Post-Master of Social Work Professional Educator License, School Social Worker Endorsement Program

Post-Master of Social Work Professional Educator License, School Social Worker Endorsement Program

The Jane Addams College of Social Work is a nationally recognized college with the mission of educating students to the level of professional social worker, advancing knowledge in the field, and providing leadership in the development and implementation of policies and services on behalf of the poor, the oppressed, racial and ethnic minorities, and other at-risk urban populations.

The College offers a School Social Work Specialization, one of the strongest programs in the state. The Post-MSW Professional Educator License (PEL), School Social Worker Endorsement Program is a non-degree program that prepares individuals who have already obtained an MSW to become licensed school social workers. The curriculum prepares them for eligibility to obtain a PEL with a School Social Worker Endorsement, which is required to practice as a school social worker in the state of Illinois.

The program comprises a field education component spanning a full school year, and two additional courses typically taken during the fall semester of enrollment.  The field education component (SOCW 574 and SOCW 575) involves an ISBE required school-based internship of at least 400 hours to be achieved over the academic year of the program through a minimum of two days per week in the setting.   Both of the additional courses taken in the fall semester (SOCW 480 and SPED 410) are offered online.

Students are responsible for applying to the Illinois Licensure Testing System to take the required certification tests (Content Area Test prior to completion of field placement).

An applicant must demonstrate evidence of commitment to work with children.

Application Process
To be eligible to register for courses, prospective students must submit an application and all supplemental materials listed to the Jane Addams College of Social Work (see below for address):

1. Official transcript denoting a MSW degree from a CSWE-accredited program with GPA of at least 3.00 on a 4.00 scale.
2. Two letters of recommendation from professionals in the field
3. Resume
4. Personal statement

For fall 2024 enrollment, application materials are due by January 15, 2024 and should be sent to:

Jane Addams College of Social Work
Office of Admissions and Financial Aid
University of Illinois at Chicago
1040 West Harrison  Street, 4355 ETMSW (MC 309)
Chicago, Illinois 60607-7134

For additional information on the program call please visit the The Jane Addams College of Social Work Website, call (312) 996-3218, or e-mail jaddams-pel@uic.edu.