Designed in 2001, this program addresses the critical need for bilingual and culturally
responsive social workers, preparing you to effectively serve individuals and families
of Mexican and Latin American origin. Certificate Courses are based in a critical
pedagogy (power, oppression, and privilege) model which examines the interconnectedness
of issues of race, racism, citizenship status, and relationships between the US and
Latin American countries.
For admission into the certificate program, a minimum of "intermediate" proficiency in Spanish must be demonstrated. The program includes:
- an intensive language immersion course (taught in Spanish and collaboratively with the Department of Languages and Literatures)
- an international experiential course*
- additional specialized courses for those seeking to work with Latino/a populations
- a field internship offering you the opportunity to work with Latino/a clients and use Spanish at least 30% of the time
Within GSSW's MSW curriculum, the Latino/a Certificate Program can be combined with any of the five areas of practice specialization open to concentration year students: child welfare, families, high-risk youth, adulthood and late life challenges, or leadership for community and organizational practice.
Once you complete this certificate program, you'll have the knowledge, skills and
linguistic ability to effectively serve Latinos/as and their communities.
There is an additional cost associated with this certificate, above the cost of the
MSW degree, to cover student travel expenses associated with the International Experiential
course. These costs can be covered by Financial Aid monies for those that qualify.
For more information, contact Clinical Assistant Professor Stephen von Merz, Social Work with Latinos/as Certificate program coordinator.
Visit us on Facebook: 
"El certificado me dio la oportunidad de mejorar mis aptitudes para desempeñarme como un profesional de trabajo social de habla hispana y me proporcionó los conocimientos para abordar intervenciones terapéuticas con solidez, tantocultural como clínica".
Frank J., MSW, terapeuta bilingüe infantil y familiar
"El certificado fue un motivo clave en mi decisión de asistir a la GSSW. Me dio la
oportunidad de aprender y viajar con un extraordinario grupo de alumnos y educadores,
y me llevó a mi puesto como organizadora comunitaria para el trabajo con inmigrantes
sobre campañas de derechos humanos y desarrollo del liderazgo".
Liz H., MSW, organizadora comunitaria
