Illinois State University · Normal, Illinois
Master of Social Work (MSW)
What Should You Know About Master of Social Work (MSW) at Illinois State University?
Master of Social Work (MSW) is a MSW program at Illinois State University in Normal, Illinois, offered on campus. It requires 60 credit hours and takes two-, three- and four-year full program plans. Published tuition: Estimated 2026-2027 graduate tuition for 9 hours in fall and spring: $7,986 Illinois resident, $16,588 non-resident (mandatory fees of $2,716 extra). BSW graduates can enter with advanced standing (30 credit hours). Illinois State University's MSW is listed as accredited in CSWE's directory (September 2026); the accreditation covers this format.
Program Details
| Degree | MSW |
|---|---|
| Format | on campus |
| Part time | Offered |
| Credits | 60 credit hours |
| Length | Two-, three- and four-year full program plans |
| Advanced standing | 30 credit hours; One-year or two-year plans (School Social Work: two-year only); BSW from a CSWE-accredited program within 8 years |
| Field education | Generalist practicum of at least 400 hours (full program only) and specialist practicum of at least 700 hours |
| Start terms | Fall |
| Tuition | Estimated 2026-2027 graduate tuition for 9 hours in fall and spring: $7,986 Illinois resident, $16,588 non-resident (mandatory fees of $2,716 extra) (2026-27) |
| Specializations | Child and Family Practice; School Social Work |
From socialwork.illinoisstate.edu, reviewed September 30, 2026. Check start dates, deadlines and current tuition with the school before you apply.
How This Program Compares
- Its 60 credits compare with a median of 60.
- Its 400 field education hours compare with a median of 900 among programs that state them.
Estimate the full cost and federal loan coverage for this program
After This MSW: The Illinois License Path
- Earn a CSWE-accredited MSW2 years full time, or about 1 with advanced standing
- Pass the ASWB examFor the LSW
- Log supervised clinical hoursMSW applicants: 3,000 hours of supervised clinical experience after th…
- Earn the clinical license (LCSW)Independent clinical practice
Illinois license tiers from its board. Online students licensed in another state follow that state's board.
Similar MSW Programs at Other Schools
- FormatOn campusCredits60Est. tuition$25,560$426/credit · resident rateAccreditationCSWE
Master of Social Work at Samford University
Samford University · Birmingham, ALFormatOnline, On campusCredits60Est. tuition$60,300$1,005/creditAccreditationCSWE- FormatOn campusCredits61Est. tuition$39,223$643/credit · resident rateAccreditationCSWE
Master of Social Work (Clinical/Medical Social Work) at University of Alabama at Birmingham
University of Alabama at Birmingham · Birmingham, ALFormatOn campusCredits60Est. tuition$28,080$468/credit · resident rateAccreditationCSWE
Master of Social Work (MSW): Common Questions
How Much Does Master of Social Work (MSW) at Illinois State University Cost?
Estimated 2026-2027 graduate tuition for 9 hours in fall and spring: $7,986 Illinois resident, $16,588 non-resident (mandatory fees of $2,716 extra). Tuition changes each year; confirm fees and total cost with Illinois State University.
How Long Is Master of Social Work (MSW)?
60 credit hours, Two-, three- and four-year full program plans, according to the school's program page.
Does Master of Social Work (MSW) Offer Advanced Standing?
Yes. 30 credit hours; One-year or two-year plans (School Social Work: two-year only); BSW from a CSWE-accredited program within 8 years.
How Many Field Hours Does Master of Social Work (MSW) Require?
Generalist practicum of at least 400 hours (full program only) and specialist practicum of at least 700 hours, according to the school's program page.
Is Master of Social Work (MSW) CSWE Accredited?
Illinois State University's MSW is listed as accredited in CSWE's directory (September 2026); the accreditation covers this format.