Get Involved! Change the World!
The Social Work Practicum Experience is educationally directed and professionally supervised to provide students with the opportunity to engage in generalist and advanced generalist social work activities in professional settings. This experiential learning environment integrates theory and practice!
Most students complete their required hours from September to May during their program. A recommended timeline base on a Sept-May internship schedule is available to provide guidance on what to do by when to successfully complete the practicum requirements.
Students, with guidance and support from the Practicum Education team, can choose from a list of current university approved affiliate organizations or find their own. Most of the current affiliates are located near the University in Southwest Michigan or Northern Indiana.
For personalized assistance, schedule an appointment with the Director of Practicum Education at a time that is convenient for you!
This toolkit has been compiled to help students successfully complete their internship requirements and includes links to important documents, step-by-step instructions, tips and tricks, etc.
Through practicum, students gain hands-on experience, deepen their understanding of core concepts, and develop the confidence needed to navigate complex social work settings. Like any professional skill, social work is strengthened through guided, reflective practice—and practicum provides that essential foundation.
Practicum is the heart of social work education, where learning is integrated into practice. For students, it’s the space where classroom knowledge transforms into real-world skill. For supervisors, it’s an opportunity to mentor the next generation of social workers and shape the future of the profession.