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Department of Social Work
521 Lancaster Ave.
223 Keith Building
Richmond, Kentucky 40475
Phone: 859-622-1645
Fax: 859-622-8167
social.work@eku.edu

Interdisciplinary University Certificates

EKU Interdisciplinary University Certificates (IUC) provide a low-cost, alternative pathway for an academic credential that conveys expertise in a shared area of concern. Students gain unparalleled access to specialized courses that have been carefully selected for this curriculum. Each program enables students to draw from different perspectives and opportunities to build interdisciplinary partnerships around a shared area of concern. IUC courses vary in timing of being offered, but students have a number of course options. Students can also submit a petition to the IUC Advisory Board requesting a course to be counted toward an IUC.

IUCs support student professional growth as well as eligibility for state and national credentials. For example, MSW graduates can go through their state board (visit the Association of Social Work Boards website) to take an exam to become a certified social worker or licensed master social worker depending on the state. In Kentucky, MSW students may become a licensed social worker and later apply to be a certified social worker. MSW graduates can go through the National Association of Social Workers for an advanced practice specialty credential with related experience and state license. The Academy of Certified Social Workers credential does not require a state license.

Addictions Intervention

MSW and IUC students can go through the KY Board of Alcohol & Drug Counselors to apply for Temporary Certification as an Alcohol and Drug Counselor and/or Certification as an Alcohol and Drug Counselor. Upon graduation, check for eligibility to apply for Licensure as a Clinical Alcohol and Drug Counselor Associate then continue to work toward Licensure as a Clinical Alcohol and Drug Counselor with approved supervision. Requires related education, field placement, and employment. See AI curriculum.

Mental Health

MSW graduates can go through their state board (visit the Association of Social Work Boards website) to take a clinical exam after required supervision. MSW graduates can work through the National Health Service Corps to seek internship/employment in a health professional shortage area for loan repayment. Requires related education, field placement, and employment. See MH curriculum.

Child and Family Services

MSW graduates can go through the National Association of Social Workers to become a Certified School Social Work Specialist (also need a social work state license). A program strategic goal is to seek KY Education Professional Standards Board approval for school social work. Requires related education, field placement, and employment. See CFS curriculum.

Leadership and Management

MSW (and related) graduates can go through the Commission on Rehabilitation Counselor Certification to become a Certified Rehabilitation Counselor under Category 3 upon examination. MSW graduates can go through the Social Work Hospice & Palliative Care Network to get certified in Advanced Palliative and Hospice Social Work. Requires related education, field placement, and employment. A program strategic goal is curricular alignment with the Network for Social Work Management Human Services Management Certificate. See LM curriculum.