Obtain a Preliminary Certificate
Spring Arbor University's Master's in Social Work program offers three school social work courses that are a requirement in obtaining a preliminary approval with the Michigan Department of Education for becoming a school social worker. These 7-week fully online courses are offered at least twice a year.
SWK 641 and SWK 642 may be taken in any order, with SWK 643 required as the final course. Current SAU Specialized MSW students are able to take SWK641 as an elective course.
If an individual comes in as a non-program seeking student, the requirement is possessing a BSW or above in social work. If an individual does not meet these requirements, SAU offers a full MSW program. A post-MSW individual with a license can also obtain 36 Continuing Education credits for each course.
For admission to these courses:
- Apply for School Social Work (Non-Degree)
- Provide official transcripts of your BSW or MSW
Individuals employed as school social workers in Michigan must meet the requirements of the Michigan Department of Education.
Once an individual has met all the requirements, listed below, they will need to apply for approval through the Michigan Department of Education for preliminary certification as a school social worker. If the MSW graduate obtained their degree from another university that offers the school social worker courses, that university will confirm that they have met their requirements.
- MSW conferred degree from a CSWE accredited program
- Completion of School Social Work courses
- If obtained from SAU, the three courses are SWK641, SWK642 and SWK643
- If these courses are obtained from another institution, an official transcript must be submitted to the social work department ([email protected])
- 500 hours of specialized MSW field work with children & youth or 500 hours post-MSW work with children & youth under an LMSW or a combination of these two that equals 500 hours of work with children & youth (direct practice required).