Child Welfare Practice Certificate

The Graduate Certificate in Child Welfare Practice is a specialization that prepares students for advanced practice with children and families who experience abuse and neglect. Both public and private child welfare settings will be examined with special emphasis on improving outcomes for these children and families. The certificate course work focuses on the complex factors that contribute to maltreatment and neglect, and emphasizes intervention strategies including evidence-based practices and process models. This is a post-baccalaureate certificate, so students do not need to be enrolled in a graduate program to apply.

Admission Requirements

This is a post-baccalaureate certificate, so students do not need to be enrolled in a graduate program to apply. However, if a student does want to also complete the MSW program, requirements are:

• Applicants who have previously received their BASW or BSW from a CSWE accredited program within the last seven years must meet the following GPA requirements: 1) cumulative undergraduate GPA of 3.0 or higher, 2) social work GPA of 3.5 or higher, and 3) graduate GPA (if applicable) of 3.0 or higher may apply for the Advanced Standing MSW program.
• Applicants with a bachelor’s degree in any discipline from a regionally accredited institution are eligible to apply for the Regular Standing MSW program. Applicants must meet the following GPA requirements: 1) cumulative undergraduate GPA of 3.0 or higher, 2) social work GPA of 3.0 or higher, and 3) graduate GPA (if applicable) of 3.0 or higher.