Practical Learning in Many Settings
MSW placements are available in a part-time, academic year format, beginning in late August/early September and continuing until April, May, or early June. Under certain circumstances, students may be able to complete field in an alternative, full-time (block) format held during the summer. Summer block placements begin in late May and continue through August. In all cases, students are in concurrent field seminars, which meet every other week on campus.
The MSW Foundation (Core) Practicum is the first practicum for regular standing students only. (Advance standing students are exempt.)
Includes:
- 400 hours minimum are required (12-16 hours/week for academic year placements, and 35-40 hours a week for summer block).
- Focus is on generalist social work practice.
MSW Clinical (Advanced) Practicum is the second practicum for regular standing students and only practicum for advanced standing students
600 hours minimum are required (16-22 hours/week for academic year placements, and 40 hours/week for summer block). Student should have the opportunity to:
- Apply clinical social work theory and practice methods
- Intervene at appropriate levels of the process
- Be involved in assessment through termination
- Students are encouraged to seek placements that offer broad learning opportunities, including work with family systems and groups.
- Students should not seek a placement with the same supervisor as a prior placement, or in an agency where they have already interned.
- The field placement should offer opportunities for new learning.
- While some field placements offer flexible scheduling, students are expected to be available for essential learning opportunities in the practicum, such as case consultation, team meetings, supervision, and collaboration with other providers. These activities typically take place during regular business hours.
