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IMPORTANT

• Apply to Illinois State early!
• It's recommended that you apply at least one year before planning to enter college.
• See more about our admissions standards and admissions process

Are you considering Social Work at Illinois State University?

If so, this page was constructed with you in mind. It will inform you about the social work major and career opportunities.

How can I prepare to major in Social Work?

If you want to become a social work major when you enroll at Illinois State, plan your high school courses well to prepare for the major.

1. The social work major builds on foundation skills in math, writing, science, social sciences, history and reasoning. Therefore, the more classes you can take in high school that will help you improve upon these skills, the better.
2. Take as much foreign language as you can. Social work is becoming very multicultural in its emphasis. For example, becoming fluent in Spanish will open many career opportunities for you. Our college, the College of Arts and Sciences at Illinois State requires three years of the same language in high school or two semesters at college level as a minimum requirement. Take foreign languages!
3. Become well rounded. Take good, strong college preparatory classes in as many areas as you can. Take a lot of math, science, English, and literature.
4. Volunteer. Work as a tutor, or at a summer camp, or any place where you can work with people. These experiences will help you understand social services better and help you define your career goals.

Math and Writing Skills and the Social Work Major

This is something you should carefully consider as you choose this major. Because of the emphasis on the scientific aspects of social work in the major, students are required to take specific college level math as a prerequisite for statistics. Being proficient in math is necessary for a social work major.

Additionally, your writing skills will be extremely important as most classes emphasize professional writing skills.

What will my study plan be like?

The first two years will be spent fulfilling the general education requirements for a liberal arts degree, specific University requirements that all students must fulfill, and the foundation courses for Social Work, such as biology, psychology, math and statistics, sociology, psychology and introduction to social work.

As a declared social work major (accepted at Illinois State with social work as your intended major) you will need to apply for continuance in the major early in your sophomore (2nd) year. You will learn about the process through meetings with the social work advisor in your freshman year.

Junior Year:

In the fall of your junior year, if you have met all the continuance requirements, you will proceed to the major sequence. In the junior year you will study practice courses, policy, human behavior in the social environment and working with diverse populations. You will also take a professional preparation course and prepare for and choose your field placement for the senior year. Most classes are small. This is especially true in the junior and senior years.

Senior Year:

In your fourth year, you will continue with upper level social work courses and spend approximately 20 hours a week in a social service agency. Upon completion of your senior year, and your degree, you will have accumulated 600 hours of professional practice. This will prepare you well for entry level positions in the profession.

What are the faculty like? What are their interests?

There are about 14 full-time faculty members as well as several part-time community social workers who teach in the major. Their interests vary and include, mental health, school social work, child welfare, domestic violence, end of life issues, social welfare policy, adoption, and more. Faculty have ample office hours and you will have a full-time advisor to help you plan your studies and problem-solve when necessary.

Thank you for considering Illinois State University and the Bachelor of Social Work Degree (BSW). Please take advantage of our Open House opportunities. Please remember to apply early (approximately one-year before you intend to start your studies). Also, learn more about the BSW admissions standards and admissions process.