For individuals who are interested in learning advanced research and evaluation skills necessary to engage in evidence-based practice across all levels of practice in social work and social welfare. This certificate will prepare students to frame evaluation or research questions and to use quantitative and qualitative tools to assess the outcomes and effectiveness of efforts to deal with social problems. It will also prepare students with skills to translate research into practice theory and interventions.  This certificate may also be of interested to people who are considering obtaining a doctoral degree in social work but may need more time to prepare an application or who wish to "test the waters" prior to admission into a doctoral program. All courses in the proposed certificate program are drawn from existing courses within the Ph.D. Program curriculum.  Students must complete 18 graduate-level semester credits within three years as well as maintain a minimum GPA of 3.0.

Certificate Admissions Requirements

1. Applicants must meet the Admission standards of the Graduate School and the School of Social Work.
    
2. Completion of a master's degree in social work, counseling or related human services field.
    
3. Two or more years of post-master's professional experience in social work or related human services field. (Preferred)
    
4. Minimum grade point average of 3.0 in previous a master's degree program; 3.5 GPA is recommended.
    
5. Submission of written statement of interest, personal resume, all undergraduate and graduates transcripts.
    
6. Three letters of recommendation, two of which must be academic references characterizing the applicant's potential to engage in social work research and evaluation.
    
7. Personal interview with Program Director and/or members of the PhD Program Steering Committee.

Applications are accepted throughout the year. If interested, please apply at http://gradschool.wayne.edu/.

Both full-time and part-time students will be permitted to enroll in the certificate program. All students must have a plan of work that is developed upon admission. Progress toward certificate completion will be discussed in the student's annual review. Students must complete requirements for the certificate within three years.