Post MSW- Professional Educator License Online
Asynchronous/Synchronous
Effective Fall 2024 the Post-MSW Professional Educator License courses will be offered online.
The MSW program of Chicago State University is accredited by the Council on Social Work Education. The program prepares students to meet the Illinois State Board of Education (ISBE) requirements for School Social Workers and for advanced social work practice that utilizes strength-based and family-centered principles to work effectively with client systems. A Post MSW Illinois Professional Educator License with School Social Work Endorsement is available to students who have graduated from an accredited Master of Social Work program.
Instructions for Admission to the MSW- Professional Educator License with School Social Work Endorsement
- A $30.00 non-refundable fee is required. Payments can be made by phone. For more information, call the Cashier's Office at (773) 995-2029.
- You must hold an MSW from a CSWE accredited social work program, with a minimum 3.0 GPA.
- Complete the graduate program application.
Application Deadlines
- Application deadline for Post MSW Professional Educator License with School Social Work Endorsement Program is May 15th
- Short-term approval applicants August 1st.
- Application deadline for those who would like to be considered for field placement with Chicago Public Schools is January 15th
- All required materials should be sent to:
The Graduate School
Chicago State University
9501 So. King Drive ADM 200
Chicago, IL 60628
For expedited consideration Please e-mail the application and all supporting documents.
gadams22@csu.edu
Program Requirements
Students in the curriculum must complete course: S ED 5301 Characteristics of the Exceptional Child, or its equivalent. Transfer credit can be given for an equivalent course if taken previously at the graduate or undergraduate level.
In addition to S ED 5301 (3 credits), required courses in the Post MSW PEL program include:
- 5474 Policy and Practice for School Social Work (3 credits)
- 5464 Post MSW Field Practicum I (3 credits)
- 5465 Post MSW Field Practicum II (3 credits)
Plan of Study
| Can be taken in the Fall or Spring Semester Summer Before Recommended if offered. | Fall | Spring |
| SED 5301 Char. Exceptional Child or its equivalent |
SWK 5474 Policy and Practice for School Social Work (3 credits) This course will be taught 100% online, asynchronously, and 8 times synchronously. Synchronous instruction dates will be published. |
SWK 5465 Field Practicum 300 hours This course will be taught 100% online, asynchronously and 4 times synchronously. Synchronous instruction dates will be published.
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SWK 5464 Field Practicum 300 hours This course will be taught 100% online, asynchronously and 4 times synchronously. Synchronous instruction dates will be published. |
Recommended that to take the Illinois State Board of Education (ISBE) Content Area Test (184) for school social work before the start of the second semester of the externship.
Where will I be placed for field? Externship must be completed in a Illinois public school (non-therapeutic and/or non-alternative) for an academic year (August to June) for a minimum of two or three days per week. School should provide opportunities for learning experiences across grade levels.
Applicants who would like to be considered for field placement with Chicago Public Schools must submit their application by January 15th
- Most of the students in the Post MSW Program have several years of experience in social services and are often employed during their educational experience. Please consider the required field hours in your decision to work and your work schedule.
- Financial Assistance: Call the Financial Aid Office - (773) 995-2304 or visit
- Additional Information: Call (773) 995-2207 or email lgodbold@csu.edu.
Short-Term Approvals for School School Support Personnel Licensure for LSWs and LCSWs working in schools due to shortages
Illinois State Board of Education Short-Term Approval at CSU
The Illinois State Board of Education (ISBE) allows Post MSW Social Workers to seek admittance into the Short-Term Approval Process if they meet these requirements.
https://www.isbe.net/Pages/educator-licensure-approvals.aspx
| Short-Term Approval Type |
Requirements to be Issued the Approval |
| School Social Worker Valid: 3 full fiscal years. |
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Before applying to Chicago State University’s Department of Social Work
- Set up an Educator Licensure Information System (ELIS) account
- Pay the $50 fee and apply online through the ELIS system for Short Term Approval by completing ISBE form 83-86
- Take the content exam for School Social Work through Illinois Licensure Testing System
At the time of application to CSU, the application must include:
- Provide evidence of LSW or LCSW licensure
- A copy of the completed ISBE form 83-86
- Provide evidence that supervisor at the school or school district of hire has a PEL and 2 years post-masters experience in school social work.
- Evidence of passing the PEL in School Social Work content After application
- The Director of Field Education will confirm with Chicago State University licensing officer that the student’s ELIS account in fact shows that the applicant has a Short- Term Approval.
- An acceptance decision will be
*PLEASE NOTE: Waiver of internship does not mean waiver of a supervised learning experiences as indicated in ISBE form 83-86. Short Term approval requires the completion of an approved program in social work. The approved program in social work at Chicago State University is outlined below. Though hours will not be counted, it is assumed that the employment experience will provide more than enough hours to allow for adequate training and supervision to occur. The Field Practicum Courses are designed to allow processing of that learning and reinforcement.
To complete the Short-Term Approval Process, enrolled students must follow the following plan of study:
| Can be taken in the Fall or Spring Semester Summer Before Recommended if offered. | Fall | Spring |
| SED 5301 Char. Exceptional Child or its equivalent |
SWK 5474 Policy and Practice for School Social Work (3 credits) This course will be taught 100% online, asynchronously, and 8 times synchronously. Synchronous instruction dates will be published. |
SWK 5465 Field Practicum 300 hours This course will be taught 100% online, asynchronously and 4 times synchronously. Synchronous instruction dates will be published. |
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SWK 5464 Field Practicum 300 hours This course will be taught 100% online, asynchronously and 4 times synchronously. Synchronous instruction dates will be published. |
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