School Social Work Licensure

The UNC Charlotte School of Social Work supports current UNC Charlotte social work students and BSW/MSW professionals in earning a North Carolina Department of Public Instruction School Social Work License.

WHO IS ELIGIBLE?

In order to pursue School Social Work Licensure interested parties must be current UNC Charlotte BSW/MSW social work students or hold a BSW/MSW from an accredited Council on Social Work Education (CSWE) program.

WHAT’S REQUIRED?

Requirements are dependent upon status as a student or BSW/MSW professional.

Requirements	Current BSW Students	Post-BSW Professionals	Current MSW Students	Post-MSW Professionals
School Social Work Course	X	X	X	X
Approved School-based Elective	X	X	X	X
Two-semester practicum placement in a school-setting	X		X
Proof of working as a School Social Worker		X		X

PATH TO LICENSURE

School Social Work Licensure Path for Current UNC Charlotte BSW Students

School Social Work Licensure Path for Post-BSW Professionals

School Social Work Licensure Path for Current UNC Charlotte MSW Students

School Social Work Licensure Path for Post-MSW Professionals

ABOUT THE SCHOOL SOCIAL WORK COURSE

Students are introduced to the profession of school social work, the historical, cultural, and social context of education in the United States, the social and behavioral challenges facing children in school settings, and strategies for direct and macro social work practice in schools.

ABOUT THE SCHOOL-BASED ELECTIVE

Students have the opportunity to take a school-based elective such as Introduction to Special Education, Diverse Learners, Crisis Counseling, and more. The school-based elective can be taken at the same time as the school social work course or in different semesters. Approved electives can be found HERE. Substitution of other courses must receive prior approval from the School Social Work Licensure Coordinator.

ABOUT THE PRACTICUM PLACEMENT (CURRENT BSW/MSW STUDENTS ONLY)

Students will work with the UNC Charlotte School of Social Work Practicum Office to obtain a school-based practicum placement. Please note that clinical school-based mental health placements do not count towards licensure.

ABOUT PROOF OF EMPLOYMENT (CURRENT BSW/MSW PROFESSIONALS ONLY)

BSW/MSW Professionals must provide proof of working as a School Social Worker for at least one year under the supervision of a school social worker licensed in North Carolina. A sample letter from the Human Resources Office can be found HERE. BSW/MSW professionals interested in obtaining School Social Work Licensure, but are NOT currently working as a school social worker can still take the required classes and then once hired provide employment proof after one year of employment.

SCHOOL SOCIAL WORK IN ANOTHER STATE

UNC Charlotte ONLY offers the path to School Social Work Licensure through the North Carolina Department of Public Instruction. If students or professionals desire to obtain a license in other states please reach out to that state’s department of instruction.

ADDITIONAL RESOURCES

North Carolina Public Instruction (NCPDI)

NCDPI School Social Work Licensure Information Page