Undergraduate Program (BSW)
undergraduate students enrolled
first-generation students (BSW)
transfer students
required field education hours completed by every BSW student
employed or continuing education post graduation
Preparing the Next Generation of Social Workers
The Bachelor of Social Work Program
The Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) program at the University of Illinois prepares future social workers through rigorous coursework, community-engaged learning, experiential education, and professional field instruction. Students graduate prepared to advance equity, strengthen communities, and promote the well-being of individuals, families, groups, organizations, and communities.
Community-Engaged Learning
Students engage directly with communities through service-learning, research, advocacy, and partnerships that connect classroom learning with real-world impact.
Immersive Field Education Experiences
Every student completes a minimum of 400 hours of supervised field education, gaining hands-on experience in schools, hospitals, nonprofits, behavioral health settings, government agencies, child welfare organizations, healthcare systems, and community organizations. These immersive placements allow students to apply classroom knowledge in real-world settings while developing the clinical, advocacy, leadership, and problem-solving skills needed to serve diverse individuals, families, and communities with confidence and compassion.
Preparing Tomorrow's Leaders
Our curriculum emphasizes ethical practice, cultural humility, leadership, evidence-informed decision making, and social justice while preparing graduates for professional practice and graduate education.
Innovative Learning Experiences
Our program continues to expand opportunities for experiential learning, interprofessional education, simulations, undergraduate research, community partnerships, and global learning experiences.
Undergraduate Research Excellence
The University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign is recognized for its culture of research excellence, and undergraduate students play an essential role in advancing discovery and innovation. Through undergraduate research opportunities, BSW students contribute fresh perspectives to some of society's most pressing challenges while developing the skills to become thoughtful scholars, practitioners, and leaders. Their recognition at the 19th Annual Undergraduate Research Symposium reflects both the strength of the School's commitment to fostering research and the remarkable accomplishments of our students.
Learning Across Borders
Through the School of Social Work’s Spring 2026 Global Programs course, students traveled to Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, to explore international approaches to social work through immersive learning, visits to community organizations, and collaboration with Brazilian students and faculty. Participants gained firsthand insight into innovative strategies for addressing homelessness, poverty, and community well-being while deepening their understanding of culturally responsive practice. The experience broadened students’ global perspectives, fostered lasting cross-cultural relationships, and reinforced the value of international collaboration in preparing future social workers. Generous donor support through the Social Work Study Abroad Fund helped make this transformative opportunity possible
Amalia Thompson, a BSW student, reflected on how the experience transformed her understanding of social work, strengthened her appreciation for global collaboration, and inspired her future professional practice. Learn more about Amalia’s experience in Brazil on our website.
"This trip not only made me challenge my perspectives toward social work as a whole but also helped me to broaden my view of what social work should/can look like worldwide.”
Finding Purpose in Practice
For Aiden Sheff, social work is about transforming lived experience into hope for others. As a transgender member of the LGBTQIA community, finding support after moving to Champaign County more than a decade ago inspired a commitment to helping others access the resources once difficult to find. Now completing a Bachelor of Social Work field placement with University of Illinois Student Affairs at the Gender & Sexuality Resource Center, Sheff is developing programs that strengthen support for LGBTQ students while discovering the power of data storytelling to drive change. "The most important thing I've learned is that people are at the center of everything we do," Sheff said. "I see others as the experts of their own lives, and my job is to support them by being present with them." This fall, Sheff will begin the Master of Social Work program at the University of Illinois with the long term goal of opening a wraparound care center for LGBTQIA individuals and families in Champaign-Urbana, expanding access to affirming, community centered care for future generations.
"Realizing that I'm already making a difference has been eye opening."
Leading with Passion
For Alexis Schoenherr, a minor in social work transformed her perspective and career path. After earning her bachelor's degree in psychology with a minor in social work, she is currently continuing her studies in the Master of Social Work program.
As an undergraduate, Alexis maintained nearly a 4.0 cumulative GPA while demonstrating exceptional leadership and a strong commitment to social justice.
She helped organize the School of Social Work's Denim Day event to close Sexual Assault Awareness Month, educating the campus community about consent, advocacy, and support for survivors. As a survivor herself, leading the event was especially meaningful.
"It reinforced that I was exactly where I was supposed to be," Alexis said. "It motivated me to do more in the future."
Alexis says the School of Social Work has prepared her to lead with compassion, embrace lifelong learning, and advocate for others, qualities she will carry into her future career.
"I want the ability to help across a range of settings, and an education in social work creates the foundation to do so.”
