Students have the option of focusing their MSW studies within their skill specializations by completing a certificate program. At the Pitt-Main (Oakland) campus, five certificate programs are available to Direct Practice students and three are available to COSA students; an MA certificate in Gender, Sexuality, and Women’s Studies is available to both Direct Practice and COSA students. MSW students at the Pitt-Johnstown campus complete the Direct Practice specialization and receive a DP-Mental Health Certificate; those studying at the Pitt-Bradford campus specialize in Direct Practice and acquire a DP-Children, Youth and Families Certificate.
In most instances, MSW students elect to complete a single certificate. Those interested in completing more than one certificate should discuss the feasibility of that with their academic advisor and should be aware that it could extend the length and cost of their degree program.
Students should indicate their interest in a certificate program in their MSW admission application or by completing a Certificate Declaration of Intent Form (below) as soon as possible after beginning their MSW studies. As a University of Pittsburgh-recognized certificate program, all earned certificates appear on graduates’ MSW diplomas.
The five certificate programs available to Direct Practice students are:
- DP-Children Youth and Families
- DP-Gerontology
- DP-Home and School Visitor/School Social Work
- DP-Integrated Healthcare
- DP-Mental Health
The three certificate programs COSA students can elect to complete are:
A MA certificate program in Gender, Sexuality, and Women’s Studies is available to both Direct Practice and COSA students. Information about this certificate and its application process can be obtained at:
Certificate Declaration Form
Interested in learning how to apply for admission to the MSW Program?