thoughtful time management. Early preparation can help save you time in the long run and help ensure you have an extraordinary practicum experience. This is a student-driven process, but we are here to support you on your journey. 

Crisis and Response Interventions

Crisis social workers help vulnerable populations with crisis de-escalation, emotion management, and therapeutic techniques

Trauma

Trauma social workers generally help clients cope with traumatic events in their lives through a combination of psychotherapy, cognitive behavioral therapy, and motivational interviewing

Medical Social Work

Medical social workers help patients understand their diagnosis and make the necessary adjustments to their lifestyle, housing, or healthcare.

MSW Tracks

Tracks within our MSW degree program allow students to customize their learning to help meet their professional goals. The tracks are designed to deliver a focused learning experience, giving students the opportunity to master a specific area within social work that they are passionate about. In addition, the tracks directly respond to contemporary issues affecting at-risk and marginalized populations, communities, organizations and institutions.

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msw ebook
Chamberlain's MSW eBook Guide

Whether you are exploring how to become a social worker or looking for opportunities to be an agent of change, this MSW eBook guide was created to assist you in answering all of the questions that may be on your mind as you consider options for fulfilling your passions

Download the eBook
"Explore a career in social work"
What is Social Work?

Helping individuals, families, groups and communities solve and cope with problems to enhance social functioning and well-being.

View the Infographic

Why MSW?

Chamberlain’s MSW program focuses on developing exceptional social work professionals who maintain a passion for advancing human rights and social, economic and environmental justice. Students pursuing an MSW degree at Chamberlain, will work with student advisors to create a standardized scheduling approach to help them stay on track with their studies, making their coursework a top priority. Our experiential learning coordinators will support students in their practicum journey and set expectations early on to become social determinants of health. 

The Master of Social Work degree can be applied in a variety of roles:

  • Medical Social Worker
  • Family Counselor
  • Mental Health Therapist
  • Case Manager
  • Substance Abuse Counselor
  • Psychotherapist
  • Clinical Manager

 

Classes Start  May 08

Call 877.751.5783 to learn more, or request information to speak with an admissions representative.

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Ask a Student

What did you learn in the MSW Trauma Track?

"As a student in the Chamberlain University in MSW program, I gained both the skills and confidence to thoughtfully use a variety of quantitative approaches in my future work. The instructors in each course were patient, kind, and understanding, and highly skilled. Chamberlain University's fantastic MSW program truly changed my future career trajectory for the better."

Peace Izabayo

MSW, August 2021 graduate

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Ask a Student

What was your experience in the MSW Trauma Track like?

"The Advanced Standing Trauma focused track was the best decision for me, I had some great knowledgeable and dedicated professors. Each week my understanding of trauma strengthened and gave me a better perspective of how trauma affects many across the lifecourse journey preparing for my upcoming clinical practicum."

Aleatha Mack

MSW Advanced Standing Track, September 2021 graduate

Meet Our Faculty

Chamberlain's Master of Social Work program is led by diverse, active faculty who serve as thought leaders and experts in the social work field. With many years of experience and a passion for making a global impact, our faculty are dedicated to ensuring our students have a meaningful experience throughout the program. 

Stacey Borasky Ferguson headshot

Stacey Borasky Ferguson, EdD, MSW

Dean, Master of Social Work Degree Program

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Amanda Morgan-Henry headshot

Amanda Morgan, MSW, LCSW-C

Director, MSW Field Education, College of Health Professions

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Linda Quast headshot

Linda Quast, MS, MBA, PMP

Faculty Manager, MSW Degree Program, College of Health Professions

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Oren Shtayermman headshot

Oren Shtayermman, PhD, MSW

Professor, MSW Degree Program, College of Health Professions

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Kiana Battle

Kiana Battle, PhD, LMSW

Assistant Professor, MSW Degree Program, College of Health Professions

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Christopher Rocchio

Christopher Rocchio, Ph.D., LCSW, CSAC, ICSAC

Assistant Professor, MSW Degree Program

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sarah pilgrim

Sarah Pilgrim, Ph.D., LMSW

Assistant Professor, MSW Degree Program

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Social workers care. They care about people, their families, communities. Social workers dedicate themselves to service, to making this world a more just, fair and safe place for all.
Stacey Borasky Ferguson, EdD, MSW Dean, Master of Social Work (MSW)
Ready to Get Started?

