Master's Admissions

The A.M. in Social Work, Social Policy, and Social Administration degree is equivalent to a Master of Social Work (M.S.W.), but with a broader educational and experiential foundation that combines direct social work practice with policy development, interdisciplinary research and social science theory. Graduates of the A.M. program are prepared to be leaders in the field of social work and social welfare, advocates for vulnerable and marginalized populations, and promoters of social and economic justice. 

Curriculum

First-year "core" courses provide students with a common foundation of knowledge concerning social welfare issues, human development, direct practice intervention strategies, and social research and practice behaviors related to these areas of knowledge. 

Second-year students will then choose one of our five distinct pathways to embark on a transformative journey that is grounded in inquiry, impact, and excellence. Within each Pathway, students have the flexibility to pursue multiple levels of intervention to navigate intricate social issues with a dynamic perspective, continually adapting to the evolving needs of individuals, families, communities, and society.

Students can leverage the interdisciplinary strengths of the University of Chicago by combining their A.M. degree with a Master of Public Policy (M.P.P.), a Master of Business Administration (M.B.A.), or a Master of Divinity (M.Div.). 

Program Structure

Explore the A.M. in Social Work

The Crown Family School offers five academic pathways that allow students to specialize in a specific area of interest. Our program pathway options are designed to train students to work across levels of practice - with individuals, organizations, communities, and government - providing flexibility to pursue a range of careers, from direct service to public policy, working domestically and globally.

Students will choose one pathway option in their first year. Each pathway includes one integrated course; two practice or skills courses; and two elective courses.  

There are five distinct pathways that include:

Learn More about Academic Pathways

Fieldwork is an essential component of the Crown Family School experience. Through the field experience, students in the Social Work, Social Policy, and Social Administration program will develop a social work professional identity, expand core and advanced competencies, and apply practice behaviors.

With the support and guidance of a field consultant and experienced field instructors, you will gain significant professional experience, from individual casework to systems-level policy development. 

The Crown Family School has relationships with over 800 agencies and programs in the greater Metropolitan Chicago area, with students completing approximately 225,000 practicum hours each year. 

Learn More about Field Education

The Crown Family School offers a range of opportunities for students to learn about social welfare policy and practice internationally: in the classroom, certificate programs, seminars and workshop presentations, and through experiential learning opportunities abroad.

The Crown Family School's orientation to international social work is designed to provide students with opportunity to think about social issues, social policy, and social work practice in a comparative, cross-national perspective. Cross-national and comparative content is integrated into our curriculum, providing all students with an opportunity to incorporate some international perspectives into their work locally. 

Students with an interest in working abroad or with immigrant and refugee populations in the United States are also provided with a foundation of knowledge to pursue these interests. 

Learn More about Global Initiatives

The A.M. Degree:

Is your program accredited by the Council of Social Work Education (CSWE)

The Crown Family School’s Master’s in Social Work, Social Policy, and Social Administration program has been continually accredited by the Council on Social Work Education since 1919.

What enrollment options do you offer? What is the length of time to degree completion?

Full-Time Program: Two (2) years until degree completion.

Part-Time Program: Three (3) years until degree completion.

Advanced Standing Program: One (1) year until degree completion.

Do you offer concentrations or specializations?

We offer five specializations, or pathways, which are outlined below, and offer several certificate options. Please visit Program Pathway Options for more information. 

Can the program be completed online? When and where are classes held?

Classes are delivered in person on the University of Chicago’s campus in Chicago’s Hyde Park neighborhood. We do not offer an online option.

What is the average class size?

Classes are capped between 25 and 30 students. Each year, we start between 200 and 225 students across all enrollment options.

Are students required to complete an internship?

Students enrolled in the Full-Time Program and Part-Time Program will complete two field practicum experiences over the course of the program. Advanced Standing students will complete one placement. You can view additional information about student practicum experiences by visiting Field Education.

Do you accept transfer credit?

There are two (2) ways to transfer credits:

Students are permitted to transfer one (1) full year of course work from another accredited master's program in social work if the work was done within three (3) years of the application for transfer.

Applications for transfer must include successful completion of the:

1st year core required courses; and

1st year practicum.

Individual courses from other institutions or other parts of the University prior to matriculation at Crown Family School are not accepted for credit toward the master's degree at Crown Family School. Crown Family School neither awards nor transfers life experience credit.

Do you offer research assistantships or graduate assistantships?

We offer a limited number of research assistantships and graduate assistantships. Research and graduate assistants do not receive tuition waivers, but are paid an hourly wage.

Application Questions:

What is the application fee?

There is no cost to apply for admission. 

Do you require the GRE?

Applicants applying for admission to the Master’s in Social Work, Social Policy, and Social Administration program are not required to submit GRE test results with their application.

What are your application requirements?

• Official transcript from regionally accredited college or university
• Three letters of recommendation
• A Resume or CV
• Candidate Statement

You can find additional information at Master's Application Requirements and Deadlines.

Can I apply if my bachelor’s degree isn’t in social work?

While many of our students have previously majored in psychology or sociology, students enrolled in our master’s programs come from a wide variety of academic and professional backgrounds including, but not limited to, Arts & Sciences, Business, Communication, Education, Fine and Performing Arts, and Law.

Are there prerequisite requirements?

There are no prerequisite courses requirements for the Master’s in Social Work, Social Policy, and Social Administration program.

Is there a minimum GPA required for admission?

Applicants are not required to show a minimum GPA in order to be considered for admission.

When are your application deadlines?

You can view application deadlines by visiting Application Requirements and Deadlines for Master’s Programs.

The A.M. in Social Sector Leadership and Nonprofit Management program, our newest degree program, is designed to empower students to become more inclusive and impactful leaders across the social sector. Students in the program will develop the capacity to influence and build better organizations that advance a more just and humane society, while developing the capacity to more effectively address social change. 

In addition to the full-time and part-time enrollment options, students who have specific career goals in the fields of social work or public policy can pair their degree with an A.M. in Social Work, Social Policy, and Social Administration or a Master of Public Policy for a more targeted impact.

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