UWM, MSW Certificate in Social Work

MSW CERTIFICATE IN SOCIAL WORK

Certification requirements for a school social worker include the following: an MSW degree, a minimum of 18 credits of professional education, completion of an approved program, and two years of social work experience working with children and youth. The school social work program consists of the following:

Field Education: at least 1,000 hours of which at least 250 hours are in an elementary or secondary setting, and 750 hours are working with children and youth.

Education Courses: courses in education (10 credits) consisting of a course in Educational Policy and Community Studies, one in Exceptional Education, one in Curriculum and Instruction, and one in the teaching of reading.

School Social Work course 851

Family Development course 771

Child Welfare content

Human Behavior course 705 (or equivalent)

Human Relations contact: a minimum of 75 hours of direct experience with minority groups.

Early in their academic program, students should consult with their advisor for an evaluation of prior coursework and development of an overall academic program.

School social workers in most states, including Wisconsin, require an MSW degree and certification from the appropriate state agency, i.e. Department of Public Instruction in Wisconsin (DPI). The school social work program at UWM incorporates the DPI guidelines in its curriculum. Students who wish to seek school social worker certification are urged to contact the faculty liaison person (Wendy Volz Daniels) early in their graduate studies.

Due to field placement requirements, this certificate program is generally not recommended for students who are employed full-time.