Practicum Education

Internship Placement

Practicum Education is offered concurrently with academic study.  Students complete an internship placement in a social service agency under the guidance and supervision of an experienced professional social worker called a Practicum Supervisor.  This vital interaction is designed to reinforce our students’ academic study with real-life experience.  It permits testing theory in practice settings and provides students with practicum experience that is vital for academic and professional development.  

Practicum Supervisors are professional social workers who are employed by the affiliated social service agencies where the students complete their internship (practicum) placements.  Practicum Supervisors are School of Social Work volunteers.  They complete required certification training prior to hosting student interns at their agencies.  Practicum Supervisors are committed to the professional development of new social workers and devote their time and expertise to our students’ professional development.

Bachelor in Social Work (BSW) students complete one practicum placement for the academic year (two consecutive semesters). Master of Social Work (MSW) students complete their first academic year ("generalist" year) in one practicum placement, and their second academic year ("specialization" year) at an agency that is specific to the student's program in Advanced Direct Practice (ADP), Policy, Administration and Community Practice (PAC) or Advanced Generalist (AG). Our School of Social Work faculty and staff are committed to establishing the capabilities necessary for high-quality social work practice.

Our School of Social Work mission is to prepare social work practitioners who are committed to social justice and to serving and empowering individuals, families and communities.  Our School contributes to the development and dissemination of social work knowledge and skills, and affirms professional values and ethics.  Our School emphasizes understanding and respect for the unique social, political and cultural diversity of the Southwest.

Please review our Practicum Education Manual