Professional Educator License for School Social Work
Are you passionate about working with children and seeking a change of environment? Becoming a school social worker offers the perfect opportunity.
We offer the Post-MSW Program for those seeking an Illinois PEL School Social Work Endorsement. This license and endorsement is needed to practice social work in public schools in Illinois.
For many years, youth mental health has been a prominent concern both in Illinois and across the nation. A significant number of children and adolescents receive mental health services within educational settings due to the accessibility and lack of barriers to such care. By joining the extensive community of School Social Workers and applying your social work expertise in educational institutions, you can contribute to addressing the growing demand for youth mental health care.
Why choose the University of Illinois?
Our Post-MSW PEL program is ideally suited for individuals who need to maintain full-time employment, as we provide the necessary coursework via an evening online platform. For those who prefer in-person attendance, this option is also available. Additionally, we help students secure internships that fulfill the PEL requirements. We also offer comprehensive support to prepare for the PEL examination, including study sessions, online resources, and peer mentoring, to ensure your success.
Why now?
The state of Illinois has supported the provision of school-based mental healthcare for children and youth since 2003. Most recently, Illinois has distinguished itself as the first state to mandate that school districts conduct universal mental health screenings for all students in grades 3 through 12 by the 2027-2028 academic year. Enactment of this legislation is expected to further elevate the substantial demand for school social workers within Illinois. Therefore, now is an ideal time to start your journey toward becoming a school social worker.
Informational Sessions
- September 4, 2025, 4:30 – 5:30 PM RSVP to attend
- September 17, 2025, 5:00 – 6:00 PM RSVP to attend
Application Deadlines:
Spring 2026 Application Opens July 1, 2025
- The priority deadline is September 15, 2025. Meeting the priority deadline may allow you to do both classes and the 1-semester internship in the Spring 2026 term.
- The final deadline is December 1, 2025. Meeting this final deadline will allow you the ability to take the 2 courses in the Spring 26 term and the Field Placement in the Fall 26 term.
* The Illinois State Board of Education (ISBE) is currently allowing post-MSW social workers to seek admittance into the Short-Term Approval process if they meet the requirements.
Requirements to Apply
If you earned your MSW in a concentration other than school social work, you will need to take and complete coursework, as well as a one-semester internship in an Illinois public school.
You will complete the following courses:
- SOCW 507: School Social Work Practice (online class with weekly evening Zoom class sessions)
- SOCW 519: Public School Policy and Services (online class with weekly evening Zoom class sessions)
- SOCW 531: Field Practicum and Integrative Seminar
This is a one semester internship working five days each week in a public school setting with an online component.
Requirements to apply:
- Master of Social Work from a school of social work accredited by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE)
- A minimum grade point average of 3.0 (on a 4.0 scale) from the university in which the MSW was obtained.
- The Illinois State Board of Education requires that all students completing an educator licensure program obtain a C or higher in all graduate coursework.
Illinois Social Work MSW Alumni Application Process
MSW applicants that graduated from our School of Social Work program can use the condensed application process:
Three letters of recommendation
PEL and SSW Endorsement Program Personal Statement
Resume
Application Process for MSW Graduates From Other Universities
Applicants that completed a Masters in Social Work from a different CSWE Accredited Program:
Mail directly to:
School of Social Work
Illinois PEL with Endorsement in School Social Work Program
1010 W. Nevada
Urbana, IL 61801
Three (3) letters of reference (must be academic and/or professional in nature). Letters of reference are part of the online Graduate College Application.
Resume– This should include relevant education, volunteer, and work experience. The completed resume should be uploaded to the Graduate College Application.
Official Transcripts from all colleges/universities attended.
The Post-MSW School Social Work PEL Scholarship supports licensed social workers with MSWs in earning an Illinois Professional Educator License in School Social Work. Priority is given to minority applicants to help diversify the profession and serve Illinois schools.