practicum.

The practicum experience consists of a series of courses which are characterized by individualized and experiential teaching and learning, offered within the setting of a social service agency and supervised by approved community practitioners. The courses, taken sequentially, are expected to facilitate learning experiences which are appropriate to the student’s educational level and needs, and supportive of classroom learning.

The goals of the Generalist Practicum for the undergraduate student (SOWK 4400 and SOWK 4410) and the Foundation-level graduate student (SOWK 8160 and SOWK 8170) are to produce social work practitioners who can perform at the beginning level of professional practice and to provide a base upon which students can build more specialized knowledge and skills. The Generalist Practicum emphasizes the knowledge and processes basic to all social work interventions, introduces the student to various models designed to effect change in social systems and specific social problems, and provides an opportunity for integration of research, knowledge and skills.

In the Advanced-level course of study, MSW students must choose an area of concentration from the following: Clinical Social Work Practice or Integrated Social Work Practice (which is the concentration required for all students in the MSW-MPA Dual Degree program). The goals of both concentration practica encompass both direct casework and clinical services to individuals, families and small groups, as well as indirect services, which may include supervision and other support services essential to the delivery of effective social services; administrative, management, and planning processes necessary to provide essential leadership in facilitating service to clients; advocacy in the political system; and organizing in the community.

BSSW-level candidates take two 5-credit courses of practicum (10 credits total). MSW students who enter the program at the Foundation-level must complete two 3-credit generalist social work practicum courses (6 credits total) before transitioning to Advanced Standing status. All Advanced Standing MSW students are required to take two 3-credit advanced practicum courses (6 credits total). All BSSW-level and Advance-level MSW students will complete a total of 512 hours of practicum experience. Those students entering the MSW program at the Foundation-level will complete over 1,000 hours of practicum (512 hours from Foundation + 512 hours from Advanced).

Practicum Student Forms

Advanced Practicum - Academic Readiness Form
Generalist Practicum - Academic Readiness Form
Developing a Learning Contract for Advanced MSW Students
Developing a Learning Contract for BSW and MSW Foundation Students
Learning Contract/Grade Evaluation Form
Practicum Learning Contract, In-Progress Evaluation and Grade Evaluation Instructions
Practicum - In Progress Evaluation after 130 hours
Student Evaluation of Practicum Placement Experience
Practicum Student Evaluation of Faculty Liaison
Practicum Instructor Evaluation of Faculty Liaison
Request for Practicum-out-of-the-region
Request for Approval of Practicum in Place of Employment
Safety Tips for Students in Practicum
Record of Practicum Hours
The Practicum Process

Practicum Agency Forms

Practicum Agency Profile
Practicum Agreement Form
Application for Appointment as Practicum Instructor
Practicum Instructor Benefits