Practicum Education FAQ

When does practicum placement begin and end?
Practicum placement begins at the start of classes and ends at the last day of each semester.

Can I choose my practicum placement?
The practicum placement is assigned to all OCP (SOWK 591) and VAC (SOWK 593) students based on the student’s interest and placement availability. 

OCP second year practicum students participate in the matching process by interviewing with agencies of interest specific to the advanced ISW curriculum. MSW students will interview with agencies chosen from a list of approved placement agency sites. 

Can I do my practicum placement where I work?
The Council on Social Work Education (CSWE) sets the minimum standards for placement with the student’s employment. USC Social Work has established protocols, procedures, and standards that must be met to ensure an appropriate student learning experience in this setting. These are outlined in the Place of Employment Application. Students must indicate their intention to pursue a placement of employment based internship at the outset of the placement process to the appropriate practicum faculty to receive an application and have the request approved. Students interested in pursuing an MSW internship at their current place of employment must apply and be approved by practicum faculty prior to being permitted to use their place of employment as their internship. The application is available by request via sswpracticum@usc.edu. 

Will my practicum placement be close to where I live?
We make every attempt to locate an educationally appropriate placement as close to your residence as possible. At times, the best placement match is further from your home than you may prefer. Students are responsible for transportation to and from the placement site, up to 30 miles in one direction. The amount of time that it takes for you to arrive at your placement site is not credited towards your practicum hours requirement.

Do I get paid?
Most of our practicum placement agencies do not provide a stipend or salary for students. While some offer stipends based on language ability or other special circumstances, a stipend is never guaranteed. Visit our paying for graduate school section of the website for stipends/scholarships offered by our school. 

What days am I in the practicum placement?
Learning opportunities must align with the MSW curriculum. Placement days vary depending on the student’s class schedule. Placement days are determined through a discussion between the agency and the student, in consultation with the practicum placement team or faculty liaison. 

All MSW students are required to work at least one 8-hour day during regular business hours. There is no exception to this policy. MSW supervision must be available during the student’s internship hours. 

Are there weeknight and weekend placements available?
Practicum placement agencies are not able to accommodate interns on weeknights and weekends.

How many hours a week will I need to commit to my practicum placement?
You will need to complete a minimum of 16 hours per week for a total of 450 hours for the first-year placement, and 20 hours per week for a total of 550 hours for the second-year placement.

How many hours a week will I need to commit to my practicum placement if I am pursuing the Pupil Personnel Services Credential (PPSC)?
You will need to complete a total of 600 hours. The breakdown of the 600 hours is as follows: 450 hours of school-based practice activities (which must be conducted in at least two of the grade range populations), and 150 hours of child welfare attendance activities. Visit our website to learn more about the PPSC certificate program requirements. 

Will I receive a grade for the practicum placement?
Practicum is a three-unit course for which you may receive a CR (credit) or an NC (no credit). You will be evaluated each semester that you are in a placement.

Will I be placed with the target population of my choice?
In the first year, the placement committee assigns your practicum placement based on your interests, career goals, and placement availability. 

How will I be notified where I have been placed?
You will receive an email notification with the placement information and a request to contact your assigned agency for a pre-placement meeting so you can begin to fulfill the specific agency requirements. Some agencies may require an interview prior to practicum placement confirmation. Please keep us informed of your current email and mailing address.

What specific requirements must be completed prior to starting the practicum placement?
Many practicum placement agencies require fingerprinting, criminal clearance and TB testing. Some agencies require proof of car insurance, a good driving record, a medical evaluation or drug testing. The costs associated with pre-placement screening is the student’s responsibility. You will be notified as to what your assigned practicum placement requires. Students may incur nonrefundable costs for additional health/security clearance, specialized training or other agency requirements.