Social Work Beyond Bachelor's at DePaul: In-Person Guide

Earning a Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) is a meaningful first step, but the profession's most influential roles often require advanced study. At DePaul University, the path beyond the bachelor's degree is built for students who want to practice at the clinical, community, or policy level, and it is delivered in person on the university's Chicago campus. For prospective students weighing graduate study, understanding what DePaul offers beyond the BSW, how the in-person format works, and how to prepare an application can make the difference between a vague ambition and a focused plan.

DePaul's social work programs are housed in the College of Liberal Arts and Social Sciences, and the university has a long history of connecting classroom learning to real communities. The in-person format is not incidental: it places students in classrooms with faculty who practice in Chicago, in cohorts that build professional networks, and in field placements across the region. This guide walks through the advanced social work options at DePaul, what makes the in-person experience distinct, how to prepare for admission, and how to decide whether this route fits your career goals.

What Comes After a BSW at DePaul University

Students who finish a bachelor's degree in social work often ask a practical question: what does the next step look like, and does it need to happen immediately? At DePaul, the answer depends on career goals, licensure plans, and life circumstances. The most common advanced pathway is the Master of Social Work (MSW), which prepares graduates for clinical practice, macro-level work in organizations and policy, and leadership roles in agencies. DePaul also offers graduate study options that connect social work to community development and public service, and the university's urban location supports fieldwork in hospitals, schools, nonprofits, and government agencies.

The MSW is the degree most directly tied to career advancement. In most states, clinical licensure requires a master's degree plus supervised post-graduate hours, and many supervisory, program director, and policy roles prefer or require an MSW. DePaul's program is designed to accommodate students with a BSW through advanced standing, which can shorten the time to degree for qualified applicants. Students without a BSW can complete the full program, and both routes include field education that places students in real practice settings.

Beyond the MSW, some students pursue doctoral study in social work or related fields, or combine social work with public health, law, or public policy. DePaul's in-person format supports these ambitions because it keeps students connected to faculty mentors and to the city's professional networks. The key is to map the degree to a specific goal: clinical licensure, agency leadership, research, or community organizing. That clarity shapes everything from the statement of purpose to the field placement request.

The In-Person Advantage at DePaul

Online programs offer flexibility, and for some students they are the right fit. But DePaul's in-person social work programs offer something different: sustained, face-to-face learning with faculty who know students by name and with peers who become colleagues. In social work, where relationship-building is the core skill, the classroom experience mirrors the work. Students practice interviewing, role-play difficult conversations, and receive immediate feedback in a setting that cannot be fully replicated through a screen.

The Chicago location is a major part of the value. DePaul's campus sits in a city with a dense network of social service agencies, hospitals, schools, and advocacy organizations. Field placements are not abstract; they are down the street or a short train ride away. Students in the in-person program can attend agency events, meet supervisors in person, and build relationships that often lead to job offers. The university's alumni network in the region is active, and faculty frequently connect students with practitioners in their areas of interest.

In-person study also creates structure. Graduate school requires significant reading, writing, and field hours, and a cohort model helps students stay on track. Study groups form naturally, deadlines are shared, and the rhythm of weekly classes provides accountability. For students who thrive in a community of learners, the in-person format at DePaul is a strong fit. It is worth comparing this experience with online options to see which aligns with your learning style and schedule; resources such as this guide to in-person social work master's pathways can help frame the comparison.

MSW Program Structure and Specializations

DePaul's MSW program is built on a foundation of generalist practice, followed by specialized coursework and field education. Students choose a concentration that aligns with their career goals, and the program's structure supports both advanced standing and full-program students. The curriculum emphasizes social justice, evidence-based practice, and cultural competence, values that are central to the profession and to DePaul's mission.

Specializations typically include clinical practice, which prepares students for licensure and direct work with individuals, families, and groups, and macro practice, which focuses on organizations, policy, and community development. Within these areas, students can tailor coursework and field placements to interests such as mental health, child welfare, aging, health care, or school social work. The program also includes research courses that prepare students to evaluate interventions and contribute to evidence-based practice.

Field education is the heart of the MSW. Students complete supervised hours in agency settings, and the placement process is designed to match interests and career goals. In-person students have access to a wide range of Chicago-area agencies, and the field office works with students to identify placements that provide strong supervision and meaningful learning opportunities. The combination of coursework and field education prepares graduates for licensure exams and for the realities of practice.

For students considering advanced standing, the program typically requires a BSW from a CSWE-accredited program and a strong academic record. Advanced standing students complete fewer credit hours and can finish more quickly, which reduces cost and time to degree. The application process is competitive, and applicants should be prepared to explain how their BSW coursework and experience prepare them for advanced study.

Admission Requirements and Application Tips

Admission to DePaul's graduate social work programs is holistic, meaning the committee considers academic performance, experience, and fit with the profession. Applicants should review the specific requirements for their intended program, but several elements are consistently important. A strong application tells a coherent story about why social work, why DePaul, and why now.

