Practicum Education FAQs
In addition to the “Frequently Asked Questions” addressed in this section, additional Practicum Education Information can be found in the Practicum Education Manual:
- Collaborate with the practicum office of education to search the placement portfolio site for the best fit
- Prepare for the interview, research the organization, reflect on your strengths and weaknesses, and past experiences
- Receive an offer from the agency
- Update any materials on the placement portfolio site
- Email the Practicum Education Office with any questions [email protected]
- BSW and 1st-first year MSW: 400 hours total (16 hrs/week)
- 2nd-year MSW: 500 hours total (18-20 hrs/week)
- Specialization students: 252 hours each semester
- National, state, and local Government
- Public sector (education, health,
- Non-profits (victim advocacy, food security, homelessness programs, etc.)
- Immigration programs
- Legal office
- Behavioral health
- Generalist placements are usually not in hospitals or clinics, which are reserved for specialization students
- The required Placement Portfolio will be $125
- Liability Insurance is also required for a small fee ($13-15) at the start of the semester before you begin placement
- Practicum students: [email protected]
- Practicum supervisor: [email protected]
- It’s expected that you spend at least one full 9-5 workday and two 4-hour workdays at the agency
- Professionalism is expected, and students should be responsive via email and prepared for meetings
After the practicum application is submitted it will be processed and the student will receive a practicum assignment via Placement Portfolio. Students should NOT solicit agencies or negotiate their own placement site. Agencies must be approved by the Practicum Education Office.
Please see the Georgia State University’s career planning office.
Practicum seminar classes start in August. Practicum education hours typically start in late August. Practicum hours cannot start over the summer.
If the student decides not to accept, or is denied, a placement, the student must discuss options with the practicum director.
The practicum supervisor is the agency person who provides the student with on-site supervision. This person is responsible for providing weekly supervision and evaluating student performance. Some students may be assigned to work with task supervisors as well. However, the student is accountable, first and foremost, to the practicum supervisor, who directs the learning experience.
The faculty liaison is the assigned faculty person responsible for providing the communication link between the School of Social Work and the practicum placement site. The liaison monitors the overall placement experience through agency visits and facilitation of the practicum integrative seminars. The liaison is responsible for assigning the final practicum education grade.