Social Work Practicum is a core component of social work education, designed to bridge classroom learning with real-world practice. The practicum provides students with the opportunity to apply theoretical knowledge in diverse practice settings.
Through practicum experiences, students develop a comprehensive understanding of individual and societal challenges. Students are expected to gain hands-on skills in areas such as case management, crisis intervention, social advocacy, and policy work, all essential elements of professional social work practice.
Important General Information
- Practicum is a graded course; the passing grade is based on completion of assigned hours, meeting of competencies as reflected on the evaluations, and participation in the mandatory seminars.
- Students receive academic credits for practicum, not payment.
- Students DO NOT arrange their own placements. Assistant Directors will match students with practicum agencies, which will contact students for interviews.
- Practicum agencies are located primarily in New Yok City and travel time may be up to one and a half hours (90 minutes), each way, by public transportation. Students traveling from outside of NYC should expect longer commutes.
- Some agencies require additional processing, such as background checks, drug tests, fingerprinting or proof of vaccinations. Students are responsible to cover any potential cost. Indicate on the planning form if you DO NOT wish to be matched with agency requiring background screening.
- Social work practicum is primarily focused on partnerships with community-based organizations and not private practice settings. Typical first year social work practicum assignments are in non-profit agencies, community and older adult centers, and Department of Education schools. Typical practicum assignments include case management, crisis intervention, assistance with benefits, research, home visits and supportive counseling.
Information sessions will address any additional questions you may have; details will be emailed to your @hunter address as soon as it becomes available.
Our priority is to secure high-quality, productive practicum experiences for all students. We appreciate your patience as we review your forms and confirm placements with partnering agencies.
Practicum: Full Time 1st Year Students
Each student will be contacted by their assigned Assistant Director once their planning form and resume are reviewed. Students will be matched with an agency, and contacted directly by agency for an interview; the interview does not guarantee placement.
Students must complete 450 practicum hours per academic year. This averages about 14 hours per week, to be completed during business days and hours. The practicum seminar is a mandatory course held outside of the practicum hours.
Practicum Planning Form:
Full Time & First Year Students
Practicum: Full Time Advanced Standing Students
Each student will be contacted by their assigned Assistant Director once their planning form and resume are reviewed. Advanced standing students are also expected to provide a copy of their final BSW practicum evaluation.
Students will be matched with an agency ,and contacted directly by agency for an interview; the interview does not guarantee placement.
Students must complete 450 practicum hours per academic year. This averages about 14 hours per week, to be completed during business days and hours. The practicum seminar is a mandatory course held outside of the practicum hours.
Practicum Planning Form: Advanced Standing Students
Practicum: Incoming OYR students
OYR students begin practicum placements during their second year of study. Planning packets, available on the website (https://sssw.hunter.cuny.edu/field-education/oyr-field-practicum-agreement-packet/) are due after the first semester of study was successfully completed.
OYR students complete their 900 total hours of practicum with their employer. Practicum is 14 hours per week of new learning (new tasks, clients and supervisor) with additional 14 hours per week provided by employer, via work within approved agency. This totals 28 hours per week.
Practicum Education Department
General Inquiries: [email protected]
Please also make sure to review the
Practicum Education Department webpage for more information
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