Illinois · MSW programs by city
Best MSW Programs near Joliet, IL (2026)
Published · Last updated
Edited by Zoe MacDougall, BS in Psychology
Joliet, Illinois (population 150,489) has 1 CSWE-accredited MSW program based in the city , with 10 more accredited programs within about 60 miles. 8 Illinois programs also offer an online option. Every program below is accredited by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE), the requirement for Illinois licensure.
Best MSW programs in Joliet, IL
Accredited programs with a campus in Joliet, IL, ranked by our five-factor model. National and online rank badges appear only for programs in the top 25 (nationally, or among online programs).
- #1 In Joliet, IL
University of St. Francis, The
Joliet, IL, IL · CSWE-accredited since 2006 · Online or On-Campus
6.7
2 concentrations ✓ Advanced Standing Online optionWhy it ranks here
University of St. Francis, The has held CSWE accreditation since 2006, 20 years of standing as of 2026. The MSW is offered both online and on campus (Joliet, IL). It records 2 concentrations (Advanced Generalist; School Social Work). An Advanced Standing track is available for qualified BSW holders. Students can enroll full-time or part-time. The program also offers 3 embedded certificates.
Concentrations
Advanced Generalist, School Social Work
Five-factor score breakdown
- Accreditation longevity (30%) 4.4
- Pathways & laddering (22%) 8.3
- Prestige (Carnegie research tier) (18%) 5.0
- Delivery format (18%) 8.0
- Schedule flexibility (12%) 10.0
Best MSW programs near Joliet, IL
Accredited programs whose nearest campus is within about 60 miles of Joliet, IL, ranked by our five-factor model. Each card shows the campus city and straight-line distance from the city center.
- #1 Chicago · ~33 mi
Loyola University Chicago
Chicago, IL, IL · CSWE-accredited since 1921 · Online or On-Campus
8.7
1 concentration ✓ Advanced Standing Online optionWhy it ranks here
Loyola University Chicago has held CSWE accreditation since 1921, 105 years of standing as of 2026. The MSW is offered both online and on campus (Chicago, IL). It records 1 concentration (Other). An Advanced Standing track is available for qualified BSW holders. Students can enroll full-time or part-time. The program also offers 4 dual-degree options and 4 embedded certificates.
Concentrations
Other
Five-factor score breakdown
- Accreditation longevity (30%) 10.0
- Pathways & laddering (22%) 10.0
- Prestige (Carnegie research tier) (18%) 5.0
- Delivery format (18%) 8.0
- Schedule flexibility (12%) 10.0
- #2 Aurora · ~18 mi
Aurora University
Aurora, IL, IL · CSWE-accredited since 1974 · Online or On-Campus
8.2
1 concentration ✓ Advanced Standing Online optionWhy it ranks here
Aurora University has held CSWE accreditation since 1974, 52 years of standing as of 2026. The MSW is offered both online and on campus (Aurora, IL; Williams Bay, WI; Woodstock, IL). It records 1 concentration (Clinical or Direct Practice). An Advanced Standing track is available for qualified BSW holders. Students can enroll full-time or part-time. The program also offers 2 dual-degree options and 3 embedded certificates.
Concentrations
Clinical or Direct Practice
Five-factor score breakdown
- Accreditation longevity (30%) 8.2
- Pathways & laddering (22%) 9.1
- Prestige (Carnegie research tier) (18%) 5.0
- Delivery format (18%) 9.0
- Schedule flexibility (12%) 10.0
- #3 Chicago · ~33 mi
University of Illinois Chicago
Chicago, IL, IL · CSWE-accredited since 1946 · On-Campus
8.0
5 concentrations ✓ Advanced Standing On-campusWhy it ranks here
University of Illinois Chicago has held CSWE accreditation since 1946, 80 years of standing as of 2026. The program is delivered on campus (Chicago, IL). It records 5 concentrations (Children, Youth, and Families; Community Development and Social Systems; Criminal Justice; and more). An Advanced Standing track is available for qualified BSW holders. Students can enroll full-time or part-time. The program also offers 1 dual-degree option and 1 embedded certificate.
