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Please note: This program is no longer accepting applications. Current Dominican students with questions about this change should contact their academic advisor.

This accelerated program enables you to earn both a bachelor’s degree and a Master of Social Work in just five years. You’ll save time and tuition dollars—and prepare for immediate service in a rewarding and growing profession.

First-rate preparation on the fast track

The program is ideal for majors in psychology, sociology, criminology or human services who are seriously planning to pursue careers in social work. It enables you to earn your master’s degree—an indispensable professional credential—as efficiently and affordably as possible. The powerful curriculum cuts across academic disciplines to give you maximum career flexibility, opportunities for specialization and a real competitive advantage as you enter the workforce. You can tailor the program to your goals by choosing a track in child welfare, gerontology, military social work, school social work, health and well-being, or working with immigrants and refugees.

How the program works
  • Students should major in psychology, sociology, criminology or human services.
  • You’ll apply to the accelerated program in your sophomore year. Students pursuing a Bachelor of Professional Studies in Human Services apply once they have accumulated 60–69 credits. Your graduate admission representative will guide you.
  • Once accepted, you’ll plan a course of study with your undergraduate advisor and faculty advisors from the School of Social Work.
  • You’ll also meet with field placement staff to plan the internship you’ll complete in your senior year.
  • You’ll be formally admitted to the MSW program once you meet all requirements in your senior year.
More ways to learn, on campus and beyond

Practical experience is built into the curriculum. You won’t just learn about social work—you’ll experience the profession first-hand in meaningful ways. Two hands-on field placements will enable you to integrate the academic knowledge, professional values and practical skills you’ll need for successful service to others. The graduate program’s international field placements will give you the option to work for 10 weeks in Ecuador, India, Ireland, Latvia, Mexico and South Africa. This program’s international emphasis pushes the boundaries of what graduate studies in social work can be.

Emily Lapinski ‘17, MSW ‘18

Staff Clinician, Center for Anxiety & OCD

“This is an awesome accelerated program. I found that my psychology major really worked well with the graduate courses I took while still an undergraduate. The professors understood that I had taken on a lot and were always available with help and guidance. It was a great experience.”

Prepare to thrive in a rising and important field

This program will place you on a fast track to a highly promising career. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the number of jobs in social work is expected to grow at double the projected rate for all occupations between 2016 and 2026. What’s more, Dominican’s MSW program has an outstanding record of placing new graduates in great jobs. In any given year, it’s common for 100% of our graduates to be employed in their field within nine months of graduation. As a Dominican graduate, you’ll join a proud, supportive network of nearly 900 social work professionals who are serving others and creating positive change in the Chicago area and beyond.

Join a relationship-centered learning community

No one is lost in the crowd at Dominican. Our student-faculty ratio is 10 to 1. Our average class has 16 students. This allows our faculty to engage each student as an individual with particular gifts, experiences and goals. The mission of the School of Social Work guides us to advocate for human rights and social and economic justice for all persons—including socially excluded populations—and to promote the well-being of individuals and communities. The Dominican model of community is based on a recognition of the profound value and unique potential of each person. We challenge one another to find our true voices and become our best selves.

Jennifer Morales

School of Social Work Graduate Student

“The professors at Dominican are invested in your success. They really take the time to get to know you and guide you down your chosen professional path. They support and challenge you to be your very best.”