Program Overview
Enhance your skills and prepare for school social work practice with the online Post-MSW Professional Educator License (PEL) 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.
When you earn your PEL endorsement online, you will be prepared to provide social services and assistance that improves children’s social and psychological health and academic functioning while maximizing family well-being. MSW program coursework is accredited by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE), and online Post-MSW PEL endorsement coursework is approved by the Illinois State Board of Education (ISBE).
Curriculum Overview
Aurora University’s online Post-MSW PEL endorsement program provides you with a broad academic background in school social work practice, as well as field experience in school social work setting. Classes are led by faculty members who have real-world experience. 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.
Skills Gained in the PEL Endorsement Program
Complete 15 credit hours led by experienced faculty members to complete this online Post-MSW PEL endorsement program from Aurora University. Apply the lessons you learn in class to hands-on practice in two field experiences, and graduate with expertise in:
- Communication
- Critical thinking
- Problem solving
- Reading instruction
- Research methods
- Responding to exceptional children
- School-based social work
- Social work policy
- Supporting diverse learners
Why Choose Aurora?
At Aurora University, you’ll learn from practitioner-based faculty members who are focused on teaching an industry-aligned curriculum. Our online programs are designed for working professionals and built with maximum flexibility in mind, so you’ll have the support you need to balance your studies with your busy schedule. Imagine what you can accomplish at a university that offers:
- A full suite of Career Services and Resources.
- A student-first educational experience.
- Programs accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC).
- The personal attention and support you expect from a small college.
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
This program must be completed in four consecutive semesters. 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 II – 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 George Williams School Social Work program coordinator at ekath@aurora.edu 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 these required hours.)
Placements should be arranged before students register for SWK6410 and SWK6420.
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 Brightspace to host its online classes. All students will be charged an $80 technology fee per semester, regardless of the number of credits taken.
Graduate-level course credit is transferable, allowing students to earn their degree faster. 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 Endorsement: School Social Work Career Outcomes
This program provides a pathway to become a school social worker in public and private school settings in Illinois. Complete PEL endorsement in as little as 12 months and finish this program prepared to improve the wellbeing of children and families through school social work.
- School social workers in Illinois earn a median salary of $63,590 as of 2024.1
- Illinois expects 1,330 openings for school social workers each year through 2032.2
- Illinois ranks fifth in the U.S. for the highest employment of school social workers, and Chicago ranks third among metropolitan areas.3
Sources
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics. “May 2023 State Occupational Employment and Wage Estimates: Illinois.” April 3, 2024. Retrieved December 12, 2024, from https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes_il.htm.
Next Steps
Apply Today
Fill out the free application to get started in the online Post-MSW PEL endorsement courses.
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