Concentrations
Children, Youth, and Families, Community Development and Social Systems, Criminal Justice, Mental Health, School Social Work
Five-factor score breakdown
- Accreditation longevity (30%) 10.0
- Pathways & laddering (22%) 10.0
- Prestige (Carnegie research tier) (18%) 5.0
- Delivery format (18%) 4.0
- Schedule flexibility (12%) 10.0
- #4 Chicago · ~33 mi
University of Chicago
Chicago, IL, IL · CSWE-accredited since 1919 · On-Campus
7.9
2 concentrations ✓ Advanced Standing On-campusWhy it ranks here
University of Chicago has held CSWE accreditation since 1919, 107 years of standing as of 2026. The program is delivered on campus (Chicago, IL). It records 2 concentrations (Clinical or Direct Practice; Management or Administration). An Advanced Standing track is available for qualified BSW holders. Students can enroll full-time or part-time. The program also offers 2 dual-degree options and 2 embedded certificates.
Concentrations
Clinical or Direct Practice, Management or Administration
Five-factor score breakdown
- Accreditation longevity (30%) 10.0
- Pathways & laddering (22%) 9.5
- Prestige (Carnegie research tier) (18%) 5.0
- Delivery format (18%) 4.0
- Schedule flexibility (12%) 10.0
- #5 Chicago · ~33 mi
Chicago State University
Chicago, Illinois, IL · CSWE-accredited since 2001 · On-Campus
6.1
3 concentrations ✓ Advanced Standing On-campusWhy it ranks here
Chicago State University has held CSWE accreditation since 2001, 25 years of standing as of 2026. The program is delivered on campus (Chicago, Illinois). It records 3 concentrations (Advanced Generalist; Program Evaluation; School Social Work). An Advanced Standing track is available for qualified BSW holders. Students can enroll full-time or part-time.
Concentrations
Advanced Generalist, Program Evaluation, School Social Work
Five-factor score breakdown
- Accreditation longevity (30%) 5.0
- Pathways & laddering (22%) 7.1
- Prestige (Carnegie research tier) (18%) 5.0
- Delivery format (18%) 5.0
- Schedule flexibility (12%) 10.0
- #6 University Park · ~23 mi
Governors State University
University Park, IL, IL · CSWE-accredited since 2002 · On-Campus
5.8
2 concentrations ✓ Advanced Standing On-campusWhy it ranks here
Governors State University has held CSWE accreditation since 2002, 24 years of standing as of 2026. The program is delivered on campus (University Park, IL). It records 2 concentrations (Children, Youth, and Families; School Social Work). An Advanced Standing track is available for qualified BSW holders. Students can enroll full-time or part-time. The program also offers 1 embedded certificate.
Concentrations
Children, Youth, and Families, School Social Work
Five-factor score breakdown
- Accreditation longevity (30%) 4.9
- Pathways & laddering (22%) 6.7
- Prestige (Carnegie research tier) (18%) 5.0
- Delivery format (18%) 4.0
- Schedule flexibility (12%) 10.0
- #7 Chicago · ~33 mi
Erikson Institute
Chicago, IL, IL · CSWE-accredited since 2013 · Online or On-Campus
5.7
2 concentrations ✓ Advanced Standing Online optionWhy it ranks here
Erikson Institute has held CSWE accreditation since 2013, 13 years of standing as of 2026. The MSW is offered both online and on campus (Chicago, IL). It records 2 concentrations (Children, Youth, and Families; Clinical or Direct Practice). An Advanced Standing track is available for qualified BSW holders. Students can enroll full-time or part-time.
Concentrations
Children, Youth, and Families, Clinical or Direct Practice
Five-factor score breakdown
- Accreditation longevity (30%) 3.6
- Pathways & laddering (22%) 5.9
- Prestige (Carnegie research tier) (18%) 5.0
- Delivery format (18%) 7.0
- Schedule flexibility (12%) 10.0
- #8 Chicago · ~33 mi
Northeastern Illinois University
Chicago, IL, IL · CSWE-accredited since 2016 · On-Campus
5.3
3 concentrations ✓ Advanced Standing On-campusWhy it ranks here
Northeastern Illinois University has held CSWE accreditation since 2016, 10 years of standing as of 2026. The program is delivered on campus (Chicago, IL). It records 3 concentrations (Children, Youth, and Families; School Social Work; Leadership). An Advanced Standing track is available for qualified BSW holders. Students can enroll full-time or part-time.
