Practicum Overview
Purpose
The purpose of practicum education in social work is to provide the student with an interface between classroom education and actual practice.
The student is provided with opportunities to:
- Develop practice skills by applying classroom theory to real life situations
- Determine which approaches work in practice and how they must be adapted to specific situations
- Understand the effect of the organizational context on professional practice while developing skills in agency-based social work
- Learn to use supervision and consultation appropriately
- Begin to engage in self-assessment
- Develop a professional identity
Practicum education in the CSUF MSW program combines:
- Agency Placement (Internship): Supervised by professional social workers.
- Weekly Practicum Seminar: Held on campus and facilitated by the Faculty Practicum Liaison.
Practicum placements are arranged for the student by the MSW program Practicum Directors. Once admitted to the MSW program, students must then apply for admission to Practicum Education.
Eligibility Requirements
In order to participate in Practicum Education, students MUST :
- Provide their own transportation to the placement agency and related travel,
- Pass a background check,
- Provide proof of TB (tuberculosis) clearance.
Agencies throughout Southern California are utilized for student internships.
Course Overviews
Foundation Year Practicum:
- Focus: Offers a generalist view of social work practice.
- Time Commitment: Minimum of 16 hours per week at the practicum agency.
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Supervision:
- Supervised by a professional social worker,
- Faculty Practicum Liaison visits the agency at least once during the academic year.
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Requirements during Internship:
- Weekly process recording.
- Attendance at a weekly practicum seminar on campus (facilitated by their Faculty Practicum Liaison)
Concentration Year Practicum:
- Focus: Provides advanced practice experience in a specialized area of social work.
- Time Commitment: Minimum of 16 hours per week at the practicum agency specific to the chosen concentration.
- Supervision: Same supervision and agency visit structure as the Foundation year.
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Requirements during Internship:
- Weekly process recording.
- Attendance at a weekly practicum seminar on campus (facilitated by their Faculty Practicum Liaison)
The Practicum Education Student Manual and Practicum Calendar can be accessed in the menu located in the top left corner of the page.