Why study Social Work in Schools?

The Social Work in Schools (SWiS) program prepares you for social work practice in school settings. School Social Workers collaborate with teachers and school administration to maximize the educational experiences of students. School Social Workers use their specialized skills to assess and intervene with students and their families by helping to locate and utilize community resources to support the student’s educational goals. 

The School Social Work program at the University of Cincinnati is one of three in Ohio licensed by the Ohio Department of Education (ODE) through the College of Education, Criminal Justice and Human Services (CECH). The expected outcome of the program is to make MSW students eligible to apply for the Pupil Service Credential through ODE and to prepare professional School Social Workers for their unique role amongst traditional education and auxiliary professionals in the school system. This role encompasses specialized knowledge and skills, including social work assessment and intervention designed to support individual students, groups, classrooms, and whole school systems as well as and families and community engagement. Graduates of the program provide a critical dimension to the shared goal of maximizing the educational experiences of students. 

Admission Requirements

The School Social Worker program is only open to students currently enrolled in the MSW Program within the children and families concentration.

Please view our Admissions Requirements to learn about our prerequisites,  program requirements and information about how to apply. 

School Social Workers who are fully licensed with ODE’s Pupil Service Credential are best positioned for employment within a school district. This is in marked contrast to those Social Workers who are employed by outside agencies and then provide services in the schools. Working with and for a school district means that the School Social Worker is embedded in school communities, focuses on building relationships with students and beyond. The School Social Worker is positioned to support whole school communities. School Social Workers employed in these settings also tend to be recognized for their unique training and qualifications and enjoy job stability and security.  

The University of Cincinnati and all regional campuses are accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.

 

University of Cincinnati’s MSW program has been approved by the Ohio Department of Education to offer the School Social Work program. Graduates who complete the Social Work in Schools (SWiS) requirements will be eligible to apply for Ohio licensure.  

 

Contact Information

Shauna Acquavita
3225 Eden Avenue
Cincinnati, OH 45267
(513) 556-4619
acquavsa@ucmail.uc.edu

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Program Code: 35GC-SWIS-GC