From its earliest beginnings social work education has placed a strong emphasis upon field experiences as a vital part of professional education. In order to earn the BSW degree students need to successfully complete the field practicum (internship) experience, which occurs at the end of the student's academic career. The field practicum consists of a 40 hour a week field experience either during the spring or summer semesters.  While in the practicum, students are supervised by an agency-based field supervisor, who works closely with a faculty liaison in the Department of Social Work.  Students are granted 12 semester hours of credit for SOCWK 460 Field Practicum, and concurrently take the three credit SOCWK 462 Field Seminar which helps integrate previous classroom learning with the field experience. 

Please Note: During practicum, the general policy is that no other courses may be completed, and a student may not be employed.  Such policies are based on the fact that practicum is full-time (40 hours per week), with a concurrent seminar which requires research and papers.  Any exceptions or special circumstances must be discussed in advance with the Practicum Coordinator.  Hence, it is in the student's best interest to do advance financial and academic planning to avoid difficulties.

The Practicum Coordinator, Judi Egbert, coordinates the field practicum arrangements and experience.  Field agencies must meet the Department of Social Work's criteria for field practicum sites.  Efforts are made to place students in field agency sites that support professional interests and career goals.  The Practicum Coordinator meets individually with students to discuss their interests and suggests possible field sites.  Based on the students' professional development needs and preferences, the Practicum Coordinator contacts prospective site supervisors to assure availability.  Each student is interviewed by a staff member at the field site.  This interview gives both the student and the field site a chance to explore whether or not they want to work with each other.  Both the site and the student are involved in making a final decision regarding the choice of practicum site.