Concentrations
Children, Youth, and Families, School Social Work, Leadership
Five-factor score breakdown
- Accreditation longevity (30%) 3.2
- Pathways & laddering (22%) 7.1
- Prestige (Carnegie research tier) (18%) 5.0
- Delivery format (18%) 4.0
- Schedule flexibility (12%) 10.0
- #9 Chicago · ~33 mi
DePaul University
Chicago, IL, IL · CSWE-accredited since 2007 · On-Campus
5.3
2 concentrations No Advanced Standing On-campusWhy it ranks here
DePaul University has held CSWE accreditation since 2007, 19 years of standing as of 2026. The program is delivered on campus (Chicago, IL). It records 2 concentrations (Community Development and Social Systems; Forensic Social Work). Students can enroll full-time or part-time. The program also offers 1 dual-degree option.
Concentrations
Community Development and Social Systems, Forensic Social Work
Five-factor score breakdown
- Accreditation longevity (30%) 4.3
- Pathways & laddering (22%) 5.4
- Prestige (Carnegie research tier) (18%) 5.0
- Delivery format (18%) 4.0
- Schedule flexibility (12%) 10.0
- #10 Romeoville · ~8 mi
Lewis University
Romeoville, IL, IL · CSWE-accredited since 2017 · On-Campus
5.0
1 concentration ✓ Advanced Standing On-campusWhy it ranks here
Lewis University has held CSWE accreditation since 2017, 9 years of standing as of 2026. The program is delivered on campus (Romeoville, IL). It records 1 concentration (Clinical or Direct Practice). An Advanced Standing track is available for qualified BSW holders. Students can enroll full-time or part-time.
Concentrations
Clinical or Direct Practice
Five-factor score breakdown
- Accreditation longevity (30%) 3.1
- Pathways & laddering (22%) 4.7
- Prestige (Carnegie research tier) (18%) 5.0
- Delivery format (18%) 5.0
- Schedule flexibility (12%) 10.0
Online MSW programs available in Joliet, IL
Illinois-based CSWE-accredited programs with an online option, which Joliet, IL residents can complete from home. See the full online MSW ranking for national options.
| Institution | Accredited | Adv. Standing | Natl. |
|---|---|---|---|
| University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign | 1946 | Yes | #27 |
| Loyola University Chicago | 1921 | Yes | #30 |
| Aurora University | 1974 | Yes | #57 |
| Southern Illinois University Carbondale | 1988 | Yes | #91 |
| Dominican University | 2001 | Yes | #113 |
| University of St. Francis, The | 2006 | Yes | #131 |
| Erikson Institute | 2013 | Yes | #220 |
| Chamberlain University | 2019 | Yes | #300 |
How much do social workers make in Joliet, IL in 2026?
Joliet, Illinois sits within the Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN metro area, the labor market that sets pay and demand for its social workers. Across specialties, the area employs roughly 20,960 social workers , and the best-paid specialty here is social workers, all other at a $71,740 median. Figures are from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS program (May 2025).
| Occupation | Employed | Median wage | Typical range (10th–90th) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Healthcare social workers | 3,770 | $71,430 | $49,300 – $97,880 |
| Mental health & substance abuse social workers | 2,450 | $57,720 | $46,040 – $83,260 |
| Child, family & school social workers | 13,550 | $64,790 | $48,460 – $110,390 |
| Social workers, all other | 1,190 | $71,740 | $45,920 – $114,690 |
| Social & community service managers (macro) | 5,390 | $79,150 | $52,000 – $124,790 |
How local pay compares
Child, family & school social workers around Joliet, IL earn a median of $64,790 versus $63,220 statewide in Illinois and $67,310 nationally. That is at or above the Illinois median.
Where do social workers work in Joliet, IL in 2026?
Joliet, Illinois sits in Will County. Organizations in and around the city that commonly employ MSW-level social workers include:
- Will County Health Department, Behavioral Health
- Ascension Saint Joseph-Joliet
- Joliet Public Schools
- Trinity Services
- Stepping Stones
Representative local employers known to operate in the area; illustrative, not an exhaustive or BLS-sourced list.
Nationally, BLS projects social worker employment to grow 6% from 2024 to 2034, faster than the average for all occupations, driven by demand in healthcare and mental-health settings. Macro roles such as social and community service managers are projected to grow alongside them. See pay by role in our career guides.
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (May 2025) for Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN; employment projections from the BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook. Wages are annual medians.
What kind of social work license do I need in Joliet, IL?
