Practicum Placements

Practicum education is the signature pedagogy of social work education and a central component of the MSW program at Sacred Heart.

The Master of Social Work practicum education at Sacred Heart University provides first-hand experience working in communities in a full range of social work internships that correspond with the skill sets and developing competencies of both Generalist and Specialized-Year students. Practicum placements are secured for MSW program students across program options and tracks and are integral to the personal and professional development of students in social work.

To complete the degree requirements for the MSW program, all students must meet a minimum number of hours in approved social work practica:

• 60-Credit Program Track:  Students are required to complete a minimum 1,000 hours in approved practicum education sites that offers in-person contact with clients and constituencies. Students will complete the required hours in two different practicum placements:
  • 1.  Generalist (500 hours); and
  • 2.  Specialized (500 hours)
• 30-Credit Program Track (Advanced Standing): Students are required to complete a minimum of 500 hours in an approved specialized practicum education site that offers in-person contact with clients and constituencies. 

To meet the clock hour requirements described above, all MSW students should plan to be in practicum 16-24 hours per week in addition to their course work for each practicum placement.

Students will work directly with the School of Social Work practicum faculty to coordinate all aspects of their practicum placement(s). Students are assigned a Practicum Liaison, who works with students to secure an internship placement. It is the student’s responsibility to maintain communication with their assigned liaison about their practicum placements, complete all practicum placement requirements and to adhere to the practicum education program policies and procedures outlined in the Practicum Education Manual. Students are not permitted to contact agencies directly to discuss practica but rather work with the Practicum Liaisons to secure internship placements.

Practicum Placement Agencies

A practicum-based educational internship is one of the hallmarks of professional education. It provides students with opportunities to integrate and implement the knowledge, values and skills learned in the classroom while in a supervised social work practice experience, called a practicum. At SHU, students will have an opportunity to participate in four semesters of practicum education for sixteen to twenty-four hours a week.

Social Work internships may include work with child abuse and neglect, juvenile delinquency, immigration and refugees, homelessness, high-risk parents, domestic violence, disabilities, schools and medical settings such as hospitals, nursing homes and health centers. Internship assignments are designed to help students explore the role of the social worker, the agency setting, and a diverse client population while maximizing their learning at the individual, family, small group, organizational and/or community levels.

Social Work internships at SHU take place at a variety of settings across the country.