Family Support Certificate

The Family Support Certificate program is designed for students interested in establishing credentials in working with families. Typically, these students are already working for a state agency. Students pursuing a certificate do not have to be pursuing a major in the university, and the coursework they may take is limited to the specific courses listed below. Students must earn a “C-” or above to earn credit for the social work courses in the certificate program. Students must formally apply to the certificate program. The application form, criteria, and instructions can be found on the Department of Social Work website.

Required Courses

SWK 1010 - Introduction to Social Work: Overview of Contemporary Issues Credits: 3
SWK 1020 - Introduction to Agency Experience Credits: 1
SWK 2100 - Introduction to Family Social Work Credits: 3
SWK 3090 - Philosophy of Social Work Credits: 3
SWK 3120 - Privilege, Oppression, and Power Credits: 3
SWK 3410 - Generalist Practice I Credits: 3
SWK Elective (1 course) Credits: 3 or 4
Total for Family Support Certificate: 20 or 21 credits

Additional Information

Child Welfare Stipend

The Colorado Department of Human Services has a program for child welfare stipends. Current Title IV-E funded public child welfare case aid or case worker employees who are enrolled in the Family Support Certificate may be eligible for the stipend program. Students in the stipend program are restricted as to the electives they may take for credit in the program. Acceptance into the stipend program is not guaranteed. For additional information, application, and requirements for the stipend program, please visit the Department of Social Work website.

Transferring to the Social Work Major from the Social Work Minor

Current Family Support Certificate students may apply as a major to the BSSW Program. Students must be formally accepted into the program in order to be considered a BSSW Major. Upon acceptance into the major, students are to meet with the BSSW Program Advisor to receive a course of study plan. The application and admission requirements for the BSSW Major are defined above.

For further information, please visit the Department of Social Work at www.msudenver.edu/socialwork.

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