One of the methods the Social Work program uses to prepare you for a career after graduation is the field practicum. You will work alongside experienced social work professionals in human service agencies and organizations. You will interact with real clients while being supervised and guided in your training and development.
Practicum instructors and students develop an educational contract specifying your work plan, learning objectives, and specific activities to enhance your classwork and career goals. Students are eligible to apply for the field practicum (SW 490) upon completion of or enrollment in Practice of Social Work II (SW 422). Details about the application process can be found in the Social Work Student Handbook (pdf) or by contacting the Social Work administrative office.
Frequently Asked Questions
- It must provide you with an immediate supervisor who holds either an CSWE-accredited baccalaureate or master’s social work degree and is able to provide you with at least four hours per week of professional guidance.
- It must be able to provide the range of opportunities and tasks needed to evaluate your performance.
Students seeking to successfully complete the field practicum are not advised to work more than 15 hours per week. If you are currently employed in a social service agency, you are encouraged negotiate with your employer for reassignment of tasks so that they will fulfill the practicum requirements. This must be approved by the Field Director.
With the Field Director’s approval, students may also negotiate with potential employers for a paid position with the stipulation that upon graduation the student will become a full-time employee of the agency. Under this arrangement, an agency trains new employees through their probation period. Students may also research scholarships, co-op opportunities (often available in federal agencies), or grants to supplement income during the field practicum.
These questions are ones we often hear. However, all concerns and questions need to be addressed during your initial meeting with the Field Director so you can make fully informed decisions regarding field placement. The meeting concludes with a consensual agreement upon prospective field placement site. Read more about the practicum in the Social Work Student Handbook (pdf).