Certificate Course

Our Research Methods course is the only course that would include some statistical content. Once you are in the MSW program, depending upon your chosen pathway, there could be additional statistics courses required.

Each course has a number of projects and assignments that learners will complete. They are very aligned with skills that social workers use in professional practice. Assignments include short writing activities, discussion boards, quizzes, and simulations of clinical scenarios. Some courses end with longer milestone assignments, where learners submit papers and participate in a peer-review process.

Social Work Essentials Certificate course are designed to take 3–4 hours per module. Because everyone has different learning styles and paces, some learners report spending more time per module.

Keep in mind that since many learners are participating in 3 SWEC courses simultaneously during an 8-week period, a learner would be expected to complete 1 module per week per course, resulting in a total workload of 9–12 hours or more.

The Social Work Essentials Certificate program allows learners to explore the content covered in foundation courses covered at the University of Michigan School of Social Work. Completing the certificate could provide for advancement within a current position or could be used to add to a resume in hopes of obtaining a social work/social service position. The certificate can also allow qualified applicants to complete the MSW degree in less time. This will result in a cost savings for the MSW degree.