First-Year Student Application

Dates & Deadlines

Applications open on September 1. The Early Action Deadline is November 1. To be eligible for early action admission, you must submit your application by 11:59 p.m. CT on November 1, and all required items must be received by November 7. Meeting this deadline may give you the best chance for being admitted to our most selective programs. You may also receive special attention for admission to honors programs and for merit awards. Early action is non-binding, meaning you’re not required to attend if you’re admitted.

Admission notifications happen on January 30 and the Accept Deadline is May 1, which is also National College Decision Day, the deadline for students to commit to a college. If you’re ready to accept your offer, you can do so in myIllini.

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Ready to apply?

First-Year Student Application

Quick Links

CEU Events

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Narratives that Nurture: Promoting Self-Esteem and Mental Wellness through Children’s Literature

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Enhancing Supervision: Utilizing the Servant Leadership Philosophy

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Youth-in-Care with Disabilities CEU Webinar Series

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Empowering Successful Healthcare Transitions: Key Roles and Strategies for Social Workers

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Ethics and Cultural Competency CEU Seminar

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Facing Your Fears: Exploring Exposure-Based Interventions

Neuroscience and Mental Health: Moving from Trauma-Informed to Trauma-Transformed

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Domestic Violence Foundations 40-Hour Training – Fall 2025

Staying Current – Social Work in Changing Political Landscapes Series II

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From Community Action to Social Revolution: Our Journey

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What Is A Hostile Environment? Strategies for Sexual Harassment Intervention and Response

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Understanding Suicide: Strategies for Empathic Risk Assessment

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The Impact of Domestic Violence on Child and Adolescent Development

Social Work in Changing Political Landscapes CEU Webinar Series

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Connect with Heart: Unleashing the Power of Empathy through Nonviolent Communication

Illinois School of Social Work Tech Series

Reporting Child Abuse and Neglect and the Role of Implicit Bias

Impacts of Indirect Trauma, Part 2

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Social Anxiety and Social Media: Teen and Young Adult Stress in a Fast-Paced World

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Bluey as a Social Construct for Imperfect Parenting: How Less-Than-Perfect Parenting Benefits Children, Parents, and Society

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Communicating & Direct Work with Traumatized Children & Youth: An Introduction to Therapeutic Life Story Work

Amplifying the Voices of Domestic Violence Survivors in Illinois

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The Dialogue Project: A Look at What Business Is Doing to Help Reduce Polarization in Society

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Election History and the Future of Elections

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Impacts of Indirect Trauma, Part 1

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Impacts of Family Secrets

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Strategies to Understand and Address Implicit Bias

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Burnout Awareness Training

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Housing for Transition-Age Youth in DCFS Care and Post-21

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Domestic and Family Based Violence

Child’s Play: Using the Therapeutic Powers of Play to Help Children Blossom

The Power of Emotional Intelligence

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Undergraduate Research Symposium Winners

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Effectively Supporting Children and Their Big Feelings: It Begins with Us

Alzheimer’s Disease: An Inside Look

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Neurodivergent Affirming Care: A Paradigm Shift in Clinical Practice

Cultural Differences in Parenting

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Cultural Humility CEU Workshop

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#WeHealUS 2024 May Mental Health and Trauma Awareness Month CEU Presentations

Self-Care and Stress Management: Applying a Personalized Approach

Creating Equitable and Inclusive Practices for Trans and Gender-Diverse Clients

Resiliency in Rural Communities

Transforming the Future: Evolving from School Social Work to Leadership, Expanding Influence Beyond Caseloads

Understanding & Addressing Childhood Trauma in Families: Building Resilience & Healing Strategies

Psychedelics in the Clinical Setting: CEU Webinar Series

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The Importance of LGBTQ+ Cultural Competency with Trans Youth

Forensic Social Work Continuing Education Series

Muscle Memory Continuing Education Series

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Equity In Practice – Confronting The Need for Racial Justice in Social Work: Four-Part CEU Webinar Series

Young Survivors Traumatic Grief Series: Three-Part CEU Webinar Series

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Illinois Mental Health and Trauma Informed May Awareness Campaign

Harnessing Technology for Social Good – 2022

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15th Annual Brieland Visiting Scholar Lecture

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Promoting Positive Behaviors: Cultivating a School-Wide Climate of Change for Student Success, Four-Part CEU Series

Student Newsletters

BSW Beacon Newsletter

Check out the most recent issue in public view.

