SOCW Certificates and Licensures
The School of Social Work offers two graduate certificates – Gerontology and Substance Use Disorders – courses that lead to School Social Work Licensure through the North Carolina Department of Public Instruction. These programs provide students with specialized competencies focusing on the population they desire to serve. The graduate certificate in treating substance use disorders is only offered to current MSW graduate students seeking to become Licensed Clinical Addictions Specialist, while the Gerontology certificate helps to prepare students who are interested in working with the elderly population. The School Social Work Licensure is open to both undergraduate and graduate social work students who have a desire to become a school social worker.
Graduate Certificate in Treating Substance Use Disorders
The Graduate Certificate in Treating Substance Use Disorders is designed to equip graduate students with the necessary core functions and competencies required in the addiction counseling profession, preparing them to become Licensed Clinical Addiction Professionals. Upon obtaining this certification, students will be eligible to apply for the Licensed Clinical Addictions Specialist (LCAS) credential through the North Carolina Addictions Specialist Professional Practice Board (NCASPPB). The Licensed individuals are qualified to engage in clinical practice with clients affected by substance use disorders. The courses for this certificate will be offered both on-site at ECU and online, taught by faculty who are credentialed with the North Carolina Addiction Professional Practice Board.
Gerontology Minor
The gerontology minor augments major fields of study with an overview of issues confronting older adults, their families, and service providers. In recognition that aging can be viewed from a variety of perspectives, students can choose courses from several academic disciplines. Courses with aging as their primary content that are not listed as electives may be counted toward the program with the approval of program coordinator. Social work majors may use 3 s.h. of SOCW 4990 if their placement is in an aging-related setting. The minor requires 18 s.h. of credit.
Graduate Certificate in Gerontology
The graduate certificate in gerontology builds upon undergraduate education or work experience through course work in aging studies. The 12 s.h. program includes a 3 s.h. core course and 9 s.h. of selected electives.
School Social Work Licensure
The School Social Work Licensure program is available to qualifying undergraduate and graduate students. School Social Workers are trained mental health professionals with a degree in social work who provide services related to a person’s social, emotional and life adjustment to school and/or society. School Social Workers are the link between the home, school and community in providing direct as well as indirect services to students, families and school personnel to promote and support students’ academic and social success. Requirements for completion of this program are:
BACHELOR’S – Undergraduate Requirements for NC “A” Level Licensure:
- Candidates for licensure must hold a baccalaureate degree in social work from a CSWE accredited program and complete the following courses: SOCW 4503 Social Work Services in Schools (3sh), EDUC 3200 Introduction to American Education (3sh)
- Plus one of the following: SPED 2000 Introduction to Exceptional Children (2sh) or SPED 5101 Introduction to Exceptional Children (3sh)
- In addition, candidates are required to complete a one-semester (360 hour) field placement in a public school setting under the supervision of a licensed school social worker who holds a social work degree from a CSWE accredited program.
MASTER’S – Graduate Requirements for NC “M” Level Licensure (Applies to ECU Advanced Standing Candidates completing 42 semester hours):
- Candidates for licensure must hold a baccalaureate and/or graduate degree in social work from a CSWE accredited program and have completed the following course matrix: SOCW 6004 Social Work Services in Schools (3sh) and SPED 5101 Introduction to Exceptional Children (3sh)
- In addition, candidates are required to complete a two semester (720 hour) field placement in a public school setting under the supervision of a licensed school social worker who holds a graduate social work degree from a CSWE accredited program.
SPECIALIST – Graduate Requirements for NC “S” Level Licensure:
- Candidates for licensure must hold a graduate degree in social work from a CSWE accredited program with a minimum of 60 earned credit hours and have completed the following course matrix: SOCW 6004 Social Work Services in Schools (3sh) and SPED 5101 Introduction to Exceptional Children (3sh)
- In addition, candidates are required to complete a two semester (720 hour) field placement in a public school setting under the supervision of a licensed school social worker who holds a graduate social work degree from a CSWE accredited program.
Note: Advanced Standing MSW graduates are not eligible for “S” level license as only 42 semester hours of graduate coursework is required for this pathway. Advanced Standing Candidates seeking Specialist “S” licensure should complete the traditional 60 credit hour MSW program.
Integrated Behavioral Health with Rural Youth
This certificate equips graduates to work in integrated health settings to address the mental health needs of children and youth in rural communities. It is offered by the MSW, Counseling, Psychology and MFT programs and can be completed through the MSW programs 3 required electives and a May capstone workshop.For more information click here.
The certificates website is here: https://education.ecu.edu/idp/integrated-behavioral-health-with-rural-youth/
Promoting Equity in Health and Human Services Minor
The Promoting Equity in Health and Human Services Minor is an examination of inequality as it has existed and persists in the United States, particularly in the areas of health and human services. Apart from 9 s.h. of required College of Health and Human Performance courses, students can choose from a number of multi-disciplinary classes. The minor provides students with a comprehensive learning experience about (1) the meaning and demonstration of equity in different contexts; (2) the institutional structures that continue to perpetuate inequity among vulnerable populations in the United States. (3) the interdisciplinary frameworks of change for achieving equity. The main objective of this program is to provide students with the tools needed to enhance professional proficiency for readiness to participate in local and global efforts that build and maintain justice through equity realization. The minor requires 18 s.h. For the required courses click here.
Institutional and Professional Licensure Disclosures for Enrolled and Prospective Students
ECU degree programs satisfy the professional licensure and/or certification requirements in North Carolina and prepare students to sit for these exams. However, requirements in other states may be different.
If you are considering a degree program that may, would, could or potentially lead to a professional license and/or certification, please note that at this time ECU may or may not be able to advise whether a program meets requirements outside of North Carolina. Prior to enrolling in a degree program, please discuss this important topic with your program of interest.