School of Social Work

Dominican University’s School of Social Work challenges you to change the world by helping you obtain the skills you need to make a difference. Accredited by the Council on Social Work Education, we prepare professional social workers for globally-focused, family-centered practice. Our mission guides us to advocate for human rights, social and economic justice for all persons and promote human and community well being.

We aspire to be an innovative global leader in social work through inquiry-based education, ethical engagement, commitment to positive social transformation and through unmatched opportunities for local, national and international field placements and externships.

For MSW Seekers

Our nationally recognized Master of Social Work has set the standard for programs in the Chicago area in extending the discipline to international communities. In addition, two available concentrations and three in-demand specializations in gerontology, child welfare, and school social work will prepare you to meet the unique challenges facing these populations.

We also offer dual master’s degree programs with our Brennan School of Business (MSW/MBA), the School of Information Studies (MSW/MLIS), and the college’s conflict resolution degree program (MSW/MCR).

For Professional Social Workers

Dominican offers post-MSW certificates in gerontology and social work in schools (Professional Educator License with an endorsement in School Social Work, formerly Type 73 certification).

Admission to the School of Social Work

Admission Requirements:

Completed application for Dominican’s School of Social Work. Students applying for advanced standing (bachelors in social work required) must complete the advanced standing application and the general admissions application.
Personal Statement (Please refer to questions on application.)
Resume
An official transcript documenting a baccalaureate degree from an accredited college or university and an official transcript from each college where graduate credit was earned
A minimum 2.75 grade point average is required for general admissions and a 3.0 is required for advanced-standing admissions.
Two letters of recommendation: at least one letter from an academic reference and one from professional references. In the event that a prospect is unable to provide an academic reference, an additional professional reference may be submitted, granted it reflects the prospect’s experience in some human services or social services capacity.
Prerequisite course: Statistics. (Course should cover basic or elementary statistics which includes descriptive and inferential statistics)
$25 Application Fee

Interviews are used selectively. The GRE or GMAT are not required for the MSW program.

School of Social Work Transfer Credit Policy

Applicants wishing to transfer into the MSW program must meet all admission requirements and must be transferring from a program accredited by the Council on Social Work Education. Applicants must also provide a letter from the Director of any social work program attended stating that they are in good standing.

Transfer students must complete a minimum of 30 hours toward the degree at Dominican University to receive the Master of Science in Social Work from the School of Social Work. Beyond these 30 hours, a maximum of 30 hours of waiver and/or transfer credit may be granted for foundation level coursework or electives. No credit can be waived for the concentration/advanced coursework required in the program, except electives. Credit can only be waived or transferred for courses with a grade of B or better. Waiver/transfer credits must have been completed within the last 5 years or, if continuously employed in social work position, the last 7 years.