MSW School Social Work Licensure Requirements

Admissions Requirements

MSW students seeking school social work licensure must meet all admission requirements of the MSW program. These requirements are:

1)      University of Memphis Graduate Application

2)      Completion of a bachelor's degree from an accredited university with a 2.75 grade point average

3)      Submission of all undergraduate and graduate transcripts.

4)      Submission of GRE (Graduate Record Examination) scores.

5)      Master of Social Work Application.

6)      Professional Goal Statement.

7)      Three professional references.

8)      Resume.

 In addition, students seeking school social work licensure must have the following:

A copy of scores from the Pre-Professional Skills Test (PPST) scores

Minimum scores:

Reading 174

Math 173

Writing 173

GRE scores of : 3.5 writing; 143 verbal; 138 quantitative or combined verbal & quantitative of 281 will result in the PPST being waived.

Curriculum

MSW students will meet all requirements for Tennessee School Social Work Licensure through the completion of three courses (SWRK 7007: School Social Work, SWRK 7011: Mental Health and Disabilities, and SPED 7517: Functional Analysis/Treatment of Problem Behavior) and field placement (SWRK 7053-54). The course descriptions are provided below. 

Click here to view a typical two year course sequence leading to the Master of Social Work degree and a school social work license.

SWRK 7007: School Social Work

The purpose of this course is to develop the knowledge and skills necessary for successful and competent social work in public schools. The course covers the varied roles and functions of school social workers in their practice with diverse groups of students, families, school personnel, and diverse communities. It emphasizes best practices in assessing, intervening, and evaluating social work practice across all system levels. PREREQUISITE: Admission to MSW program.

SWRK 7011: Mental Health and Disabilities

A required concentration course designed to integrate specialized knowledge and skills for practice with diverse children experiencing a range of health and mental health concerns. Recognizing that no single definition of child mental health adequately addresses the diverse families, this course seeks to provide practice frameworks that are culturally sensitive, collaborative, strength-promoting and empowering. PREREQUISITES: SWRK 7021, SWRK 7022, SWRK 7002, SWRK 7003, SWRK 7005.

SPED 7517: Func Anlys/Treat Prob Behv (3)

Examines principles, issues, approaches, and strategies for conducting Functional Behavior Assessment and Functional analysis. PREREQUISITE: SWRK 7011, SPED 7514 (waived if outside of SPED department).

SWRK 7053/7054: Field Placement

MSW students must complete a minimum of 960 clock hours of field placement. 400 hours are completed in the foundation field placement sequence: SWRK 7051-7052. 560 hours are completed in the concentration field placement sequence: SWRK 7053-7054. MSW students must apply and be accepted into the Teacher Education Program. In addition, they must obtain a background check and at least 1 million/3 million dollars professional liability insurance via a reputable organization or company that provides coverage for social workers prior to placement in the field. Students should also review the student field manual and student handbook for information regarding the requirements for liability insurance coverage. The MSW program requires that students get two different field experiences in their foundation and concentration years. Therefore, students are not allowed to complete both field placements at the same agency. Students seeking school social work licensure will complete their concentration year field placement in a school setting. Table 3 outlines the link between Tennessee School Social Work licensure standards, field placement requirements course, and field placement assessments.