Frequently Asked Questions

General Questions

  • Yes, all academic programs at the Institute for Clinical Social Work are fully accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.

  • 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. 

  • Financial aid for our PhD and Master’s programs is available for those who qualify. 

  • Orientation for new students in all programs takes place in early August; exact dates will be published when finalized.

  • Prospective students from all locations are welcome to apply and may be admitted. However, ICSW is not currently an approved institution to authorize Visas.

Masters Program

  • Graduates earn a Master’s in Clinical Counseling and Psychotherapy.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • The priority admissions deadline for Fall 2024 admission to the Master’s program is December 1, 2024. 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, 2025.

  • Currently Master’s classes are Wednesday evenings, Fridays and Saturdays.

  • Current tuition rates and information about financial aid and scholarship opportunities can be found here: https://www.icsw.edu/masters-tuition

Distance Phd Program

  • 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.

  • The priority admissions deadline for Fall 2024 admission to the PhD program is February 28, 2025 . 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, 2025.

  • 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. 

  • Classes meet regularly on Tuesday and Thursday evenings throughout the semester through video conferences

  • Current tuition rates and information about financial aid and scholarship opportunities can be found here: https://www.icsw.edu/phd-tuition

Onsite Phd Program

  • The priority admissions deadline for Fall 2024 admission to the PhD program is February 28, 2025. 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, 2025 .

  • Students meet at our Chicago campus, at 1345 W Argyle St, Chicago, IL 60640. 

  • 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. 

  • Classes are Friday afternoons and Saturday mornings, every other week during the semester.

  • Current tuition rates and information about financial aid and scholarship opportunities can be found here: https://www.icsw.edu/phd-tuition

Pathway Program

  • 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.

  • The Pathway Program’s fee structure is $500; however, there are tuition waivers for eligible participants.  a free graduate psychodynamic therapy course.

  • Yes, they can be applied to ICSW’s Master’s degree program, or to another graduate program that accepts them.

  • The general admissions deadline is December 13, 2024 .

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

  • Everyone from new to experienced clinicians qualify for continuing education. 

  • As an accredited institution, ICSW’s CE in social work qualifies.

  • Continuing education helps clinicians stay up to date on the latest theories in their field while learning from fellow practitioners about best practices.