School Social Work Licensure Option for Post-MSW Social Workers
School Social Worker- a rapidly growing field!
There is a growing need for student supports in schools for social -emotional, behavioral, and overall mental health. School Social Workers use a wide range of evidence-based strategies to ensure that all students are mentally and physically ready to learn and focus on students who are struggling due to barriers to learning that may exist within the students or their environment. Many districts are adding school social work positions, taking advantage of numerous State and Federal grants to help build their positions. School Districts NEED more School Social Workers!!
UW-Madison’s Unique, Flexible Option for School Social Work Licensure for Post-MSW individuals Offers:
- FULLY ONLINE courses, your complete requirements all met online with NO live log-in requirements. No need to commute!
- Content is all 100% Competency Based for meeting DPI and NASW School Social Work Standards for licensure, focused on the skills and competencies needed in schools!
- ALL courses completed within ONE ACADEMIC YEAR
- ALL SUPERVISION is provided via a School Social Work Mentor- all virtually
- Past Social Work Experience and previous MSW Courses may count towards exemption from some of the courses that relate to children, youth, and families.
- Current grant supported SCHOLARSHIPS for partial tuition cost for ALL Post-MSW school social work students at UW Madison.
- Tuition is assessed per credit at the undergraduate level cost.
Who is Eligible?
- Individuals must have an MSW (or have completed it before courses start) and interest in being a licensed school social worker
- You can be already hired/working (with a license with stipulations) in a Wisconsin School District, or you must be able to do a practicum in a school social worker internship.
What coursework is needed?
Two School Social Work skills courses are required – 4 credits total, 2 each semester |
Fall Term |
Spring Term |
Soc Work 815 Social Work Practice in Schools I (2 cr) |
Soc Work 817 Social Work Practice in Schools II (2 cr) |
Portfolio completion is coordinated through Soc Work 815 and 817 |
Two School Social Work Supervision/Practicum courses may be required – 2 credits total, 1 each semester |
Fall Term |
Spring Term |
Soc Work 816 Social Work Practicum in Schools I (1 cr) |
Soc Work 818 Social Work Practicum in Schools II (1 cr) |
You may be exempt if you had a supervised internship as a school social worker previously. This is determined through our exemption process. |
Three specific courses (Soc Work 612, 644, and 646) related to children may be required |
- Soc Work 644 Issues in Developmental Disabilities (3 cr) – Available fall or spring
- Soc Work 646 Child Abuse & Neglect (2 cr) – Available fall, spring, or summer
- Soc Work 612 Psychopathology for Generalist Practice (2 cr) – Available summer
|
Exemptions available if comparable courses taken in MSW OR through relevant work experience determined through our exemption interview process. Course availability may be dependent on enrollment. Email schools@socwork.wisc.edu if you have questions or concerns. |
How and When to Apply?
- Complete the Schools Students Form
- Apply as soon as you are interested! Courses are sequential and semester based and planned for you to complete all requirements in ONE ACADEMIC year.
- For ANY questions, please contact us: schools@socwork.wisc.edu
The following information is for practitioners who have an MSW degree and are seeking to obtain their Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) but are in need of one or more of the Department of Safety and Professional Services (DSPS) coursework requirements. To request more information, go to the Get Started tab.
Below are courses that can be used to meet DSPS’ clinical coursework requirements available through our MSW Program:
SW 612 Psychopathology in Generalist SW Practice (2 credits) |
SW 712 Psychopathology for SW Pract. in Mental Health (3 credits) |
SW 742 Assessing and Treating Children and Adolescents (2 credits) |
SW 870 Cognitive & Behavioral MH Treatment for Adults (2 credits) |
Additional Resources
Social Work practitioners with their MSW and others are also able to take courses for professional development, to meet continuing education requirements or any other reason through our School. The full course catalog is available here. Interested applicants are encouraged to take a look at the course catalog prior to completing the application form as it will require you to identify the course(s) you are interested in taking. To request more information, go to the Get Started tab.
Additional Resources
Special Students may be eligible for scholarships through the Adult Career and Special Student Services (ACSSS). Please take a look at the various scholarships available through the ACSSS here: https://acsss.wisc.edu/financing-your-education/.