Graduate Certificate in School Social Work: Special Education Related Services
Build the foundation for a career in School Social Work.
The Graduate Certificate in School Social Work is designed for current MSW students and will equip them with the specialized knowledge and skills to become a school social worker. The coursework is grounded in evidence-based practices for all students, including those with disabilities and their families, across school, early childhood, and early education settings.
Certificate Requirements:
Students will take 4 courses and one elective to complete the certificate:
- Introduction to School Social Work in Diverse Communities
- Advanced Practice School Social Work with Diverse Students and Families with Special Needs
- Advanced Generalist Practicum Seminar 1 & 2.
- Elective options: Bilingual/Multicultural Special Education or Working with Young Children with Special Needs.
Project SWEET-SPED
This certificate was made possible through the Social Work Education to Enhance Training in Special Education (SWEET-SPED) program. Project SWEET-SPED is a three-year, $450,000 federal grant from the U.S. Department of Education's Office of Special Education Programs. The grant supports institutions of higher education in expanding curricula, coursework, and clinical experiences to better prepare related services personnel to serve children with disabilities and their families across early intervention, early childhood, and school settings. At NMSU, Project SWEET-SPED will deliver high-quality professional development for faculty, students, and community partners; strengthen social work curriculum related to special education; and expand practicum placements in these critical areas.
Application Process
Current NMSU MSW students can apply for the Graduate Certificate in School Social Work by submitting a letter of interest describing their rationale to Dr. Kimberly Knox. Upon submission, the certificate director will confirm eligibility and program staff will advise students on a pathway to certificate completion. Deadlines for the inaugral cohort are TBD - stay tuned for udpates!
Submit Letter of InterestUpcoming Events
This virtual information session is for agencies, schools, and social workers interested in becoming practicum sites for their new School Social Work Graduate Certificate program.
Join Jason Gordon of Disability Rights New Mexico for a practical overview of IDEA, Section 504, FERPA, and New Mexico state law, designed to prepare school social workers for ethical practice and effective advocacy. 3 CEUs provided.
This full-day symposium will bring together school social workers and practitioners to advance evidence-based practice in special education settings, featuring a policy workshop, presentations on effective interventions, a multi-disciplinary panel, and exploration of inclusive, strengths-based approaches.