The MSW Program at Illinois

In the journey to becoming an effective social work practitioner, you’ll first immerse yourself in the essential knowledge and skills needed to assess, intervene, and evaluate in various settings—working with individuals, families, groups, organizations, and communities. Each step you take will enhance your understanding and ability to respond to complex, real-world issues faced by those you serve.


Your path will include a deep engagement with diverse populations, spanning racial, ethnic, gender, social class, and age groups, as well as individuals with varying abilities and sexual orientations. Alongside learning to support these groups, you’ll also explore the profound impacts of racism, poverty, sexism, and other forms of discrimination. This awareness will strengthen your sensitivity, equipping you to advocate for those affected by such challenges.

Research will become a cornerstone of your practice. You’ll learn to evaluate policies and practices through evidence-based insights and translate research findings into actionable solutions, continuously adapting your strategies to meet evolving needs. With this knowledge, you’ll play a role in developing and analyzing responsive organizations, programs, and policies that directly address the needs of those you serve.


Understanding human behavior within social contexts is crucial, as it directly links to the mission of social work. As you delve into this, you’ll come to see how social dynamics influence behavior and, in turn, shape the needs of individuals and communities.


Throughout your journey, values will be at the heart of your practice. By analyzing how values shape policy and practice, you’ll develop a solid grounding in professional ethics.


Guided by the National Association of Social Workers (NASW) Code of Ethics, you’ll approach every situation with a commitment to ethical standards, ensuring respect and dignity for all.