As of Fall 2026, this program is no longer accepting applicants.
This program is for graduates with a MSW degree from an accredited School of Social Work that are seeking to obtain a Professional Educator License (PEL) with a School Social Work endorsement.
Pre-requisites
- Master's degree in Social Work from an accredited program
- Please review the substitution rules as outlined in the section entitled applying for full admission to an Illinois Educator Preparation Program from ISBE at:
Related Programs
Curriculum
Program Requirements
Successful completion of 13 credits (3 required classes and one externship with a concurrent Integrative Seminar). Classes may be completed online or in the classroom. Student must receive a grade of "C" or better in each class.
Course List | Code | Title | Hours |
| SOWK 609A | School Social Work Policy and Practice I | 3 |
| SOWK 609B | School Social Work Policy and Practice II | 3 |
| CIEP 401 | The Exceptional Child | 3 |
| |
| SWII 640 | Post Masters Field Instruction I | 0 |
| SWII 640S | Post Masters Field Seminar I | 2 |
| SWII 641 | Post Masters Field Instruction II | 0 |
| SWII 641S | Post Masters Field Seminar II | 2 |
| Total Hours | 13 |
- Pass the ISBE Content Exam for School Social Work (ISBE #238) prior to eligibility for the PEL. Submit verification to Amy Greenberg at agreenberg2@luc.edu. All content exams are administered only in computer-based testing (CBT) format, external to Loyola.
Externship Requirements
- Externships must be completed in a traditional Illinois public school (non-charter, non-therapeutic and/or non-alternative) for a full academic year aligned with the district's calendar (August to June) for a minimum of two or three days per week.
- Students apply to their externship through the SONIA database and then sign up for a placement interview to receive referrals from the PEL team.
Suggested Sequence of Courses
Plan of Study Grid
| Year 1 |
|---|
| Summer |
|---|
| CIEP 401 |
The Exceptional Child () |
3 |
| | Hours | 3 |
| Fall |
|---|
| SOWK 609A |
School Social Work Policy and Practice I |
3 |
| SWII 640 |
|
0 |
| SWII 640S |
|
|
| | Hours | 3 |
| Spring |
|---|
| SOWK 609B |
School Social Work Policy and Practice II |
3 |
| SWII 641 |
|
0 |
| SWII 641S |
|
|
| | Hours | 3 |
| | Total Hours | 9 |
Graduate & Professional Standards and Regulations
Students in graduate and professional programs can find their Academic Policies in Graduate and Professional Academic Standards and Regulations under their school. Any additional University Policies supersede school policies.
