School Social Work Competency

  • The School Social Worker Competency Series is designed for individuals looking to enhance their expertise in social work interventions within educational settings. It focuses on assessment and the integration of psychological and educational testing for children with special needs. This series aligns with the educational standards established by the Michigan Department of Education.
  • A School Social Worker is a specialized role within the social work field. They connect schools, homes, and communities to support student success. Working closely with school administration, they lead the development of discipline policies, mental health interventions, crisis management strategies, and various support services.
  • All School Social Worker classes listed below are available on a rotating schedule. These courses are conducted entirely online and follow a semester-long format. Participants can take the courses in any order they choose.
  • Please be aware: All School Social Worker continuing education courses are eligible for continuing education contact hour credits. In Michigan, Social Workers can earn up to 50% of the required continuing education contact hours through online or electronic formats. If you reside outside of Michigan, please consult your state's social work regulatory body for specific guidelines.

School Social Worker Eligibility Requirements

Learn about eligibility requirements to become a School Social Worker in Michigan here.

If you reside outside of Michigan, we recommend reaching out to the Department of Education in the state where you plan to practice to understand the competencies and requirements established by that state.

Class Listing:

To take the following 3 classes in the School Social Worker Competency Series you must have an MSW.

475-School Social Work Intervention: Children with Special Needs

473-Social Work in Educational Settings

474-School Social Work Assessment: Integrating Psychological & Educational Testing

If you are a current MSU MSW students may apply for the School Social Work Certificate Program.

If you need to cancel, you may request a refund by contacting swkce@msu.edu at least one week before the course starts. You will receive a refund minus a 20% administrative fee. Unfortunately, cancellations and refund requests submitted after this deadline are not eligible for a refund. If the MSU School of Social Work cancels an event, you will receive a full refund.

PRELIMINARY OR PROFESSIONAL SCHOOL SOCIAL WORKER CERTIFICATE: For information regarding Preliminary SSW Certificate (previously called Temporary Approval 310), and the Professional School Social Worker Certificate click the link below.

CERTIFICATE

For questions you can email us at swkce@msu.edu