Type Public Dean Wynne Korr Affiliations University of Illinois Founded 1945 Postgraduates 202 | Established 1945 Location Urbana, IL, USA Number of students 426 Undergraduates 224 | |
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Website www.socialwork.illinois.edu Affiliation University of Illinois at Urbana–Champaign Similar University of Illinois at Urbana–Champaign, UIUC College of Education, Carle‑Illinois College of Medicine, University of Illinois College o, UIC College of Business | ||
The School of Social Work is a school at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign which exclusively focuses on social work education. The school was originally a graduate school, but began an undergraduate program in Fall 2010.
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History
In the late 1930s, the Public Welfare department of the state of Illinois proposed that the University of Illinois develop a program for training in social administration, similar to the programs developed at schools such as the University of Wisconsin, the University of Iowa, and Northwestern University. But by 1941, a portion of the Illinois program (along with other schools’ programs) had to be discontinued due to the strain of the war on the University and its students.
The University then hired a consultant from the American Association of the Schools of Social Work to examine the possibility of creating a social work school. The Association suggested that for a school of social work to be successful, a full-time director, trained in the field of social work, was needed.
Facilities
The School of Social Work houses one building, located on Nevada Street in Urbana. Until 2009, the building used to be housed on Oregon Street. The current location is located three blocks east of the Main Quadrangle, and a block east of Busey-Evans Residence Halls.
Ranking
As of 2016, the master's program has been ranked #16 nationally by U.S. News & World Report.
Concentrations
Any student pursuing their MSW can choose from five different concentrations.
Leadership and Social Change
Leadership and Social Change prepares students for a social work career focused on advocacy. The curriculum also includes international social work advocacy.
Children, Youth, and Family Services
Children, Youth, and Family services prepares students for a social work career focused on serving disadvantaged children, youth, and families.
Health Care
Health Care prepares students for a social work career focused on the medical field. Within this concentration, the social worker acts as a supportive network for their hospitalized client in need.
Mental Health
Mental Health social workers focus on the internal mental problems that ail their clients.
School Social Work
School Social Work prepares students to become Social Workers in schools.
Bachelor of Social Work
Students pursuing their bachelor's degree must complete the following:
Master of Social Work
Students pursuing their master's degree must complete the required coursework and a semester long internship.: