FAQs

1. How many hours are needed for the school's field placement?

600 clock hours are required by the Illinois State Board of Education for the School Service Personnel Certificate for School Social Work. That translates into about 21-24 hours weekly (depending on the length of the school day) or 3 full days per week.

2. Is there a stipend? 

Some school Districts offer a small stipend to their interns. Conditions and amounts vary and should be verified during your interview with a District.

3. Can I do my internship during the evenings? 

No- you must meet a number of learning standards that require work during the traditional school day. Even if you are placed in a community school, which may have a longer school day, the bulk of your hours will be completed before 3pm.

4. Is it true that I may have to continue my field placement after I graduate?

Yes, many districts require a commitment for the full school year. Our department and the Illinois State Board require 600 clock hours; therefore, even if you are completing hours through the end of the District’s school year, you should remain within the clock hour requirement.

5. Can I choose my own school placement?

We have affiliation agreements with Chicago Public Schools and several suburban districts in the Chicagoland area. We will work with you, but in some cases (e.g., CPS) assignments are made through the district. 

6. When do I take the PEL (Professional Educators License) exam?

During the fall semester before you graduate. You are strongly encouraged to pass the exam prior to the start of field placement in the spring semester. Additional information on initial licensure is available here.

7. Is Chicago State University’s MSW program approved for the PEL (Professional Educators License) for school social work? 

Yes. CSU received approval from ISBE to offer the Type 73, now the PEL, for school social workers in March 2005.

8. Will there be other changes to my academic plan of study? 

Yes, the school social work concentration only allows for 2 elective courses due to the requirement that students complete S ED 5301, Characteristics of the Exceptional Child through the Department of Education. If you have completed this course at the undergraduate level within the last 5 years, you will still take 3 graduate elective courses.