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School of Social Work
Indiana University

e-Social Work Practice Graduate Certificate

Prepare for the future of social work telepractice in a technology-mediated world.

Social workers need specialized preparation to practice well and confidently in technology-mediated environments.

Social work is increasingly happening beyond the traditional office. Clients and communities are accessing services through digital and remote platforms—and social workers need more than familiarity with technology. They need the knowledge, skills, and professional judgment to use it ethically, responsibly, and effectively.

The IU School of Social Work's Graduate Certificate in e-Social Work Practice gives you focused preparation for technology-mediated social work practices like telepractice—entirely online.

Why should I add this certificate to my MSW—and what will it allow me to do that I can't do today?

What could this add to your practice?

  • Expand how you reach people
  • Develop skills for providing social work services electronically to individuals, groups, families, and communities.
  • Build specialized practice skills
  • Learn how technology changes assessment, engagement, communication, and intervention across electronic platforms.
  • Practice responsibly
  • Develop knowledge related to ethical practice, legal requirements, privacy, and responsible use of technology.
  • Prepare for an evolving profession

Build a focused area of expertise that complements your MSW and positions you to work confidently in technology-mediated environments.

Social work student considering the possibilities of telepractice: reaching clients wherever they are, building specialized telepractice skills, making services more accessible, practicing ethically and confidently with technology, being part of the future of social work, and creating a greater impact.

Learn from a curriculum built specifically for e-social work and telepractice

The certificate is 12 credit hours and combines social work and optional elective informatics coursework. You'll build a foundation in e-social work practice, develop telebehavioral health skills, and learn to work with groups in technology-mediated environments. Your fourth course allows you to deepen your preparation through digital equity and citizenship, health information exchange, or healthcare security and privacy.

Required core

SWK-D 677
Foundations of e-Social Work Practice

SWK-D 678
Telebehavioral Health Social Work Practice with Individuals

SWK-D 679
e-Social Work Practice with Groups

Plus one elective

  • SWK-675 Digital Equity, Digital Citizenship, Data Justice and Practice
  • Health Information Exchange
  • Security and Privacy Policies and Regulations for Health Care

Join a pioneering area of social work practice designed for working professionals

100% online

Complete the certificate without an in-person commitment.

12 credits

A focused credential you can add to your professional preparation.

Multiple entry points

Most courses are offered every semester, and admission is open year-round.

Built for social workers

Designed specifically around the knowledge and skills needed for technology-mediated social work practice.

Is this certificate right for you?

This certificate is designed for:

  • Current IU School of Social Work MSW students
  • Practicing social workers who already hold an MSW from a CSWE-accredited program
  • Applicants to the IU School of Social Work MSW program