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The University of Chicago School of Social Service Administration (SSA) helped found the field of social work more than a century ago and is one of the highest ranked schools of social work in the nation. We believe 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.
Master's Admissions
The AM degree (master of arts) from SSA is equivalent to an MSW, but provides a broader educational and experiential foundation that combines direct social work practice with policy development, interdisciplinary research, and social science theory. The comprehensive and interdisciplinary nature of the AM degree translates into greater flexibility and choice in your future career.
Doctoral Admissions
In the doctoral program, you have the flexibility of designing your own course of study in tandem with related disciplines across the University of Chicago, home to some of the world's leading scholars in the social sciences. The PhD in social work opens doors to university-level research and teaching positions, and high-level policy research.
Financial Aid
Last year, more than 95 percent of master's students received merit- and need-based financial aid, including full and partial tuition scholarships, paid fellowships, and work study. All students admitted into the SSA doctoral program receive full funding, which covers up to five years of tuition and fees.
Graduate Fairs & Virtual Events
Meet our admissions staff at dozens of graduate school fairs across the country. We’re excited to tell you more about our programs and answer all of your questions. SSA also hosts virtual webinars throughout the academic year on wide-ranging topics, and our admissions staff is available for live chats throughout the webinars.
Campus Visits
Come experience how SSA prepares students to become leaders in the field of social work, and meet a community of people dedicated to working toward a more just and humane society through research, teaching, and service to the community. Visits include a campus tour, a chat with an admissions representative, interactions with students and faculty, and the chance to sit in on a class.
