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Prepare to Make a Difference

Designed for professionals who already have an MSW, our school social work program prepares you to obtain a Professional Educator License (PEL) with the endorsement needed for social work positions in K–12 public schools in Illinois. 

School social workers play a critical role in helping students manage obstacles to learning that can range from homeless and food insecurity to mental health disorders and family instability. 

Dominican’s School Social Work Endorsement at a Glance 

By earning your school social work endorsement through Dominican you’ll be ready to provide leadership on school policy, crisis management and culturally responsive intervention.

  • Time to complete: 9 months
  • 12 credit hours (2 required courses and 2 field practicums)
  • Field placement: 480 hours in a K–12 school, though some internships may require more
  • Convenient course options: 100% online, in-person or hybrid

The internships required for licensure in Illinois are your opportunity to gain experience and confidence. Our director of field placement will work with you to explore options for placements.

  • Exceptional Students: Characteristics and the Special Education Process (SPED 522)
  • School Social Work (SWK 664)

The faculty at Dominican is awesome. They are always willing to help you, lend a hand. The environment here is small and private, so you’re getting that one-on-one you need in order to succeed."

Clarissa Trujillo
Dominican University Graduate

What You’ll Learn

Social work professionals serve as an important link between schools, families and the wider community. At Dominican, you’ll be prepared not only to help individual students but also to provide leadership for your school and district in promoting effective policy and services.

You’ll learn to assess student needs and to develop and implement culturally responsive intervention strategies to effect personal and social change. The coursework is designed to develop your skills in areas that include: resource brokering, school climate, trauma-informed mental health services, racial inequities, the needs of English Language Learners, special education services and more. You’ll also learn to collaborate with co-workers and parents in advocating for positive social change in school settings.

All courses are taught on campus and online by leading faculty who have real-world experience in classrooms and schools of all kinds. You’ll enjoy access to a variety of field placement options in schools around the Chicago area. You’ll be ready to provide competent service to this important population and to advocate for social change. .
 

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Your graduate certificate in school social work will qualify you to work in schools and districts in support of their academic mission. You’ll be able to work directly with students to help them manage the social factors that can negatively affect their learning. And you’ll be ready to serve as a liaison to the community, resolve conflict and advocate for district policies in areas like discipline and equity that will improve learning outcomes.

Social work professionals in schools don’t just work directly with students, they’re also a resource for teachers, schools and district administrators. You’ll be prepared to play a role in formulating district-wide policies, developing staff in-service training programs and ensuring your district receives adequate support social and mental health agencies. You’ll also serve as a link between schools, families and the broader community.

Applicants should:

  • Hold an MSW degree from a CSWE-accredited program
  • Complete a
  • Submit your résumé, a personal statement and two letters of recommendation (one academic, one professional)
  • Submit an official transcript from the university where you earned your MSW 

We offer our post-MSW school social work program at a discount compared with the price per credit hour for our master’s degrees. The total cost is: $6,025 (half paid in the fall, half in the spring).

You’ll need to complete an internship. The director of field placement will work with you to explore placement options. You will also need to take the school social work content exam through the Illinois Licensure Testing System (ILTS). 

Professional Educator License endorsed in School Social Work: Full Instructions (pdf opens in a new window) 

Because of a shortage of school social workers, you can obtain a short-term, three-year PEL through a streamlined process if you meet certain requirements. 

Short-Term Approvals for School School Support Personnel (pdf opens in a new window)

For more information,
please contact:

Office of Graduate Admission
Enrollment Management
gradinfo@dom.edu

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