Practicum

In their senior year, all social work students are required to complete a 400-hour practicum experience. Field practicum is an integral part of the social work curriculum. Most students consider their practicum fieldwork to be the most valuable and significant part of their social work education. Students are given the opportunity to learn to think systemically and to develop skills of a professional social worker. The entire curriculum contributes to preparation for social work practice, but it is during the practicum that students face the real challenges and are afforded opportunities of professional responsibility and ethical practice.

Practicum is a form of community service that occurs under the direct supervision of a social worker in a social service agency. Agencies are specifically chosen to provide students the opportunity to engage in direct social work practice experiences with individuals, families, groups, organizations, and communities.

It is important to note that practicum fieldwork is not meant to be on-the-job training or apprenticeship; rather it is an educational process of guided experiential learning designed for a student’s personal and professional growth as a social worker.

For questions regarding Practicum please contact Christina Ireton @ 907-474-6513.