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Becoming a School Social Worker

Becoming a School Social Worker

We are excited you are interested in becoming a Michigan School Social Worker! In Michigan, school social worker preparation is guided by statute (otherwise known as state law), state administrative rules, and school social worker preparation program standards. A School Social Worker credential is required based on services provided under Michigan Administrative Rules for Special Education (MARSE).  

What are the Requirements in Michigan?

In-State Program Completers

The Administrative Rules for School Social Workers have specific requirements based on R340.1001-340.1016 (2024) in conjunction with Michigan Administrative Rules for Special Education (MARSE) that include   the completion of an approved preparation program to become credentialed as a School Social Worker in Michigan. Additionally, Michigan law requires school social workers hold one of the following credentials:

  • A School Social Worker Permit, or
  • A Temporary or Full School Social Worker Approval, or
  • A Preliminary School Social Worker Certificate, or
  • A Professional School Social Worker Certificate

Which institutions have Preparation Programs?

Currently, Michigan offers traditional social work and school social worker approved programs made up of independent and public institutions.

Michigan Educator Preparation Providers (EPPs) guide prospective educators through these requirements. Easy access to in-state institutions and programs can be found on the Approved School Social Worker Programs page of our website.

Traditional

  • This pathway is offered at either an undergraduate or post-baccalaureate/advanced degree level through an approved Michigan EPP. Potential candidates must meet the minimum requirements of that institution to be admitted into the school social worker preparation program.
  • When seeking a Preliminary School Social Worker Certificate or the Professional School Social Worker Certificate, completion of an advanced degree program is required before being granted either credential.

Out-of-State Program Completers

Are you already certified in another state as a school social worker? Professionals who have completed a school social worker preparation program or received school social worker certification in another state, country, or federally recognized Indian tribe may find information about certificate reciprocity on the Out-of-State Applicants webpage.

  • Applicants who complete an approved school social worker program at an out-of-state institution will also need to obtain a license as a Social Worker issued by the Michigan office of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs (LARA). 
  • Documentation to support a school social worker application may include official transcripts, an out of state school social worker certificate plus an MDE Standards-Based School Social Worker Evaluation Form or more.
  • An application Cover Letter will instruct applicants on what documentation needs to be sent to our office as part of the evaluation process.
  • Applications for review must be submitted electronically on the Michigan Online Educator Certification System (MOECS).

What Else Should I Consider in Selecting a Program?

Educators who seek or complete preparation at institutions or universities outside the state of Michigan (regardless of whether it is online or face-to-face) must meet the requirements of that state. The MDE does not have the authority to approve out-of-state educator preparation programs.