Hands-On Learning
In your final year, you’ll take part in a 400-hour generalist practice internship, known as a practicum, in a community-based setting. This hands-on experience bridges classroom learning with real-world social work, giving you the chance to explore areas that match your personal and professional interests. You’ll work under the supervision of a licensed social worker, gaining practical skills and insight that prepare you for your future career.
BSW Path to Practicum
1.
Two Semesters Before Practicum
- Ensure all other BSW requirements will be completed by the semester before practicum.
- Confirm Practicum eligibility during your academic advising appointment.
2.
One Semester Before Practicum
- Complete Practicum Pre-Screening Form by the fourth class day
- Attend the mandatory Practicum Kick-Off Meeting to learn about the matching process and site expectations.
- Review placement options provided by the Office of Practicum Education and rank your top 7 choices.
- Attend your individualized advising meeting with the Office of Practicum Education to discuss placement preferences and next steps.
3.
Final Practicum
- Enroll in S W 445, S W 645F, and S W 645G your graduating semester
- S W 445 is your Applied Practice Seminar, meeting once a week to connect your Practicum experience with social work theory and skill development.
- S W 645F and S W 645G represent your practicum placement hours in a community organization under supervision.
Planning for Practicum Next Semester?
When you complete the Practicum Pre-Screening Form, you formally request to start the Practicum Placement process. The form will verify your Practicum Internship eligibility and gather information about your interests and academic progress. Do not complete the Practicum Pre-Screening Form unless you are ready to begin Practicum the following long-semester.
Helpful Links
Frequently Asked Questions
Are students guided through Practicum placement?
Yes, the Office of Practicum Education and faculty liaisons provide Practicum options and individualized advising to help students select their top 7 Practicum placements. Students are then matched with their top choices based on the strength of their experience and interests.
What categories of organizations are approved for Practicum placement?
Organizations approved as Practicum sites include public agencies, non-profits, schools, legal clinics, healthcare providers, homeless shelters, domestic violence shelters, recovery programs and more. The Office of Practicum Education maintains educational relationships with more than 600 practicum sites.
Please Note: Access to a vehicle is required by some agencies and can broaden a student’s Practicum placement options.
What does the Practicum experience provide for students?
The BSW Practicum is generalist, meaning that it provides a foundational experience to build a social work career in many fields. You will have learning opportunities for direct practice, group work, and macro level skills such as program development and grant writing.
How is Practicum supervised?
At Practicum placement, students receive social work supervision. Students receive at least an hour a week of individualized, educational supervision. Additionally, students receive support from a UT Social Work faculty liaison with expertise in both social work curriculum and community-based practice.
What is the Practicum Seminar?
The Practicum Seminar S W 445 is designed to support knowledge and skill-building for students in their Practicum. The faculty who teach this course also liaise with the students’ Practicum sites and help students integrate social work curriculum with experiential practice.
Can students take practice sequence courses at the same time as Practicum?
No, all Practice Sequence courses must be completed before Practicum.
Can students take other classes at the same time as Practicum?
While it is not recommended, students can enroll in additional courses if necessary for their degree progress.
How many credit hours do students earn in Practicum?
Students earn 16 credit hours for Practicum. The student’s work in their Practicum site provides 12 credit hours. The on-campus, faculty-led, weekly seminar provides the remaining 4 credit hours.
Can students start Practicum in the summer?
No, students can only start Practicum during the Fall or Spring long semesters.
Is financial support automatically provided for students during their Practicum Internship, or must they apply separately for scholarships?
Funding during a student’s Practicum Internship is not guaranteed. We encourage students to apply to scholarship opportunities. For example, the School of Social Work offers select scholarship opportunities for eligible Undergraduate Social Work students. Awards are made for reasons ranging from academic promise to financial need. Scholarship information, including eligibility requirements and the application process, is available through Longhorn Awards & Student Scholarship Opportunities (LASSO), the campus-wide scholarship management system.
Learn more about specific funded Practicum Programs here.
Still have questions?
Please contact the Practicum Education Office at ssw-practicum@austin.utexas.edu.