Online Master of Social Work Program

We award over $2 million in scholarships to students enrolled in our degree and certificate programs. Erikson also participates in the federal Direct Loan programs, and assuming you meet all eligibility requirements, you will have access to both Unsubsidized and Graduate PLUS loans to help finance your Erikson education.

You can find requirements for admission on the Requirements page. These requirements apply both to our hybrid and online MSW options.

Yes, Erikson offers advanced standing to students holding a BSW which can significantly shorten your path to completing a Master’s of Social Work. For more information, visit the Advanced Standing page.

Absolutely. Erikson Institute is known for its rigorous academics and practical focus, making our online social work degree highly respected in the field. Employers consistently seek out our graduates for their strong clinical skills and deep understanding of child development. Our online Master’s in Social Work delivers the same high-quality education as in-person formats. This comprehensive social work program ensures you graduate with the competencies employers value.

Networking is vital, and our online MSW program provides many ways to connect. In addition to interactive virtual classes, students can collaborate closely with peers and faculty through small class sizes and group work. Our Career Services team supports online students with job fairs, resume reviews, and networking events featuring alumni and field professionals. With a strong focus on building community and career readiness, Erikson helps grow your professional network throughout your chosen social work program.

The ability to balance the demands of the MSW program, work responsibilities, and your personal/family commitments will depend on many factors. Key among these will be your own organizational and time-management skills, the intensity of the demands on your time, and your personal support system. If it is a priority for you to be able to work full-time for as long as possible while completing the MSW program, we recommend that you consider pursuing the three- or four-year options. The longer program options will allow you to work full-time before starting your generalist field placement year.

Generally speaking it has been our experience that many online Master of Social Work candidates are able to work part-time (hours vary by individual student) during the generalist field placement year. Because of the time commitment required for concentration field placements, we have found that students have very limited availability for work during the final year of the program.

The staff in our Field Education and Career Services Office will work with you to prepare you for seeking positions while you’re enrolled at Erikson and upon graduating from the program. You’ll receive feedback on your resume and cover letters, and we also maintain a job board on our campus portal where employers list part-time and full-time positions for which they’re hiring.

The Career Services team also plans an annual social work, early education, and child development job fair for Erikson students and alumni. In concert with the job fair, you can submit your resume to be included in an annual Resume Book that we distribute to organizations and managers who are interested in hiring Erikson students and alumni.

Anywhere in the United States, actually. With our online option, you never have to step foot on campus.

We do not offer campus housing, but MSW students enrolled in the hybrid program live in a wide range of neighborhoods in Chicago and in the suburbs. If you wish to pursue the hybrid option, while we can’t make specific recommendations about where you should live, we encourage you to find a neighborhood that suits your style, taste, and budget. To help you in your housing search, we work closely with StudentSpace, a free apartment-finding service that specializes in helping graduate students find housing in Chicago.

Because of Erikson’s small size, you’ll have access to a wide range of both informal and formal student support services. These include:

• The Field Education and Career Services team will help you identify and apply for your internship placement. Erikson has hundreds of pre-approved internship sites, so you don’t have to worry about finding a placement site on your own.
• Advising about your financial aid options, including personal financial education, is coordinated through the Financial Aid Office.
• Academic advising is facilitated through your faculty advisor and MSW program director.
• The Academic Success Center provides services to help you with the academic reading and writing expectations of your program. The Center also sponsors discussion groups for selected master’s program courses.
• The Director of Disability Services provides advising and support for students with disabilities and students who need accommodations for their academic work.
• WorkLifeMatters is a confidential student assistance program offered to all current students through Guardian and Integrated Behavioral Health (IBH). You have unlimited access to consult with a professional counselor via telephone. Face-to-face counseling sessions are available, if needed, with an IBH network provider — and up to eight sessions are free of charge as part of WorkLifeMatters.
• Validated parking at a reduced rate is provided to Erikson students in three nearby parking garages. You will also have access to deeply discounted public transportation through the CTA U-Pass program.

Professional licensure requirements vary by state and students are encouraged to understand professional licensure and requirements for any state they are planning to pursue a career in. You can find other details here.