Practicum Education Objectives

Practicum education prepares students for professional social work practice by achieving the following objectives:

• Integrating Academic Learning: Students apply academic knowledge across all levels of practicum work, including micro, mezzo, and macro practice.
• Mastering Core Social Work Competencies: Students build proficiency in the nine core competencies outlined in the 2022 CSWE Educational Policy and Accreditation Standards (EPAS):

1. Demonstrate Ethical and Professional Behavior
2. Advance Human Rights and Social, Racial, Economic, and Environmental Justice
3. Engage in Anti-Racism, Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (ADEI) in Practice
4. Engage in Practice-Informed Research and Research-Informed Practice
5. Engage in Policy Practice
6. Engage with Individuals, Families, Groups, Organizations, and Communities
7. Assess Individuals, Families, Groups, Organizations, and Communities
8. Intervene with Individuals, Families, Groups, Organizations, and Communities
9. Evaluate Practice with Individuals, Families, Groups, Organizations, and Communities

• Enhancing Practice Modalities and Interventions: Students develop the ability to understand and utilize a wide range of modalities and interventions across micro, mezzo and macro levels with diverse populations.
• Building Knowledge for Generalist Practice: During the first and second semesters, students focus on developing a strong foundation in generalist Integrative Social Work (ISW) practice to prepare for direct practice work.
• Advancing Professional Practice: In the third and fourth semesters, students deepen their knowledge and refine their skills for advanced professional practice, with optional tracks that align with their specific interests and career goals in ISW.

This comprehensive approach equips students with the necessary knowledge, competencies, and skills to excel in diverse social work settings and effectively serve individuals, families, groups, organizations, and communities.