Key application components typically include the following:

• A completed online application and application fee.
• Official transcripts from all colleges and universities attended.
• A personal statement that connects your experience, values, and career goals to the program's mission and curriculum.
• A resume or CV documenting relevant work, volunteer, and leadership experience.
• Letters of recommendation from academic or professional references who can speak to your readiness for graduate study.

Beyond the checklist, applicants should pay attention to fit. DePaul's program emphasizes social justice and community engagement, and the personal statement should reflect an understanding of those values. Relevant experience does not have to be in social work; volunteer work, teaching, advocacy, or customer-facing roles can demonstrate the interpersonal skills that matter in the profession. Applicants should also prepare for a possible interview, which is an opportunity to discuss goals and ask questions about field placements and specializations.

Advanced standing applicants should highlight their BSW coursework, field experience, and readiness for specialized practice. Full-program applicants should explain why they are pursuing social work and how their background prepares them for the profession. In both cases, specificity helps: naming a concentration, a population of interest, or a type of agency shows that the applicant has done research and is making an informed choice.

Field Education and Chicago-Area Placements

Field education is where classroom learning becomes practice, and at DePaul it is integrated throughout the program. Students complete supervised hours in agencies that serve individuals, families, and communities, and the placements are selected to provide meaningful learning experiences. The Chicago area offers an extraordinary range of settings, from large hospital systems and community mental health centers to schools, legal aid organizations, and advocacy groups.

The field office works with students to identify placements that align with their concentration and career goals. Students may complete placements in clinical settings, where they provide direct services under supervision, or in macro settings, where they work on program development, policy analysis, or community organizing. The goal is to graduate with both competence and confidence, and field education is the primary vehicle for developing practice skills.

In-person students have an advantage in field education because they can attend interviews, visit agencies, and maintain relationships with supervisors more easily. Many students continue working at their field agencies after graduation, and the connections made during field education often shape careers. Students should think strategically about placements, using them to explore different populations and settings while building a professional network.

Licensure, Careers, and Salary Outlook

Graduates of DePaul's MSW program pursue a wide range of careers. Clinical social workers provide mental health services in hospitals, clinics, private practice, and community agencies. Macro practitioners work in program management, policy analysis, community organizing, and advocacy. School social workers support students and families in educational settings, and health care social workers help patients navigate complex medical systems.

Licensure is a key consideration for clinical practice. Most states require a master's degree from a CSWE-accredited program, supervised post-graduate hours, and passage of a licensure exam. DePaul's program prepares graduates for these steps, and the university provides resources to help students understand the licensure process. Graduates should check the requirements in the state where they plan to practice, as rules vary.

Salary outlook varies by setting, experience, and location. Clinical social workers in private practice and health care settings often earn more than those in community agencies, and supervisory and administrative roles command higher salaries. The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects continued demand for social workers, particularly in health care and mental health settings. For students comparing programs, it is worth looking at career outcomes and licensure pass rates, and at the strength of the alumni network in the region.

Funding Your Graduate Social Work Degree

Graduate study is an investment, and students should explore funding options early. DePaul offers merit-based scholarships, need-based aid, and graduate assistantships that can offset tuition. Students should also look at external scholarships from professional organizations, community foundations, and agencies, as well as federal work-study and loan programs. The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is the starting point for federal aid, and the university's financial aid office can help students understand their options.

Employer tuition benefits are another possibility. Some agencies and health systems offer tuition reimbursement or loan repayment programs for employees pursuing social work degrees. Students who plan to work while studying should ask their employers about these benefits. It is also worth considering the total cost of attendance, including fees, books, and transportation, and comparing it with the expected return on investment.

For students exploring programs, matching services can help narrow the search. Platforms such as HigherEducationAdvisor connect prospective students with sponsored online and on-campus programs and allow them to request information directly from schools. These services are not colleges and do not grant credit, but they can be a useful starting point for comparing options and understanding what different programs offer.

Is DePaul's In-Person Program Right for You?

Deciding between in-person and online study, or between DePaul and another program, comes down to fit. Students who value community, face-to-face mentorship, and access to a large urban field placement network may find the in-person format at DePaul especially appealing. Those who need maximum flexibility or who live outside the Chicago area may prefer online options or hybrid formats. Neither choice is inherently better; the right answer depends on goals, circumstances, and learning style.

Prospective students should visit campus if possible, attend information sessions, and speak with faculty and current students. Asking about field placements, licensure support, and alumni outcomes can reveal how well a program delivers on its promises. It is also helpful to compare costs, including financial aid and assistantship opportunities, and to think about the time commitment required for field education.

For students who are ready to take the next step, a focused search can make the process manageable. Exploring programs by subject and format, requesting information from schools of interest, and comparing options side by side helps clarify the decision. DePaul's in-person social work programs are a strong option for students who want rigorous training, a supportive community, and a direct connection to Chicago's social service landscape.

The path beyond a bachelor's degree in social work is not a single road but a set of choices about practice, purpose, and place. At DePaul, the in-person format offers a particular kind of preparation: one rooted in relationships, community, and the city itself. For students who want to practice at a higher level and make a lasting impact, that preparation can be the foundation for a meaningful career.