Complete your application for admission and interview with a Chamberlain admission representative. 

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Admissions

Traditional Option Admission Requirements

  • A degree at the bachelor’s level or higher with a minimum CGPA of 2.5 on a 4.0 scale from an institution accredited by either a regional accrediting agency or an agency recognized by the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA). Degrees earned from non-U.S. schools will be considered based on evaluation of transcripts by a National Association of Credential Evaluation Services, Inc. (NACES) approved evaluating agency.

Advanced Standing Option Admission Requirements

  • A degree in social work at the bachelor’s level or higher with a minimum CGPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale from an institution accredited by either a regional accrediting agency or an agency recognized by the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA) and accredited by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE). Non-U.S. schools will be considered based on evaluation of transcripts by a National Association of Credential Evaluation Services, Inc. (NACES) approved evaluating agency. Applicants with foreign transcripts must have graduated from an accredited international program in social work where the accrediting body has a memorandum of understanding with CSWE or whose degree has been evaluated and approved by the CSWE International Social Work Degree Recognition Service.

Degrees earned in excess of 5 years require an active social work license in good standing with a state board in the U.S.*

*Chamberlain reserves the right to admit candidates with social work licensure from countries outside the U.S. where equivalent standards can be demonstrated. These decisions are made on a case-by-case basis according to the general academic principles of integrity outlined by the Academic Standards committee in the view of the policies regulated by the Council of Social Work Education.

Leading the Way Social Work Grant

The updated Leading the Way Social Work Grant now provides eligible students** with a 30% tuition savings (up to $12,510) on MSW coursework for the duration of their enrollment. Request more information to speak with a student finance advisor for deadline details.

**The grant availability for new students will be evaluated each session.

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Tuition & Expenses

MSW Program Costs

Chamberlain provides you with individualized support throughout your educational journey beginning with the admissions process. Your admissions representative will work with you to build a schedule that will work with your life and finances, whether that's one class or three. Check out the Net Price Calculator for an estimate of federal and institutional aid. 

View tuition and expenses and total cost information for the Master of Social Work degree program.

Partner Tuition Rates

Chamberlain partners with healthcare institutions, community colleges and associations to provide accessible educational opportunities for registered nurses.

Looking to build your professional network? See if your employer, community college or association has an education partnership with Chamberlain that could provide you with tuition savings.

Accreditation

Chamberlain University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (www.hlcommission.org), an institutional accreditation agency recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.

Chamberlain University confers online degrees from its Main Campus in Addison, IL.

See accreditation and state authorization information or view a full list of program approvals by state.

Program Outcomes

 

Chamberlain University’s Master of Social Work degree program is accredited by the Council on Social Work Education’s Commission on Accreditation. 

Accreditation of a master’s social work program by the Council on Social Work Education’s Commission on Accreditation indicates that it meets or exceeds criteria for the assessment of program quality evaluated through a peer review process.  An accredited program has sufficient resources to meet its mission and goals and the Commission on Accreditation has verified that it demonstrates compliance with all sections of the Educational Policy and Accreditation Standards. 

Accreditation applies to all program sites and program delivery methods of an accredited program.  Accreditation provides reasonable assurance about the quality of the program and the competence of students graduating from the program.  

For more information about social work accreditation, you may contact Accreditation.

 

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Phi Alpha Honor Society

Chamberlain University is proud to be the Alpha Beta Gamma Chapter of the Phi Alpha Honor Society. Phi Alpha is social work’s internationally recognized honor society and is certified by the Association of College Honor Societies. With membership, eligible students can enjoy a number of benefits including:

  • a vast network of professionals passionate about social work
  • volunteer and humanitarian opportunities
  • access to social work grants and awards
  • national presentation opportunities

For more information, contact our Admissions team at 888.556.8226, option 1.