Graduate Programs
2025-26 graduate student enrollment
students from underrepresented populations
increase in online graduate student enrollment from the previous year
of graduate students are women
Preparing Advanced Social Work Professionals
The Master of Social Work Program
The Master of Social Work (MSW) program at the University of Illinois prepares advanced practitioners to address complex social challenges through specialized coursework, evidence-informed practice, and immersive field education. Graduates are equipped to provide effective clinical and community-based services, lead organizations, influence policy, and improve outcomes for individuals, families, groups, and communities.
Advanced Clinical Practice
Students build specialized knowledge and advanced practice skills through a curriculum that integrates research, theory, and real-world application across a range of practice settings.
Extensive Field Education
MSW students complete advanced field placements under the supervision of experienced practitioners, gaining hands-on experience in behavioral health, healthcare, schools, child welfare, nonprofits, integrated care settings, and public agencies. These experiences strengthen clinical judgment, leadership, interdisciplinary collaboration, and evidence-informed decision making.
Leadership for Systems Change
The program prepares graduates to lead across practice, administration, advocacy, and policy by emphasizing ethical leadership, equity, innovation, and strategies that create lasting change in organizations and communities.
Flexible and Engaged Learning
Students benefit from flexible learning options, faculty mentorship, interdisciplinary collaboration, applied research, and partnerships with communities and organizations that enrich professional development and lifelong learning.
A Foundation for Advocacy
For Debora Kim, social work was more than a career choice. It was a calling shaped by lived experience. After exploring several career paths and overcoming personal challenges, she found purpose in a profession rooted in human connection, community, and understanding. As an undergrad student, Debora's field placement with the Champaign County Probation & Court Services Department transformed her perspective, teaching her that empathy, humility, and service are skills developed through experience as much as in the classroom. Now continuing her education as an MSW student at the University of Chicago Crown Family School, she plans to build on her social work foundation before pursuing a law degree to advocate for human rights and stronger, healthier communities. Reflecting on her journey, Debora credits the School of Social Work faculty, staff, and fellow students for fostering her growth and inspiring her commitment to lifelong learning.
"Social work is the field of study that provides structure to this understanding and helps us grasp the vital importance of community and human connection.”
The PhD Program
Preparing Future Social Work Scholars
The PhD Program
The Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) program at the University of Illinois prepares scholars to advance knowledge, inform policy, and address society's most pressing social challenges through innovative research, teaching, and academic leadership.
Rigorous Research Training
Students receive comprehensive preparation in research design, quantitative and qualitative methods, theory development, and interdisciplinary scholarship that supports impactful social work research.
Faculty Mentorship and Collaboration
PhD students work closely with nationally recognized faculty on funded research, publications, grant development, and collaborative projects while building independent research agendas.
Advancing Knowledge and Policy
The program prepares graduates to generate evidence that informs practice, shapes public policy, improves systems, and advances equity and well-being across diverse populations.
Preparing Future Scholars and Educators
Graduates are equipped for careers in higher education, research institutes, government agencies, and policy organizations through teaching experience, professional development, and opportunities to contribute to the future of the social work profession.
PhD Student Research Highlights:
- PhD students Junghu Im and Ting Hu co-authored a new article published in Aging & Mental Health examining how trust and social support influence the relationship between elder abuse and depression among Korean older adults, highlighting key opportunities for intervention.
- Hsu Sun was selected as one of 29 recipients of an Illinois Global Institute Graduate Summer Research Award, receiving support for international dissertation research in Taiwan on gender, transnormativity, biopolitics, and civil defense through the Center for East Asian & Pacific Studies.
- Babu Gounder built an outstanding record of scholarship as a doctoral student, publishing in leading peer-reviewed journals and earning the Grand Challenges of Social Work Doctoral Fellowship Award for his dissertation on wildfire resilience for disability communities. His research on environmental health, climate resilience, and disability policy also earned recognition through the CSWE Doctoral Student Policy Fellowship, the Social Determinants of Health and Place Fellowship at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, and the JPMC Doctoral Scholars Program at Washington University in St. Louis. He is beginning the next stage of his career by joining the National Cancer Institute in Public Health Sciences at Washington University in St. Louis and the affiliated Siteman Cancer Center as a National Research Service Award Postdoctoral Fellow.
Check out additional PhD student highlights:
Supporting Latina Immigrant Survivors of Intimate Partner Violence
Inspired by her experience as a clinician supporting immigrant women affected by intimate partner violence (IPV), PhD student Erika La Frano is conducting research to improve access to care for Latina immigrant survivors. Her 2025 publication, "Domains of Access for Interventions Addressing Intimate Partner Violence Among Latina Immigrants in the United States: Systematic Review Protocol," published in JMIR Research Protocols, outlines a systematic review examining whether current IPV interventions effectively address barriers such as language, cultural responsiveness, transportation, childcare, and immigration concerns. By reviewing nearly 1,000 studies, Erika aims to identify strategies that make services more accessible and responsive to survivors' needs. She hopes her research will help inform evidence-based practice and policies that advance immigrant health equity, strengthen community support, and ensure survivors receive the care they need to heal and thrive.
