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 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. Marietta Stevenson, with a PhD in political science and experience working for the American Public Welfare Association, arrived in 1943 to head the University's new social work division. Stevenson eventually renamed the programthe School of Social Work, and dedicated herself to building cooperative relationships with social work agencies in order to provide fieldwork placement for students. She even held classes at Chicago's Navy Pier so students could work in field placements in the city’s more urban setting.
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 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 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.
Requirements
Bachelor of Social Work
Students pursuing their bachelor's degree must complete the following:
Show evidence of strong communication and interpersonal skills.
Show personal attributes that are suitable for the social work profession.
Complete the application for the professional program entry.
Master of Social Work
Students pursuing their master's degree must complete the required coursework and a semester long internship.
PhD of Social Work
Students pursuing a doctorate degree must complete coursework organized around five curricular components: seminars in social welfare policy, research methodologies and statistics, an interdisciplinary area of study, a qualifying exam, and a dissertation.