MSW Messenger Newsletter

Check out the most recent issue in public view.

Social Worker Opportunity Tracks (SWOT) Grant

Receive up to 20K in funding toward your BSW or MSW degree if you plan to live and work in Winnebago County after graduation

The Social Worker Opportunity Tracks (SWOT) grant has been made available through the Winnebago County Community Mental Health Board as a workforce development initiative to meet the mental health needs in Winnebago County.

Watch the News Release

Applicants who meet the eligibility criteria below may qualify for SWOT funding.

For the Online MSW Program

Apply between August 15, 2025 and January 15, 2026 to start in May 2026
Have a Bachelor’s degree and relevant volunteer or social service work experience
Be a resident of Winnebago County or work there in a related field
Apply and be accepted into the University of Illinois School of Social Work online MSW program
Demonstrate strong intention to work in Winnebago County after graduation

Online MSW Requirements and Application Process

Admission Requirements

Strong interest in serving individuals from diverse backgrounds seeking to improve their lives

A baccalaureate degree from an accredited college or university
Evidence of personal attributes that are suitable for the profession of social work
A minimum grade point average of 3.0 (on a 4.0 scale) or better for the last sixty (60) semester hours or ninety (90) quarter hours of coursework
Twenty hours of social and behavioral sciences, humanities, and biological sciences
GRE is not required

Application Process

Official Transcripts from all colleges/universities attended. Mail directly to the School of Social Work, 1010 W. Nevada Street, Urbana, IL 61801 or official electronic transcripts can be emailed to socialwork@illinois.edu

Graduate College Application– To be completed online at www.grad.illinois.edu

All items below will be uploaded to the Graduate College Application.
Three (3) letters of reference (must be academic and/or professional in nature)
Graduate College Academic Statement
Social Work Personal Statement
Resume – This should include relevant education, volunteer, and work experience
Unofficial transcripts from all colleges/universities attended

For the Online BSW Transfer Program

Apply by July 15, 2025 to start in August 2025
Apply between October 2025 and June 2026 to start in August 2026 (apply early for best consideration)
Be a resident of Winnebago County or work there in a related field
Have completed two years of college coursework (e.g., General Education, Foreign Language)
Apply and be accepted into the University of Illinois School of Social Work online BSW transfer program
Demonstrate strong intention to work in Winnebago County after graduation

Online BSW Requirements and Application Process

Admission Requirements

Cumulative minimum GPA 2.5 or higher
Evidence of strong communication and interpersonal skills
Evidence of personal attributes that are suitable for the profession of social work
Successful completion of the application process for professional program entry
Volunteer or paid work experience in a social service agency prior to beginning the program is not required but is strongly encouraged

Application Process

Transfer Application Information

Questions? Contact us:

Update Field Agency Contact Info

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Student Support Services

Local/State/National Resources

Immigration

FAQ on Federal Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) Officers on University of Illinois property
Open Illinois: Information and Guidance for Undocumented and DACA Students
Student Legal Services offers referrals to local immigration attorneys and resources to assist students with immigration-related concerns, including connections to the Immigration Law Clinic at the University of Illinois College of Law, which may help students seeking to change their immigration status
La Casa Cultural Latina ensures that undocumented and DACA students feel supported. They provide resources and information pertinent to these students’ needs
International Student and Scholar Services (ISSS) serves the university’s international population through advising, immigration services, programming, advocacy, and outreach
The Career Center offers specialized support for undocumented and DACA students, including career exploration, job searching, and professional development advice. They can also connect students with organizations that specialize in supporting undocumented individuals
New American Welcome Center – Provides immigrant family services and immigrant legal services

