General Questions
Are you accredited?
Yes, all academic programs at the Institute for Clinical Social Work are fully accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
What is clinical social work?
While all social workers can provide resources to clients in need, only clinical social workers can provide counseling services. If you are curious about learning more, check out our Clinical vs. Non-Clinical Social Work blog.
Is financial aid for graduate school available?
Financial aid for our PhD and Master’s programs is available for those who qualify.
When is orientation?
Orientation for new students in all programs takes place in early August; exact dates will be published when finalized.
Do you accept international students?
Prospective students from all locations are welcome to apply and may be admitted. However, ICSW is not currently an approved institution to authorize Visas.
Master’s Program
What degree will I earn in the program?
Graduates earn a Master’s in Clinical Counseling and Psychotherapy.
How long is the program?
Students enrolled full-time complete the Master’s degree in two years. Students enrolled part-time in the program complete the Master’s degree in three years.
Does the MA program meet criteria for licensure in my state?
The Master’s program at ICSW meets state of Illinois requirements for licensure as a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC). Accrued hours are transferrable for licensure in another state and if a student would like to obtain their LPC in another state, they should check that state’s requirements for equivalency. In some cases, other states may require a student to take an additional class or two. However, Illinois requirements are stringent and are in excess of many other states’ requirements.
What can I do after I graduate with my Master’s?
After students earn their Master’s in Clinical Counseling and Psychotherapy at ICSW, they are eligible to sit for the state licensure exam to because a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC). There is a 100% licensure exam pass rate among ICSW MA graduates.
What is the admissions deadline?
The priority admissions deadline for Fall 2023 admission to the Master’s program is December 5, 2022. It is strongly encouraged that applicants submit their applications by the priority deadline as ICSW uses rolling admissions and admissions decisions are made as applications are received. Master’s applicants admitted before the priority deadline also will have greater options in selecting a first year field placement. The general admissions deadline is March 1, 2023.
When are classes held?
Currently Master’s classes are Wednesday evenings, Fridays and Saturdays.
How much is tuition? Do you have scholarships/financial aid?
Current tuition rates and information about financial aid and scholarship opportunities can be found here: https://www.icsw.edu/masters-tuition
Distance Phd Program
How often will I be traveling to Chicago?
Distance PhD students come to Chicago for Saturday and Sunday morning twice during the fall and spring terms of each year, and once during the summer term of each year - so 5 weekends annually. In addition, Distance students are expected to come to Chicago for new student orientation.
What is the admissions deadline?
The priority admissions deadline for Fall 2023 admission to the PhD program is February 28, 2023. It is strongly encouraged that applicants submit their applications by the priority deadline as ICSW uses rolling admissions and admissions decisions are made as applications are received. The general admissions deadline is June 1, 2023.
Do you need a master’s to enroll in our distance PhD program?
You need a master’s degree from an accredited graduate school of work or a master’s degree in a closely related field such as counseling psychology or clinical counseling.
When are classes held?
Classes meet regularly on Tuesday and Thursday evenings throughout the semester through video conferences
How much is tuition? Do you have scholarships/financial aid?
Current tuition rates and information about financial aid and scholarship opportunities can be found here: https://www.icsw.edu/phd-tuition
Onsite Phd Program
What is the admissions deadline?
The priority admissions deadline for Fall 2023 admission to the PhD program is February 28, 2023. It is strongly encouraged that applicants submit their applications by the priority deadline as ICSW uses rolling admissions and admissions decisions are made as applications are received. The general admissions deadline is June 1, 2023.
Where do students meet for the onsite weekends?
Students meet at our Chicago campus, at 1345 W Argyle St, Chicago, IL 60640.
Do you need a master’s to enroll in our onsite PhD program?
Yes, you need a master’s degree from an accredited graduate school of work or a master’s degree in a closely related field such as counseling psychology or clinical counseling.
When are classes held?
Classes are Friday afternoons and Saturday mornings, every other week during the semester.
How much is tuition? Do you have scholarships/financial aid?
Current tuition rates and information about financial aid and scholarship opportunities can be found here: https://www.icsw.edu/phd-tuition
Pathway Program
Who is the Pathway Program for?
For current college seniors, recent college graduates, or anyone who is interested in learning more about psychodynamic therapy and plans to enroll in a graduate program at a later time. who are uncertain if they want to enroll in graduate school.
How much does the Pathway Program cost?
The Pathway Program’s fee structure is $500; however, there are tuition waivers for eligible participants. a free graduate psychodynamic therapy course.
Can this course's credits transfer?
Yes, they can be applied to ICSW’s Master’s degree program, or to another graduate program that accepts them.
Couple Therapy
Who should enroll in Couple Therapy?
Any therapist, experienced or novice, who wants to expand their knowledge and ability to treat relationships that are struggling with difficulties.
Continuing Education
Who qualifies for continuing education?
Everyone from new to experienced clinicians qualify for continuing education.
Does the CE social work at ICSW qualify for licensure?
As an accredited institution, ICSW’s CE in social work qualifies.
Why is continuing education in social work necessary?
Continuing education helps clinicians stay up to date on the latest theories in their field while learning from fellow practitioners about best practices.