Practicum Education

Practicum education is an integral part of social work education, where students begin to connect and integrate theory and practice through field experiences.

The Value of Field Experiences

Field experiences reinforce student identification with the purposes, values and ethics of the social work profession. They assist students to integrate learning in the classroom with experiential learning. Thus, concurrent with field placement, students are enrolled in practice classes and field seminars that foster this integration of empirical and practice-based knowledge. We hope that, in your practicum education you will develop knowledge, increase your skill, and have opportunities to participate in real-life practice.

Social Work Practicum Education Information

Social Work Field Manuals

BSW/MSW Proposal Details

BSW

To be considered for a placement in an agency of employment, a student must prepare and submit a proposal to be approved by the BSW Department Chair and the Director of Practicum Education. Students planning to submit proposals for Fall 2024 practicum placements must be completed and received by June 13, 2025.

Download and Print BSW Proposal Form

MSW

To be considered for a placement in an agency of employment, a student must prepare and submit a proposal to be approved by the MSW Department Chair and the Director of Practicum Education. Students planning to submit proposals for Fall 2024 practicum placements have the following deadlines:

MSW II Summer: Proposals must be completed according to the guidelines and received by April 4, 2025.
MSW-II Fall: Proposals must be completed according to the guidelines and received by June 13, 2025.
MSW-I Fall: Proposals must be completed according to the guidelines and received by June 13, 2025.

Download and Print MSW Proposal Form

Policy on Professional Behavior

Any student participating in field education must first complete and certify that they have read and understood the School of Social Work.

BSW & MSW Learning Contracts, Field Evaluations & Field Forms

BSW students are placed in September of their Senior year for 16 hours per week. MSW foundation year and advanced year students begin placement in September each year. The foundation year students perform 16 hours per week of field work while the advanced year students perform 20 hours per week. Please note that BSW students must be supervised by an MSW, and MSW students must be supervised by an MSW who is post-graduate two years or more. For more information call the Field Education Office.

Field Confirmation Forms

All mandatory BSW & MSW Field Confirmation forms must be filled out within your student InPlace account

RIC Student Confirmation Guide

Field Evaluations

Student evaluation links are sent to the Primary MSW Supervisor’s email by InPlace in the Fall and Spring to be filled out and submitted within InPlace.

BSW Forms

MSW Forms

Forms for Faculty

Tools for Field Instructors