School Social Work Competency

School Social Work Competency Series

Michigan State University School of Social Work Continuing Education offers rigorous professional development for master's-level social work practitioners:

  • A Competency Series for those who are interested in advancing their knowledge in social work intervention in educational settings, assessment, and integration of psychological and educational testing and intervention with children with special needs in educational settings. The Competency Series is designed to meet specific educational requirements set forth by the State of Michigan Department of Education; and
  • A Competency Series Refresher Course that provides a review and update of school law issues, home-school-community assessment & intervention strategies, school social work practice skills as well as differential diagnosis and treatment of a variety of child & family based special needs.

Both the Competency Series and the Refresher Course are offered in an online format only.

School Social Work Competency Series

All School Social Work courses qualify for Continuing Education credits and are offered on a revolving basis. All courses are offered in a fully online format and follow a semester long format. Work load and time needed for each school social work course is that of a 3 credit graduate level academic course. Courses may be taken in any order. Please email or call 517-353-3060 with any questions.

Online School Social Work Competency Courses

Please note: In Michigan, Social Workers may earn up to one-half of the required continuing education contact hours through online or electronic media. If you live outside of Michigan, check with your state’s social work regulatory body.

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 I need to cancel, can I get a refund? Contact swkce@msu.edu at least one week prior to the course start date and you will receive a refund less a 20% administrative fee. Cancellations and requests for refunds received after this time are not eligible for a refund. In the event the MSU School of Social Work cancels an event, you will receive a FULL refund.

School Social Worker Eligibility Requirements

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

If you live outside of Michigan, we encourage you to contact the Department of Education in the state where you wish to practice to learn about the competencies and requirements set forth by that state.

School Social Work