After an MSW from Joliet, IL or anywhere, these are the Illinois social work licenses, per ASWB. A CSWE-accredited degree is required for each.
| License | Education | Supervised hours | Exam |
|---|---|---|---|
| Licensed Clinical Social Worker 1 (LCSW1) | Master of Social Work | 3000 hours | Clinical; Alternative path if exam attempted at leasat once |
| Licensed Clinical Social Worker 2 (LCSW2) | Doctorate of Social Work | 2000 hours | Clinical; Alternative path if exam attempted at leasat once |
| Licensed Clinical Social Worker 3 (LCSW3) | Doctorate of Social Work or Master of Social Work | Clinical | |
| Licensed Social Worker 1 (LSW1) | Master of Social Work | — | Exam Not Required |
| Licensed Social Worker 2 (LSW2) | Bachelor of Social Work | Three years required number of hours not specified | Exam Not Required |
Source: ASWB social work licensure database. Verify current requirements with the Illinois state board before applying.
Social work in the Joliet logistics economy
Joliet sits at the heart of one of the largest inland logistics hubs in the country, and the warehousing, trucking, and distribution jobs that dominate Will County shape the social work here. Shift work, seasonal hiring, workplace injuries, and the financial strain of unpredictable hours all show up in caseloads. Understanding a family's work life is often the first step to understanding everything else.
For social workers, that means fluency in the systems working families lean on: benefits, workers' rights, childcare, and behavioral health that accommodates non-traditional schedules. Employee assistance, healthcare, and community agencies all need practitioners who get this reality. Our careers overview shows where these roles sit across the profession.
Bilingual social work in Joliet
Joliet is a diverse, working-class city with a substantial Latino population, and its social services run in more than one language. From school enrollment to clinic visits to housing assistance, bilingual social workers help families navigate systems that are hard enough to manage in English. That skill is consistently among the most requested by local employers.
If you speak Spanish, name it as a professional strength when you apply to programs and jobs alike. Ask MSW programs how they prepare students for culturally responsive practice and whether placements connect you to the neighborhood organizations Joliet families already rely on. To see how nearby cities compare, our Aurora guide covers a similar Fox Valley community.
Child and family welfare social work in Joliet
Child and family work is a large part of Joliet's social service landscape. Practitioners here handle foster care and reunification, early intervention, school-linked support, and services for families under financial and housing stress. The economic pressures of a logistics economy, where hours can vanish or spike without warning, often ripple straight into a household's stability.
This work asks for steadiness and resourcefulness more than any single technique. If it draws you, read our profile of the child and family social worker role, then plan your licensure through our Illinois credentials guide. Many caseworkers pursue the LCSW over time so they can add clinical services to the case management they already provide.
Where does Joliet fit in the Chicago metro job market?
Joliet anchors the southwest edge of the Chicago metro, which gives its social workers two directions to build in. You can work locally in Will County's schools, hospitals, and agencies, or commute toward the southern suburbs and the city for specialized roles. Metra service and the interstate network keep both options open.
That reach is worth weighing when you choose an MSW. A degree earned anywhere in the metro is recognized across it, so studying in the suburbs or in Chicago does not tie you down. Compare programs and graduate outcomes on our Illinois MSW ranking, and use our salary pages to see how local and city roles tend to pay.
Hospital and healthcare social work in Joliet
Joliet's hospitals and clinics employ social workers across a wide range of settings: emergency-department crisis response, discharge planning, chronic disease management, and connecting patients to housing, transportation, and benefits after they leave. In a city with many working families and shift workers, a lot of that job is closing the gap between what a treatment plan assumes and what a patient can actually manage at home.
Healthcare roles often favor or require clinical licensure, so map the LCSW path early using our credentials guide. To understand the day-to-day and the job outlook, see our profile of the healthcare social worker role and how it fits the region.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many CSWE-accredited MSW programs are in Joliet, IL?
How much do social workers earn in Joliet, IL?
Can I earn an MSW online from Joliet, IL?
What license do MSW graduates need in Illinois?
MSW programs in other Illinois cities
Sources
- CSWE Directory of Accredited Programs for program accreditation, campuses, and structure.
- U.S. Census Bureau 2023 Gazetteer (city coordinates) and Population Estimates Program (population).
- ASWB social work licensure database for Illinois license requirements.
Published 2026-06-12; last updated 2026-06-23. "Near" means a program campus within 60 straight-line miles of the city center.