Overview: 

The Chicago State University, School Social Work Concentration Application is required to assist the faculty in determining the best candidates for this demanding concentration. The requests for this concentration exceed the demand and therefore all qualified candidates will not be selected. Your opportunities will be enhanced by completing the following materials on or before the designated timelines.           

The School Social Work Concentration Application Deadline is December 15^th .   

1.  Students must demonstrate successful completion of the test of Test of Academic Proficiency (TAP), ACT Plus Writing with a composite score of 22 or the SAT (mathematics and critical thinking) with a composite score of 1030 when applying for the concentration.  Please plan to take either of the above exams by November.

•  Submission of your application should include submission of evidence of passing the Test of Academic Proficiency, ACT Plus Writing or the SAT.  If you have not passed, please submit evidence of an attempt and your application will be considered. 

2. When you take the examination, there is a provision for you to have your score sent directly to the University. You should do so to facilitate your application. We will only accept official TAP, ACT or SAT score reports.  Information regarding the examination is available at:

•  ILLINOIS STATE BOARD OF EDUCATION MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS FOR STATE LICENSURE

• You must be an MSW student in good standing. Only those students who hold a minimum G.P.A. of 3.0 will be considered.

• You must complete the attached brief application and submit it to the Department of Social Work no later than December 15th. 

If you are not selected for the School Social Work Concentration, you may select the Direct Services Concentration or the Program Planning and Administration Concentration.  The advanced Field Application should be submitted by January 15th.

The Advanced Standing Program at Chicago State University Department of Social Work is an intensive program for students who have graduated from a Council of Social Work Education Accredited baccalaureate Social Work Program. 

The MSW program of Chicago State University is accredited by the Council on Social Work Education. The program prepares students to meet the Illinois State Board of Education (ISBE) requirements for School Social Workers and for advanced social work practice that utilizes strength-based and family-centered principles to work effectively with client systems.  

Individuals applying for the Advanced Standing Program must have an overall grade point average (GPA) of 3.00 with at least a grade of B in all courses in the Social Work major. 

1. The following materials must be submitted to complete the application.
2. A $30.00 non-refundable application fee.
3. A completed graduate program application.
   • Graduate Application
4. You must pass the Illinois Test of Academic Proficiency (TAP), ACT Plus Writing with a composite score of 22 or the SAT (mathematics and critical thinking) with a composite score of 1030 when applying for the licensure program.  When you take the examination, there is a provision for you to have your score sent directly to the University. You should do so to facilitate your application. We will only accept official score reports.
5. You must hold a BSW from a CSWE accredited school of social work. Only those students who obtained a cumulative G.P.A. of 3.0 will be considered.
6. You must submit a two page essay with your application materials using the essay questions below.

Essay Questions:

Your typed essay should not exceed 2 pages. Please complete the following items:

1. Please describe your interest in becoming a school social worker?
2. Describe the professional experiences that you feel have best prepared you for practice within school settings:
3. The school social work concentration requires a field internship commitment of 2-3 days per week, between the hours of 8am and 4pm. The internship requires 600 hours for a full semester. How would you meet these expectations?
4. Please describe professional and/ or volunteer activities that have demonstrated your initiative and ability to work independently.
5. Please describe professional and/ or volunteer activities that have demonstrated your ability to work with others from diverse professional backgrounds, and to work successfully in teams and groups.

TAP Test of Academic Proficiency 

• Information regarding the Test of Academic Proficiency (TAP) including registration, test dates, and a study guide are available HERE. 

ACT/SAT as an alternative to the TAP

The following must be met:

• Composite ACT Plus Writing score of at least 22; or a composite (mathematics and critical reading) SAT score of 1030. The ACT Plus writing must be taken at the same time you receive a score of 22 or higher. If you took the ACT Plus writing and didn’t receive a composite score of 22 or higher and you retake the ACT to attempt to achieve a 22 or higher, you must also retake the writing portion.
• The applicant cannot have failed the TAP five times.
• The official ACT/SAT score report cannot be more than ten years old at the time of application to the program and submission of the ACT/SAT scores to ISBE.

Prospective candidates who wish to use their ACT/SAT score in lieu of the TAP must complete the following:

• Step 1
  Apply for full admission to an educator preparation program. This means you must have applied to a major, minor, or added a concentration that leads to State licensure. The respective program of application must notify CoTE that you applied to the licensure program.
• Step 2
  Complete and submit ISBE Form 73-60 for signature. Submit your application along with a copy of your scores to Lolita Godbold, Director of Field Education in the Department of Social Work.  The form will be submitted to the Chicago State University Licensure Officer verifying that you have applied for the School Social Work Concentration who will then forward the form to the ISBE.
• Step 3
  Request ACT/SAT send an official score report to the Illinois State Board of Education, Division of Educator Licensure, 100 North First Street, S-306, Springfield, IL 62777. For the ACT, you may use the paper form to request your scores to be sent directly to ISBE. You must use code 3001 for the "College Code"; Under "Name of College", indicate ISBE with the address listed above.
• Step 4
  If the Chicago State University does not have a copy of your official scores, they must also be sent to Chicago State University. 

   Frequently Asked Questions

•  Can I do my internship during the evenings?
  No- you must meet learning standards that require work during the traditional school day. Even if you are placed in a community school, which may have a longer school day, the bulk of your hours will be completed before 3pm and the activities must be those of a traditional school social worker and align to the Illinois State Board of Education Standards. 

• Where will I be placed for field?:
  Schools that serve as practicum sites can be public or private schools within the city of Chicago or suburban locations. Schools should serve a diverse student population, and provide opportunities for learning experiences across grade levels. 

• Can I work during the program?
  Most of the students in the Post MSW Program have several years of experience in social services and are often employed during their educational experience.  Please consider the required field hours in your decision to work and your work schedule. 

• To receive an application, visit us on the web HERE or call the Graduate College (773) 995-2404. 

• When is the Application deadline?
  The application deadline is March 15^th for Fall admission. 

• How much is tuition?
  Please contact the Bursar’s Office at (773) 995-2470 for up-to-date information on tuition charges for the Social Work Department. The Bursar’s Office is located in the Cook Administration Building. Tuition costs are also published in the semester course schedule book which is available on the web 

• Financial Assistance: Call the Financial Aid Office - 773-995-2304 or visit us on the web HERE. 

• Information Meetings: Call 773-995-2207 to register for a session.