Program Overview
Enhance your skills and prepare for school social work practice with the online Post-MSW Professional Educator License from the George Williams School of Social Work at Aurora University Online. This program is designed for those who have earned a Master of Social Work degree and plan to specialize their skills in a school setting. Coursework consists of key topics in social work policy, exceptional children, reading content, and field instruction. When you earn your school social work certification online, you will be prepared to provide social services and assistance that improves the quality of life for children both socially and psychologically, and maximizes family well-being and academic functioning of children. MSW program coursework is accredited by the Council on Social Work Education and online Professional Educator License in School Social Work endorsement coursework is approved by the Illinois State Board of Education.
Curriculum Overview
Aurora University’s school social work certification online program provides you with a broad academic background in school social work practice, as well as field experience in school social work. Each class is taught by faculty members who have real-world experience. Note that field experience must be completed in an Illinois school and the PEL is issued for the state of Illinois only.
Aurora University School of Education programs are approved by the Illinois State Board of Education (ISBE).
Get Started
Program Details
- Next Start Date:March 10, 2025
- Est. Program Length:16 Months
- Credit Hours:15
- Course Length:8 Weeks
- Cost Per Credit:$618
Course Offerings
The program must be completed within four consecutive semesters from the first semester after being officially accepted into the endorsement program.
To earn the endorsement, students must successfully complete the following courses and maintain a 3.0 grade-point average:
- SWK5620 Social Work Practice with the Exceptional Child – 3 hours
- SWK6410 School Social Work Policy and Practice I – 3 hours
- SWK6420 School Social Work Policy and Practice I – 3 hours
- SWK6650 Advanced PEL Field Instruction I – 3 hours
- SWK6660 Advanced PEL Field Instruction II – 3 hours
Note: Illinois State Board of Education requirements for endorsement/licensure are frequently modified. Please contact the School Social Work Program Coordinator for current requirements.
Field Instruction
With AU, students play a vital role in determining their field placement. AU will help students select an internship site and maintain contact information with partner schools. (All students must complete a 600-hour field placement in a school setting in the state of Illinois. We do not waive any of those hours.)
Placements should be arranged before students register for SSWK 6410 and SWK 6420.
Note: Tuition and fees are subject to change without prior notice. Please contact the Office of Student Accounts for questions or information on current tuition, fees, room, board and other rates.
Aurora University offers a curriculum designed to meet Illinois State Board of Education requirements for endorsement as a school social worker in Illinois. The endorsement-only program is for students who have earned an MSW degree.
- A completed Graduate Application for Admission.
- MSW degree from a regionally accredited and CSWE accredited institution.
- All previous Official transcripts with a 3.0 GPA on a 4.0 scale. Students with a lower GPA will be considered for admission on a case-by-case basis. Aurora University accepts official electronic transcripts at AU-ETranscripts@aurora.edu.
- Two letters of recommendation from individuals familiar with the student’s professional and/or academic abilities.
- A curriculum vitae or detailed resume that includes work experience, educational background, professional experience, professional activities, honors, professional publications and/or presentations and other relevant information relating to the applicant’s leadership background.
- A completed background check (applicant must pay for this).
When all components of the application package are received by AU Online, it is sent to the Coordinator of the School Social Work Specialization. The School Social Work Content Exam (184) may be completed during the school social work placement and must be completed prior to licensure. Information about these exams can be found at il.nesinc.com.
Information About State Licensure
All AU Online students must have unrestricted access to a computer or mobile device with high-speed internet to participate in online courses. AU Online uses Moodle to host its online classes. All students will be charged an $80 Technology Fee per semester, regardless of the number of credits taken. A $50 Field Fee is applied per credit hour for field courses.
Graduate-level course credit is transferable, allowing students to earn their degree faster than ever. Graduate-level credit earned at regionally accredited institutions of higher education graded “B” or better may be transferred to Aurora University and applied toward a master’s or other post-baccalaureate programs prior to enrollment into Aurora University.
Post-MSW PEL: School Social Work Career Outcomes
This program provides a pathway to become a school social worker in public and private school settings in Illinois. Graduates are prepared for school social work certification in Illinois.
Next Steps
Apply Today
Fill out the free application to get started in the online Post-MSW PEL endorsement courses.
Apply Now
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