Transforming
Simply put, we transform lives. Of students. Of children. Of communities. It starts in the classroom. It continues in the field. And it reaches into the most vulnerable parts of our society.
Educating
Guided by our award-winning and student-focused faculty, you receive a perfect balance of classroom experience and fieldwork. The result? You are prepared to be a poised and inspired professional ready to make a difference in the world.
Innovating
Our innovative research results in evidence-based practices that inform the field. You have the opportunity to work directly with our esteemed faculty on research and service learning projects that impact and improve lives.
Advocating
We advocate for those who have no voice. We work to bring justice and equity where it is needed. We are tireless in our pursuit for social change.
Strengthening
Everything we do, from our curriculum to our intensive internships to our student programs, stems from our passion to strengthen vulnerable families.
Carlos A. Evans Jr., MSW '12
"“The relationships that I built at U of I with the students and staff have been maintained now for over three years. I think that facts speak to their investment in their students and their genuineness. I was recruited to the Illinois Association of School Social Workers by one of my former professors and then" See full story
Brianna Malin, Class of 2016
"“I had always wanted to be a teacher when I grew up because I wanted to make an impact in others’ lives. When I started college, I soon realized that my life dream to help young people would take on new directions. As I began to take classes at University of Illinois, a new path" See full story
Jason Davis, Mental Health Concentration, Class of 2017
"“The reason I chose the MSW program is because I was looking for an experience that would give me valuable skills that I could implement to make a difference within our youth by catering to their mental health and behavioral needs. If you are looking for a master’s program that teaches you advance techniques and" See full story
Eric Powell, Mental Health Concentration, Class of 2015
"“As a part-time MSW student who was working full-time, I knew that I would face a number of unique challenges and obstacles. I was worried that I may not receive the same attention or care because I was not as visible or present as the full-time students. However, my fears quickly subsided as I began" See full story
Caroline Quintanilla, BSW Student, Class of 2016
"“What really drew me to the BSW program, particularly at the University of Illinois, is the network of support. My experience at the U of I has been so positive, and I can only attribute that to the enriching experience that is the BSW program; my professors whose sole concerns are not just grades, but" See full story
Kaitlin Costello, MSW Student, Class of 2015
"I chose social work as a career path because it fit right in with my own values and beliefs about activism and the importance of social justice. I am interested in helping individuals, as well as communities, " See full story
Jane Chung, MSW Student
"I chose social work as my career path simply because it teaches me how to selflessly serve. The training I receive in my classes and through my professors challenge me to look beyond my comfort zones and to be prepared in the most efficient and effective way for when I enter the international social work" See full story
Tina Turner, School Social Work Concentration, Class of 2017
"“Truthfully, as a veteran and resident of Illinois, I was confined to Illinois for graduate school since I have a veteran’s grant from the state that pays my tuition. U of I was my first choice, not only because of its prestigious history and well recognized reputation, but I got such a good “vibe” from" See full story
Heather Sears, Mental Health Concentration, Class of 2015
"“I grew so much during my time in the BSW and MSW programs, and had some amazing support and opportunities. I felt truly invested in as a student, and that’s why I decided to stay to finish my education. I received encouragement in all of my endeavors, and knew that I could go to anyone" See full story
Samantha Hack, MSW '06, PhD '13
"As a student at the School of Social Work I had invaluable faculty mentorship combined with experiential learning opportunities. I worked on research funded by the National Institute for Mental Health, " See full story
Eric Ray, Class of 2017
"“I chose The University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign for a couple of reasons. One, Illinois is the premier university that not only employers see as an major asset in employees, but also has the absolute best professors that care about their students’ successes. The staff at the School of Social Work from advising to internship" See full story
Teresa Allen, MSW Student, Class of 2014
"I decided to pursue my MSW degree at the University of Illinois School of Social Work before I was even accepted as an undergraduate student at the University. " See full story
Lance Keene, MSW '12
"The MSW program laid a firm foundation for me in social work practice at the micro and macro level. I feel equally prepared working one-on-one with individuals and in the grant writing process" See full story
Darnell Fisher, MSW '13
"I am a 2013 MSW graduate from the School of Social Work at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. I am originally from Los Angeles, California and received my BA in Social Work from California State University, Fresno in 2011. To say that I was born and raised in California is an understatement of my" See full story
Jacob Goffnett, MSW Student, Class of 2014
"I interviewed and toured at other Schools of Social Work and they felt rigid. Here, I truly believe that each faculty and staff have my best interest in mind. " See full story
Lenore Matthew, Class of 2017
"“I entered the field of social work after working for several years as a practitioner and researcher in international development. I knew I wanted to pursue a doctoral program that focused on applied research, and that enabled my continued work abroad. Since day one in the social work program, I have felt completely supported by" See full story
Donzell Lampkins, MSW Student, Health Care Concentration, Class of 2016
"“When I decided to pursue a Master of Social Work, I knew there was only one choice: The University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign! Throughout the application process, I had so many questions and concerns, yet Illinois never grew frustrated. I felt genuinely cared for by the faculty and staff who proved themselves to be very" See full story
Laura Butts, MSW Student, Mental Health Concentration, Class of 2015
"“The MSW program prepared me for field practicum by allowing me to learn both inside and outside of the classroom. The professors in the program genuinely want the students to succeed; they promote both personal and professional growth throughout the coursework. For example, I was able to apply my interests in both criminal justice and" See full story
July 28, 2017
Steven Anderson, the director of the School of Social Work at Michigan State University, was named the dean of the School of Social Work at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign effective Sept. 16, pending approval by the University of Illinois Board of Trustees. “Professor Anderson will bring an outstanding combination of prioritization of students, ...
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