Human Services Management
The Human Services Management (HSM) Certificate* is MSU School of Social Work’s first certificate program designed specifically for OCL/macro social work students. Offered in partnership with the Network for Social Work Management, the Human Services Management (HSM) Certificate* is designed for students interested in expanding their knowledge and skills in leadership and management in human services. The Network for Social Work Management is an international organization focused on strengthening and advancing social work management within health and human services.
The intended purpose of the HSM Certificate is to provide an intentional course of study in leadership and management. The resulting Certificate endorsement will aid OCL/macro practice students in their post-graduate career development.
Certificate Details
The HSM Certificate’s skill development is concentrated within four main categories: executive leadership, strategic management, resource management, and community collaboration. The HSM Certificate serves as a career-long endorsement and a testament of the recipient's skills to future employers and partners.
The HSM Certificate requires satisfactory completion of the following:
- SW 865 Social Work Leadership in Organizations (3 cr, Fall)
- SW 866 Social Work Leadership in Communities (3 cr, Spring)
- Enroll in and complete at least 3 elective credits related to any of the following: grant writing, fundraising/fund development, training and development, organizational behavior, organizational development and change management, leadership, public health administration, SW890 Independent Study Leadership Capstone (see Certificate Coordinator or Advisor for more information on available electives)
- Attend professional leadership focused conference or trainings (i.e. LEAD Day, or another professional leadership conference); 6 hours total
- Specialized field placement with leadership and management focus in the advanced year
- Submission of a final application of completion to the certificate coordinator by mid-semester of student's last semester in the program.
*Note: This certificate is only open to students in the OCL/Macro course of study in their concentration year
Frequently Asked Questions
- Is the HSM Certificate open to both OCL and clinical students?
No. Currently, the HSM Certificate is only available to actively enrolled OCL/macro students. If you are interested in this Certificate, you should explore the possibility of changing concentration study to OCL/macro practice with your advisor.
- Can I get the HSM Certificate if I am already in another certificate program?
Yes. The HSM Certificate requirements allow for students to pursue multiple certificates, as long as specific field activities are identified and performed during your final macro field placement.
- I don’t have a lot of extra time for extra coursework. Why should I pursue the HSM Certificate?
The current OCL/macro coursework and curriculum meets the criteria for the international competencies required of the HSM Certificate. This means that, if you are an OCL student, you will already be completing the classes required to earn this Certificate. However, to enrich the learning and skill development in leadership and management, the HSM Certificate does require the following: 1) Complete the regular OCL curriculum, 2) Enroll in and complete at least 3 elective credits related to any of the following: grant writing, fundraising/fund development, training and development, organizational behavior, organizational development and change management, leadership, public health administration, SW890 Independent Study Leadership Capstone (see Certificate Coordinator or Advisor for more information on available electives), 3) Attend professional leadership focused conference or trainings (i.e. LEAD Day, or another professional leadership conference); 6 hours total, 4) Specialized field placement with leadership and management focus in the advanced year, and 5) Submission of a final application of completion to the certificate coordinator by mid-semester of student's last semester in the program.
- How do I enroll in the HSM Certificate?
Students typically select which certificate program they would like to pursue on the Field Application. This application is usually distributed and submitted before you enter into your final year at MSU. However, enrollment into this Certificate can be made possible on a case-by-case basis. For more information on how to enroll in the HSM Certificate, please contact the Certificate Coordinator, Kelley Blanck at kblanck@msu.edu.
- How is the HSM Certificate different from other certificates?
Not only does the HSM Certificate focus on OCL/macro skill development in leadership, management and collaboration skills, but, unlike other MSU certificate programs, it is also endorsed by the Network for Social Work Management, an international social work organization. Michigan State University School of Social Work and the Network for Social Work Management have partnered together to provide the HSM Certificate as a career-long endorsement, and a testament of the recipient's skills to future employers and partners.
- Will the Certificate show up on my transcript?
No. Certificates do not appear on your transcript. However, the Network for Social Work Management will provide you with a personalized, signed certificate that you can frame alongside your diploma.
- Can I get this Certificate if I’ve already graduated/am an alum?
No. At this time, the School does not have a mechanism for awarding the Certificate to Michigan State University OCL alumni. This may become available in the future. Check back here for updates on availability.
- How should I list the Certificate on my resume?
Human Services Management Certificate (Graduate-Level), Awarded by MSU & Network for Social Work Managers
Contact Person
Certificate Coordinator
Kelley Blanck, LMSW
kblanck@msu.edu