Agency Partnerships
A student’s practicum placement, or internship, is a unit-earning course series typically completed over four semesters. Practicum placements are conducted at officially approved agencies through a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) or contract. These agencies, located nationwide, represent a wide range of social work services and practices. They are selected based on the quality of their professional practice, their commitment to addressing social problems, and their dedication to supporting the professional education of MSW students.
Practicum agencies provide learning opportunities reflective of social work practice within the student’s region or community. Students participating in practicum placements must adhere to the educational objectives of the USC Suzanne Dworak-Peck School of Social Work, the NASW Code of Ethics, and the CSWE EPAS nine core competencies.
The School actively welcomes agencies interested in serving as practicum placement sites. To qualify, agencies must meet the following criteria:
- Offer a sufficient number and variety of assignments to develop students’ knowledge and practice skills.
- Provide opportunities to work with individuals, families, groups, communities or organizations (unless specified by the program).
- Allocate time for weekly practicum instruction, including individual and group conferences with students.
- Ensure adequate resources, including office space, office supplies, telephone access and clerical support.
- Provide opportunities for in-service training and access to agency consultants.
- Show an interest in supporting students’ research endeavors.
- Align the agency’s practice framework with the theories and concepts taught in the classroom.
- Collaborate with practicum faculty to support student learning and professional growth.
New agency sites must complete the New Agency Information Form and obtain a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) approved by the USC Office of the General Counsel. The agency form must be fully completed and submitted for review before the placement process can begin. Additionally, an agency representative must meet with a representative from the Office of Practicum Education to evaluate the site’s suitability. This evaluation and approval process typically takes three to six months to complete.
This comprehensive system ensures that practicum placements provide MSW students with meaningful, professional learning experiences that integrate classroom knowledge with real-world practice.
General Practicum Documents
Agencies/Practicum Instructors - Forms
Ready to chart a new path forward? View steps to apply or start your application to our world class MSW today.