Dual Degrees and Certificates

Human–Animal–Environment Interactions in Social Work Certificate

The Human–Animal–Environment Interactions in Social Work certificate prepares students to recognize the importance and impact of human–animal–environment interactions in culturally responsive and ethically advanced professional social work practice settings. Clinical and community settings such as mental health agencies, schools and shelters are emphasized. The certificate centers social justice and highlights intersecting systems of oppression and violence directed toward humans, animals and the environment.

• There is no requirement for a specialized field placement related to the certificate.
• This certificate does not require an application. Students register for the first course (SOWK 4795) to start the certificate studies.

Learn more about the certificate and outcomes.

• Course Requirements

  Courses are taken in sequence (SOWK 4795, SOWK 4796, SOWK 4797), primarily during the Concentration year.

  • SOWK 4795: Foundations for Human–Animal–Environment Interactions in Social Work (offered summer, fall, and spring quarters; starting the course sequence in spring quarter is only available to first-year students)
  • SOWK 4796: Human–Animal–Environment Interventions in Social Work Practice (offered fall and winter quarters)
  • SOWK 4797: Professional Integration of Human–Animal–Environment Interactions in Social Work (offered winter and spring quarters)
• Course Planning for Denver Campus MSW Students

  Option	Spring Quarter	Summer Quarter	Fall Quarter	Winter Quarter	Spring Quarter
  A	SOWK 4795 (Course 1)		SOWK 4796 (Course 2)	SOWK 4797 (Course 3)
  B	SOWK 4795 (Course 1)			SOWK 4796 (Course 2)	SOWK 4797 (Course 3)
  C	SOWK 4795 (Course 1)		SOWK 4796 (Course 2)		SOWK 4797 (Course 3)
  D		SOWK 4795 (Course 1)	SOWK 4796 (Course 2)	SOWK 4797 (Course 3)
  E		SOWK 4795 (Course 1)	SOWK 4796 (Course 2)		SOWK 4797 (Course 3)
  F		SOWK 4795 (Course 1)		SOWK 4796 (Course 2)	SOWK 4797 (Course 3)
  G			SOWK 4795 (Course 1)	SOWK 4796 (Course 2)	SOWK 4797 (Course 3)

   

• Course Planning for Denver Campus Advanced-Standing MSW Students

  Option	Summer Quarter	Fall Quarter	Winter Quarter	Spring Quarter
  A	SOWK 4795 (Course 1)	SOWK 4796 (Course 2)	SOWK 4797 (Course 3)
  B	SOWK 4795 (Course 1)	SOWK 4796 (Course 2)		SOWK 4797 (Course 3)
  C	SOWK 4795 (Course 1)		SOWK 4796 (Course 2)	SOWK 4797 (Course 3)
  D		SOWK 4795 (Course 1)	SOWK 4796 (Course 2)	SOWK 4797 (Course 3)

   

• Optional Courses

  In addition to the required course sequence, optional 1-credit courses are available to deepen learning. Please check with the certificate coordinator to learn when these courses are offered.

  • SOWK 4990: Canine Interactions in Social Work Practice — Pro-Active Handling and Training
  • SOWK 4990: Social Work in Nature — Green Care and Nature Therapeutics
  • SOWK 4990: Green Chimneys and HAI Research

   

  Students pursuing the Human–Animal–Environment Interactions in Social Work certificate have access to a dedicated Canvas page with information about additional learning opportunities and events for students.

School Social Work Certificate

The School Social Work Certificate explores all aspects of school social work, such as crisis intervention and school-based assessments, and prepares you to work in Colorado schools, from preschool through high school.

Learn more about the certificate and outcomes.

• Application Requirements
  1. Email Certificate Coordinator Julie Anne Laser about your intention to obtain the certificate.
  2. She will send you the application.
  3. Return the application by the due date listed below.
     • Denver Campus MSW Program students: May 1
     • Denver Campus Advanced-Standing MSW Program students: Aug. 1
  4. Admission decisions for the certificate program will be made June 1 for Denver Campus MSW students and Sept. 1 for Denver Campus Advanced-Standing MSW students and winter-start students
• Course Requirements
  • SOWK 4712: Social Work and the Law (offered fall, winter, spring and summer quarters)
    • Note: If you are in the Children and Youth pathway, SOWK 4712 can replace the SOWK 4610: Policy and Programs for Children and Youth requirement.
  • SOWK 4715: School Social Work Interventions (offered fall, winter, spring and summer quarters)
    • This course is required for Colorado School Social Work Certification
  • SOWK 4718: Social Work Assessment and Realities (offered spring quarter only)
    • Open only to School Social Work certificate students
• Field Requirements
  • All students must have a school placement in the state of Colorado in either their Foundation or Concentration year.
  • All students must be supervised by a school social worker.

Latinx Social Work Certificate

Our Latinx Social Work certificate provides students with the skills and knowledge to address the critical issues and needs of Latinx individuals, families and communities. Students will gain acumen in social work practice steeped in the culture, politics, histories and legacies of domestic and international Latin American people.

Learn more about the certificate and outcomes.

• Application Requirements

  Students considering the Latinx Social Work certificate program may be in any pathway at GSSW and are required to:

  • Complete the Latinx Social Work certificate application.
  • Schedule and attend a meeting with the certificate coordinator.
  • Non-Spanish speakers are eligible to take all the certificate courses. All certificate students, regardless of language ability, create language learning plans. (For students interested in more language learning support, the Center for World Languages and Cultures at DU offers credit and non-credit language learning.)
• Course Requirements
  • SOWK 4753: Social Development in Latin America
  • SOWK 4750: Critical Perspectives on the Latinx Context
  • SOWK 4749: Culturally Responsive Practice with Latinx
  • Approved field placement (discuss with certificate coordinator and field advisor)

Global Social Work Certificate

The Global Social Work Certificate helps students to understand global connections and perspectives through a series of courses, specialized monthly in-services, and internship projects. Focused career development is also provided.

Learn more about the certificate and outcomes.

• Application Requirements

  For Denver Campus Advanced-Standing MSW students, the process begins in the first quarter.

  1. Through information sessions and individual advising, students become familiar with the certificate.
  2. Students declare their interest in the certificate by emailing Certificate Coordinator Ann Petrila.
  3. Course scheduling and the internship search process are outlined for students through certificate and field advising.
  4. Internship approval in conjunction with the GSSW Field Team is required.

   

  For Denver Campus MSW students, the process begins in the second quarter of the first year.

• Course Requirements

  12 Credits: 3 academic courses and 3 credits from field internship

  • SOWK 4759: Global Cultural Perspectives — Consensus & Conundrums
  • Two of the Following Courses:
    • SOWK 4765: Global Social Change
    • SOWK 4990-1: Global Trauma
    • SOWK 4465: Human Security Intervention Strategies for Economic and Social Development

   

  Participation is required in Let’s Go Global, a series of monthly trainings and activities focusing on issues relevant to global social work practice.

• Field Requirements
  • Students must be in an internship, either domestically or internationally, that has the capacity for a global focus as part of the Concentration-year internship.
  • Internship approval for the certificate is made jointly by the Office of Field Education and the certificate coordinator.
  • Of the total internship credits required for completion of the MSW degree, 3 will be applied toward this certificate.
• Other Supports

  Advising: Students receive advising specific to their global social work interests and are encouraged to take particular courses to supplement the required certificate courses.

  Career Development: In conjunction with GSSW career development advisors, students receive direction and support in exploring post-degree fellowships, employment and other international opportunities.