School Social Work Certificate
Earn Your School Social Work Certificate
The School Social Work Certificate program produces highly qualified graduates who are prepared to assess and intervene on behalf of children and adolescents in a school setting.
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Program Highlights
online
certificate courses
total certificate credit hours
Earn Your School Social Work Certificate
The School Social Work Certificate explores topics in school legislation, mental health assessment, and behavior management. Over the course of your studies, you will gain an understanding of applied behavior analysis and social learning theory. Graduate with the competencies and skills necessary to provide effective service.
The School Social Work curriculum is taught by expert faculty with diverse experience in social work. In addition to online coursework, you will complete practicum hours to gain real-world experience in school social work. You’ll complete your certificate prepared to deliver excellence in assessment and intervention for youth clients.
Students may apply for the certificate after being accepted to the online MSW program.
Please note, Federal Title IV financial aid is only available for certificate courses when they are taken as a part of a degree-seeking program.
Enter an Expanding Field of Work
Students who complete the School Social Work Certificate may qualify for a variety of roles, including school social worker, school guidance counselor, and family resource center director. The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that school guidance counselors earn a median salary of $60,510 per year. Employment in these positions is expected to grow 11% by 2030, which is faster than average.1
A professional licensure or certification may be required to practice, advance, or specialize in social work. However, educational requirements for licensure vary by state. View more information on social work licensure here.
For more information on our program’s SARA compliance please see here.
Careers and Salaries
Rigorous Curriculum to Build Advanced Skills
The School Social Work Certificate utilizes a curriculum that examines the unique factors affecting intervention and treatment for children and adolescents in a school setting. Taught by experienced faculty members, the program’s coursework will prepare graduates for careers in school social work.
School Social Work Certificate (12 credit hours plus SW 740 built into MSW program, 15 hours total)
- EDS 516 Principles of Behavior Management and Instruction (3)
- SW 616 Social Work Practice in a School Setting (2-3)
- SW 704 Topical Seminar in Social Work: Mental Health Assessment and Interventions in Children and Adolescents (3)
- SW 740 Advanced Practicum I (3)*
- SW 741 Advanced Practicum II (3)*
*Field Education Practicum in a School Setting.
The courses within the certificate replace elective course options and do not increase the credits required to complete your MSW curriculum.
Learn more about the courses required for this certificate on our courses page.
Choose An Area of Focus
As a student, you’ll choose either a certificate or an individualized plan of study to complete within the MSW. These certificates are designed to enhance your learning experience and ensure you graduate with the career-ready skills necessary for professional success.
Build a comprehensive understanding of topics influencing child welfare practice, including historical perspectives, child protection policy, and abuse intervention. Students may apply for the certificate after being accepted to the online MSW program.
View CertificateGain an advanced level of clinical knowledge and skills including application of social work practice in a variety of clinical settings. Students may apply for the certificate after being accepted to the online MSW program.
View CertificateGain a deeper understanding of the unique experiences of military members, veterans, and their families, and explore effective and culturally-sensitive behavioral healthcare services for this population. Students may apply for the certificate after being accepted to the online MSW program.
View CertificateLearn treatment and prevention approaches related to substance use disorders and develop essential intervention skills through a curriculum founded on evidence-based practice. Students may apply for the certificate after being accepted to the online MSW program.
View CertificateCreate your plan of study based on your specific career goals through a selection of social work elective courses designed for your professional success. Students may apply for the certificate after being accepted to the online MSW program.
View IPSLearn how to help individuals in their healing journeys and promote post-traumatic growth and healing. Students may apply for the certificate after being accepted to the online MSW program. Students who have a conferred MSW from a regionally accredited institution may also apply.
View CertificateWhy Choose UK Online?
Join the Big Blue Nation
Joining the online MSW at UK means joining a tradition of excellence where you can build your career with confidence—all while learning online at your own pace. With experienced faculty, thoughtfully designed curriculum, and high licensure exam pass rates, we make sure you graduate exceptionally prepared for real-world practice.
How to Apply
Submit an application to UK in three simple steps:
- Create an online account.
- Submit your application and supporting documents.
- Pay the $65 application fee.
You can expect to receive a decision 2–3 weeks after you apply.
Get StartedFrequently Asked Questions
Earning your degree online with the University of Kentucky College of Social Work is a big step — but we’re here to support you along the way. Below, you’ll find frequently asked questions about the College and the online Master of Social Work program. If you have additional questions, call 833-358-1721 to speak with an Admissions Counselor.
Yes, all certificate programs require an application. Students must apply for the certificate by creating an additional account within the Graduate School’s ApplyYourself application. Contact us for more information.
The certificates are completed as a part of the Master of Social Work program. Full-time students can complete the Advanced Standing program in two semesters and the Regular Standing program in 4 semesters in an accelerated format. Part-time students can complete the Advanced Standing program in two years and the Regular Standing program in three years. Accelerated completion options are available with program director approval.
The certificate programs provide a versatile credential that allows you to qualify for a myriad of roles in a variety of settings through career-ready skills that immediately apply to your chosen area of focus.
All certificate programs are offered online and through a hybrid format.
To see full curriculum details, please visit the MSW courses page.