Loyola University Chicago Reviews

"Great program to start. Comprehensive overview of policy arena"

"The quality of education is fantastic. However, the tuition fees are extremely expensive. The administration at the university is awful. The 'support' departments have no common sense and regularly make mistakes which they refuse to own up to."

"Loyola's graduate program of Social Work is clinically based. If you hope to focus more on social policy, you can receive good guidance and personalization under certain professors. Each student needs 1200 field placement hours over their two years which is feasible. The field placement program hopes to put you in your top choices."

"Very few financial assistance and part-time program options. Little to know diversity. Academically competitive."

"Social work is a wonder profession that can encourage change in policy, human behavior, and community structure. Another important fact is that social work can empower individuals. Some of the cons are the lack on innovation in the field and the reputation that social workers have in academia. Many people in the social work field are not technology savvy, which can limit impact. Also, to some professionals social workers are viewed as people "that just hug out issues". This is totally not the case. Social work is a unique art and science. It requires great interpersonal communication skills and a love for promoting social justice."

"Overall experience is very well. The program is designated for students who plan on continuing education into the medical field. The program is a great transition. Covered mostly the first year of medical school subjects. The campus is located in the heart of downtown Chicago. Very lively and eventful. However, if you aren't living on campus, traffic may be an issue. Chicago has many different attractions and there are numerous activities to engage in. The only downside is that it is a bit costly to live in. Loyola is a prestige university and strives for excellence."

"PROS: Loyola University Chicago is conveniently located in downtown Chicago. It is a safe and active location. There are different modes of transportation that one can take in order to get to the university. The academic work is challenging, but helps develop a critical mind as well. CONS: It is difficult for a commuter that is not from the area to feel part of the university community. Mainly because previous or continuing students have already made their group of friends. Advertisement of school events could improve."

"Through the course of study in the Masters of Science in Medical Science Program at Loyola I could not have been happier with the genuine support of the faculty and staff. Their constant dedication was above and beyond what I had expected for any masters degree program, offering their advice late into the evenings and over weekends, it truly was an aspect of my education that cannot be overlooked. The faculty coordinated with local community partners to secure volunteer and internship opportunities for the students. Additionally, the small class size of 55 students added to a more personalized and well-rounded education. The location of Loyola University Chicago added a new worldly perspective to my education and has ultimately affected how I will interact with a very diverse population in my future career choice. Perhaps a single negative aspect that I could point out is the fact that with all of the support from the faculty, I was encouraged to do many extracurricular activities to expand my resume. This made it difficult to stay ahead of the curve in the classroom. Time management skills will be integral to success in this program. Overall, I am very grateful for the opportunity to have attended such a life changing program and encourage others to strive for a successful academic career as well."

"The faculty are amazing and want you to succeed with your career goals. The school is located in a not-so-safe neighborhood."

"Loyola University of Chicago provides a great education, however, some of the adjunct faculty did not have great teaching skills. The social work school has a great reputation which has been helpful career wise."

"Loyola's Masters of Social Work program is rigorous, but I feel it will provide me with a solid foundation to go out in to the real world and work in the field of social services."

"As a graduate student, I feel that Loyola University - Chicago's Social Work Program is a great opportunity for people to get a unique education. The staff is committed to getting to know their students and making sure they have future work opportunities. I specifically chose Loyola because of a sub-specialization it offers in migration students. Through this program, I have been able to study the migration issue at the U.S. - Mexico border as well as complete a field placement in Chiapas, Mexico. Through this program, I will be able to better serve and relate to migrant populations in the U.S. I recommend Loyola to anyone interested in social work and looking for an education that will prepare them for the workforce."

"Loyola University - Chicago's Social Work Program is a competitive program, especially around the area of Clinical Social Work. Furthermore, it has a strong staff that builds relationships with the students and cares about the future work opportunities the students can obtain. I selected Loyola's Social Work program because it also has a sub-specialization in migration studies. Through this specialization, I have been able to take courses on the U.S. - Mexico border and complete a field placement in Chiapas, Mexico. The only con is that it is a commuter school where many students do not live on campus. Therefore, it can be challenging at times to feel a part of the campus. It takes the self-initiative of a student to become a part of campus activities and social groups."

"Pros of the program are great professors, resources and the clinical foundation of the curriculum. Cons of the program are the facilitation/coordination of the internship program."

"Loyola works directly with CPS to give grad students practical field experience. Loyola is very expensive, but it offers a great quality of education coupled with a respectable name."

"Loyola is proving to be a valuable program that prepares me as I hope to enter the medical field. The classes challenge me and increase my depth of knowledge into core subject areas that are necessary for medicine, while also allowing close interactions with professors that I simply could not receive in my previous studies."

"I love my graduate program. I think a con of the program would be that the internships that are required are not paid. But having the internships and the experience from them is a huge plus and not only helps the students for experience but their resumes as well."

"The Master of Science in Medical Physiology is a great program to learn some of the same material taught in the first year of medical school. You are taught at the Loyola University Medical Center by the same physiology professors who teach the medical students. The faculty are very receptive and approachable. You are given a faculty adviser who is knowledgeable about the application process. I have recently been accepted to medical school and I know that the material I learned will help me this fall. If you achieve a 3.5 gpa or better and your most recent MCAT score is a 30 or higher you are guaranteed an interview at Loyola's Stritch School of Medicine. An added being close to Chicago. A negative of the program is the high cost of attendance. Another negative is a lack of crossover to the MCAT which is what medical school admissions committees value the most. A last word of caution is that this degree did not get me any more than the single guaranteed interview at Loyola. I had to contact multiple directors and deans of admissions personally to convince them to award me an interview. The program did provide a very strong talking point during my interviews though. I hope this information is helpful. Good luck."

"A wonderful program with fantastic faculty, staff, colleagues and classmates. It's been one of the best decisions to come to this school for my graduate education!"

"I believe the school has its advantages for being in the city of Chicago. While there is not much of a diversity within Loyola's student population, there is great diversity within the city. Social life isn't something you would have to worry about because there is so much to do in Chicago. Transportation is fairly easy with the train and buses system, I would never consider buying a car to get around in Chicago. Overall, I enjoy my program because there is great communal support from students and faculty members."