Social Work

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What is Social Work?

Social work is a profession focused on helping people, strengthening communities, and creating positive change. Social workers work with individuals, families, groups, organizations, and communities to overcome challenges, build on their strengths, connect with resources, and advocate for fair opportunities for everyone.

As a social work student, you'll learn how to support people from many different backgrounds and life experiences. You'll also explore how communities, public policies, and social systems affect people's lives. Social workers work in many settings, including mental health, healthcare, schools, child and family services, community organizations, advocacy, and policy.

Our program offers a supportive and close-knit community where students can learn, connect, and get involved on campus, in local communities, and within the social work profession.

We also offer a two-year online program, which is available to junior-level transfer students.

Career Options

Administration
Child welfare
Corrections
Counseling
Education
Government
Health care
Human resources
Nonprofit work
Rehabilitation
Therapy

Post-Graduation Success¹

98% employed or continuing education

18% employed after graduation

80% attending graduate school

$39,375 average starting annual income

Sample employer destinations: Ascension Saint Francis, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, Student Affairs, City of Chicago School District 299, SOS Children's Villages, Northwestern Medicine, The Well Experience, Rosecrance, Clearbrook, Alex View All

Sample grad school destinations: University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, University of Illinois Chicago, DePaul University, Purdue University, Loyola University Chicago, Stanford University, The University of Chicago, Chicago State University, Southern Illinois University Carbondale, Georgia Institute of Technology View All

Program Resources

School of Social Work Program Webpage Degree Requirements

Review Criteria

First-Year Major-Specific Criteria

Interest in helping people, being a change agent, and making a difference with organizations and communities
Understanding of the major and social work values
Volunteer experience and commitment to activities

View All Review Criteria

Transfer Criteria

Transfer Handbook

Graduation & Retention²

3.6 years to degree

94% returned for second year

80% graduated within 4 years

84% graduated within 6 years

Annual Program Costs³

Illinois Resident

Tuition: $13,252
Fees: $5,182
Expenses: $19,558
Total: $37,992

Non-Resident

Tuition: $35,928
Fees: $5,182
Expenses:$19,898
Total: $61,008

International

Tuition: $36,970
Fees: $5,182
Expenses: $19,898
Total: $62,050

Related Majors

Gender and Women's Studies - LAS

Psychology - LAS

Sociology - LAS

¹ Post-graduate data was collected through the Illini Success initiative, which primarily relies on self-reported survey data sources. Statistics are aggregated from the past three years. Please note that total compensation may be greater than annual salary as other forms of compensation (e.g., signing bonus, commission, benefits) are not included. For more information on Illini Success data and methods, please visit the Illini Success website. For average wage or salary information five years after entry into an occupation, visit the Post-Secondary Employment Outcomes Explorer.

² Graduation and retention data comes from several majors within a similar interest area. Data may not yet be available for newly created programs. Years-to-degree data is only available for programs from which you can earn a degree. Retention and graduation rates are only available for programs that you can apply directly into. Retention rates reflect retention to the university, not necessarily retention within the major.

³ "Expenses" are estimated and include books, supplies, housing, and other living expenses. The exact amount you’ll pay depends on where you decide to live, the meal plan you choose, and your overall lifestyle. To learn more about costs, please visit the Office of Student Financial Aid website. To learn the average monthly student loan payment over a period of 20 years based on estimated cost, visit the Illinois College2Career website.