The School of Social Work at Millersville University is approved by the Pennsylvania Department of Education (PDE) to offer the Post-Master’s School Social Work certification. The School Social Work certification is designed to prepare social work students with the required knowledge, skills, and expertise to “support the academic, career and personal-social development needs” of diverse, vulnerable, and at-risk PreK-12 students and their families.

Governor Wolf’s Reach Out PA initiative (2020) specifically identified that “School social workers play a unique role in addressing mental health by providing holistic services and supports in the school setting, such as crisis management, mental-health treatment, and engaging the school, family and community in enhancing existing student-support structures that ensure the success of all students” (para. 10). In the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, the School Social Work certification is required by school districts.

Upon completion of the required coursework, the Certification Office at Millersville University will assist eligible candidates with the Pennsylvania certification process and provide recommendations for the Post Master’s School Social Work certification.

SCHOOL SOCIAL WORK CERTIFICATION

Requirements include successful completion of: • MSW plus required program courses • Field placement (internship) in a school setting • Pennsylvania certification process and recommendations for School Social Work through the MU Certification Office at https://www.millersville.edu/cert/index.php

The School Social Work certification program requires field placement in a school setting. As the Pennsylvania Department of Education (PDE) requires current clearances before starting field experience, students must also apply for three clearances: Department of Human Services Child Abuse History Clearance, Criminal Records Check (FBI Fingerprint background check), and Federal Criminal History Record Information (CHRI)

Flexible Program Options

Applicants can earn their School Social Work certification while enrolled in the MSW program, part-time or full-time. Non MSW applicants are ineligible to apply to earn School Social Work certification. Admissions Prospective student must submit a formal application to the Office of Graduate Studies and Adult Learning at www.millersville.edu/ admissions/graduate/admissions/apply/post-baccalaureatecertification.php. At time of application, students must include a resume detailing relevant experiences in a school setting, a well-written and focused goal statement, and ensure that references provide sufficient information about their relationship with the applicant, and evaluation of your experiences related to school social work practice.

Contact Information

Leonora Foels School Social Work Certification Program Coordinator Stayer Hall, Room 315 717-871-4732 Leonora.foels@millersville.edu