Practicum Education FAQ

When does practicum placement begin and end?
Practicum placement starts on the first day of classes and concludes on the last day of each semester.

Can I choose my practicum placement?
Placements are assigned to campus-based students (SOWK 591) and Virtual Academic Center (VAC) students (SOWK 593) based on their interests and placement availability. In their second year, campus-based students participate in a matching process, interviewing with agencies of interest aligned with the Advanced ISW curriculum. Placements are selected from a list of approved agency sites. 

Can I do my practicum placement where I work?
The Council on Social Work Education (CSWE) sets minimum standards for placements at a student’s workplace. USC has established protocols to ensure appropriate learning experiences for these settings, outlined in the Place of Employment (POE) Application. Students must inform the appropriate Practicum Faculty at the start of the placement process and apply for approval. Applications can be requested via sswpracticum@usc.edu and must be approved before using a current workplace as a practicum site.

Will my practicum placement be close to where I live?
Efforts are made to match students with placements near their residence; however, the best educational match may be further away. Students are responsible for transportation to and from their placement, up to 30 miles in one direction. Travel time does not count toward practicum hours.

Do I get paid?
Most agencies do not offer stipends or salaries. While some provide stipends for language skills or specific qualifications, these are not guaranteed. Visit our paying for graduate school section of the website for stipends and scholarships offered by our school. 

What days am I in the practicum placement?
Placement days vary depending on the student’s class schedule and are determined in consultation with the agency and Practicum Faculty. All students must work at least one 8-hour day during regular business hours, and supervision must be available during internship 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.