Illinois State Board of Education’s Message on Guidance on Immigration Enforcement Actions provided the following resources:
- The Illinois Coalition for Immigrant and Refugee Rights has an abundance of resources for immigrant families, including a Know Your Rights fact sheet in English and Spanish
- The American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) provides a Know Your Rights resource with guidance for families in specific immigration enforcement scenarios in both English and Spanish
- The National Partnership for New Americans has compiled a live document with legal protection resources and materials from across the country that will continue to be updated
The Refugee Center: Serves refugees, immigrants, and migrant families since 1980
The Immigration Project – Has lawyers offering pro bono services
United We Dream – Provides resources on immigration issues
National Immigrant Law Center – Established in 1979, it is one of the leading advocacy organizations dedicated to advancing and defending the rights and opportunities of low-income immigrants and their loved ones
Protecting Immigrant Families focuses on immigrant rights, health care, and human services

LGBTQIA+

Gender & Sexuality Resource Center (GSRC) mission is to foster an environment that is open, safe and inclusive for people of all sexualities and gender identities
Campus Queer Campus Coalition (QCC) and Affiliated Organizations such as the Ikenberry Rainbow Connection, BlacQ, Actually Neurodivergent

The UP Center of Champaign County advocates for the equality, wellness, and visibility of the LGBTQIA2S+ communities in Champaign County

Campus Resources

BSW FAQs

Frequently Asked Questions

What undergraduate programs does the School of Social Work offer?

The School of Social Work offers the Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) program, which prepares students for entry-level positions in social work and lays the foundation for graduate studies in social work.

More information: BSW Program Overview

What are the admission requirements for the BSW program?

To be admitted to the BSW program, students must meet the University of Illinois’ general admission requirements, including completing required coursework in social work prerequisites and maintaining a minimum GPA.

For first-year students: Typically, a strong high school academic record and standardized test scores (ACT/SAT) are required.

For transfer students: Transfer students should have completed at least 30 transferable credits, including prerequisite social work courses, and must meet a minimum GPA requirement of 2.5 or higher.

What is the application process for undergraduate students for the BSW program?

First-year students must apply through the University of Illinois Undergraduate Admissions portal.

Transfer students must submit transcripts from all post-secondary institutions attended and meet specific course prerequisites.

The process involves submitting the standard application form, an official transcript, and any other required documents (e.g., SAT/ACT scores for first-year applicants).

Is there a field placement or internship component in the BSW program?

Yes, the BSW program includes a field practicum that allows students to gain hands-on experience in social work practice. Students are required to complete field hours at local social service agencies, community centers, and healthcare settings.

More information: Field Education

What is the process for transferring into the School of Social Work?

Transfer students must submit their transcripts for review. The University of Illinois uses the Transferology tool to help determine course equivalencies, so it’s important to check how your courses will transfer.

Students must meet the general GPA requirement (2.5 minimum) and any specific course prerequisites for the BSW program.

More information: Transfer Admissions

Will my credits transfer into the social work program?

The University evaluates each transfer student’s coursework individually. Using Transferology, students can see how their credits from other institutions will transfer to the University of Illinois.

What kinds of careers can I pursue with a BSW degree from the University of Illinois?

Graduates with a BSW can pursue careers in various fields, including clinical social work, healthcare settings, school social work, social services agencies, nonprofit organizations, and public policy.

Many BSW graduates also continue their studies in the MSW (Master of Social Work) program to further specialize and enhance their career prospects.

Virtual Suggestion Box

This is an opportunity for students to contribute ideas for consideration. All submissions will be received and reviewed by the School of Social Work Office of Student Affairs.

Your feedback is important to us and is something we value. While we cannot guarantee action on all suggestions, we are interested to hear student voices and welcome your suggestions in our attempts to continually improve your experience in the program.

NOTE: All submissions are completely anonymous unless you provide your name and email in the spaces provided on the form. You are not required to provide a name and email address in order to submit a suggestion.

Suggestions

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Student Opportunities

Local community partners submit project requests to the Community Learning Lab. If you are interested in learning more about service opportunities for a specific cause, we’d love to hear from you! Contact ssw-cll@illinois.edu to learn more.