Becoming the adept social worker so many people need requires training. Many impassioned advocates pursue a Master of Social Work (MSW) to learn skills like case management and clinical intervention, but how long does it take to get an MSW?
For full-time students with no prior social work experience, it typically takes two years to earn an MSW. Over the course of two years, most MSW students:
- Take about 60 credit hours worth of classes.
- Complete four semesters of classes.
- Spend two semesters on the fundamentals and two semesters on advanced or specialized topics.
- Complete no less than 900 hours of supervised fieldwork.
Keep in mind that some MSW programs in Illinois require students to take more than 60 hours of classes or complete more than 900 hours of fieldwork. In most cases, though, these programs can also be completed in two years.
However, not every student’s timeline is the same. This is especially true for part-time MSW students, students who studied social work at the bachelor’s level, and those entering specific fields like clinical or school social work. In this guide, we’ll dive into how each of these factors might affect how long it takes you to earn a Master of Social Work in Illinois.
How Long Does It Take to Get an MSW as a Part-time Student?
If you’re a working student, a parent, or otherwise don’t have time to take full-time classes, you can still earn an MSW by taking classes part-time. Though timelines differ, many part-time MSW students earn their degrees in three to four years.
As a part-time MSW student, you might take as few as two classes per semester. Some programs even offer classes during the summer and winter and on nights and weekends. You’ll still complete the same number of credit and fieldwork hours, but your schedule will likely be more manageable.
For added flexibility, you may also want to consider hybrid or online MSW programs. This way, you can listen to pre-recorded lectures and attend live-streamed classes when and where is most convenient for you.
What If I have a BSW or Plan to Get a BSW?
Students who hold bachelor degrees in social work (BSWs) can enroll in advanced standing MSW programs. Because Advanced Standing students can skip basic social work classes, they often earn their degrees in as little as one year. Part-time Advanced Standing students can earn an MSW in anywhere from 16 months to two years or more.
Like other bachelor’s degrees, a BSW usually takes about four years to earn. Schools that offer both BSWs and MSWs often have programs that allow BSW grads to transition seamlessly into their Master-level studies. In total, this path takes about five years.
How Long Does It Take to Get an MSW in Clinical Social Work?
To become a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) in Illinois, you must have an MSW. But in most programs, it doesn’t take any longer to study clinical social work than it does to study other specialities. After graduation, though, you may still have to fulfill other requirements before earning your clinical license.
According to the Illinois Chapter of the National Association of Social Workers, future LCSWs must also complete 3,000 hours of supervised clinical experience before applying for a license. There are two ways to earn this experience:
- Full-time. If you choose to complete your supervised fieldwork hours on a full-time basis, you must complete between 30 to 40 hours every week. This can take anywhere between 75 to 100 weeks which is equivalent to about a year and a half to two years.
- Part-time. You can also complete fieldwork hours on a part-time basis which is anything less than 29 hours per week. Completion times vary, but if you do 20 hours per week, it will take about 150 weeks or roughly three years.
In addition to completing fieldwork hours, you may also have to pass a clinical social work exam or complete an additional 3,000 supervised fieldwork hours.
How Long Does It Take to Get an MSW in School Social Work?
While it doesn’t typically take any longer to earn an MSW in school social work than any other specialty, school social workers in Illinois must earn a Professional Educator License (PEL) with a school social work endorsement. To earn this license, you may have to continue your studies after graduation.
Fortunately, many MSW programs in Illinois offer post-graduate training programs that prepare students to earn their PEL. They usually take anywhere from nine months to a year to complete.
A PEL preparation program typically involves completing at least 400 internship hours in a school setting and taking a couple of classes about school social work. Classes are often offered online and can be taken while completing an internship. Applicants must also pass an exam administered by the Illinois State Board of Education.
Learn More About Your Calling and Take the Next Step
Deciding to pursue an MSW and become a social worker is a big decision. By taking this path, you’re embarking on a journey of service to some of Illinois’ most underserved communities. No matter where you want to end up, we want to help you get there.
Curious about your job prospects? Our state-specific career and salary guides can help you plan your career. When you’re ready to enroll, our MSW program overviews can help you find a school in Illinois that can turn your passion into skills.