Program Overview

Program Overview

The Master of Social Work (MSW) program features a core component known as the practicum or field education. This aspect is often considered the heart of social work education and its signature pedagogy. The practicum provides students with the opportunity to engage in supervised practice that aligns with the mission, goals, and objectives of the MSW Program.

Practicum Experience

The practicum experience fosters the integration of empirical and practice-based knowledge, promotes the development of professional competence, and offers opportunities for students to identify with the profession's purpose, values, and ethics. It serves as a bridge from the classroom to the community and hands-on practice.

Practicum Details

• MSW students dedicate a total of 900 hours to practicum over two academic years.
• This averages approximately 15-20 hours per week throughout the fall and spring semesters.
• Most students change their practicum site between their first and second year to ensure diverse and challenging learning opportunities.
• Proactive planning ensures students get the most out of their field experience.

Support and Resources

The field education team is available to provide information and support before and throughout the practicum experience. The details of this process are outlined in the MSW Handbook.