Graduate Certificate in School Social Work

Who is this program for?

A graduate certificate in School Social Work is ideal for social workers and educators who want to specialize in supporting the social, emotional, and behavioral needs of students within K-12 educational settings. This program is also valuable for individuals pursuing careers as school social workers, student advocates, or counselors focused on fostering positive school environments and addressing barriers to learning.

Program Overview

The College of Social Work Master of Social Work Program offers a Specialization in School Social Work. Through this specialty students are trained to assess and provide interventions for the social, emotional, familial, cultural, community, and cognitive barriers to achievement and school adjustment. They gain the specific knowledge, skills and experience needed to practice social work in elementary and secondary school settings. The College of Social Work collaborates with the College of Education to ensure that students follow the approved curriculum and meet the required standards for School Social Work Certification.

The School Social Work Specialization is integrated within the social work master’s curriculum with students taking one additional three (3) credit hour course. Regular or advanced standing students enrolled in either the Clinical Social Work Concentrations (recommended) or Community and Social Development can pursue the School Social Work Specialization. Students may also earn a Graduate Certificate in School Social Work by meeting the same requirements for the certificate issued by the Education Professional Standards Board.