The University of Chicago School of Social Service Administration is one of the most highly ranked schools of social work in the nation, and has been since we helped establish the field of social work more than a century ago. The school was founded on the belief that only a truly interdisciplinary social work education—a combination of practice, policy and research—produces individuals with the intellectual foundation and practical skills to be effective agents of change. Whether you want to pursue clinical practice or begin a career in social work policy and administration, there is no better place to study. Our graduates go on to rewarding careers in clinical social work, government and nonprofit social services administration, policymaking, academia and much more.
Our Programs
Learn more about each of our academic programs:
- The Master’s Program: offers a uniquely rigorous, professionally flexible degree that lets you concentrate in either clinical social work or social work administration. There are several enrollment options from which to choose:
- the full-time program
- the part-time day program
- the 15-month accelerated program
- the extended evening program
- dual degree programs
- the AB/AM program
- The Doctoral Program: lets you pursue research and advanced study under the guidance of a faculty mentor.
- Professional Development Program: keeps your skills and licensure up to date through lectures and workshops with the field’s leading scholars and practitioners.
How to Apply
Our master’s and doctoral programs start in the fall, with the exception of our 15-month accelerated AM program, which starts in the spring. Regardless of the program you plan to enter, we encourage you to apply as early as possible. Registration for professional development courses and workshops is ongoing.
Visit Us
We strongly encourage you to plan a visit to campus and to meet with the Office of Admissions. See for yourself why Chicago is one of the world’s great cities and talk to current students and faculty about the impact of an SSA education. If you can’t make it to Chicago, we can arrange an informational interview with a current student or SSA alumnus in your area.
Mary Debose, Assistant Director of Admissions
Sarah Hyde, Admissions Counselor
Sarina Carrillo, Admissions Specialist
Shirley Li, AM '16
Li reflects on her SSA field experience, “I now realize that as a therapist, both the goal and how you approach that goal are very important.”