Throughout her international field experience, Shutes was supported by Hellen McDonald, who served as her field liaison through the School of Social Work. McDonald provided individualized guidance, regular support, and a consistent connection to the School as Shutes navigated the professional and personal challenges of completing a field placement abroad.
"These stories of hardship and resilience inspired my desire to raise awareness about the challenges women face and the opportunities to improve the lives of immigrant women."
New DSW Program Launched
Taking Social Work Leadership to the Next Level: Introducing the Illinois DSW Program
A New Approach to Leadership Education for Today's Mission Driven Sector
Public and nonprofit organizations are navigating unprecedented change, from workforce shortages and financial pressures to evolving technologies and increasing organizational complexity. Success requires leaders who can think strategically, guide teams through change, and make informed decisions that strengthen their organizations and their surrounding communities. The Illinois DSW prepares experienced social workers to meet those challenges with confidence while expanding their influence across the sectors they serve.
A Partnership that Sets Illinois Apart
Few Doctor of Social Work programs offer what Illinois does: a true partnership with one of the nation’s top ranked business schools. Through our collaboration with the University of Illinois Gies College of Business, you’ll develop the executive leadership, business strategy, finance, and management capabilities to guide your organization through today’s most complex challenges. Designed for working professionals, you’ll immediately apply what you learn, strengthening your leadership skills while advancing your career.
Field Education
Field sites throughout the world for hands-on learning
Hours of service through field placements
Hours of services from BSW students
Hours of services from MSW students
Where Education Meets Practice
Field education is the foundation of social work education, giving students the opportunity to apply classroom learning through immersive, hands-on experiences in professional practice settings.
A Distinctive Block Placement Model
The School of Social Work's block placement model sets students up for success by allowing both BSW and MSW students to complete all coursework before beginning a full-time internship. Rather than balancing classes and fieldwork simultaneously, students can fully immerse themselves in their placement, build stronger relationships with clients and colleagues, and gain the confidence and experience that comes from working as part of a professional team.
Personalized Support Throughout the Experience
Students are supported every step of the way by a dedicated Field Education team of clinical faculty with extensive real-world social work experience. Faculty work closely with each student to secure a placement aligned with their interests and career goals, while providing ongoing mentorship and guidance throughout the internship.
An integrative seminar course complements the field experience by helping students connect theory to practice, reflect on their learning, and strengthen the professional skills needed for successful careers in social work.
Gaining Global Perspective: Sarah Shutes in South Africa
During the Fall 2025 semester, Sarah Shutes, an online MSW student based in California, took her field education experience across the globe through an internship at Akeso Kenilworth Clinic in Cape Town, South Africa. Working alongside a multidisciplinary team of psychologists and occupational therapists, Shutes observed and participated in group therapy and therapeutic activities while gaining firsthand experience with inpatient mental health care. Beyond the clinic, visits to places including Robben Island and Grandmothers Against Poverty and AIDS (GAPA) deepened her understanding of South Africa’s history, culture, and the lasting effects of social and economic inequities. Together, these clinical and cultural experiences strengthened her confidence, adaptability, and commitment to mental health care.
Throughout her international field experience, Shutes was supported by Hellen McDonald, Clinical Professor and field liaison with the School of Social Work. McDonald provided individualized guidance, regular support, and a consistent connection to the School as she navigated the professional and personal challenges of completing a field placement abroad.
"This was a once in a lifetime experience that I will cherish and take with me throughout my social work journey."
Beyond Comfort Zones: Creating Community in a California Internship
Bachelor of Social Work student Casey Weiner expanded her field education beyond Illinois by completing her internship at the YMCA of Santa Monica in California. Working as the Active Older Adult Co-Coordinator, she gained hands-on experience planning programs, building community partnerships, and supporting older adults through meaningful one-on-one engagement.
With guidance from Professor Mary Stauffer, Weiner pursued an out-of-state placement that aligned with her interest in working with older adults while challenging her to grow both professionally and personally. Her experience highlights the flexibility of the School of Social Work's internship opportunities and how students can find placements that match their career goals and passions.
"This experience has completely shaped how I see my future in social work. It has given me confidence to take risks, to build programming around my passions, and to trust that creativity belongs in professional spaces.”
Discover how Casey Weiner combined her passion for music with social work during her internship at the YMCA, creating meaningful connections with older adults while gaining valuable field experience. Read her story to learn how an out-of-state internship helped shape her career goals and demonstrated the impact of bringing personal passions into professional practice. Learn more about Casey's experience on our website.