Certificate Programs & Specializations

MSW students have the option to incorporate certificate programs or specializations into their standard course of study. Specializations and certificates are entirely optional, but offer a focused academic experience for those students who want to delve deeply into a particular area of practice.

Occasionally, students are able to complete more than one specialization, but this requires very specific course scheduling. A number of factors contribute to the feasibility of completing additional specializations, including course availability, ability to cross-count courses between specializations, nature of field placement, etc. Students who are interested in more than one specialization should review the requirements for each specialization and discuss course scheduling with their academic advisor.

It is expected that all requirements for the specialization be met while the student is completing the MSW degree. Any exceptions must be approved in advance by the specialization director.

Ann Nolan Reese Penn Aging Certificate (PAC)

Through the Penn Aging Certificate (PAC) Program, students can be social change agents and leaders in the significant field of gerontological social work.

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Child Well-Being & Child Welfare

CW2 educates students to provide services in a culturally competent manner to produce positive outcomes for children and families.

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Cohen Veterans Network MSW Scholars

SP2 addresses a shortage of critical mental health services for veterans and their families who may be experiencing PTSD, depression, and suicidality.

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Criminal Justice Specialization

The Specialization educates students to provide culturally competent services to people involved with and impacted by the criminal justice system.

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Global Human Rights Certificate

The Global Human Rights is designed to provide enriched perspectives on human rights.

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Goldring Reentry Initiative

The GRI addresses the growing epidemic of mass incarceration and the many barriers individuals incarcerated in the Philadelphia Prison System (PPS) face upon release.

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MSW/Home-School Visitor Certificate

Individuals with the Home and School Visitor Certification (HSV) provide professional social work services in a variety of K-12 educational institutions.

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Graduate Certificate in Latin American and Latinx Studies

Students are able to gain exposure in Latin America and Latinx Studies in conjunction with their social work education.

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Certificate in Law

The University of Pennsylvania Law School offers a Certificate in Law to students enrolled in a graduate or professional degree program at Penn.

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LGBTQ Certificate

Through courses & fieldwork addressing legal, physical & mental health care, social service, & educational needs of LGBTQ communities, students study issues of gender & sexuality.

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