Latino Cultural Competency in Social Work (Graduate Certificate)
Develop the knowledge and skills to practice social work that is culturally responsive and linguistically informed. Work effectively with Latino individuals and communities through evidence-based coursework and Spanish language development that strengthens practice in community and advocacy settings.
Quick facts
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Additional facts
Accreditation
Accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
Program description
ASU is ranked No. 20 nationally for graduate social work programs by U.S. News & World Report (2024).
If you are a graduate student or practicing social worker seeking advanced preparation in culturally responsive and linguistically informed practice with Latino clients and communities, the certificate program in Latino cultural competency in social work is designed for you. You study cross-cultural and theoretical frameworks, explore social and linguistic factors that shape effective practice, and apply evidence-based approaches in work with bilingual and limited-English-speaking populations. Coursework builds professional competence for culturally grounded social work in diverse settings.
Why earn a Latino cultural competency in social work graduate certificate at ASU?
You study within Watts College of Public Service and Community Solutions, a college nationally recognized for its dedication to social justice and community impact. This program connects general social work education with the specialized needs of the Southwest's populations, giving you a distinct regional and cultural advantage.
Curriculum
This graduate degree includes courses focused on a specialized topic, so you can advance your skills for further professional opportunities. Explore all courses below:
15 credit hours
Required Core (3 credit hours) Other Requirements (6 credit hours) Electives (6 credit hours) Additional Curriculum Information Master of Social Work students who choose to apply an SWG-prefix practicum course toward the requirement for the graduate certificate must complete one course from SWG 541, SWG 641, SWG 643 or SWG 645 and one course from SWG 542, SWG 642, SWG 644 and SWG 646. If selected, enrollment in SWG 584 is for three credit hours and taken twice. This course is intended for nondegree-seeking students and students in degree programs outside of the School of Social Work. The student's department-specific practicum experience credits may be substituted for those listed in the other requirements section with department approval. This program requires six credit hours of practicum in an agency setting that provides opportunities for Spanish-language practice with Latino clients and communities. At least three credit hours of the electives must be taken from within the School of Social Work. Students already working in the field of social work may petition to use their place of employment for the six credit hours of independent study practicum practice. Students with an MSW from a CSWE-accredited institution who have completed SWG 533 with a ''B'' (scale is 4.00 = ''A'') in the past five years may substitute another Latino-oriented course.
SWG 533 Diversity, Oppression and Social Justice in Social Work (3)
SWG 541 Generalist Practicum I (3)
SWG 542 Generalist Practicum II (3)
SWG 584 Internship (3)
SWG 641 Advanced Practicum: Direct Practice I (3)
SWG 642 Advanced Practicum: Direct Practice II (3)
SWG 643 Advanced Practicum: Planning, Social Work Administration and Community Practice I (3)
SWG 644 Advanced Practicum: Planning, Social Work Administration and Community Practice II (3)
SWG 645 Advanced Generalist Practicum I (3)
SWG 646 Advanced Generalist Practicum II (3)
Students must complete one of the practicum or internship options by taking two courses from the approved other requirements list. Other coursework may be used with the approval of the academic unit.
Admission requirements
Here are the admission and application details
All students are required to meet general university admission requirements.
U.S. applicants (opens in new window) | International applicants (opens in new window) | English proficiency (opens in new window)
Applicants must fulfill the requirements of both the Graduate College and the Watts College of Public Service and Community Solutions. Applicants are eligible to apply to the program if they have earned a bachelor's or master's degree from a regionally accredited institution. Applicants must have a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.00 (scale is 4.00 = "A") in the last 60 hours of their first bachelor's degree program or a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.00 (scale is 4.00 = "A") in an applicable master's degree program. All applicants must submit: Additional Application Information International students who need an F-1 or J-1 visa first need to apply to and be accepted into a graduate degree program prior to being considered for the certificate program. International students residing in the U.S. on other types of visas must adhere to all Graduate College policies and procedures regarding admission to be considered for admission to this certificate program. No more than two certificate courses may be completed before applying for admission to the certificate program. Social work graduate students must have graduate-level admitted status in the Watts College of Public Service and Community Solutions' School of Social Work and should have prior coursework or experience in Spanish, with at least limited proficiency in the language. Community professional social workers must possess an MSW, BSW or related master's degree and should have prior coursework or experience in Spanish, with at least limited proficiency in the language. Community workers must have the equivalent of two years of work experience in the social service field and an undergraduate degree, and they should have prior coursework or experience in Spanish, with at least limited proficiency in the language.
An applicant whose native language is not English must provide proof of English proficiency regardless of their current residency.
Application deadlines
| Session | Modality | Deadline | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| Session A/C | In Person | 07/01 | Final* |
| Session | Modality | Deadline | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| Session A/C | In Person | 12/01 | Final* |
*A final deadline means that all applications and application materials must be received by Admission Services by the deadline date. Applications that are incomplete may not be considered after the final deadline. Applications that are submitted past the final deadline may not be considered.
Explore expanded study opportunities
Students can complete two graduate certificate programs and combine them into a Master of Advanced Study degree, giving ultimate flexibility to build their own master's degree. Interested students can learn more about MAS requirements and the admission process.
Paying for college
Use our calculator to estimate your full-time or part-time tuition fees for this program prior to any financial aid. Keep in mind that most of our students receive financial aid, which can reduce out-of-pocket costs.
Get an estimateCareer opportunities
Careers this Latino cultural competency in social work graduate certificate prepares you for
Graduates of this certificate are prepared for roles in social work and human services that require bilingual communication and cultural responsiveness. The program enhances practitioners' ability to engage effectively with Latino populations and supports career advancement in clinical, community and advocacy settings serving diverse and Spanish-speaking communities.
Contact information
Use the contact information below to get in touch if you're a current student or have general questions.
Prospective students should fill out the Request for Information form.
School of Social Work
|
UCENT 800
sswgradcerts@asu.edu
602-496-0800
Frequently asked questions about degree programs
Accelerated programs allow students the opportunity to expedite the completion of their degree.
Accelerated master's
These programs allow students to accelerate their studies to earn a bachelor's plus a master's degree in as few as five years (for some programs).
Each program has requirements students must meet to be eligible for consideration. Students typically receive approval to pursue the accelerated master's during the junior year of their bachelor's degree program. Interested students can learn about eligibility requirements and how to apply.
Concurrent degrees allow students to pursue their own personal or professional interests, earn two distinct degrees and receive two diplomas. To add a concurrent degree to your existing degree, work with your academic advisor.
Joint programs, or jointly conferred degrees, are offered by more than one college and provide opportunities for students to take advantage of the academic strengths of two academic units. Upon graduation, students are awarded one degree and one diploma conferred by two colleges.
ASU adds new programs to Degree Search frequently. Come back often and look for the "New Programs" option.
ASU Online offers programs in an entirely online format with multiple enrollment sessions throughout the year. See https://asuonline.asu.edu/ for more information.
The Western Regional Graduate Program (WRGP) provides a reduced tuition rate to non-resident graduate students who qualify. Visit the WRGP/WICHE webpage for more information: https://graduate.asu.edu/wiche.
