Approval Process

In order to receive approval from the Michigan Department of Education, social workers must obtain a letter of recommendation for temporary approval as a school social worker (Form 310). In order to obtain this letter, applicants must complete specified course work and at least 500 hours of supervised direct social work practice experience with children, youth, and families. These hours can be completed as MSW graduate program field hours or during post-MSW practice.

Although there is an inter-university agreement to accept each other's continuing education school social worker training, applicants must apply for letters of recommendation for temporary approval from their MSW degree-granting university.

University of Michigan MSW Graduates

After completing the three required continuing education training courses, as well as the 500 hours of post-MSW field experience in direct practice with families and children or 2 semesters of MSW field placement, submit request for a letter of recommendation for temporary approval

Non-University of Michigan MSW graduates

  • MSW's who received their degrees from a Michigan institution other than the University of Michigan must apply for the letter of recommendation for temporary approval from their MSW-granting institution.
  • Out-of-state MSW graduates should contact the University of Michigan School of Social Work School Social Worker Certificate Program coordinator, Beth Sherman

State of Michigan School Social Worker Approval Information

The Michigan Department of Education is responsible for issuing temporary and full school social worker approvals. The letter recommending the applicant for temporary approval as a school social worker is only part of the approval process. Complete applications for temporary school social worker approval are submitted to the Michigan Department of Education following employment in a school setting.

Please see links below for additional information related to the specifics of the State of Michigan's temporary and full social worker approval process.