Social Work Degree

The social work program at Concordia University Chicago prepares students for careers as an adolescent specialist, child and family social worker, healthcare social worker, mental health and substance abuse social worker, and more. The program focuses on social welfare administration and counseling, as well as studying organized means of providing basic support services for vulnerable individuals and groups. Program courses include: social welfare policy, case work planning, social counseling and intervention strategies, and administrative procedures and regulations. Get more details below including other Illinois colleges that offer social work degrees.

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Concordia University Chicago

600 South Michigan, Chicago, IL

Concordia University, located in River Forest, Illinois, began its history in 1855 when Lutheran Ministers Friedrich Johann Carl Lochner and Philipp Fleischmann began and independent Lutheran seminary in Milwaukee. Two years later, the schools control was given to the Lutheran Church, which proceeded to move the school to Fort Wayne, Indiana. The school moved again, this time St. Louis, followed by Springfield, Illinois, then back to Fort Wayne. The school received a stable home, and considers its founding year 1864, when the school settles in Addison, Illinois. In 1913, the school moved to its current location, and in 1979 expanded its educational offerings to become a full liberal arts institution and adopted the name Concordia University.

Academics

Concordia University Chicago offers over 100 programs of study for undergraduates and graduates. The school has achieved top rank in education in U.S. News and World Report's Best Colleges list twice, once in 2006, and again in 2010. The school offers a faith based liberal arts education. The school strives to maintain academic excellence in its offerings, constantly refining and reviewing programs and courses to remain abreast of new development and keep curriculums current.

Programs offered include:

• Accounting
• Chemistry
• Early Childhood Education
• Environmental Science
• Graphic Arts
• Psychology

Admissions and Financial Aid

Students wishing to enroll at Concordia University Chicago must have graduated high school with a cumulative GPA of 2.5, or have a GED with equivalent score. An ACT score of 19 or SAT score of 930 is also required. Involvement in extracurricular activities is also highly regarded. Student will be evaluated by the admissions committee based on the strength of the student's application, and may require additional documentation prior to making a final decision.

Financial aid is available in the form of grants, loans, scholarships, work study programs, and veteran/active duty benefits. Students interested or in need of financial aid must complete and submit the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) to determine eligibility. Additional assistance and information may be obtained through the school's financial aid department or through the online resources available through Concordia University Chicago's website.

Athletics

The Concordia University Chicago Cougars compete in the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) Division III. The school participates in multiple sports for both men and women, maintaining an active athletic schedule throughout the school year.

Athletic programs:

• Baseball (Men Only)
• Basketball
• Cross Country
• Football (Men Only)
• Soccer
• Tennis
• Track and Field
• Softball (Women Only)
• Volleyball (Women Only)

Students Enrolled in the Social Work Program

Get more details below regarding enrollment, academics, and school demographics. Concordia University Chicago offers a bachelor's degree program in social work.

Students by Gender (2019)

Students by Race (2019)

Source: IPEDS Survey 2012-2020: Data obtained from the US Dept. of Education's Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS). Data may vary depending on school and academic year.

Career Options for Graduates

Social and Community Service Managers

Description

Plan, direct, or coordinate the activities of a social service program or community outreach organization. Oversee the program or organization's budget and policies regarding participant involvement, program requirements, and benefits. Work may involve directing social workers, counselors, or probation officers.

Career Outlook & Projections ()

According to the BLS, social and community service managers employment is expected to grow at a rate of 9.5% from 2014 to 2024

Salary & Wages

• Chicago-Naperville-Arlington Heights, IL Metropolitan Division
  • Total Employment: 2
  • Average Hourly Rate: $32.13
  • Average Annual Salary: $66830
• Gary, IN Metropolitan Division
  • Total Employment: 210
  • Average Hourly Rate: $25.39
  • Average Annual Salary: $52810
• Lake County-Kenosha County, IL-WI Metropolitan Division
  • Total Employment: 280
  • Average Hourly Rate: $28.95
  • Average Annual Salary: $60210

Marriage and Family Therapists

Description

Diagnose and treat mental and emotional disorders, whether cognitive, affective, or behavioral, within the context of marriage and family systems. Apply psychotherapeutic and family systems theories and techniques in the delivery of services to individuals, couples, and families for the purpose of treating such diagnosed nervous and mental disorders.

Career Outlook & Projections ()

According to the BLS, marriage and family therapists employment is expected to grow at a rate of 14.8% from 2014 to 2024

Salary & Wages

• Chicago-Naperville-Arlington Heights, IL Metropolitan Division
  • Total Employment: 160
• Gary, IN Metropolitan Division
  • Total Employment: 30
  • Average Hourly Rate: $23.90
  • Average Annual Salary: $49710
• Lake County-Kenosha County, IL-WI Metropolitan Division
  • Total Employment: 50
  • Average Hourly Rate: $23.55
  • Average Annual Salary: $48990

Counselors, All Other

Description

All counselors not listed separately.

Career Outlook & Projections ()

According to the BLS, counselors, all other employment is expected to grow at a rate of 11.0% from 2014 to 2024

Salary & Wages

• Chicago-Naperville-Arlington Heights, IL Metropolitan Division
  • Total Employment: 740
  • Average Hourly Rate: $17.84
  • Average Annual Salary: $37110
• Lake County-Kenosha County, IL-WI Metropolitan Division
  • Total Employment: 140
  • Average Hourly Rate: $20.30
  • Average Annual Salary: $42220

Child, Family, and School Social Workers

Description

Provide social services and assistance to improve the social and psychological functioning of children and their families and to maximize the family well-being and the academic functioning of children. May assist parents, arrange adoptions, and find foster homes for abandoned or abused children. In schools, they address such problems as teenage pregnancy, misbehavior, and truancy. May also advise teachers.

Career Outlook & Projections ()

According to the BLS, child, family, and school social workers employment is expected to grow at a rate of 6.2% from 2014 to 2024

Salary & Wages

• Chicago-Naperville-Arlington Heights, IL Metropolitan Division
  • Total Employment: 7
  • Average Hourly Rate: $27.31
  • Average Annual Salary: $56800
• Gary, IN Metropolitan Division
  • Total Employment: 510
  • Average Hourly Rate: $19.90
  • Average Annual Salary: $41390
• Lake County-Kenosha County, IL-WI Metropolitan Division
  • Total Employment: 670
  • Average Hourly Rate: $29.17
  • Average Annual Salary: $60680

Source: Job descriptions, estimated salary and wages, and projected job growth are taken from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS).