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School of Social Work Indiana University
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Master of Social Work
MSW Focus Area

School Social Work

Becoming a school social worker can be deeply rewarding. School social workers serve as a link between the family, school, and community to remedy individual and situational learning barriers. Social workers in K-12 settings impact the lives of children, adolescents, and families by addressing barriers that impact academics. School social workers collaborate with community partners to provide comprehensive, responsive support. You’ll navigate legal mandates, social policies, and educational trends to advocate for student well-being. By emphasizing preventive and intervention methods, school social workers address the diverse needs of students and contribute to their overall success and development.

Knowledge you need #

As a school social worker, you’ll address chronic issues that impact educational attainment like poverty, homelessness, and trauma. You’ll learn critical assessment and intervention skills to facilitate family support. The impact of family, including cultural aspects regarding educational attainment beliefs are emphasized. You’ll learn interviewing and engagement techniques in order to implement best practices with children in school settings. You’ll also learn how to collaborate in an interdisciplinary setting with teachers, school administrators, and other staff.

Learn to provide support to vulnerable populations with a high risk for truancy and dropping out, such as:

  • Unhoused students.
  • Migrant populations.
  • Students with health and mental health needs.
  • System involved youth, such as those in foster care or the juvenile justice system.

Licensure Opportunities #

Completion of IU’s focus area courses qualifies you to be licensed through Indiana’s Department of Education to serve as a school social worker.

Find your degree pathway!